Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Published by: Namco Developed by: Namco Genre: Flight Action Release Date: US: October 24, 2006 Japan: December 30, 2006 Europe: November 17, 2006 Australia: November 16, 2006 I have been a fan of Ace Combat from the first time I played it in 2002. The title was Ace Combat 5, and was set in the future, about 2012. The Ace Combat franchise started in 1996 and up until its first release on the PSP, it had made successful six games. Each successive game seemed to out do the previous in terms of control, story and fun. Like the previous titles, the game puts together politics, air fighting, a variety of usable planes and even some scientific ideas into the mix and delivers a game for the masses. It is however, very much unlike the previous titles, as it deviates from the main storyline, instead focusing on the warring factions of Aurelia and Leasath. Since it is 2020 in the game, you expect an increase in scientific knowledge and some advances, many of which are depicted throughout the game. You are nicknamed ‘The Southern Cross’ as you are supposedly the best pilot of the Gryphus Squadron. Even though your code name is Gryphus 1, everyone, even your enemies, refer to you by your nickname. So what do they need an ace pilot like you for? Well, Leasath has invaded several cities in Aurelia, and it’s up to you to lead a bunch of rookies to claim back your country. It's a barrel roll, not a rick-roll Obviously, most of the game-play takes is mission-like, pitting you against rugged fighters and bomber planes. Each mission is unique and the missions you choose determine the outcome of the game. After completing a chapter of the game, a cutscene appears where you narrate what consequently happens due to your actions. So the breakdown of the game begins now. In campaign mode, you tackle missions given to you as stated above. Many missions require you to destroy targets, escort targets or provide cover fire for you army troops to infiltrate enemy buildings. Not only does that sound awesome, but you have to battle, by yourself, a flying fortress. It goes by the name of ‘Glepnir.’ You apparently have some beef with the Glepnir as it wiped out the rest of your original Ace squadron. Now the Glepnir is a really sophisticated piece of equipment. It is a fortress transporting thousands of people, but it also has the most deadly weapon known to man: the Shock Canon. It is attached to the base of the fortress, and decimates anything that is below its altitude, regardless of position. If that’s hard, try defeating it while it is invisible, as it does have the ability to cloak itself. So thinking that you have defeated the game, you are surprised to be attacked by enemy fighters. These fighter are the Fenrir, who also have the cloaking ability, plus improved speed, weapon storage and even looks to name a few. So you, ‘the Southern Cross,’ is called into action yet again. After finally defeating the Fenrirs, you are able to proclaim victory over the game. Target locked and... Fire! As expected of any game nowadays, there has to be an achievement system. Here you may achieve medals for destroying enemies with the machine gun, beating the game on a certain difficulty or even total kills. Which reminds me, this game is based on killing, so how do you kill and with what? All planes have missiles, and machine gun bullets. An incorporated from the previous games, is the ability to purchase weapons for the specific plane. At various points in the game, you will also be able to purchase planes, acquire skins for them, an even upgrade various categories such as controls, braking, wings, automatic gunfire and even auto-locking on the HUD. What’s not lacking in the game is graphics. In this aspect, it looks just like its console siblings. There is no way the PS2 graphics look as crisp as this. The camera angles can shift between first person, to behind the cockpit, to third person. Each of the angles portrays the scenery in a magnificent way. The best detailing of the game is the planes themselves, as they are a perfect scaled down model. Also notable is the background, where many things are present, such as buildings, clouds and even the celestial bodies at night. These are a marvel to the eye and are clearly a work of art. The downfall of the game is its lack of wireless play. There is only Ad-hoc play and is really a disappointment again on the part of Namco. Though you can play Dogfight against your best friend in the same room, nothing beats fighting against or Co-oping with someone in another state or country. Don't play with matches... Scores: Presentation: As usual this is amazing. Great menus, interesting storyline and amazing detailing make this game a must-play for the PSP. 8/10 Graphics: The environment looks great, planes are immensely detailed, crisp and clean are the menus, but cutscenes look like comic books. 8/10 Sound: Each stage has a specific battle sound, and it fits each mission well. Special effects are amazing, and menu music is noteworthy as well. 8/10 Gameplay: It’s just like the previous titles, ‘shoot them planes down.’ Easy controls make this a great transition from console to handheld. 8/10 Lasting appeal: Loads of mission, achievements and alternate storylines make this game addictive. Major disappointment is the lack of wireless play. 8/10 Total: Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception receives 40 out of 50. Not flying around aimlessly, the target is in the bottom left corner Closing Comments: It’s a lovely game that I think every PSP owner should at least try. It brings nostalgia to the veteran console players and is easily adaptable for newcomers. The story really grabs you and literally puts you in the driving (or flying) seat to make a difference. Don’t let this opportunity pass you up… Happy gaming – dmac154
I don't normally like flight sims but Ace Combat has always been fun. Nice review. Wish I had a PSP to play it on. :-\
What? I never posted on this one? Well, anyway, I never really liked flight simulators (but with missiles and stuff, hmm...I'm gonna have to look into it) I'd much rather have the expensive joystick with 1000 buttons and force feedback, just like a real flying machine! Too bad the PSP doesn't vibrate and randomly flip over and stuff. I noticed a lot of PSP games don't have infrastructure mode and it's no surprise to me. Since you don't pay for online for PSPs, the servers are run just off of whatever money they get from people buying their game. Servers die quickly so there is no point in putting online if it isn't going to last long anyway. Plus, it cuts costs on making the game since they don't have to design the game for online play. Great review.
Its really silly how namco didn't set up a server. I see it this way: the more people who buy this ace combat game will play online. Then if there is an eventual release of another Ace Combat game then more people will purchase it, in turn making both the gamer and the company happier. Of course several confounding variables still exist in my theory.
That also works, but businesses usually only worry about financial factors in the present, not speculated or predicted revenue. For anything that cuts costs, they will jump on it. Jump on it! Jump on it!
Nicely put together Dmac. I too love the Ace Combat series. I've played and cleared this one BUT my real fave is ACE or ace combat electrosphere for the psx. I just love the anime storyline / mission branches / characters / soundtrack. All flipping awesome. BTW Did you have waaaaay much more FUN taking down the Gleipnir than the microwave boss fortress like me??? +rep for writing it dmac.