Those creative folks at Namco have created another great installment of this classic air combat game. The landscape graphics are more diverse and maintain AC4's realism. The storyboard graphics and animation are captivating as always, but have been weaved a bit too often into the game playing modes.
I was happy to actually see destroyed ship targets sink upon destruction and a diversified aircraft inventory. The replay sequences are longer, but lack the distant camera angle view we saw in "Shattered Skies". This however, does not detract from the enjoyment of the game.
I would have liked to have seen a competition mode with the possibility of using PS2's network adapter, just a thought.
Overall this game is a testament to the continued persuit of excellence by NAMCO, who will hopefully not wait so long before they dazzle us again with another Ace Combat game.
P.S. Namco folks, I hope history's past is not off limits for future games like this.
I have always enjoyed this type of game and I think Namco has outdone themselves once again.
The graphics - Outstanding!!!
The controls - Simple, yet effective.
The storyline - Excellent.
The selection of aircraft/weapons - This has been degraded from Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies... Now each aircraft can only carry one special weapons, I find in particular that the SFFS bomb (Self-forging fragmentation bomb) is ineffective against most targets. Some aircraft don't carry enough weapons to get the job done and some lack maneuverability. Also, planes like the A-10 and F-117 can go faster than they should. For example, according to Jane's Military Jets the A-10 is only capable of no more than 500 knots... I've taken it above mach 1 on some occasions. Also, the F-117 Nighthawk is pretty much useless. It has a very limited payload, lacks maneuverability and the mission timers don't allow for a slow and low approach. Also I've seen the A.I using it as a fighter in several missions, I understand that the actual F-117 carries neither missiles nor machine guns, it's a sneaky bomber through and through.
The only negative thing about this game is that each and every mission has a timer, once that timer runs out (if you haven't met the score requirements) the game ends. Often I'll go through a mission and check my stats, then I end up feeling like I could have done better if I'd had more time.
The things I would do to improve this game are to extend or remove the timers for one, bring back the return-to-base line on the edge of the map but allow the player to actually fly to base and land/refuel/takeoff. I'd do the same for the refueling checkpoints (where you have to dock with a tanker) remove the timers, make the maneuvering process a little more realistic. The missions that let you land afterward are less than desirable too, you have to go in at 200+ knots and pretty much slam on the deck and come to a screeching halt in order to get a perfect score.
All things considered, I would say that this is an Excellent game and would easily recommend it (as well as the others in the Ace Combat/Air Combat series). I've played a lot of games from this genre, and from many different companies. I find that Namco's products blow the others clean out of the water every time!
This is one of the best games in the genre (not a real simulation, but a FUN light-arcade-sim)
The story is very engaging, the music is INCREDIBLE and the graphics STILL look good after 5 years.
I recommend it to all fans of the genre out there.
"I'm new to the ace combat series. I found this game to be enjoyable. Graphics are superb."
"I love this game, i get into it soooo much i forget to go to bed."
