Project Wingman: Frontline 59, developed by Sector D2, is a combat flight action game that takes players on a high-octane journey through an alternate Earth's turbulent skies. Featuring immersive dogfights, explosive ground missions, and weaponries such as railguns and geothermal-powered armaments, this indie gem offers a breath of fresh air for flight enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. Geothermal-powered armaments will be ready to pluck you from the sky if you're careless.
Unlike traditional flight simulators, Project Wingman is a combat flight action game that focuses on accessibility and pure combat. Forget overly complex controls—this game welcomes you whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned ace. Players can jump straight into high-speed action, taking control of over 20 aircraft inspired by real-life combat planes and real-world jets, each equipped with unique loadouts to suit different playstyles.
Set in an alternate Earth ravaged by “The Calamity,” the story pits the Cascadians in their war for independence against the imperial Pacific Federation. Players step into the boots of Monarch, a silent mercenary pilot for the Sicario Mercenary Corps, as they soar through campaigns and rogue-like Conquest Mode missions.
The heart of Project Wingman lies in its thrilling single-player campaign. Players will undertake 21 adrenaline-pumping missions, from defending cities to striking enemy fortresses. The war will take you across the oceans and various locales, from the magma-scorched Yellowstone to the icy Bering Strait in the Pacific Northwest, offering unique challenges at every turn. Notable missions like Frontline 59 provide intense combat scenarios that will test your skills.
Combat mechanics are straightforward yet rewarding. Choose from a diverse arsenal of weapons—standard missiles, almost sniper-like missiles, railguns, and even bombs—and deploy them in first or third-person views. Special mechanics like the Angle of Attack (AOA) limiter let you perform jaw-dropping maneuvers, skimming the ground or soaring high above, adding a tactical edge to every dogfight. The ease of pick-up allows players to jump right in, while mastering the controls offers depth for those who seek it.
For players seeking a strategic challenge, Conquest Mode offers a roguelike-inspired experience where you can build a mercenary army in order to take on waves of increasingly difficult opposition as they struggle to take you down. Going up against odds way above your pay grade, you'll need to strategize and upgrade your forces. You'll take on a myriad of changing missions, capturing territories and managing resources. Earn enough money during missions, which can be used to purchase new aircraft and hire additional mercenaries, allowing you to customize your playstyle.
Virtual reality headsets will work in-game to put the player in the cockpit of aerial warfare, using any DirectInput supported peripheral. From swiveling your head to track enemies to feeling the rumble of your flight stick, the game makes you the ace pilot you've always wanted to be. Whether you're experiencing VR flight or traditional gameplay, the immersion is unparalleled.
Fans of titles like the Ace Combat series will feel right at home with Project Wingman's true-to-its-roots inspirations and its blend of arcade and simulation gameplay. It strikes a balance between skill-based mechanics and accessible controls, making it ideal for casual pilots and hardcore enthusiasts. The game offers a way to those who want a fast-paced challenging flight action experience without the steep learning curve.
The game’s post-apocalyptic setting breathes life into its narrative, blending elements of geopolitical conflict and mercenary action. Developed by Sector D2 and published by Humble, Project Wingman is more than just a game—it's a community. Joining their active Discord server allows players to dive deeper into the lore and engage with fellow pilots.
With an emphasis on polished and refined gameplay and visuals, Project Wingman delivers an experience that rivals AAA titles. From its stunning TrueSKY-rendered volumetric clouds to its evocative score by composer Jose Pavli, Project Wingman looks and feels exceptional. Despite being developed by a small team, the game punches above its weight in visual and audio fidelity.
Since its release date in December 2020, Project Wingman has garnered critical acclaim for its tight gameplay and ambitious design. Reviewers have praised its thrilling dogfights and immersive campaign, though some noted the story can lean heavily on genre tropes. Nonetheless, its overwhelmingly positive reception on platforms like Steam cements its place as a standout indie title.
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into aerial dogfights without the steep learning curve of hardcore simulators, Project Wingman is a must-play. Its blend of accessible mechanics, strategic depth, and jaw-dropping visuals make it a standout in the flight action genre. Whether you’re conquering the skies in VR or testing your mettle in Conquest Mode, Project Wingman ensures every sortie is unforgettable.
So, strap in, take off, and become the ace pilot you were born to be. Prove yourself as an ace, and the skies await!
