Info about Aces of Thunder:

Official game description:
Aces of Thunder Editions
========================
Get more from Aces of Thunder experience with the Deluxe Upgrade!
This bundle includes:
\- F4U-4;
\- Spitfire Mk Ia;
\- Hurricane Mk IV;
\- SBD-3;
\- P-40E-1.  
Note: additional planes don't allow for more respawns in a multiplayer battle, but provide wider selection of aircraft.
About the Game
==============
Experience the thrill of aerial combat with Aces of Thunder, the ultimate flight simulation game with high fidelity graphics that looks perfect both with and without VR HMDs.
The game's physically accurate flight and damage models derived from the popular War Thunder military action game ensure a high level of realism. The battles take place exclusively from the cockpit view to provide ultimate immersion and fully supports HOTAS controls. Aces of Thunder features a set of the most legendary WW1 & WW2 aircraft available to hop in and fly right upon purchase.
**Perfect selection of** **WW2 aircraft**
Fly 20+ carefully recreated iconic aircraft of World War II, such as the American P-51 Mustang and P-63 Kingcobra, the German Bf 109 and Fw 190, the Soviet Il-2 and Yak-9T, the British Spitfire and the Japanese A6M3 Zero.  
**A rare chance to fly Great War machines**
Iconic fighters like the Fokker Dr.I, famously flown by the Red Baron himself, or the SPAD S.XIII, the favorite aircraft of René Fonck, Allies’ most decorated ace, will have authentically detailed cockpits and historically accurate weaponry.
**All key theaters of war**
Aces of Thunder battles will see you fighting across the world and getting a better idea of where the fate of war was decided. Visit 15 beautiful maps representing three key theaters of World War II: Western, Eastern and Pacific Fronts, as well as signature World War I frontlines.
**Intense dogfighting**
Fight online against the best virtual pilots from all over the world in multiplayer mode, or master your aircraft in exciting single player missions.
**Full immersion**
Jump right into one of the highly detailed interactive cockpits, literally controlling the aircraft with your own hands! Aces of Thunder will also allow you to walk around the hangar between missions to get a closer look at your favorite aircraft. 
**Made specifically for VR**  
Thanks to native use of OpenXR, a wide range of VR devices is supported. Put on your HMD, take your VR controllers and grab virtual HOTAS (or use your hardware sim rig or gamepad) and join the fight!

Release date: Feb 3, 2026

Categories: Flight Simulation, Combat Flight Simulation, VR Gameplay, Multiplayer, Historical Simulation, Aerial Combat, Realistic Combat, Vehicle Customization

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 85; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: The game has significant monetization issues, particularly with the introduction of Day-1 DLC and concerns about pay-to-win mechanics. Players are frustrated with the additional costs and the potential for paying players to gain advantages in multiplayer. The presence of overpriced content further exacerbates these concerns.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals significant issues with the game's control schemes, particularly with joysticks and VR controllers. Additionally, the lack of Linux support and problems with performance and graphics have been highlighted as major concerns. These issues contribute to a high level of friction and dissatisfaction among users.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Fun and Engaging Gameplay (weight 0.4): The game provides a highly enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience with fun combat, detailed planes, and satisfying air battles. Players find it easy to jump into action and enjoy both single-player and multiplayer modes.
- High-Quality Graphics and Sound (weight 0.37): The game features top-notch graphics and sound design, with detailed planes, beautiful visuals, and realistic sound effects. Players appreciate the smooth frame rates and appealing graphics on maximum settings.
- Variety of Planes and Content (weight 0.08): The game includes a variety of maps, theaters, and planes, providing plenty of scenarios and replayability. Players enjoy the different control schemes and the lack of grinding for planes.
- Optimized Controls and Settings (weight 0.07): The game offers easy setup for HOTAS and other controllers, with configurable keybinds and detailed guides. Players appreciate the optimized controls and management.
- Balanced Flight Physics (weight 0.07): The game aims for a true-to-life aerial combat experience with a balance between realism and playability. Players appreciate the realistic flight model and the immersive combat flight simulation.
- Smooth Performance and High FPS (weight 0.07): The game runs smoothly with high FPS on various hardware configurations. Players report steady performance with high graphics settings and minimal stutter.
- Good Mix of Realism and Arcade (weight 0.06): The game strikes a good balance between realistic and arcade gameplay, offering a fun mid-core sim experience. Players appreciate the mix of realism and performance.
- Great Single and Multiplayer Experience (weight 0.03): The game offers a beautiful single and multiplayer experience with lots of content and great matches. Players enjoy both the single-player campaigns and multiplayer battles.
- Worth the Price (weight 0.03): The game is considered worth the money, with fair pricing for both basic and deluxe editions. Players find the content and experience justified by the price.
- Realistic WW2 Experience (weight 0.03): The game provides a decent and realistic WW2 experience, with players finding it better than similar games like Warthunder. The overall experience is immersive and enjoyable.
- Fun Online Battles (weight 0.03): The game offers really fun online battles with chaotic and positive gameplay. Players enjoy the online mode and the effective enemy spotting in battles.

