I wanted to enjoy this so much that I bought it twice - first one failed to read past a certain mission due to barely visible scratches, and the second had absolutely scuffed audio but let me finish the damn game. The lengths I will go for the anime plane games...
An absolutely solid entry in the long running flight simulator franchise that is held back by obvious budgetary issues and a lack of ambition that leaves it feeling like little more than an echo of the PS1 entries.
Let's have a little context: Ace Combat 1(or "Air Combat", as it was localised) was a rough, but fun, early release for the PS1. It struggled to rise above other contemporary flight sims such as Warhawk, but was enough to sell and review well, and is altogether a fun time. Ace Combat 2 would then show up and utterly blow it, and all competition, out of the air. Big graphical improvements, branching paths, the hidden Aces in most levels, the escalating scale of the missions, it was amazing. Ace Combat 3 - the proper, Japanese version and not the butchered localisation - was a radical departure that wasn't as mechanically sound as 2, but in its place offered an incredible 50+ missions and full anime cutscenes, with an absolutely ridiculous and over-the-top sci-fi story to boot.
Which is why Ace Combat 4, the first entry on PS2, sadly feels like a bit of an awkward "greatest hits" album, but it's only the barest essence of each game. The game is structured more like 2 - mission briefings from a commander, perhaps a short cutscene or two demonstrating the target, and then just pure action - but also takes a leaf out of 3 with a deeper, more personal story with anime stylings in-between missions - but only in single frames with narration. It's obvious there was a massive budget slash after the ambitious Ace Combat 3 failed to sell very well, and it kinda shows all too often.
The mission design in particular suffers here. As with 3, you have a timer, but this time it's a fixed limit that always counts down, as opposed to counting up with you not getting the best mission outcome if it goes on for too long. Here, it's always counting down, meaning you no longer have the freedom to engage targets at your leisure. It adds some degree of difficulty and realism, but I find it a lot less enjoyable as a result. Furthermore, these missions are only very rarely a case of eliminating specific targets in the time limit - almost all of them are about scoring a set number of points within the time limit.
Here's the fatal flaw: when you have objectives like this, and missions that can go up to 20 minutes in length, PLUS undisclosed secondary objectives that appear in certain missions after the time runs out, and then not have any checkpoints....it can be soul-crushing when you get wiped out during your second objective, only to have to repeat the dull 20-minute ground assault all over again just to get another shot at it.
This lacking mission design never really goes away throughout - the only standout missions are one where you engage an absolute ton of fighters at once, in what is pretty impressive for an early PS2 title, and the final mission. It's a decent finale, but sadly undermined by being a far less exciting version of one of AC2's last few missions. Another thing: the hidden Aces of Ace Combat 2 are implemented, but ONLY if you play on New Game Plus. What the hell? That really should've just been in the missions from the beginning, it's called Ace Combat after all, sheesh.
All in all, I can appreciate Shattered Skies for going back to the more familiar beats of Ace Combat 2, but beyond the story there's not much it does to rise above it like it should. Far too many ground assaults, unspectacular scenery, and a soundtrack that, while excellent, I can't appreciate the same way due to how it was mixed versus the constant plane noises and radio chatter. Very cool and immersive radio chatter, but shush, please, I can't hear these beats.
I do think this game is good, but if you can handle the older visuals I think I'd recommend Ace Combat 2 or 3 over this one. But hey, if you play this one first, you probably won't feel the disappointment I had, so that might actually be the better choice!
An absolutely solid entry in the long running flight simulator franchise that is held back by obvious budgetary issues and a lack of ambition that leaves it feeling like little more than an echo of the PS1 entries.
Let's have a little context: Ace Combat 1(or "Air Combat", as it was localised) was a rough, but fun, early release for the PS1. It struggled to rise above other contemporary flight sims such as Warhawk, but was enough to sell and review well, and is altogether a fun time. Ace Combat 2 would then show up and utterly blow it, and all competition, out of the air. Big graphical improvements, branching paths, the hidden Aces in most levels, the escalating scale of the missions, it was amazing. Ace Combat 3 - the proper, Japanese version and not the butchered localisation - was a radical departure that wasn't as mechanically sound as 2, but in its place offered an incredible 50+ missions and full anime cutscenes, with an absolutely ridiculous and over-the-top sci-fi story to boot.
