The key to creating a flight sim for the console market seems relatively simple - it must look good and be accessible to gamers.

There was a time when serious flight sim enthusiasts were willing to read through instruction manuals the size of the S volume of an encyclopedia set. Certainly after mastering the technical aspects of those games, most hardcore fans likely felt they could indeed fly one of the featured planes if necessary. But those days are all but gone. We live in an era of console systems warring with each other in cyberspace for a share of the market.

That is why when a game comes along like Lethal Skies II, there is ample reason to polish off the wings, climb into the cockpit and enjoy the wide open, if unfriendly, skies.

Lethal Skies is a somewhat futuristic game that employs modern technology in a wonderfully rendered three-dimensional setting. The game combines elements of the arcade jetfighter with automated controls while challenging players with a host of missions that stem from search and destroy to patrols (Ok, we all know that running a patrol is not going to be just a random free flight exercise - there will be intruders that need to be rebuffed).

The game, published by Sammy Studios and developed by Asmik Ace for the PlayStation2 console system, is slated for release in September.

Mikio Ono, Producer at Asmik Ace, and Sammy Studios’ Sean Amann, Sr. Product Manager for the game, sat down in the hangar to talk with GameZone.com about the title.

Answer: The game is set in the future, when Earth is ravaged by the effects of global warming. This setting allows for some compelling elements to come together that set Lethal Skies II apart from any other game in its genre. For a killer jet fighter game you need a war, so we have countries in our game universe struggling to cope with a sudden massive loss of land and resources. It’s a pretty volatile scenario and, as players will find out, victory in the first Lethal Skies war abated some of the global unrest but didn’t entirely resolve it. The premise also makes for environments that combine real-world settings with post-apocalyptic themes. We have locations from around the world that are conflict hotspots in the story. Through these "skewed reality" stages and a slew of strange weather and environmental effects, we try to give players the feeling that, while they’re flying over Earth, it’s not exactly the planet we’re used to. Best of all, the futuristic setting also paves the way for a huge variety of enemies and vehicles you won’t see in any other game. We combine recognizable modern war machines with vehicles right out of a science fiction movie.

A: There are a total of 19 playable planes in Lethal Skies II, which includes seven new fighter jets not available in the first game. The planes are a mix of officially licensed modern-day combat jets, declassified "black ops" planes and even futuristic concept fighters. Players will recognize the modern jets right away, and likely notice the amazing level of detail in these planes. These models are nearly panel-perfect renditions of their real-world counterparts. As for the capabilities of the futuristic jets, as well as some of the weapons that become available, these are far more advanced than anything in use today.

A: Our goal was to create a game that incorporates a blend of arcade-style shooter and realistic simulation. Players will find that the control elements are simple enough for a pick up and play style of gaming. However for the simulation fanatic, the game does offer features such as a full HUD display, realistic weapons selection and flight adjustments like pitch, yaw and throttle. The learning curve is relatively flat, but like any game will take time to master. We have also implemented three difficultly levels to add another layer of flexibility for novice to expert pilots.

A: There are more than 20 missions in Lethal Skies II, with great variety from mission to mission. Players will find the traditional jet fighter missions like "intercept" and "strike," along with some genuinely unique missions that require the advanced capabilities found in some of the game’s concept fighters and weapons. In addition, there are a number of special objective missions that players will encounter, along with five unlockable Bonus Missions where they reverse roles and play as the enemy. Lethal Skies II does have multiplayer capabilities in both split-screen and using the PS2 i.link 2-player, so players can dogfight their friends...or their foes.

A: Lethal Skies II uses a proprietary engine. Players will immediately notice how this new engine significantly improves gameplay and graphics potential on the PS2. The game achieves some truly stunning graphics and brings features like interactive 3D battle maps and a robust replay movie gallery that aren’t usually seen in a flight combat game. Another important aspect is improvement in air combat, both in terms of very smart enemy AI in single-player and the game’s flawless performance in extreme two-player dogfighting.

A: The polygon drawing capability has been improved and we have taken advantage of this technology by extending the overall size of the map. Super-detailed jet models, amazing light and particle effects and graphically detailed environments are all improvements that will impress gamers. Other important features include the ability to tackle new missions, play special unlockable campaigns, and pilot "black ops" and concept fighter jets. Additionally, the game’s menu design has been revamped and movie replay galleries have been upgraded to include multiple POVs.

A: Thank you for the compliment. The soundtrack offered on the Web site is different from the one included in the game, but both are meant to heighten the experience of entering the game’s universe. In regards to the in-game music, we know player tastes can vary so we’ve added an exciting new feature to Lethal Skies II. Players can actually change the in-game music prior to each mission, choosing from a selection that covers various musical genres. As for the sound effects, players will hear and feel the distinct roar of each plane’s afterburners, the rumble of the Vulcan cannon and the satisfying hiss of fired missiles as they rip towards their target. The explosions are also quite satisfying.

A: Our main priority when developing this game was to make it fun – one that novice and expert flight combat gamers alike can enjoy. Equally important was our emphasis in creating a story and setting compelling enough to keep players playing to the very end. The world each player enters is futuristic and war torn. The atmosphere is reflected in the advanced missions, special air craft used and high-tech enemies faced. We think the intensity of the game’s premise and its realistic graphics will fully immerse players into Lethal Skies II’s skewed universe, and they probably won’t want to leave until they’ve used their piloting skills to set things right.