Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2001
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 154 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 154
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 154
  3. Negative: 11 out of 154
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  1. Rodrigoalcassas
    May 1, 2023
    10
    The best Ace Combat in the franchise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  2. AdrianOst077
    Jan 9, 2023
    8
    Namco outdid themselves with this game. They certainly pushed the PS2's capabilities and gave us a solid Ace Combat game and a solid entry to the PS2 era. A lot of stuff was done right in this game over the previous 3 games, the jet controls were improved a lot in my opinion, controlling the jets had more feel and was smoother compared to AC3. The ability to return to base to repair yourNamco outdid themselves with this game. They certainly pushed the PS2's capabilities and gave us a solid Ace Combat game and a solid entry to the PS2 era. A lot of stuff was done right in this game over the previous 3 games, the jet controls were improved a lot in my opinion, controlling the jets had more feel and was smoother compared to AC3. The ability to return to base to repair your jet and replenish your ammo supply is also very good. Dogfighting can be tough but gives the player a fair challenge. Mission layouts were slightly improved, they still had the same "go fly over there and destroy this and that" sometimes, but now it more relies on a "points system" where different enemies are worth different amount of points when destroyed and you have to reach a certain threshold within a time limit to complete the mission. It was nice to get a mix of the old style and new style of missions. Missions were made longer as a result and often had 2 parts with mission updates after completing the first part/task of a mission, which gave the player more game time, unlike AC3 giving the player also more game time but that's because you had to deal with the weird flying mechanics and the stupid missions towards the end of the game.

    All in all, AC4 is a solid entry to the franchise. Also worth mentioning that this time all regions got a full fledged story which adds character and emotion to the game, making the missions feel like they have more purpose and development over the previous 3 games. I like the whole story between Mobius 1 and Yellow Thirteen being narrated by a spectator of the war.    … Expand
  3. VanCan72
    Apr 4, 2021
    9
    Easily one of my favorite games on the PS2 ever. With a story that starts you off on your heels and working to gain more and more ground in a mounting conflict in a large scale war. The game has lots of tension, the 18 missions on display start from trying to gain a little bit of ground and bases, to destroying off shore oil rigs, to clearing a path on the ground in a valley, all the wayEasily one of my favorite games on the PS2 ever. With a story that starts you off on your heels and working to gain more and more ground in a mounting conflict in a large scale war. The game has lots of tension, the 18 missions on display start from trying to gain a little bit of ground and bases, to destroying off shore oil rigs, to clearing a path on the ground in a valley, all the way to taking out a giant super weapon. The missions are varied and have a lot of tension in them as pressure starts to mount, and a mission can go south very suddenly which requires you to weigh your options on your payload before taking off. And the story is presented in a very creative way, presented through the eyes of a civilian who befriended an enemy pilot and the things he saw as a result of your actions in the missions. The graphics aren't the best, especially with things on the ground like buildings, but with a game like this its honestly not that big of a deal, especially with how fast paced the game is, there isn't a whole lot of time to take a second and look around.… Expand
  4. frederik1478
    Jan 19, 2021
    8
    I have a theory you can review and ace Combat game from how good you think the music is ,For me the music was amazing and I listen to it everyday I bicycle , Can feel feel at this is the first ace Combat game on PS2 it feels kind of over sensitive sometimes , Cutscenes are some of the best in the series which is weird when is mostly just anime seems but the Story tales is amazing , MyI have a theory you can review and ace Combat game from how good you think the music is ,For me the music was amazing and I listen to it everyday I bicycle , Can feel feel at this is the first ace Combat game on PS2 it feels kind of over sensitive sometimes , Cutscenes are some of the best in the series which is weird when is mostly just anime seems but the Story tales is amazing , My favourite song in the game is Comona… Expand
  5. Y0G0
    Jan 8, 2021
    9
    One of the most underrated and best game in my opinion, The story-telling and the style is brilliant according to the game launch, I had a few issues with the physics/controlls with some planes, but nothing really annoying (I played with normal mode) And the AI it's a bit difficult, even on normal mode so i recommend you to be very skilled trying to shoot down a plane!