Which is why Ace Combat 4, the first entry on PS2, sadly feels like a bit of an awkward "greatest hits" album, but it's only the barest essence of each game. The game is structured more like 2 - mission briefings from a commander, perhaps a short cutscene or two demonstrating the target, and then just pure action - but also takes a leaf out of 3 with a deeper, more personal story with anime stylings in-between missions - but only in single frames with narration. It's obvious there was a massive budget slash after the ambitious Ace Combat 3 failed to sell very well, and it kinda shows all too often.
The mission design in particular suffers here. As with 3, you have a timer, but this time it's a fixed limit that always counts down, as opposed to counting up with you not getting the best mission outcome if it goes on for too long. Here, it's always counting down, meaning you no longer have the freedom to engage targets at your leisure. It adds some degree of difficulty and realism, but I find it a lot less enjoyable as a result. Furthermore, these missions are only very rarely a case of eliminating specific targets in the time limit - almost all of them are about scoring a set number of points within the time limit.
Here's the fatal flaw: when you have objectives like this, and missions that can go up to 20 minutes in length, PLUS undisclosed secondary objectives that appear in certain missions after the time runs out, and then not have any checkpoints....it can be soul-crushing when you get wiped out during your second objective, only to have to repeat the dull 20-minute ground assault all over again just to get another shot at it.
This lacking mission design never really goes away throughout - the only standout missions are one where you engage an absolute ton of fighters at once, in what is pretty impressive for an early PS2 title, and the final mission. It's a decent finale, but sadly undermined by being a far less exciting version of one of AC2's last few missions. Another thing: the hidden Aces of Ace Combat 2 are implemented, but ONLY if you play on New Game Plus. What the hell? That really should've just been in the missions from the beginning, it's called Ace Combat after all, sheesh.
All in all, I can appreciate Shattered Skies for going back to the more familiar beats of Ace Combat 2, but beyond the story there's not much it does to rise above it like it should. Far too many ground assaults, unspectacular scenery, and a soundtrack that, while excellent, I can't appreciate the same way due to how it was mixed versus the constant plane noises and radio chatter. Very cool and immersive radio chatter, but shush, please, I can't hear these beats.
I do think this game is good, but if you can handle the older visuals I think I'd recommend Ace Combat 2 or 3 over this one. But hey, if you play this one first, you probably won't feel the disappointment I had, so that might actually be the better choice!
Trades AC3's radical narrative of capitalist critique, post-humanist musing, and internet paranoia for a much smaller story of war and revenge set in something approximating our world. While thematically not nearly as dense, it is still emotionally powerful--Ace Combat's writing is evocative and frequently beautiful, even with an occasionally clumsy translation--creating a complex struggle between the game's arcadey score-attack focused missions and the dehumanizing acts of the violence perpetuated. Sort of like what Spec-Ops would later do, but better and less obnoxious!
This is where the series really settles into what would define it going forward; the slightly-in-the future alternate universe; the absolutely next level Too Good For Life music; the melancholic split narratives juxtaposed between the events played out in gameplay.
It isn't one of the best in the series due to just how stripped down it is (content of the cutscenes rules but the presentation leaves lot to be desired, there is little mission variety, it's awfully short, etc) but also...it's Ace Combat! I love it! Nothing better than wistfully staring up at that deep blue, naive to the horrible truth of those angels dancing in the sky.
This is where the series really settles into what would define it going forward; the slightly-in-the future alternate universe; the absolutely next level Too Good For Life music; the melancholic split narratives juxtaposed between the events played out in gameplay.
It isn't one of the best in the series due to just how stripped down it is (content of the cutscenes rules but the presentation leaves lot to be desired, there is little mission variety, it's awfully short, etc) but also...it's Ace Combat! I love it! Nothing better than wistfully staring up at that deep blue, naive to the horrible truth of those angels dancing in the sky.
I've considered myself to be a fan of combat flight games for a while now, and I have been wanting to get into the Ace Combat series for a long time. Playing AC7 back when that game came out only strengthened that desire. I have been wanting to play Shattered Skies for a while now, and I'm happy to say that it didn't disappoint.
