The Falconeer

While aerial combat games can provide seat-of-your-pants action when done well, this one isn't nearly so exciting. In The Falconeer, you pilot a giant bird into battle against other warbirds, as well as ground-based targets, all in the hopes of restoring the Empire to its former glory. Flying around an open world -- which is largely water but with a small smattering of islands -- you engage in mid-fight fights, shooting at other giant birds and aircraft. You can even pick up mines and drop them on targets, though this requires a subtlety that your bird doesn't always have. It's still pretty nimble, even if you do need to juice it up by picking up speed to do barrel rolls.

While there's fun to be had when you're going mano-a-mano -- or should that be birdo-a-birdo -- those moments are not a frequent or as frantic as they could've been. They're often preceded by long stretches of flying. That's also assuming you went the right way. Not only is your bird easily distracted, and will often veer off course, but unlike most aerial combat games, this one has a static navigation map, and can't be changed to reflect your new objectives when you turn. Though even when you do finally arrive at a fight, you never feel like you or your bird is in any real danger. Warbirds never use their claws or beak to scratch or peck each other, and the bad guys sometimes just give up and fly away. That's why this is fine if you're looking for a relaxing flight, but if you're looking to mix things up, sorry, but The Falconeer is kind of for the birds.