Namco’s last Ace Combat was a little dry when the story was axed from the U.S. version – not to mention the graphics engine running a tad on empty. But all is fixed with Ace Combat 04 – Shattered Skies. There’s a dramatic war story and fantastic scenary, and the trademark Ace Combat arcade gameplay is more solid than ever.
The Ace Combat 04 storyline is seen through the eyes of a boy caught in war. His home – and his parents – were destroyed by enemy planes, specifically a plane with a Yellow 13. Between missions players are treated to still anime cut-scenes that lay out the story. It’s more effective than it sounds and does a good job in keeping your interest.
AC04 doesn’t take gameplay to new heights – it’s still standard Ace Combat dog-fighting – but the missions are more creative. Players will need to rack up a certain number of points in damage to accomplish certain missions. There’s also a mission where players have to weave through a canyon to dodge a barrage of enemy attacks. The missions are more difficult than AC fans are used to, but not so hard that missions are impossible. A cool new extra is the missile cam. Simply hold onto the circle button to fire a missile and watch your puppy destroy a rival aircraft.
What is taken to new heights are AC4’s graphics and sound. Every single element is very realistic – i.e., planes, skies, ground detail. Mission replays look like actual flight footage.
There’s awesome sound to be heard in AC4. Namco went to Hyakuai Japanese Self Defense Base to record actual jet engines and afterburners and it shows. Individual aircraft sounds are distinct from one another and is a perfect compliment to the visuals.
There are quite a few aircrafts to use in AC4. Aircrafts include an F-5, F-4, F-16, F-14, A-10, MIR-2000, F-22, and SU- 37. More aircraft unlock as more missions are accomplished.
AC4 gets high marks for presentation. Every menu has a futuristic look and makes you feel apart the fictional storyline. There’s even a two-player dog-fight mode to keep the action flying outside one-player missions
Ace Combat 04 is a great flight package. The gameplay doesn’t fly past previous efforts, but the rest of the game soars.