AC04 is considered to be a return to the roots of the series after AC3's mixed reception, and that will be quickly apparent when you start the campaign. A not-too-long story cutscene starts, telling a story from the perspective of a child whose family is killed indirectly by a pilot from the enemies' side, immediately establishing the presence of a future rival to the player's character. After that, a classic AC-style mission briefing begins, and you're flown into the first mission after selecting an aircraft. This will be the norm as you progress through the game, although the story cutscenes only appear after select missions.
The game's structure is simple and unobstructive, allowing the core gameplay and progression system to shine. You can buy new aircrafts and weapons with the points you'll collect after each mission, and the amount of the points you get depends on your performance. The aircrafts you can buy are limited at first, but you'll get access to more as you finish select missions. It's a straightforward and effective system.
The story is light (especially compared to some other games in the series), but interesting enough to make the cutscenes feel rewarding. Again, it's simple but impactful. The perspective of the young boy in the company of the enemy is quite the fun idea, and is well executed.
The game's control holds up very well. You will able to feel the progression of the aircrafts you obtain, as the improvements in speed and handling will be quite noticable. It's not very far off from the newer games in terms of fun factor.
The objectives of the missions have decent variety, although most of the missions are time limit based destructions. The later games in the series would improve on this aspect. Still, it doesn't get too repetitive in a single playthrough so it's not a big deal.
In the normal difficulty, the game has a pretty decent challenge, although it starts out pretty tame in the first few missions. There are no checkpoints in the missions, which will be the primary source of frustration for most people, especially in the later missions that are longer and can introduce new objectives in the middle of the mission. Most of the enemies can be dealt easily, but enemy fighters later on will prove to be harder, especially when you encounter fighters from your rival's squadron, the Yellow Squadron. Overall it's a pretty fair game, but it also can be punishing when you least expect it.
Lastly, the music is pretty decent overall. This game starts the blending of various styles of music in the series, such as rock, orchestral, and latin. The music here can feel a bit samey and one note at times, but it does have great highlights, like Comona (a very energetic rock track) and the track in the very last mission (epic orchestral vocals!).
AC04 is regarded as a landmark title not just in the series, but in the genre it's in, and it's not hard to see why. The "return to roots" theme works spectacularly, as the game showcases what AC games does best: fantastical yet grounded flight combat. Many of the game's individual qualities have been superseded by later games, but AC04's simpler approach to things makes it one of the more easier games to enjoy in the series. It's a classic title that is not to be missed.
AC04 is considered to be a return to the roots of the series after AC3's mixed reception, and that will be quickly apparent when you start the campaign. A not-too-long story cutscene starts, telling a story from the perspective of a child whose family is killed indirectly by a pilot from the enemies' side, immediately establishing the presence of a future rival to the player's character. After that, a classic AC-style mission briefing begins, and you're flown into the first mission after selecting an aircraft. This will be the norm as you progress through the game, although the story cutscenes only appear after select missions.
The game's structure is simple and unobstructive, allowing the core gameplay and progression system to shine. You can buy new aircrafts and weapons with the points you'll collect after each mission, and the amount of the points you get depends on your performance. The aircrafts you can buy are limited at first, but you'll get access to more as you finish select missions. It's a straightforward and effective system.
The story is light (especially compared to some other games in the series), but interesting enough to make the cutscenes feel rewarding. Again, it's simple but impactful. The perspective of the young boy in the company of the enemy is quite the fun idea, and is well executed.
The game's control holds up very well. You will able to feel the progression of the aircrafts you obtain, as the improvements in speed and handling will be quite noticable. It's not very far off from the newer games in terms of fun factor.
The objectives of the missions have decent variety, although most of the missions are time limit based destructions. The later games in the series would improve on this aspect. Still, it doesn't get too repetitive in a single playthrough so it's not a big deal.
In the normal difficulty, the game has a pretty decent challenge, although it starts out pretty tame in the first few missions. There are no checkpoints in the missions, which will be the primary source of frustration for most people, especially in the later missions that are longer and can introduce new objectives in the middle of the mission. Most of the enemies can be dealt easily, but enemy fighters later on will prove to be harder, especially when you encounter fighters from your rival's squadron, the Yellow Squadron. Overall it's a pretty fair game, but it also can be punishing when you least expect it.
