Wings over series, Il-2 series

[Spades]

  Can someone tell me if you liked the Wings Over series (Wings Over Vietnam, Wings over Europe, etc.)
I'm really on a Cold War aviation (Century Series fighters especially) kick right now and I'd like to know if these games are realistic, fun, and decently smooth running.

  I would also like to know what you all thought of Il-2 and Pacific fighters, and also Lock On, as I just bought the Ultimate Flight Collection, which includes all three (only 20 bucks now, amazingly!).
I would like to know if the other versions of the Il series are worth the extra money and if the games are, in comparison with CFS3 realistic, challenging, and if the combat is better than the lame 3-4 fighters CFS3 gives you?

[Chris_F]

I have IL-2 1946 which includes, I believe, ALL of the IL2 series.  Love it.  I have CFS3 and IL2 blows it out of the water.  I think it was only $20, but I don't know what it would add to your copy.

I also have Lock On and it's a good game.  Supurb flight model and graphics, but too many key strokes to remember and lacking in detail.  I play Falcon 4.0 Allied Force MUCH more often as it's a more detailed sim (meaning the airplane's systems are modeled to a depth that makes Flight Simulator look like a mere child's game).  If you're looking for a near-cold war sim (year 2000 modeled) it would be an exellent option.  I think it's only $15-$20 or so.

[Politically Incorrect]

Most who buy IL2 in the box set don't like it, mainly becasue it is crap. Buy the IL2 1946 for $20 and you will have the whole series in one without the need for a ton of update patches. Not too mention no need to locate and buy the expansion packs that you need in order to merge IL2 and Pacific Fighters.

IL2 beats the hell out of CFS.

[Spades]

Cool. For $20 the box set seems like a good deal for sampling the series (and lock on). If I really like it (and I expect I will) I will go out and get 1946. The good thing about games this old is that you don't have to worry about dropping $50 on it and then deciding that it is crap!
It should arrive tomorrow or saturday, which is the one problem with living in Alaska. I ordered it last friday.

           Spades