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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Gustavo
    Apr 3, 2002
    9
    The only reason that I didn't give a 10 to this game is that for real players (the one's who had the playstation one, beat almost all the games and bought a ps2 for the final revenge!) this game is a little too short. But it's a great great game and it's definetely worth the money. P.S I'm from Brazil!!!
  5. ZiggyStardust
    Aug 13, 2002
    8
    Ace combat 4 is a nice flight sim with an engaging story beind it. the explosions look lame and so does the ground when you get close to it unfortunately. it takes a little too long to get through the various interfaces and playing as well. otherwise the game is very good. cool that when you beat it a bunch of new modes are unlocked. it's probably best suited to flight sim fans though.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Uter
    Aug 16, 2003
    6
    It's more of a rental than a purchase.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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!
  16. Mobius1
    Mar 22, 2002
    10
    This is the most truly awesome game I've ever played. The messages like, DIE, YOU S.O.B!, or THEY'RE DESPERATE!, are just hilarious. The graphics are fantastic, and the sounds are totally realistic! Put a Rumble Pak in and it's like you're really there! Dudes (or dudettes), you haven't lived until you've played this game!!!
  17. RobertO.
    Mar 6, 2002
    10
    Excellent game, Amazing attention to detail right down to the variable intake ramps on the F-15s . Truly impressive all speed brakes flaps and cannons are all correctly located (save the F-117 which has a gun but shouldn't.) A+ FOX-1 NAMCO!!!
  18. JacobC.
    Apr 17, 2003
    10
    Great graphics and adrenaline rush makes this game so good you can't put it down.
  19. AlexE.
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    I have played this game many times and would recomend it.
  20. MichaelF.
    Jan 11, 2002
    10
    This is the first ever flight sim game i've ever bought and I have to say it will probably will be the best i'll ever buy too. Unless of courses Namco comes out with Ace Combat 5. I highly recommend this game to everyone out there in cyber space and who own a PS2 to spend the money and purchase Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies.
  21. EricC.
    Oct 2, 2002
    9
    Ace Combat 4 is to flying games as Gran Turismo 3 is to racing games. Fun to play again and again, excellent graphics, easy control, and even a surprisingly good storyline makes this game one of the reasons your happy to own a PS2. Definately a must-play!
  22. JayA.
    Jan 25, 2002
    10
    This game is truly terrific!!!
  23. JustinJ.
    Feb 12, 2002
    10
    This game is the best jet fighter game out there.
  24. DavidW.
    Feb 24, 2002
    10
    Challenging. Good graphics.
  25. TetsuoH.
    Feb 4, 2002
    10
    Right off the bat, the graphics blew me away. The plot, which was surprisingly deep for a flight sim was awesome, and the controls were perfect! I felt like I was getting combat from the adrenaline! Definitely worth buying.
  26. Yellow13
    Mar 11, 2002
    10
    I have heard people say many things about the playstation. A lot of people that I hang out with hate the playstation and they never even tried it. I gathered all of those doubters over my house one night. 2 of them I know for a fact don't like flight sim games very much at all to begin with by the way. Sat them in my living room in front of my 32" TV. Dimmed the lights, turned on my I have heard people say many things about the playstation. A lot of people that I hang out with hate the playstation and they never even tried it. I gathered all of those doubters over my house one night. 2 of them I know for a fact don't like flight sim games very much at all to begin with by the way. Sat them in my living room in front of my 32" TV. Dimmed the lights, turned on my surround sound, and fired up the PS2 with Ace Combat 4 in it. From the word go they where impressed. The flight sim haters took a little bit longer, but by mission four everyone was screaming "BANK LEFT!" and "MISSILE COMING! DUDE WATCH IT!" And my personal favorite "Dude what are you doing? Under the bridge!? AHHHHHH!!!!!!" after about an hour or so of player Vs player, We called it a night (I opted after a few games to not play since I whooped everyone so bad since they never played before), and I asked them if they had anything to say. All but one person said they thought the game ROCKED, and was surprized at how real the replay screens looked and how intuitive the controls where. Most said they thought the actual game play was incredible and sucked you into it right away. So what did that other person say that was different? Well he was the one who hated the PS2 the most so what he said next was really the best... "So how much is a Ps2 these days anyway? Can I still get Ace combat 4 in the stores?" I think that said it all, if it didn't, the next week when he called me, asking how to beat the final mission in the game was. Run do not walk, and buy this game. P.S. the way the cutscenes are handled in my opinion was not only elegant but, well, I can't really express how cool it was. With all these 3d CGI cinimatics on other games, who would have thought that a simple watercolor slide show with voice overs and sound effects could capture my imagination the way it did. Namco once again...THANK YOU!!!… Expand
  27. JosephB.
    Mar 24, 2002
    10
    The only reson I gave it a 10 was I couldn't give it an 11. This game is AWESOME!! The grafx are the best I have ever seen. Although the "hard" difficulty setting is not very chalenging, if you beat it, the "expert" level and the "ace" level are nothing short of real life dogfighting. One missle can shoot you down on the "ace" difficulty!
  28. JosephB.
    Mar 24, 2002
    10
    The only reson I gave it a 10 was I couldn't give it an 11. This game is AWESOME!! The grafx are the best I have ever seen. Although the "hard" difficulty setting is not very chalenging, if you beat it, the "expert" level and the "ace" level are nothing short of real life dogfighting. One missle can shoot you down on the "ace" difficulty!
  29. AnT.
    Jun 26, 2002
    10
    This game is why I ever bougt a PS2 - it the best graphic I've ever seen...
  30. NathanielD.
    Aug 19, 2002
    10
    This is one of the few games presently existing that makes you feel warm and tingly all over. Visually stunning, easily used controls, and just about the best flight sim to date. The games graphics are probably what get you the most, there so real it's frightening. you can see whisps of clouds as you gain altitude. The only thing more real is joining the air force.
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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.
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