Lastly, the music is pretty decent overall. This game starts the blending of various styles of music in the series, such as rock, orchestral, and latin. The music here can feel a bit samey and one note at times, but it does have great highlights, like Comona (a very energetic rock track) and the track in the very last mission (epic orchestral vocals!).
AC04 is regarded as a landmark title not just in the series, but in the genre it's in, and it's not hard to see why. The "return to roots" theme works spectacularly, as the game showcases what AC games does best: fantastical yet grounded flight combat. Many of the game's individual qualities have been superseded by later games, but AC04's simpler approach to things makes it one of the more easier games to enjoy in the series. It's a classic title that is not to be missed.
the sky didnt even shatter
Man, these Ace Combat games are pretty good...
A little bit of storyline with some pretty fun-to-play jet fighting? I'm up for it!
The graphics are pretty solid, player interface is very nice, sound is superb, storyline is kinda sweet, and generally it's a good game, doing a lot with the limitations of the PS2. However, the gameplay and physics are the star attraction to the whole series of Ace Combat games. They're enough to feel realistic while still being accessible to regular non-fighter-pilot folks. Flying around and shooting rockets when you hear the lock sound is awesome. Blasting ground targets is even satisfying. I'm surprised the US Airplane Dudes didn't license the engine and make it a recruiting game or something, honestly. I'm glad they didn't and the fantasy world you play in only uses real weapons and planes instead of real targets. That keeps the game generally enjoyable and worth a second look.
Good job Mobius 1!
Review from thedonproject.com
A little bit of storyline with some pretty fun-to-play jet fighting? I'm up for it!
The graphics are pretty solid, player interface is very nice, sound is superb, storyline is kinda sweet, and generally it's a good game, doing a lot with the limitations of the PS2. However, the gameplay and physics are the star attraction to the whole series of Ace Combat games. They're enough to feel realistic while still being accessible to regular non-fighter-pilot folks. Flying around and shooting rockets when you hear the lock sound is awesome. Blasting ground targets is even satisfying. I'm surprised the US Airplane Dudes didn't license the engine and make it a recruiting game or something, honestly. I'm glad they didn't and the fantasy world you play in only uses real weapons and planes instead of real targets. That keeps the game generally enjoyable and worth a second look.
Good job Mobius 1!
Review from thedonproject.com
I was probably very spoiled starting with Ace Combat 7, but I really can't get behind this title. The story is overly simplistic even for series standards, and I don't think the war is very exciting either. The gameplay is feels very heavy too, which isn't what I like from the series, it just makes tailing enemies not that much fun. The missions are all very short & basic too, no real spectacle like with later entries, outside of the last mission which has great music and a cool setup but is still incredibly basic in comparison to other series final missions.
This isn't a horrible title, but it's been beaten so hard by what came afterwards, and after playing Ace Combat 3, I think its beaten even by what came before, it doesn't have any of the complexity or goodness present in 3, it's actually kinda horrible how much is gutted from it. But it's still Ace Combat, good ol jet gameplay.
This isn't a horrible title, but it's been beaten so hard by what came afterwards, and after playing Ace Combat 3, I think its beaten even by what came before, it doesn't have any of the complexity or goodness present in 3, it's actually kinda horrible how much is gutted from it. But it's still Ace Combat, good ol jet gameplay.
