Ahh... flying 25,000ft in the air, locking on to a hostile aircraft, and letting rip the guns of war. Beautiful.
Theres nothing that beats the arcade style of Namco's Ace Combat : X.
The aircraft detail is stunning, at 2000FT, to 20,000FT, and as you press the circle button on the deep tone which proclaims a lock on, a huge array of sound as the missile fires, and suddenly a milliseconds later, explodes in the face of the target aircraft.
The game-play is closely replicated from the PS2 version, but this is defiantly NOT a port! Lots of aircraft to unlock, and you can even select parts for it, eg: a minoutor engine, or V wing.
It will keep you playing for over 40hours, as you will be immersed and drooling at the sight of the Fenrir (one of the most powerful aircraft in the game), and so you MUST complete the game on ACE difficulty to unlock that metallic beauty. There are paint jobs to unlock for every single plane! and loads of parts to purchase, even special weapons!
The difficulty is just right,but for some ACE combat veterans it will be fairly easy, (although thats what the ACE difficulty is there for). Ace Combat : X has a very solid all rounded difficulty, welcoming for the typical newb, and the deadly experienced ACE veteren. The good:
> Lots of things to unlock. Eg: planes, parts, paint jobs, special weapons.
> Choices that you make can change the mission for the better or for the worse.
> Stunning graphics and lighting effects.
> Your decisions affect the mission.
> Replay mode, for seeing that missile evasion from a different angle.
> Replays are savable.
> Ad Hoc mode
The bad: > Can take some time to get used to the controls.
> Ground can look like cheesy satalite image with 3D objects placed there for more realism
> Frustrating at times.
> No wingman commands.
I recommend this game to anyone who is a combat flight sim fan, or just a normal flight sim fan, action fans, and people who want a good solid over 40hours playtime game.