Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is the best part of the Ace Combat series yet, particularly thanks to the Dogfights.

Namco Bandai has showed that air combat games can be as thrilling and spectacular as first-person shooters. Every wargame fan should give the game a try, even those who have never tried a flight simulator game, for its great new gameplay features.

Overall, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is an excellent diversion from most modern military shooters which take place, you know, on the ground.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon offers lots of action and diversity and leaves Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. behind.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon proves that the franchise still delivers quality after all these years.

The first Ace Combat game on the PlayStation 3 does not disappoint. On the contrary, Namco Bandai delivers an incredibly satisfying game with an engaging storyline, a lot of variation and most of all: a huge amount of equally spectacular and accessible dogfights.

If you've been looking for an entryway into the flight combat genre this is a great place to start, and if you're already a fan, Assault Horizon has something a little bit different to offer you that you can definitely appreciate.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon provides frenetic gameplay and a funny arcade action experience with its blockbuster presentation and great multiplayer side.

In real-life, dog fighting is an elite, Darwinian art form. Here it's often the digital equivalent of school kids running in circles with paper planes, screeching "Nuh uh! I shot you!" [Dec 2011, p72]

There's not much to gripe about. Sure, some missions have a tendency to drag after you've just downed what seems like your 152nd jet. The generic plot also carries all the emotional clout of tumble dryer instructions. But these unfortunate quibbles never truly sour the flight.

The change in direction, tone, and atmosphere paid off and the groundwork that has been laid should revitalize the series. There are some blemishes but if you have the Ace Combat itch this will scratch it.

Ace Combat Assault Horizon is a really fun game. The dogfights, the really cool online mode and the helicopters are great additions, make this a need to buy game for every aspiring pilot.

The fun factor absolutely cannot be denied, as the Dogfight Mode will bring you hours of white-knuckle, ultimately rewarding entertainment. The control is tight and accessible to all, the variety of two distinct flight types adds plenty of flavor, and the challenge is just about right.

It's a good all-around package, but I expect that it will sneak under the radar now that the fall release season is in full swing. It's a shame because the single-player is every bit the addictive sugar rush that Modern Warfare is, and it's handsomely produced to boot. It's the perfect palate cleanser for a game like Dark Souls, which is the diametric opposite in terms of mood and gameplay. After being lost in a dungeon for hours on end, sometimes you just want to jump into a jet fighter and blow stuff up for a while. And in that regard, Ace Combat fits the bill perfectly.

Assault Horizon can be a frustrating experience at times, but when things are going to plan - when you've waited to the very last second to pull off an evasive manoeuvre or taken out two bogeys at once with a few well placed missiles - you'll be left with an intense feeling of satisfaction.

Genuinely exhilarating dogfights. [Dec 2011, p.97]

For about an hour Ace Combat: Assault Horizon will feel like the most exciting game you've ever played. [Issue#211, p.90]

There's not too much post-game content, but the story mode is plenty of fun and multiplayer modes are a nice diversion.

While certainly still needing some improvement, Project Aces is drawing closer and closer to a perfect Ace Combat game. With improved visuals, a fun dogfight mode and strong online play, there is a lot to be happy with when it comes to Ace Combat Assault Horizon.

Dogfights are exciting, the helicopters are interesting (though underdeveloped), and the real world setting and story ground the game in reality.