In this way, rather than using contemporary gaming tech to recreate a hyper-realistic experience, Project Wingman stands as an example of the fantastical and escapist potential of games - especially VR games - to create immersive experiences of unrealistic environments. Project Wingman gives players the chance to live out an action film, in the same way that many modern shooters do, and the VR support only heightens this experience.

The arcade-style gameplay, as well as the story and visuals, mean that Project Wingman may appeal to a wider range of gamers than flight simulators that focus on recreating the actual feel of flying jets. What makes Project Wingman stand out against other flight simulators is its accessibility. The setting of Earth 432 years after the volcanic calamity makes for stunning backdrops to the flashy action of Project Wingman. As such, the game has a high concept narrative that works well in recreating the action-packed thrill of a film like Top Gun. The narrative follows Hitman's involvement in a war of independence between the Cascadian Republic and the Pacific Federation while Hitman fights on the Cascadian side, Monarch makes a personal enemy in the Federation's elite Crimson Team. Players assume control of Monarch, a silent member of the Hitman squad of elite pilots. In Project Wingman, the Earth has been affected by a cataclysmic volcanic eruption, leaving parts of the planet uninhabitable. RELATED: Microsoft Flight Simulator Unveils F-16, Cessna Skymaster Gameplay As such, Project Wingman is not hugely concerned with verisimilitude, which actually makes the game a lot more accessible for anyone potentially put off by the concept of true-to-life flight simulators. Rahmani intended the game to be a blend of flight simulator and arcade game, but has been candid about leaning more towards arcade-style in order to create fun combat-based gameplay. Partly funded through a Kickstarter, Project Wingmanwas developed by Abi Rahmani and Matthew Nguyen. With fast-paced, flashy action and engaging gameplay, Project Wingman is the perfect game to live out any jet fighter pilot fantasies.

As such, this is an action-packed, arcade-style game that's been compared to Ace Combat, and has been crafted with an obvious nostalgic love for films like Top Gun.

Now available through Xbox Game Pass, Project Wingman is a combat flight action game that's decidedly not a flight simulator. Project Wingman was originally released in December 2020 to hugely positive reviews on Steam.

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