  6. borcean
    Dec 25, 2020
    0
    game developers and producers do not deny even this is a **** game Where in war times saw timer either aviation war iron land war or naval war the timer has been exceeded by never because it is exaggerated small weapons are not actually can not advance not at all It's not worth playing this garbage better missing something like that You can't slap him on the cheek American aviation nothinggame developers and producers do not deny even this is a **** game Where in war times saw timer either aviation war iron land war or naval war the timer has been exceeded by never because it is exaggerated small weapons are not actually can not advance not at all It's not worth playing this garbage better missing something like that You can't slap him on the cheek American aviation nothing else I don't do that if I were in charge because you don't have a stopwatch when you fight a foreign enemy the only goal is whispering to beat him not to compete with him to beat him and for that you don't need a stopwatch you have to have Wikipedia to help you what in this game is not it happens to revolve around enemies without even pulling light forms Nae and the like. There is no war if your colleague does not help you and leaves you prey to the enemies. if I was in charge of the American Aviation, he forbade you this game and the one who developed this game should not develop games his life because that would have been a rest in the memory of those who fought with aviation and not only that is done in other games which is not where you can deal with a stopwatch not something like that because the enemy invites you continuously depends on How I manage to catch the enemy does not depend on the stopwatch does not exceed you straight line that arrives first on arrival Here it is which also wins here and we were looking for the meter together than in the sick minds of the developers there will probably be a stopwatch that always ticks you know it's… Expand
  7. JamesDrawsThngs
    Aug 14, 2020
    9
    While Ace Combat 3 introduced features that would set the standards for the rest of the AC series, AC4 was the big game-changer. This was the series' big Sixth Generation debut, launching shortly after the release of the PS2, while also adding a few touch-ups. Not only was this my first AC game, It was one of the first games I ever played on the system...and I was absolutely miserable atWhile Ace Combat 3 introduced features that would set the standards for the rest of the AC series, AC4 was the big game-changer. This was the series' big Sixth Generation debut, launching shortly after the release of the PS2, while also adding a few touch-ups. Not only was this my first AC game, It was one of the first games I ever played on the system...and I was absolutely miserable at it. My closest experience with flight games up to that point was Star Fox 64, but that game certainly didn't require the level of skill and precision needed for Ace Combat, so sadly I wasn't able to fully appreciate it as a kid. When I got older, however, and decided it to give it another go, I immediately fell in love with the game, and it helped to kick-start my love for the series.

    While the series started providing a heavier emphasis on story back in AC3 (at least in the Japanese version), one of the biggest additions in AC4 was the creation of it's own alternate universe called Strangereal, a setting which would become the basis for future games in the series. The story is told from the perspective of a man recounting the days of a devastating war he gets caught up in, and reacting to not only the enemy forces (the Eruseans) that occupy his city, but also the actions and consequences caused by you, the player. It's a very well-told and interesting story, with characters that aren't just blatantly evil. Hell, the narrator even hangs out and befriends a few of the opposing forces. One of the enemy ace pilots in the game, codenamed Yellow 13, has a real sense of honor to him. He's not interested in showing off his incredible kill count or trying to impress anyone. He's just doing his job. He prides himself on never losing a wingman, and yearns to face an opponent in battle that is worth a damn (a.k.a you). As the up and coming pilot Mobius 1, you'll need to push back against the Erusean forces and basically save the world by the end of it.

    The core gameplay of AC4 is fundamentally the same as previous entries. It's an arcade-style flight sim where you pick your aircraft, set to the skies and complete the objectives of the given mission, whether it be destroying all primary targets or getting a high enough score before time runs out. For each scenario, you'll need to pick and choose which aircraft is right for the job. AC3 was the first in the series to make full 3D analog movement the standard, and that same great feeling of control is improved here thanks to the game running at a buttery smooth framerate. Regardless of what you choose, each of the planes feel immensely satisfying to control. One of the most rewarding parts about the game is just being able to master the levels; pulling off all kinds of advanced techniques and maneuvers to become a real ace of the skies. Of course, the biggest difference between this game and the previous three is its jump in visuals. The game looks absolutely gorgeous for its time, and even as an early release on the system, it's one of the best looking PS2 games around. Holding up just as well is it's stellar sound design. The roaring howls of jet engines, the crashing explosions caused by a missile, the authentic voice chatter, and the phenomenal soundtrack all help to make playing through this game even more satisfying.