AWACS
<< Mobius 1. Let me schlob on that hog. >>
FRIEND
<< Fox Two! Fox Two! Let me suck your balls Mobius 1! >>
ENEMY
<< Oh no! It's Mobius 1 and his giant goddamn penis! >>
FRIEND
<< I'm serious Mobius 1. >>
REPORT
<< ...It is now 7:40 AM Usea Central Mean Time. >>
AWACS
<< Tank destroyed! Wish you could destroy my asshole right now Mobius 1. >>
FRIEND
<< I'm not kidding around. >>
ENEMY
<< I'm hit! I'm going to die! I have a family! >>
AWACS
<< Cum incoming. >>
FRIEND
<< LET ME SUCK ON YOUR BIG FAT FUCKING NUTS RIGHT FUCKING NOW MOBIUS 1!!! >>
AWACS
<< ... >>
ENEMY
<< ... >>
REPORT
<< ... >>
FRIEND
<< ... >>
YELLOW THIRTEEN
<< Hey Mobius 1. Word around the skies is you got a fat cock ;) >>
<< Mobius 1. Let me schlob on that hog. >>
FRIEND
<< Fox Two! Fox Two! Let me suck your balls Mobius 1! >>
ENEMY
<< Oh no! It's Mobius 1 and his giant goddamn penis! >>
FRIEND
<< I'm serious Mobius 1. >>
REPORT
<< ...It is now 7:40 AM Usea Central Mean Time. >>
AWACS
<< Tank destroyed! Wish you could destroy my asshole right now Mobius 1. >>
FRIEND
<< I'm not kidding around. >>
ENEMY
<< I'm hit! I'm going to die! I have a family! >>
AWACS
<< Cum incoming. >>
FRIEND
<< LET ME SUCK ON YOUR BIG FAT FUCKING NUTS RIGHT FUCKING NOW MOBIUS 1!!! >>
AWACS
<< ... >>
ENEMY
<< ... >>
REPORT
<< ... >>
FRIEND
<< ... >>
YELLOW THIRTEEN
<< Hey Mobius 1. Word around the skies is you got a fat cock ;) >>
I write this letter to you now...
planes rock
The sky got shattered what can I say
Esse jogo não era nada do que eu esperava, era pra ser só um jogo de avião, mas aí no final você está lá ao som de um coral em latim numa das missões finais mais épicas já feitas, fenomenal.
Comecei a série pelo Electrosphere, que, ao menos em tom, parece ser o diferentão do bando. No salto dele pra cá lá se vão a ficção científica, a estrutura não-linear da história e a meditação filosófica da relação corpo-máquina que todos os bons mechas (avião é mecha) tem. Agora estamos no Não-Estados Unidos/Balcãs sendo invadidos pela Não-UE/Ásia; um conflito que, embora fictício e localizado em terras inventadas, usa de aviões muito reais, pra alegria de quem gosta desse tipo de coisa. Essa mescla entre geopolítica mexidão e máquinas de matar da nossa vida real faz bastante jus ao nome do universo da série: Strangereal.
A narrativa de Shattered Skies é interessante: as cutscenes são do ponto de vista de um garoto cuja cidade ocupada você luta pela liberação, porém o protagonista piloto jamais é identificado por além de seu codinome, e nunca demonstra nenhuma personalidade. Ambos estão no mesmo lado da guerra, porém um é inocente e tem que viver com as consequências das ações do outro, para o bem ou o mal. Lojinhas de aviões e armas; quase todas as fases sendo algum modo de score attack, missões cheias de tempo morto e objetivos sem sal; aliados e inimigos não característicos (o avião do antagonista principal é igual o de todos de seu esquadrão). Enquanto as intermissões buscam humanizar todos os lados do conflito, a jogabilidade os despersonaliza. Com toda a relação e troca de figurinhas Nier/Drakengard e Ace Combat, consigo ver bem como isto pode ter sido intencional. Ainda assim, não foi algo que me tocou em certa profundidade, por mais que consiga ver um pouco do que estão fazendo.
Não obstante, voar de vinhão é voar de vinhão. O prazer de ser um vetor ligeirinho com todos os eixos tridimensionais liberados é sempre uma graça, noções arcadey de empuxo e gravidade te impondo um balé, briga entre a natureza e máquinas tão formidáveis - Ace Combat te faz pensar que essa nós vencemos. E esta fantasia a série sabe vender muito bem. O romance do samurai moderno, o piloto de caça: os barulhos, o cockpit, o HUD, os trancos e barrancos de curvas sinuosas entre montanhas e duelos acirrados entre pilotos, que assim como goleiros, se respeitam por terem algo em comum apesar dos lados distintos do conflito - são um certo tipo de doido. Acertando tanto do básico, é difícil não brilhar. Só acho que 04 falhou em engajar e cobrar mais da relação homem-máquina, com fases que são em grande maioria uma chatura com longuíssimas sessões de bombardeamento monótono e poucas dogfights - quiçá um comentário intencional em como a guerra torna o assassinato rotineiro? Não estou vendido na teoria.
