Last week, TNL had the opportunity to meet with Sammy Entertainment, who gave us a look at a taste of their next batch of upcoming titles slated for release in the second quarter.

By now, many of you have been abreast of the recent announcement released from Sammy Entertainment's newest PS2 game in development - Lethal Skies, developed by Asmik Ace Entertainment is an intense anti-Air Combat action game; in addition to two new fighting titles - Guilty Gear Advance and King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood certain to pique the interest of all fighting fans.

Players will assume as an elite pilot of an international air force, engaging a diverse series of air/ground-based missions spanning the globe. Lethal Skies features multiple game modes, including Campaign, Training, and Theater. A selection of 13 fighters will be available, consisting of various jets such as the F-15, F/A-18, along with other cutting edge aircrafts which become accessible as you progress throughout the game...diligent players will be able to unlock additional fighters (4 in total, 2 of which are entirely fictional).

Lethal Skies has mild distinctions in comparison to titles including the recent release, Ace Combat 4, the latest installment from Namco which unlike its predecessors, adopted a simulation gameplay engine. This is not to suggest such a direction is bad, but how many players are truly looking to have a virtual experience which undermines the basic intent of having fun? Asmik's developers chose to deliver a balance between simulation and arcade elements, which should satisfy players respectively of either preference.

In its current state, Lethal Skies handles very well in the gameplay department. Each craft has its own distinct attributes such as top speed and acceleration. Players will want to make strategic choices as they engage various missions encountering bombers, attack helicopters, submarines, ground-based weaponry and vehicles to name a few. In similar fashion to other combat titles, Lethal Skies features a detailed HUD composed of a damage guage (i.e. green=normal, yellow=minimal damage red=critical), radar, speedometer and other pertinent elements. In addition, players can toggle the perspectives, ranging from cockpit or rear camera angles.

Visually, Lethal Skies stands as one of the most realistic air combat titles to date. Although enviroments aren't modeled after real terrain (a staple that's been adopted by a few titles as of late), the graphic engine portrays a surreal atmosphere of organic plateaus, vast oceanic regions, mountain terrain, cities and military bases. The polygon models are very clean, and exceptionally detailed and thankfully, I failed to discover any signs of polygon breakup, flickering among other graphic quips that have the custom of showing up.

More time definitely needs to be spent with the game (my first session was under much observation, and I tend to fare badly playing in front of an audience). As it stands, Sammy has a solid title on their hands, which will make for a welcome addition for PS2 gamers when it ships in May. TNL will return with any future updates as new highlights become available.

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