Everything I saw about DOA was very well implemented and impressive. Given that DOA is still in open beta and that all players need to do is download the game files for some FREE playtime, there is simply NO reason why anyone who has internet access (and is thus reading this) should not take DOA for a spin. Getting a partner to play frontseat/backseat with you would be the ultimate fun. Remember an important saying; sharing is caring. =)

Warbirds is the Interactive Magic classic. Many of the Warbirds faithful stayed up all night on several occasions to play until utter collapse. They would retire to their hotel rooms to get a few hours of greatly needed sleep, grab some grub, and return with beer in hand for some more heavy duty flying.

I was equally impressed with the squadrons attending and how organized they were. Many attending the convention belonged to a specific squadron, with most of them having special shirts, hats or other merchandise proudly displaying their squadron names and badges. Obviously being among friends at events like these only compounds the enjoyment that much more. Given the number of groups attending, it was obvious that many convention members put a great deal of effort into making the trip. Interactive Magic made sure that they enjoyed it after they made it to the hotel.

Equally impressive was the variety of countries represented. Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Austria and South Africa were the foreign countries that had representatives at the convention. Those from Australia traveled the farthest, spending over 23 hours just traveling to Dallas! One in particular said he would make every effort to come each year no matter where he was or how strapped for cash his situation might be.

Ironically, this sentiment is prevalent throughout the Warbirds community. It seems that once a person attends, they get hooked, and cannot stop themselves from returning each year thereafter. This is the real indication of the conventions' success. Each year has resulted in many more people as first time attendees. The newbies and veterans combined boosted this years attendance to near 300, up from only 150 or so from last year. Extremely impressive!

This year featured some unique opportunities for the convention goers. With the impending release of the ground war in Warbirds, the faithful got a singular opportunity to control the first ground unit put in the game for public use. There were some interesting observations made by Warbirds players who were online but not at the convention. Comments like, "What the heck is that running around on the ground blowing holes in my plane?"

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Upon learning that hundreds of "Baby Godzilla's" had invaded Warbirds another online user squealed, "Holy Cow, he almost ran over me while I was taking off!! I never knew Godzilla could cruise at over 60 MPH!!" Indeed, the designers had made Baby Godzilla the size of a man while retaining the speed of a WWII jeep.

Finally, the designers had one more curve for the online users. It turned out that Godzilla's were invulnerable to everything except each other. Often times, I would park my little "Baby" in the middle of the runways and have a heyday with anyone and everyone trying to takeoff, fly over or land.

After loading the boxed version of Warbirds on my PC running under dual Diamond Monster 3D II's running in SLI mode (look for my review of the Diamond Monster II's coming soon) Warbirds was smooth as silk. Not a single flutter was present. With the advances in DX6 from Microsoft, D3D has come a LONG way to almost equaling the visual quality and speed of native GLIDE. I cannot encourage anyone strongly enough that loves to play flight sims to invest in some good hardware, sign up for some Warbirds play, and find out what kind of dogfighter you really are.

After the glorious weekend spent in Dallas with the Warbirds faithful, I have a new and extraordinary perspective for why the masses of Warbirds fans flock to the convention each year. It was more than just loads of fun. Amazingly, in just three years, Interactive Magic has managed to create a fluid following of brotherhood, unity, tradition and most of all, fun.

Not since my days at the Marine Military Academy where I spent five years wearing a U.S. Marine Corps uniform everyday and feeling the unanimity and fraternity among my fellow Marines, have I felt those same sensations ripple through my bones like this past weekend in Dallas. The comraderie that rages at the convention is smothering; everyone simply has a blast. If you play Warbirds then not joining in this fun is simply a sin. Don't miss out on what could be the highlight of your year. NEXT YEAR, JOIN THE FUN!

Download Warbirds 2.5 25 meg.