    That isn't to say it doesn't have a couple of blemishes. The biggest issue being this game's lack of check points. This isn't so much of a problem for levels where the only requirement is to destroy all primary targets (the final mission being an exception), but when you get to score attack missions that can last nearly half an hour that can be frustrating. You can be at the very tail end of one of those missions, but the moment you screw up and either die or don't reach the score threshold, you gotta re-do those 20+ minutes all over again.

    it's very easy to see why AC4 is one of the most popular games in the franchise. It polished an already winning gameplay formula and helped to create a new universe that would give Ace Combat its defining characteristics. It's not simply on of the best games in the series. AC04 is one of my personal favorite games period. It's a must play.    … Expand
  8. Mobius118
    Jun 20, 2019
    10
    Best game ever made. The plot is perfect, it holds up in graphics for its time (even now) and the gameplay is the best ever known. By far the most amazing game of all time.
  9. Lewis-Angelo
    Jan 15, 2019
    9
    Ace Combat 4 es el verdadero paso adelante de la saga
    una banda sonora brutal, una buena historia, la motivación constante de Mobius1, jugabilidad a prueba de bombas

    excelente progresión, buen desbloqueo de aviones, y una rejugabilidad infinita
  10. Gigabiter
    May 3, 2018
    10
    This game was ahead of its time and comes with some of the best soundtracks the series has ever conceived.
  11. fullypr3load3ed
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    A very good game with great flight controls, customization and an engaging story. The only thing that is holding it back is the outdated graphics but that's expected. Rumor says they are remastering it and when they do I would 100% suggest picking it up.
  12. aspentitan
    Jan 20, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mnnnn. Well I know i'm going against the grain here but I don't really see why this game is still so hot today in 2017. Like the Indiana Jones movies they can be runined by realizing that actually Indiana Jones himself could have been removed from the movie and it would have played out the same. I feel this game is much the same in fooling people. It did a fantastic job gimmick tricking everyone into thinking its a pretty advanced game but in my opinion its not: The enemy AI is nothing special the planes just fly in circles at different speeds. The guns on the planes are very minimal and limiting such that missile use is 100% necessary and guns are almost just for crowd pleasing that they are there. No real fun dogfighting here. The missions extend without warning hoping to catch you off guard so that you are challenged to fail and try again extending gameplay. If you catch on you just bomb stuff, head back and refuel and bomb stuff again this game is pretty simplistic. All these things are awesome gimmicks. I will admit the game was worth playing but i say a 7 is plenty high for me. I didn't watch the cutscenes much it sounds like many people enjoyed the whole story but for me i was after the plane controls and i think the plane AI without question seems like this game was made about 2005.… Expand
  13. Drakej24
    Jan 15, 2016
    9
    Ace Combat 5 is an epic installment in the fight simulation genre. Even after more than 10 years the graphics still hold up to the test of time.The story is exceptional, and variety of aircraft to choose from ensures you have an aircraft for every occasion. If you are a PS2 collector, or an aircraft enthusiast, definitely pick this up wherever you still can.
  14. homer4president
    Mar 25, 2015
    10
    The photo realism must be seen first hand to be believed, screen shots and movie clips found around the net cannot describe half the beauty that this game is. The graphics, consistent frame rate, and responsive controls successfully creates an immersive environment of flight. There are times where I would ignore the mission objectives and fly at incredible speeds, low to the ground,The photo realism must be seen first hand to be believed, screen shots and movie clips found around the net cannot describe half the beauty that this game is. The graphics, consistent frame rate, and responsive controls successfully creates an immersive environment of flight. There are times where I would ignore the mission objectives and fly at incredible speeds, low to the ground, amongst snow-capped mountains. One word: Bliss.… Expand
  15. emlugo123
    Feb 23, 2015
    9
    One of my favorite games from the PS2. Still looks good for an early PS2 game. Each plane is unique and controls are easy to get used to. The story itself is also unique and its a shame that they took this element out of the new Ace Combat Games because honestly the story is what really made this game.
