Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Although Heroes is far from the first WWII flight sim, it soars high above other games thanks to its incredible attention to detail. [Oct 2005, p.124]
  2. I'm not one for flight sims, but Heroes of the Pacific has given me a reason to enjoy the genre. [Sept 2005, p.57]
  3. Beautiful and rather fun. Some missions are a bit too tough for their own good. [Oct 2005]
  4. A decent combat flight sim that's fairly easy to get into, and can become quite immersive once you can get into the flow of the game.
  5. Though far from perfect, Heroes of the Pacific does a great job of combining a fun, loose aerial shoot-'em-up with real-life battles from the Pacific Theater of World War II.
  6. Heroes of the Pacific isn't perfect but it's close enough for government work and the result is the most enjoyable dogfight you're likely to see.
  7. 81
    Visually, it's a mixed bag, but the excellent clouds, good draw distances, and genuine plane designs make up for the empty landscapes and minimalist land textures.
  8. As with most aerial-based antics most of the games' objectives are straight forward and involve little more than clearing the screen of enemies but the blend of black and white wartime footage, airborne action and wonderfully recreated propaganda posters immersed us so much.
  9. It is reasonably addictive and is challenging enough to make you want to complete it.
  10. Not only is it a pick up and play title, but it also has enough substance to satisfy the most hardened war game junkie. Couple this with the appealing multiplayer LAN and online matches and you have a winner.
  11. 80
    One of the best built games in recent times. Intuitive action makes it simple and satisfying with sim and arcade fans being able to get in on the fun.
  12. The look of the game is phenomenal. With menu screens that seem like they've stolen from both the images and slogans from Second World War propaganda posters and the appropriate heroic music playing in the background, you feel you've stepped into a navy training film.
  13. While a few frustrating missions and some obnoxious wingmen dampen the fun somewhat, Heroes of the Pacific is a genuinely entertaining game for those who dig WWII aviation but don't feel quite like diving into a hardcore sim.
  14. Some of the bombing runs in the solo campaign can prove quite arduous, but the dazzling pyrotechnics and adrenaline rush of flying your P38 Lightning through anti-aircraft fire make it easy to press the restart button if you fail your objectives.
  15. One of the few good dogfighting games out there, so if you're into them you owe it to yourself to check it out.
  16. With the short length and easy difficulty, Heroes of the Pacific makes a respectable weekend rental for any gamer.
  17. A decent outing with decent air combat, but it's nothing you've never seen before.
  18. 77
    "Underwhelming" is a word to describe Heroes of the Pacific as a whole. It's a game that is definitely competent but it just doesn't do anything special.
  19. The first half the game isn't nearly as enjoyable as the last half. If only they could have packed in more exciting moments to keep you interested in the story, maybe it would attract more people to the game.
  20. it's got old school warbirds and it is fun. [Holiday 2005, p.78]
  21. Certainly not a bad game, however it will frustrate the hell out of anyone used to more freedom.
  22. Heroes of the Pacific isn't really a sim in any stretch of the word. That said, the game plays well, has a pretty good online mode, and provides a satisfying single player mode.
  23. Some flight-combat buffs will probably dislike the game's loose style, but people who aren't necessarily looking for a pitch-perfect simulation of the conflict will enjoy Heroes of the Pacific.
  24. If intense dogfights and Yankie banter sound appealing then Heroes of the Pacific is for you; sadly the repetitive gameplay is a major deciding for everybody else.
  25. The fighter missions get repetitive; everything else is too varied for its own good.
  26. It's the sheer scale of the huge aerial battles that impress most. The skies are absolutely packed with aircraft, and even some of the less hectic missions can still boast over 100 individual aircraft buzzing around the screen at any one time. So yes, it's pretty jaw-dropping stuff. [PSW]
  27. With intense, yet user-friendly, action and a full complement of online modes, Heroes of the Pacific is actually worth checking out. It's not going to blow "Ace Combat" out of the sky, but this game's got wings.
  28. 70
    Heroes complements its solid controls, mission structure, and presentation with slightly above average graphics and some killer sound effects.
  29. Difficulty, repetition and an overall lack of tact keep the game from being anything more than an average flight game. It's good enough, but there are far better offerings out there.
  30. But if you are looking to regain a genre that has been mostly lost to the PS2 until now you need to grab this game (and a joystick), take the phone off the hook and get yourself reacquainted.
  31. While solid in its presentation and adequate in its basic gameplay, it's little more than another individually-wrapped snack in the great and majestic adventure of human flight.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. mattwendel
    9
    This game is AWESOME! best WW2 dogfighting game on PS2, and a joy to play. There is a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it';s a joy to play. Relive the famous battles of the Pacific war in authentic, detailed craft from the Japanese A6M zero to the F6F Hellcat. It's all here, and if you want to complete your PS2 air combat library, this is a no brainer. Full Review »
  2. CharlieX.
    8
    Lots of fun now, but I gave up for a year when I first bought it as I was stuck on only the third mission! I play these games all the time-what gives? I read others complaining it was impossible to advance in the game. I finally stated playing again-determined to beat the level and move on. I am glad I did as everything after that level is fun and much easier. I am writing in case someone like me is thinking of skipping this game. It can be fun. The voice acting is good except for the star character who almost ruins the mood entirly! The full, watchable replays are great and the missions are mixed nicely. And to correct a reviewer here: there IS rudder control in professional controls mode. An eight for graphics and gameplay-a five for voice acting (on par with Ace Combat 5). Full Review »
  3. RichH.
    9
    Great game. More realistic than many other arcade style flight games. Good looking graphics.