If one pilot is able to destroy this many planes and bases, why did the war last so long?
Many different planes are available to you to use in your campaign. While it is easy to love a plane early and put all of your upgrade points into it, it is important to know when to move on. While the statistics of the plane may be similar to that of more recently acquired craft, do not be deceived. I brought a P-38 that I had used earlier into a later mission not knowing this fact. While the statistics looked similar, the result was not pleasant. This can be deceptive and often can only be understood the hard way.
Never did any mission seem impossible, and the checkpoints that are given are placed at perfect times. One bit of frustration occurs that, when the storyline advances in a level, the game occasionally repositions you to meet the coming threat. While this is nice, more than once I was flying towards an airbase to rearm when I was thrown into the new mission without the equipment I'd need to succeed. With a checkpoint created then as well, I'd have to restart the level from the start.
The flying and game play are very easy to get used to and accessible. The focus on action never abates as even when going to an airbase for repairs, it does not require you to even land! Simply fly through the magic floating arrow, and you land automatically. While this can kill some of the realism, one must realise that they probably shot down 15 planes and blew up 10 AA guns before needing to fly through the arrow. Any sense of realism went out the window long ago.
Secret Weapons over Normandy is not a serious flight sim. It is a fun, action filled game for those not overly interested in the entire process of taking off that many flight games bore you with. The planes are varied and interesting, especially the prototypes and secret weapons that give the game it's name. Overall, a fun play. Just know what you are getting into first.