  16. Eliminator105
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    It is truly a master piece. A game with an amazing story, game play, music, graphics, and easy to use controls. It is one of the unknown games that not many people know. This makes me a little sad to hear.
  17. DGDrocks7
    Feb 15, 2013
    9
    It's been 10 years since I got this game. Yet every year since, I always find time to play this game. Sure, I play games like Battlefield and Call of Duty today, but this game will always be hold a special place in my gaming library. Graphics were stunning in its time, almost on par with MGS2 (released in the same year). And gameplay, it defines fun. Of course, when you play it for tooIt's been 10 years since I got this game. Yet every year since, I always find time to play this game. Sure, I play games like Battlefield and Call of Duty today, but this game will always be hold a special place in my gaming library. Graphics were stunning in its time, almost on par with MGS2 (released in the same year). And gameplay, it defines fun. Of course, when you play it for too long, it gets boring (like any other game). But after a couple days (or maybe hours), when you pop it in again, it feels like a new game. If you still have a PS2, or a PS3 that plays PS2 games, go find this game. You won't regret it. Should it be released on the PS Store, buy it. If they ever release an HD remake, buy it.… Expand
  18. Shika
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    The gameplay lacks, there are simply too many missions where the objective is "score x amount of points in y amount of time". It gets a bit tedious, however thankfully this is not every mission and some inspired missions are added in like one based on D Day, the gameplay is very much in touch with the arcade roots and some of the planes are a bit too roller coastery at times. The somewhatThe gameplay lacks, there are simply too many missions where the objective is "score x amount of points in y amount of time". It gets a bit tedious, however thankfully this is not every mission and some inspired missions are added in like one based on D Day, the gameplay is very much in touch with the arcade roots and some of the planes are a bit too roller coastery at times. The somewhat lacking mission variety is balanced out by the amazing storytelling and fun missions thrown in, The story is told only in pictures paired with dialogue and missions. The slideshows really show how simple a concept paired with good voice acting and exceptional writing can make a great story, you don't need animations and cutscenes. The main character, Yellow 13, has depth and you really get a feel for who he is by the time you fight him in the final mission. It also sets up the stage of the war and the town, having the feeling of an occupied town during WW2. Seeing the characters on the ground in cutscenes gives the locations life, to the point where while flying overhead you really feel as though you're affecting the local population. The final mission isn't anything too complicated, but it's built up so much by in game dialogue that it still feels as though you're at the climax of the war. Less melodramatic chatter compared to 5 really gives it a more mature feel. Flawless story paired with some good gameplay… Expand
  19. The1stGodfather
    Feb 13, 2012
    9
    The graphics aren't the best. That's inevitable. But as long as you don't crave the absolute best graphics, this is a phenomenal game. The missions are engaging and aren't different versions of the same goal over and over again. But what really never seizes to amaze me is the incredible story-line. It gives a great look at what war is really like. It gives an inside look at the civiliansThe graphics aren't the best. That's inevitable. But as long as you don't crave the absolute best graphics, this is a phenomenal game. The missions are engaging and aren't different versions of the same goal over and over again. But what really never seizes to amaze me is the incredible story-line. It gives a great look at what war is really like. It gives an inside look at the civilians in towns that have been victimized by wars. It shows that the enemy in war thinks the exact same thing of us as we think of them. They think we're the trigger-happy murderers. They aren't bad people in many cases. They are simply people who have views, opinions, and actions that conflict with us, and so we respond with violence. Of course, there are people like Bin Laden and Hitler who really are horrible people, but in this game, that's not the case. What also makes it unique is that it doesn't take the violence lightly. It doesn't make it seem fun to kill all the time, like C.O.D. and Battlefield do. It shows how war breaks hearts, kills innocent civilians, and we aren't necessarily the good guys. For example, the cut scene in which they say that Yellow-13's pride doesn't come from his kill record, but from his record of never losing a squadron member, shows that the enemy isn't a gun-toting demon.… Expand
  20. JacobH.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    One of the best games iv ever played.
  21. AlexE.
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    I have played this game many times and would recomend it.
