> This game has a lot to do so I'll just explain briefly.  First, it shows you step by step how to perform all the aerobatic maneuvers that Blue Impulse (a Japanese flight demonstration team) performs.  You are expected to learn and perform them.  Second, you can compete in a Pilot Wings type mode where you must fly through targets in a timely manner in order to earn enough points to advance.  Finally, you can just fly around and hone your skills in the Free Flight mode.  Oh, and there's an FMV demo of Buggy Heat (Japanese version) and Tokyo Xtreme Racer (US version).

     > [Japan Import] The game is a cinch to play, especially if you know the basics of flight.  All the menus, game screens and some voices are in English.  The briefings, which explain the maneuvers, are in Japanese and feature an animated presentation as well.  Overall, it's entirely playable and gets a high importability rating.

     > The scenery throughout is a pleasure to see and includes mountains, beaches, bridges, buildings, runways and clouds.  Special effects abound in AW too.  You'll see lens flares, smoke trails, light reflections off cockpits, animated clouds, wing vortices, ocean waves, blackout, redout and raging waterfalls.

     > There are a ton of different views to enjoy which range from cockpit to formation to fly by.  The HUD has three modes: full, partial and off -- all of which can used with any view.  The various aircraft (at least 11) actually have cockpits and exterior markings which look like the real thing!  What can I say... There's nothing like climbing through the transparent cloud layers at supersonic speeds and watching the sun appear above the cloud deck!  AW is smooth, fast and gorgeous!

     > You have complete freedom of flight and hitting objects does destroy your aircraft (unless you're training).  About the only thing that seemed off to me was the ease of which the redouts and blackouts occur.  Anyway, you'll be happy to know that the difficulty of the various aerobatic maneuvers is emulated nicely.  However, they're not as difficult as they are in real life (thank God).

     > The sound effects are decent.  Mainly, you'll hear screeching tires, jet engines, explosions, water splashing and gear retracting.  Voice and warning cues are included as well.  Could have been better though.