Common complaints:
- Control and UI Issues (weight 0.95): The controls and user interface are widely criticized for being clunky, unintuitive, and poorly designed. Many users struggle with the control schemes and menu navigation, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Lack of Content and Polish (weight 0.79): The game is criticized for being unfinished and lacking content. Users report numerous bugs, poor graphics, and a general lack of polish, making the game feel rushed and incomplete.
- Poor VR Implementation (weight 0.79): The game has significant issues with VR, including poor graphics, clunky controls, and a lack of interactive elements. Many users report that the VR experience feels unfinished and poorly optimized.
- Graphical and Visual Issues (weight 0.72): The game is criticized for its poor graphics and visual issues, including low-resolution textures, graphical artifacts, and a lack of visual polish. Users report that the graphics are not improved over older games and feel dated.
- Performance and Optimization Issues (weight 0.42): The game suffers from significant performance issues, including poor optimization, lag, stuttering, and crashes. Users report that the game struggles to run smoothly even on high-end hardware.
- HOTAS Configuration Problems (weight 0.38): Users report significant issues with setting up and using HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-and-Stick) controls. The configuration process is described as complicated, non-intuitive, and poorly implemented.
- Lack of Cockpit Interactivity (weight 0.26): The game is criticized for its lack of interactive elements within the cockpit. Users report that only a few controls are functional, and the overall interactivity is lackluster compared to other flight simulators.
- Mission and Gameplay Criticisms (weight 0.11): The missions and gameplay are described as basic, boring, and lacking depth. Users report that the missions feel repetitive and uninspired, with abrupt endings and a lack of detailed briefings.
- Comparison to War Thunder (weight 0.11): Many users feel that the game is a downgraded or watered-down version of War Thunder. It is criticized for lacking originality and feeling like a standalone portion of War Thunder sold separately.
- Monetization and DLC Practices (weight 0.08): Users criticize the game's monetization practices, including the prominent placement of DLCs from day one and the paywall system for planes. This is seen as a cash grab and detracts from the overall experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- VR and HOTAS Support (weight 0.55): The game offers extensive VR support, including compatibility with various VR headsets like Pimax Crystal and Quest 3. It also supports HOTAS setups, allowing for a more immersive flight simulation experience. However, some users find VR controls challenging and limited in customization.
- Diverse Mission Types (weight 0.08): The game features a variety of mission types, including single-player missions, multiplayer PvP matches, and historical missions. There is also an editor for creating custom missions, catering to both casual and hardcore players.
- Arcade-like Gameplay (weight 0.07): The game balances between simulator and arcade-like gameplay, making it accessible to a wider audience. It offers high FPS gameplay and intense dogfights, appealing to those who enjoy arcade shooters.
- Quick and Intense Sessions (weight 0.07): Designed for quick sessions and immediate action, the game allows players to jump into intense dogfights and dynamic battles with minimal setup time. This makes it ideal for players looking for fast-paced gameplay.
- Similar to War Thunder (weight 0.06): The game is often compared to War Thunder, particularly in its flight mechanics and gameplay modes. It offers a similar experience to War Thunder's Air Sim mode, appealing to fans of that game.
- Detailed Aircraft and Cockpits (weight 0.06): The game features highly detailed aircraft models and authentic cockpits, enhancing the realism of the flight simulation. However, interactivity within the cockpit is limited to a few elements.
- Intermediate Flight Model (weight 0.05): The flight model is designed to be intermediate, lying between simulation and arcade. It is comparable to other flight simulators like VTOL and DCS, offering a balanced experience for both casual and experienced players.
- Multiplayer Features (weight 0.05): The game offers various multiplayer features, including PvP matches, custom matches, and online battles with bots. However, some users feel that the multiplayer experience could be more cohesive and benefit from voice chat.
- HOTAS Control Binding (weight 0.03): The game supports HOTAS control binding, allowing players to configure their setups for a more immersive experience. There are resources available, including tutorials from YouTubers, to help with HOTAS settings.
- Historical Accuracy and Realism (weight 0.03): The game focuses on historical accuracy and realism, offering a true-to-life aerial combat experience. It balances between arcade fun and simulation realism, appealing to a wide range of players.
- Learning Curve and Tutorials (weight 0.03): The game has a learning curve, but it is manageable with the help of available tutorials. The complexity is similar to other flight simulators, making it accessible to players familiar with the genre.
- Unlock and Loadout System (weight 0.02): The multiplayer mode includes an unlock and loadout system, allowing players to customize their aircraft. However, some users prefer the simplicity of single-player content without the need for unlocks or upgrades.
- Control Settings and Sensitivity (weight 0.02): The game offers various control settings, including throttle control and sensitivity adjustments for Quest 3 controllers. This allows players to fine-tune their controls for a better gaming experience.
- Battle Mechanics and Effects (weight 0.02): The game includes realistic battle mechanics, such as plane overheating, temperature spikes, wind effects, and blackouts in battles. These elements add to the realism and challenge of the gameplay.
- Information Panels and Kneeboard (weight 0.02): The game features visual panels and a kneeboard for essential information, helping players keep track of important details during gameplay. This enhances the overall user experience and accessibility.

