Wings of Prey has just been released for Steam. It is essentially the sequel to IL-2 Sturmovik (my favorite flight sim, and it also happens to be available from GoG :p). Currently on sale for ~10% off (so $44.99 for us in the US, a lot more for you guys with the squiggly symbols for moneys :p).
Not sure if I am going to buy it (tempted to wait for a better sale), but just letting everyone know. There is a demo for it over here http://www.gamershell.com/download_54548.shtml
Yes, it uses Steam. But apparently the only other source right now (YuPlay) is even worse :p. So pick your poison (or wait for an eventual retail copy that probably won't even be available outside of Russia :p).
DISCLAIMER: Has third party DRM (I think the YuPlay thing) in addition to whatever DRM model you get with your download (or retail, likely). Limited activation model with ability to deauthorize. Not sure if the YuPlay thing that launches in the tray is related to the DRM model, or just the MP.

Noooo!
Why is it with Steam only?
I heard it was available digitally, with retail later, and assumed it would be on all the major DD outlets (steam, d2d, gg, impulse).
I really hope I can pick it up retail, and that it isn't hooked up to steam.
The other disadvantage of DD is that new games tend to sell for £40+, when I can buy most new games at retail for around £25-30.

This time the Euro price is even correctly calculated. Might have to get it one day.

There is a possibility it will go to other DD outlets. But right now, it is just on YuPlay (which is apparently Steam, without all the incentives, and without the strength of Steam's support) and Steam (with achievements and the like).
I figure, I like Steam and IL-2, so I bought it. A game like this (large and I might actually MP) is something I would rather on Steam than Impulse (downloading large games on Impulse is just painful), and those are the only two major Digital Distributors I use.

baw

IL-2: Birds of Prey was the console version/sequel to IL-2. This is the port back to the PC.

Ah that explains it.

Heads up: Looks like it has a limited activation model for DRM. I don't know how the activations work (will do more research), but keep that in mind.
[edit]Looks like you can deauthorize. Three activations, at a time, you can deauthorize (need to test to see if Steam installer will do it for me), or just contact support. Not a fan of that.
But the game makes up for it. Only played a little so far, and I am going to need to tweak the realism a bit to get a balance I like, but it is definitely a lot better for arcadey than IL-2 ever was. I am going to fiddle a bit, but it shouldn't be too hard to get a good balance.
If you found that IL-2, even on insanely low realism was still too simy, this isn't :p. THIS is what you play when you just got done watching a repeat of Dogfights at 0300 and feel a sudden urge to do some split-S's and down a few planes.

Gaijin Entertainment? Seriously? That's their company's name?

Ah. It uses the garbage YuPlay thing. Not very happy about this, but whatever.

I've never heard of this YuPlay. So only one option left for me.
Judging by the screenshots I deduced that it was a pc port from the console game, not a new one. Maybe I'll get this on a deal, and after they remove the activations limit of course. :p

IL-2: Birds of Prey is not, repeat NOT the sequel to the original IL-2! In fact, it's not even a sim at all. It's an arcade style "game" similar to the Blazing Angels games (and nowhere near as good either).
I'm a pilot myself and love "hard core" air combat sims. However, I'm not above playing an occasional arcade style flyer as long as it's well done. The Blazing Angels, Ace Combat and Lethal Skies series are all good examples of this. Birds of Prey ain't even in the same league and, if Wings is just a PC port of Birds, do yourselves a favor: Just say no.
Sequel to IL-2, my ass!

Yeah the sequel to IL2 will be Battle Of Britain if & when that ever gets finished, Birds of Prey is basically rogue squadron in WW2. Fun and all and I plan to get it for the 360 (since a mate has just bought it we can coop) but its not a sim

Yeah, at the moment I saw that this game wasn't by oleg maddox I knew that it wasn't the real IL-2 2.
Anyway, looks an ok game, I would buy it for when I'm not in the mood for the hardcore sims.