Aces of Thunder is an action simulation game centered on realistic World War I and World War II aerial combat. The Ju 87 D-5 represents a later variant of the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber, introduced as downloadable content. This aircraft features expanded wingspan for reduced wing loading, upgraded forward-firing armament, and the capacity to carry bombs up to 1,800 kilograms once relevant in-game tasks are completed.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around piloting detailed aircraft from a strict cockpit perspective. Players manage throttle, flaps, landing gear, air brakes, and trim through direct interaction or supported hardware. The Ju 87 D-5 handles its primary role as a dive bomber through steep descents stabilized by air brakes, followed by precise bomb release on ground targets. Its two 20 mm MG 151 cannons provide forward firepower, while the rear gunner operates twin 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns protected by armored glass. External loadouts extend to additional machine gun pods, cannon pods, or various bomb types including 50 kg, 500 kg armor-piercing, and incendiary options. Flight characteristics emphasize the aircraft's low speed and moderate climb rate alongside solid maneuverability for entering and recovering from dives. Physically accurate flight and damage models govern performance, with outcomes determined by airframe stress, velocity, and environmental factors.
Game Modes
Multiplayer battles place pilots into online engagements across multiple theaters, where human opponents compete in dogfights and ground attack scenarios. Team Death Match and Air Domination represent confirmed formats that populate queues with both players and AI fills when needed. Single-player content includes standalone missions and War Stories that task pilots with objectives such as intercepts, ground strikes, or defensive actions. A Mission Editor allows customization of maps, weather, time of day, aircraft numbers, and engagement types for repeatable practice or experimentation. Custom Battles extend similar options into multiplayer settings, supporting varied historical or hypothetical matchups. Recent updates have added operations like Khalkhin Gol and Tunisia to matchmaking pools and expanded editor capabilities.
Aircraft and Theaters
The Ju 87 D-5 joins a roster of over twenty recreated aircraft spanning World War I and World War II eras. Its design incorporates a highly detailed interactive cockpit with functional controls for radiators, trim, and other systems. Three liveries appear with the aircraft, unlocked through ground vehicle destruction counts. Battles occur on fifteen maps covering Western, Eastern, and Pacific fronts of World War II plus select World War I lines. Crossplay between PC and PlayStation 5 platforms now links matchmaking queues by default, broadening available opponents while allowing opt-out settings.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam stands at mixed, with roughly 57 percent positive ratings from more than one thousand reviews. The simulation rewards precise control and familiarity with individual airframes, particularly suiting those who prefer cockpit immersion and HOTAS setups over arcade handling. Single-player tools and the Mission Editor provide accessible entry points for skill building, while multiplayer emphasizes direct competition. The Ju 87 D-5 DLC integrates into existing progression systems, with its bomb and gun options becoming available after mission completion. Current support includes regular updates that refine controls, add maps to queues, and expand content. Those drawn to realistic dive bombing and historical aircraft will find the focused experience consistent with the game's established flight models. Availability centers on standard and deluxe editions, with the aircraft offered separately.