No que estou vendido, porém, é na série. Não só pela promessa do Ace Combat Zero ser a soma de tudo que venho gostando, e sim também porque existe uma deliciosa simplicidade viciante nessa série, ademais dos n prazeres mecânicos citados acima. Vamo que vamo pro 5, esses vinhões não vão se voar sozinhos.
A narrativa de Shattered Skies é interessante: as cutscenes são do ponto de vista de um garoto cuja cidade ocupada você luta pela liberação, porém o protagonista piloto jamais é identificado por além de seu codinome, e nunca demonstra nenhuma personalidade. Ambos estão no mesmo lado da guerra, porém um é inocente e tem que viver com as consequências das ações do outro, para o bem ou o mal. Lojinhas de aviões e armas; quase todas as fases sendo algum modo de score attack, missões cheias de tempo morto e objetivos sem sal; aliados e inimigos não característicos (o avião do antagonista principal é igual o de todos de seu esquadrão). Enquanto as intermissões buscam humanizar todos os lados do conflito, a jogabilidade os despersonaliza. Com toda a relação e troca de figurinhas Nier/Drakengard e Ace Combat, consigo ver bem como isto pode ter sido intencional. Ainda assim, não foi algo que me tocou em certa profundidade, por mais que consiga ver um pouco do que estão fazendo.
Não obstante, voar de vinhão é voar de vinhão. O prazer de ser um vetor ligeirinho com todos os eixos tridimensionais liberados é sempre uma graça, noções arcadey de empuxo e gravidade te impondo um balé, briga entre a natureza e máquinas tão formidáveis - Ace Combat te faz pensar que essa nós vencemos. E esta fantasia a série sabe vender muito bem. O romance do samurai moderno, o piloto de caça: os barulhos, o cockpit, o HUD, os trancos e barrancos de curvas sinuosas entre montanhas e duelos acirrados entre pilotos, que assim como goleiros, se respeitam por terem algo em comum apesar dos lados distintos do conflito - são um certo tipo de doido. Acertando tanto do básico, é difícil não brilhar. Só acho que 04 falhou em engajar e cobrar mais da relação homem-máquina, com fases que são em grande maioria uma chatura com longuíssimas sessões de bombardeamento monótono e poucas dogfights - quiçá um comentário intencional em como a guerra torna o assassinato rotineiro? Não estou vendido na teoria.
No que estou vendido, porém, é na série. Não só pela promessa do Ace Combat Zero ser a soma de tudo que venho gostando, e sim também porque existe uma deliciosa simplicidade viciante nessa série, ademais dos n prazeres mecânicos citados acima. Vamo que vamo pro 5, esses vinhões não vão se voar sozinhos.
pure adrenaline
the person that thought filling this game with 10-20 minute score attack missions was a good idea should've been kicked off the team on the spot
bweaaaooooo brreaaaooo boom boom boom pewpewpewpew bweaaaaaaoooo bwaaaaooooooooo
I think I just accidentally blew up a civilian hospital
クリアはしたんだけど、ずいぶんと駆け足でプレイしてしまったのでストーリーの印象に乏しい。もう一度やったほうがいいなぁ。
Not a big fan of the overreliance on score based missions, but it's still ace combat. The story is pretty great, combat is still super satisfying, it holds up surprisingly well for a very early PS2 game, the soundtrack is great, over all I still like it. I just probably would've liked it more if a few of the score based missions were made into standard "kill the target" missions if that makes sense
megalith goes hard
Hot off the heels of Ace Combat 7, I eventually decided that I needed more Funny Plane Game in my life, so I picked up the PS2 trilogy.
Presentation is simplistic, but strong. I'm definitely a sucker for that wireframe aesthetic used across the menus and UI. The narrative was also surprisingly grounded, presented through well-done illustrations accompanied by narration. It was genuinely really cool to hear about the conflict of war from the perspective of an innocent child stuck in the middle of everything, and taken under the enemy's wing. It all lead up to an excellent climax when the "good guys" (you) make your way there and liberate the city. The chatter on the radio during missions is actually well-done. Your CO warns you as you approach designated combat areas, liberating entire areas often gets you praise from the people you're assisting, and crewmate chatter reflects what's actively happening pretty well.
