Exactly one month after the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War (June 25, 1950), 1C Game Studios released the long-awaited Korea: IL-2 Series. Incidentally, this was no coincidence: the developers themselves emphasized that they wanted to time the launch to coincide with this historic anniversary, to commemorate this dramatic chapter in aviation history. And now, since August 4, PC owners are already plowing the skies of the Korean Peninsula in jet aircraft and the first helicopters.
Table of Contents
Campaign Mode and Squadron Management Features
The main feature of the new game is the campaign mode, where you are not just a pilot, but the commander of a combat squadron. Everything here is more serious than in the older IL-2 titles: you must not only lead your wingmen into battle, but also plan missions, allocate resources, and manage supplies. This is not just a simple “take off, shoot down, and land” experience, but a full-fledged strategic add-on—and it is truly captivating.
Key features of the dynamic campaign:
-
Squadron management—from aircraft deployment to target selection.
-
Supply and repair—aircraft are not magically restored.
-
Dynamic missions that account for losses and successes.
Typically, the level of detail on the ground has also reached a new level. NPCs can be seen strolling in towns and villages, and artillery and anti-aircraft gun crews can be seen during ground attack missions. This creates the feeling of a living world, not an empty training ground.
Launch Aircraft List and Future Expansion Plans
Five aircraft are available at launch: the Il-10, F-86A-5 Saber, MiG-15bis, F-84E Thunderjet, and, of course, the iconic Vought F4U Corsair—the same one that crushed the Japanese in the Pacific. But the developers are not stopping there: in the launch trailer, they leaked plans for a future expansion. They promise a theme of aircraft carrier landings and another aircraft—apparently the same Corsair, but in a new guise.
It is worth noting that Korea: IL-2 Series is a standalone sequel, not just an expansion to IL-2 Sturmovik. Set in the 1950-1953 era, it is the first project in the series to focus on jet aircraft and helicopters. You will agree, this is a significant step forward for fans of the series.
Steam Game Price and Initial Player Reviews
The game is priced at 5,999 rubles on Steam—and judging by the initial reviews, this is the main stumbling block. Many write that the price is too high, especially compared to previous installments. Nevertheless, the rating remains “mostly positive”—almost 80% of reviews praise the gameplay, graphics, and atmosphere.
A solid start for a project that the developers are positioning as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of flight simulators. The only question is how quickly the promised add-ons will be released and whether they will live up to players’ expectations. In the meantime, the skies of Korea await. Are you ready to take your squadron into the air?
