The graphics options are surprisingly sparse. However, don't be fooled by the lack of graphical options, as we'll see later Crimson Skies is a very pretty game. Instant Action is a familiar beast. All the options are accessed via drop-down menus. Several squadrons of enemy fighters and bombers can be introduced and factors such as their skill, aircraft and number can be decided.
Missions vary between simple dogfights, stunt flying and attacking a Zeppelin.
In the instant action menu the player can alter the aircraft default loadout and even redesign a new fighter. Each aircraft has a default number of guns of varying caliber and a set number of hardpoints for unguided rockets. But the damage each inflicts can be changed by choosing different ammunition. The standard round is a slug. Explosive rounds increase the damage somewhat.