[3][4] The game garnered positive reception from critics and reviewers alike who praised the presentation, pseudo-3D visuals, sound design, controls and gameplay.

Its multiplayer support received unanimous praise but the single-player offering was noted to be one of the title's negative points.

[7][8] A variety of options can be altered to aid in shooting down enemy planes, including turning on unlimited ammunition and altering how much damage the player's aircraft can take until it explodes and players can also choose their preferred style of play for the plane before starting.

[15] Computer and Video Games reviewed Warbirds in their August 1991 issue stating "There isn't a lot of variety to the gameplay but what's there is good for a while."

Throw in true simulator realism, a variety of options, and the ability for four-player competition, and the sum is greater than its parts.