Performance notes:
- Mixed graphics and performance feedback (weight 0.28): Players report a range of experiences with graphics and performance. Some praise the high-quality graphics and smooth performance on high-end hardware, while others note issues like graphical artifacts, poor anti-aliasing, and performance drops.
- VR performance and issues (weight 0.12): VR performance varies significantly. Some players experience smooth performance and excellent optimization in VR, while others report crashes, tracking issues, and poor texture quality.
- Performance on high-end hardware (weight 0.07): High-end hardware generally provides stable framerates and smooth performance, but some players still experience stuttering and compatibility issues, particularly on Linux.
- Controller and input issues (weight 0.06): Players report various issues with controllers and input systems, including sensitivity problems, tracking delays, and conflicts with VR controllers.
- Compatibility with specific hardware (weight 0.04): The game runs well on certain setups like MSI laptops with Oculus Pro and RTX 3070 Ti, but struggles with others such as Oculus Debug Tool and older computers.
- Unplayable on certain setups (weight 0.03): The game is reported as unplayable on specific PC setups, including issues with visibility and performance.
- Positive performance feedback (weight 0.03): Some players report no lag, technical issues, or graphical problems, indicating a smooth experience.
- UI and menu bugs (weight 0.02): Day-one bugs are mainly related to UI and menus, with frequent freezes and alt-tab issues.
- Optimization feedback (weight 0.02): Players mention the need for better optimization and smoother performance.
- Lighting and visual issues (weight 0.02): Some players find the lighting overwhelming and report visual issues like rubberbanding and frame rate drops.
- Game is unpolished (weight 0.02): Some players find the game to be unpolished and lacking intuitive design.
- Game crashes (weight 0.01): Players report crashes during gameplay, including during tutorials.
- Fast loading times (weight 0.01): The game is praised for its fast loading times.

Recommendations:
- Consider alternatives to the game (weight 0.17): Many players suggest trying other games like VTOL VR, DCS with mods, War Thunder, or IL2BOS for a better or similar experience. Some recommend these alternatives due to potential refund issues with DLCs or for a more immersive experience.
- Wait for updates and improvements (weight 0.08): Several reviews advise waiting for future updates before purchasing the game. This includes fixes for VR controller requirements, better hand-interactive cockpits, and overall improvements.
- Refund and reconsider purchase (weight 0.04): Some players have decided to refund the game due to its current state, suggesting that it is not in a playable position yet. They recommend waiting until issues are fixed before considering a purchase.
- Mixed recommendations on purchase (weight 0.03): Opinions are divided on whether to buy the game. Some highly recommend it, while others suggest waiting unless you are a diehard fan. There are also suggestions to pick it up during a big sale.
- Requests for additional game modes (weight 0.02): Players express a desire for additional game modes such as a coop campaign or coop mode. Some mention checking out War Thunder DLC for a similar experience.
- Gameplay enhancement suggestions (weight 0.02): Players suggest various enhancements such as showing enemy target signatures early, highlighting enemies, and adding features for Index Controller.
- Positive experiences with setup (weight 0.02): Some players report having fun with the game after spending time setting it up. There are recommendations for the deluxe edition as well.
- VR controller and setup options (weight 0.02): There are requests for options to deactivate VR controllers completely and to adjust and save seat positions in VR. Additionally, guidance on controller button edits is suggested.
- Positive recommendations for VR players (weight 0.02): The game is highly recommended for VR players, with some stating it is just what is needed in the current VR climate.
- Price considerations (weight 0.02): There are mixed feelings about the game's price. Some suggest lowering it, while others find the current price fair for the basic version.
- Mission extension requests (weight 0.02): Players would like the ability to take off and land before and after missions, extending missions with actual takeoff and landing segments.
- Positive general feedback (weight 0.02): Some reviews simply state that the game is excellent or a fair entry in the WW2 simulation world for the price.
- HOTAS setup improvements (weight 0.01): There are suggestions to make HOTAS setup more obvious or tutorial-like for better user experience.
- Throttle control tips (weight 0.01): Tips for throttle control settings are provided, suggesting adjustments for better control.
- Ignore negative reviews (weight 0.01): Some players suggest ignoring negative reviews, stating that the game is good once set up properly.
- Arcade mode for less experienced players (weight 0.01): An option to lean more towards an arcadey mode is suggested for less experienced players.