Story and presentation aside, the mission variety left a lot to be desired, if I'm being honest. Again, coming off AC7, but most of what's here is score attack missions with an occasional extra objective. Many of the non-score attack objectives were just kinda forgettable. I also found leaving the combat zone to refill your missiles, special weaponry, and health to be a bit of a cheesy tactic. When the chips were down, I was never a stranger to making a tactical retreat so I could return with the upper hand. The other thing that confused me was the shop. If you don't get high ranks (I actually got S ranks on most of the score attack missions), you'll be strapped for cash. Oddly enough, your purchases don't have to be permanent. You can sell things back in order to get some credits back, but I'm not sure what the point of that is. It really just lead me to be really miserly and end the game with 4/18 purchasable aircrafts.
Maybe I was just hardened in the fires of AC7, but AC4 only took me around 3-4 hours of playtime to beat. The game also refrains from unlocking mission select/free play until after you've completed story mode. There's a bit of replay value in locating and shooting down each level's "aces", but other than that, it's just replaying the missions on higher difficulties and going for higher ranks, and that's not really what I'm here for.
Honestly, I can see the jump in quality going from PS1 to PS2, and I'm sure this was an incredible launch title. It's just a bit too barebones for my taste.
Presentation is simplistic, but strong. I'm definitely a sucker for that wireframe aesthetic used across the menus and UI. The narrative was also surprisingly grounded, presented through well-done illustrations accompanied by narration. It was genuinely really cool to hear about the conflict of war from the perspective of an innocent child stuck in the middle of everything, and taken under the enemy's wing. It all lead up to an excellent climax when the "good guys" (you) make your way there and liberate the city. The chatter on the radio during missions is actually well-done. Your CO warns you as you approach designated combat areas, liberating entire areas often gets you praise from the people you're assisting, and crewmate chatter reflects what's actively happening pretty well.
Story and presentation aside, the mission variety left a lot to be desired, if I'm being honest. Again, coming off AC7, but most of what's here is score attack missions with an occasional extra objective. Many of the non-score attack objectives were just kinda forgettable. I also found leaving the combat zone to refill your missiles, special weaponry, and health to be a bit of a cheesy tactic. When the chips were down, I was never a stranger to making a tactical retreat so I could return with the upper hand. The other thing that confused me was the shop. If you don't get high ranks (I actually got S ranks on most of the score attack missions), you'll be strapped for cash. Oddly enough, your purchases don't have to be permanent. You can sell things back in order to get some credits back, but I'm not sure what the point of that is. It really just lead me to be really miserly and end the game with 4/18 purchasable aircrafts.
Maybe I was just hardened in the fires of AC7, but AC4 only took me around 3-4 hours of playtime to beat. The game also refrains from unlocking mission select/free play until after you've completed story mode. There's a bit of replay value in locating and shooting down each level's "aces", but other than that, it's just replaying the missions on higher difficulties and going for higher ranks, and that's not really what I'm here for.
Honestly, I can see the jump in quality going from PS1 to PS2, and I'm sure this was an incredible launch title. It's just a bit too barebones for my taste.
<< Mobius 1 engage >>
I'm sorry, but the mission design in this game is too god damn bland for me to even bother finishing it
I stopped at mission 17 which, whilst near the end and I could've just finished it, I felt like I was wasting my time
I stopped at mission 17 which, whilst near the end and I could've just finished it, I felt like I was wasting my time
fucking unbearable but you have to respect the animated ponderings and musings on war that interlude each awful plane combat encounter.
so this is what jet games play like.
Fuck you Dennis, any day, any time, I will give your teeth to the Federal Reserve and beat your ass in this game.
greatest ace combat game of all time. there is no other ace as cool as mobius one. Mobius One, engage
God I love video games
Le ha sentado genial el salto a ps2 a la saga, es una animalada lo bien que funciona todo mecanicamente, lo bien que se ve y las posibilidades que debió abrir el cambio de generacion para la saga es algo que no me esperaba con este juego. La ost es una pasada y la historia es simple pero efectiva
I definitely was expecting something a bit more like ace combat 3 in terms of story when I first played this, and I am definitely not a crazy ace combat lore buff so I can't really comment on the deeper meaning of the war in the story, but I can say that this game is a neat little dogfighting game. The missions are varied enough to keep things interesting and the gameplay is tight enough to be fun. mobius 1 go brrrrrr