Game review: Tom Clancy's HAWX 2

Flying games often fall into two categories; mindless arcade blaster or incredibly complicated simulator. In HAWX 2, developer Ubisoft has hit a sweet spot between tactical appeal and inane repetition. When an incident in Russia sparks a global arms crisis, three pilots from around the world must take to the skies to diffuse the situation at any cost.

Flight control is superb, doing away with the clutter of onscreen directional aids that dogged the first game. Getting the drop on enemy planes is no longer guided by flying through rings, instead, players must rely on their own cunning. The variety of missions is a welcome surprise. One minute you may be battling planes and submarines over an ocean in the gulf, the next you will be providing air support for troops on the ground behind the gun of an AC130, or you may use surveillance drones to help informants spy on valuable individuals.

The change in pace between missions is refreshing, while the necessity to take off, land and even refuel your plane in the air during battles adds tension and a slight simulation edge to the campaign. Main story aside, players can engage in Survival mode, as they face-off against waves of increasingly aggressive enemy craft, or take on a series of challenges to help level up your craft and pilot skills.

With superb production values, a skill tree system that apes role-playing games and plenty of bang for your buck, HAWX 2 is an essential purchase for all flight fans.

• This article was first published in The Scotsman on September 25, 2010