Other player notes:
- Early Access Mentioned (weight 0.01): Players noted that the game is in Early Access, which may impact their experience and expectations.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.51): Players are disappointed due to the game's poor optimization, lack of expected features, and discomfort in VR. Many feel the game is a subpar port of War Thunder, with limited VR controller interaction, clunky controls, and a lack of unique features. Additionally, the game's high price, lack of polish, and numerous bugs contribute to the overall disappointment.
- Frustration (weight 0.48): Players are frustrated with the game's lack of originality, poor VR support, and incompatibility with specific hardware. Control issues, including problems with HOTAS setup, joystick recognition, and menu navigation, are major sources of frustration. The game's UI is also criticized for being unintuitive and difficult to navigate.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.19): Players express satisfaction with the enjoyable gameplay, impressive multiplayer, and good performance in VR. The game's balance between realism and simulation, along with its smooth controls and immersive experience, are highlighted as positive aspects. Many players appreciate the detailed cockpits, realistic sound, and overall fun gameplay.
- Hope (weight 0.08): Players hope for future updates and improvements, including the addition of bigger aircraft and better online experiences. They believe the game has potential and are looking forward to continuous improvement based on community feedback.
- Joy (weight 0.08): Players find joy in the game's fun combat simulation, enjoyable multiplayer action, and the overall VR experience. The game is praised for its fun flying mechanics and the excitement of creating solo scenarios.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited about the detailed planes, flight mechanics, and the immersive air combat experience. The game's visuals, sound design, and potential for full lobbies of actual people dogfighting contribute to the excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Despite some issues, players enjoy the game's VR experience, smooth gameplay, and fun flying mechanics. The game is described as extremely fun to play, with enjoyable solo and multiplayer experiences.
- Disappointed (weight 0.07): Players are disappointed due to issues with specific VR headsets, lack of Track IR support, and poor VR controls. The game does not meet expectations for a full simulator or arcade experience, and there are concerns about the lack of content and crossplay functionality.
- Anger (weight 0.06): Players are angry about the game being released unfinished with day-one DLC and poor performance. The lack of joystick support, misleading promises, and poor quality contribute to the anger. Additionally, the game's poor implementation of controls and settings, as well as crashes, are major sources of frustration.
- Frustrated (weight 0.04): Players are frustrated with issues related to the interface and controls, including problems with menus and VR controller issues. Joystick not working, poor resolution, and graphical issues also contribute to the frustration.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Players are excited about enjoying the game despite initial doubts and looking forward to the game's development. The long learning curve adds to the excitement as players anticipate mastering the game.
- Hopeful (weight 0.02): Players are hopeful for additional features and DLC, as well as a better online experience. They have suggestions for improving the game and believe in its potential for future development.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players express gratitude to the developers for their effort and investment in creating the game. They appreciate the work put into the game and thank the developers for their dedication.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the game and recommend it to others. They have a positive first impression and enjoy playing the game, experiencing the flight mechanics and overall gameplay.
- Angry (weight 0.01): Players are angry due to a misleading trailer and horrible VR interaction. The game's poor performance and lack of expected features contribute to their anger.
- Positive (weight 0.01): Players have an overall good VR experience and enjoy the combat mechanics. They appreciate the standalone and sim-light experience of the game, finding it enjoyable and well-executed.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players feel a sense of nostalgia due to the historical context and respect for veterans. The game evokes feelings of flying old planes in VR, adding to the nostalgic experience.}