The player takes on the role of Dee Dee, a skilled female pilot who starts out smuggling whiskey to Allied forces but eventually joins the fight against the Axis armies. The campaign spans from 1941 to 1945 and takes her to Africa and Europe. During this time, she also participates in World War I missions through flashback sequences that tell the story of her father.
Gameplay involves flying various planes, including British, German, and Russian aircraft, with the objective of completing mission objectives such as escorting bombers, protecting ground troops, and engaging in dogfights. The player earns points by destroying enemy targets, which can be used to upgrade their plane's endurance, agility, or leadership.
Missions vary in nature and require the player to use different tactics, including machine guns, bombs, and rockets. Some planes have limited ammunition, so it's essential to conserve them. The game also features a quick mission select mode, allowing players to choose from various combat scenarios, locations, and weather conditions.
The game can be played in either a behind-the-ear or first-person view, depending on the player's preference. Overall, Air Conflicts: Secret Wars offers a unique blend of strategy and action, with a strong focus on realism and historical accuracy.