Secret Weapons Over Normandy (2003)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Secret Weapons Over Normandy: An in-depth review

Released in 2003, Secret Weapons Over Normandy (SWON) is an arcade flight simulation game developed by Totally Games and published by LucasArts. The game is set in the European, North African, and Pacific theaters of World War II and features 15 objective-based missions.

SWON’s gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with players taking control of a variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and ground-attack aircraft. The game’s controls are intuitive and easy to learn, making it accessible to both casual and experienced flight sim fans.

One of the most impressive aspects of SWON is its graphics. The game’s engine is capable of producing some of the most realistic and detailed aircraft models ever seen in a flight sim. The game’s environments are also very well-crafted, with a variety of different locations to fly over, including cities, mountains, and oceans.

Another highlight of SWON is its soundtrack. The game’s music is composed by Michael Giacchino, who is known for his work on films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up. The soundtrack is stirring and epic, and it helps to create a sense of immersion and excitement.

The story in SWON is written by Derek Chester, who is also famous for his work on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as well as work on Star Trek videogames. The story is well-written and engaging, and it does a good job of tying together the game’s different missions.

Overall, Secret Weapons Over Normandy is an excellent arcade flight simulation game. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and stirring soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Gameplay

SWON’s gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed. Players take control of a variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and ground-attack aircraft. The game’s controls are intuitive and easy to learn, making it accessible to both casual and experienced flight sim fans.

The game’s 15 missions are objective-based, and they offer a variety of different challenges. Players will be tasked with destroying enemy aircraft, bombing targets, and providing ground support. The missions are well-designed and they do a good job of showcasing the game’s different aircraft and weapons.

One of the things that makes SWON so enjoyable is its sense of speed and maneuverability. The game’s aircraft are very responsive, and they can perform a variety of different maneuvers. This makes it possible to engage in some truly exhilarating dogfights.

Another highlight of SWON’s gameplay is its weapon variety. Players have access to a variety of different weapons, including machine guns, cannons, rockets, and bombs. This allows players to tailor their loadouts to suit their own playstyles.

Graphics

SWON’s graphics are some of the most impressive ever seen in a flight sim. The game’s engine is capable of producing some of the most realistic and detailed aircraft models ever seen. The game’s environments are also very well-crafted, with a variety of different locations to fly over, including cities, mountains, and oceans.

The game’s lighting effects are also very impressive. The game’s sunsets and sunrises are particularly beautiful, and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Overall, SWON’s graphics are top-notch. The game’s aircraft models and environments are some of the most realistic and detailed ever seen in a flight sim.

Sound

SWON’s soundtrack is composed by Michael Giacchino, who is known for his work on films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Up. The soundtrack is stirring and epic, and it helps to create a sense of immersion and excitement.

The game’s sound effects are also very well done. The sound of the aircraft engines is particularly realistic, and it helps to create a sense of speed and power.

Overall, SWON’s sound is excellent. The game’s soundtrack and sound effects are both top-notch, and they help to create a truly immersive experience.

Story

The story in SWON is written by Derek Chester, who is also famous for his work on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as well as work on Star Trek videogames. The story is well-written and engaging, and it does a good job of tying together the game’s different missions.

The story is set in the European, North African, and Pacific theaters of World War II. Players take on the role of a pilot who is tasked with flying a variety of different missions, including destroying enemy aircraft, bombing targets, and providing ground support.

The story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The cutscenes are well-produced and they do a good job of setting the stage for the game’s missions. The in-game dialogue is also well-written, and it helps to bring the game’s characters to life.

Overall, SWON’s story is well-written and engaging. The story does a good job of tying together the game’s different missions, and it helps to create a sense of immersion.

Conclusion

Secret Weapons Over Normandy is an excellent arcade flight simulation game. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and stirring soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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