Lead Zeppelin

Game: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
System: Microsoft Xbox
Release date: October 21, 2003
Developed by: FASA Interactive
Published by: Microsoft Game Studios

Video games have evolved to a point of such sophistication and customization that some of the mindless fun which defined the first generation of games has been lost. Subsequently, a product like Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge is something of a throwback, a game which knows how enjoyable it is to fly a souped up fighter plane and shoot giant zeppelins out of the sky.

Crimson Skies is set in an alternate reality where the Great Depression has fractured the United States into dozens of rival nations. Train travel has become largely obsolete; commerce is now conducted in the sky, where planes and zeppelins fill the horizon. One of the consequences of air traffic is airborne piracy. Enter the Fortune Hunters, who appear to be the best of the bad guys, led by fearless pilot Nathan Zachary. As Zachary, a gambling, hard-drinking, womanizing playboy, players perform several insignificant tasks until a sudden tragedy reveals a sinister plot.


Although Crimson Skies has several missions which are necessary to move the plot forward, the game is littered with side-missions which can earn Zachary money and tokens, both of which are necessary to upgrade planes in the Fortune Hunters' zeppelin Pandora. Each environment has several locations where Zachary can accept an odd job, enter a race or protect a civilian shipment from rival raiders. Alternatively, players can simply fly casually around islands, through tunnels and into canyons looking for hidden items. Crimson Skies boasts an open-endedness uncommon to many other flying shooters.

Throughout the game, players can pilot over twelve vehicles (some available only via Xbox Live) including "Zep Killers," "Dog Fighters," and "Interceptors." Each has its strengths and weaknesses; for example, "Interceptors" are extremely fast and ideal for quick strafing runs, but have poor maneuverability and weak armor plating. Players can also pilot a seaplane and something called a gyrocopter.

Crimson Skies is a relatively short experience, but unapologetically fun while it lasts. It can be played alone or with up to 16 challengers over Xbox Live.

Score: 88/100