  22. MarioN.
    Jun 26, 2005
    10
    If not the real thing, this is almost.
  23. GregC.
    Aug 16, 2004
    8
    It took six hours to beat, that includes breaks. Tons of fun while it lasted though...
  24. NateW.
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    Have you ever gotten the urge to fly an F-15 into enemy airspace to clear the skies? Do you see those jet pilots on the news and say "I want to do that!"? Look no further than this game. The physics are so accurate and the sounds soo realistic that you'll feel sorry for those little buggers you just sent to hell. If you get this game turn the sound way up, your niebours will think a Have you ever gotten the urge to fly an F-15 into enemy airspace to clear the skies? Do you see those jet pilots on the news and say "I want to do that!"? Look no further than this game. The physics are so accurate and the sounds soo realistic that you'll feel sorry for those little buggers you just sent to hell. If you get this game turn the sound way up, your niebours will think a jet just made a "flyby". This is the ultimate Jet Fighter Sim EVER!… Expand
  25. JeremyC.
    Nov 11, 2003
    9
    One of the best games that I have seen on PS2 excellent graphics (even though it is now 2 years old) and intriguing gameplay. From flying head on toward enemy F-22 fighters to flying in low in a massive assault against the enormous fortress 'Stonehenge' Ace Combat 04 is the most fun I've had in any flying simulator up to date. This game is revolutionary also in that you are One of the best games that I have seen on PS2 excellent graphics (even though it is now 2 years old) and intriguing gameplay. From flying head on toward enemy F-22 fighters to flying in low in a massive assault against the enormous fortress 'Stonehenge' Ace Combat 04 is the most fun I've had in any flying simulator up to date. This game is revolutionary also in that you are not simply moving in an empty void as many flight simulators call for instead there is an intricate variety of terrain beneath your plane which offers great oppurtunity for low flying bombing runs. This game is excellent.… Expand
  26. JeremyC.
    Nov 11, 2003
    9
    One of the best games that I have seen on PS2 excellent graphics (even though it is now 2 years old) and intriguing gameplay. From flying head on toward enemy F-22 fighters to flying in low in a massive assault against the enormous fortress 'Stonehenge' Ace Combat 04 is the most fun I've had in any flying simulator up to date. This game is revolutionary also in that you are One of the best games that I have seen on PS2 excellent graphics (even though it is now 2 years old) and intriguing gameplay. From flying head on toward enemy F-22 fighters to flying in low in a massive assault against the enormous fortress 'Stonehenge' Ace Combat 04 is the most fun I've had in any flying simulator up to date. This game is revolutionary also in that you are not simply moving in an empty void as many flight simulators call for instead there is an intricate variety of terrain beneath your plane which offers great oppurtunity for low flying bombing runs. This game is excellent.… Expand
  27. Uter
    Aug 16, 2003
    6
    It's more of a rental than a purchase.
  28. Robert
    May 23, 2003
    10
    By far the best flight sim out now. Beat the game 5 times so far under each difficulty setting... ACE still remains. GREAT multiplayer as well.
  29. DavidS.
    May 2, 2003
    10
    A really solid game in every sense, not just the graphics, sound, gameplay which are all top quality. There's also an underlining feel good factor. The game builds you up and the story which points you towards the showdown with yellow 13. Excellent can't wait for number 5!
  30. JacobC.
    Apr 17, 2003
    10
    Great graphics and adrenaline rush makes this game so good you can't put it down.
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS2 Game of 2001
13
#13 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
15
#15 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Its gameplay isn’t revolutionary, and a couple of its missions get a tad tedious, but Ace Combat 4 sure looks pretty, which is half the reason flying buffs play these air-combat games anyway. [Dec 2001, p.234]
  2. netjak
    88
    This is probably as close as a game is going to get to realistically portray what it’s like to get behind the helm of a fighter jet and waging battle in the air. Even though the game is over a year old and at a measly $20.00, Ace Combat 4 is a must have for the Playstation 2.
  3. TotalPlayStation
    90
    The best flight game ever made.
    Read full review
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