Crimson Skies: Peanuts Edition is here at last
Unfortunately, there is virtually no story in the single player mode. The only info you're given is that you are Snoopy, a flying ace in the British air force in World War I. Inspired by the famous "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", Snoopy is ordered to take down the Red Baron and the German army. There are other characters like Woodstock who operates as your wing-man and Schroeder, your captain. The Red Baron even has some of the characters on his side like Linus, Lucy, Rerun and Pigpen.
The thing is, although these characters make are present, this barely feels like a Peanuts game outside of the fact that you're Snoopy. Charlie Brown is barely even in it, you just follow him for two missions and he doesn't say a word. My big complaint with this game is the whole single player itself. It's ok, but at the same time, it's kind of boring. You have your standard missions such as defending a blimp, attacking a blimp, ring races, or taking on waves of enemies but you do each type of missions at least twice and you can beat the game in 3 hours. It's not a bad single player, it's a good way to get used to the controls and combat and it's worth a play through at least, but there isn't much motivation to warrant a second go after you finished, unless you love achievements. There's a co-op mode as well, which you can play offline or over Xbox Live.
I hate to start this review with negatives but the rest of the game is where it shines, the multiplayer and the gameplay that accompanies it. This game is often seen as the true successor to Crimson Skies for the original Xbox, and it really shows. It controls and plays in a very similar way. You can choose your plane in both single and multiplayer mode, each differing in stats (health, speed and handling). Next, you can choose between two of several weapons to bring with you into battle. There is a good variety of weapons to choose from and everyone will have a different strategy in multiplayer depending on their combo, which can really mix things up for each match.
Speaking of which, the multiplayer in this game is the real reason to buy it. You can choose between your favorite Peanuts characters like Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and more or you can even play as your avatar. The maps are large, varied and superbly designed in which every map feels balanced and refreshing. You and up to 15 other players, online or off, can play one of 6 games including Dog Fight, Team Dog Fight, Capture the Flag, Dog Pile (hold the dog bone as long as you can), Team Dog Bone, and Pigskin (fly a football into the other team's base). No matter which game you play, each match can be quite hectic when there are a large number of players but that's when the game really becomes exciting. If the chaos wasn't enough, 4 kills in a row will get you Woodstock with two giant revolvers on the back of your plane who shoots as people tailing you and 9 kills will give you Snoopy's dog house (you don't keep it, though). There aren't a whole lot of players online but I haven't had much trouble finding a game. Don't have Xbox Live? This game can also played offline with up to 15 friends (no 4 player split screen, though) or you can also play against bots. Playing against bots is another good way to grow accustomed to controls and how the game plays in large battles online.
Snoopy Flying Ace is pure, simple fun that gives you plenty of excitment for just 800 microsoft points ($10) on Xbox Live Arcade. The single player is a little weak but what the game lacks in its campaign, it makes up for in its addictive and chaotic multiplayer which justifies the price on its own. If you're looking for a great arcade flight simulator or if you are waiting for Crimson Skies 2, there is plenty of enjoyment to be found here in Snoopy Flying Ace.