Ace Combat 2

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Jul 31, 1997
Ace Combat 2 Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

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  • Summary: We've devised a weapon that's deadlier than a smart bomb. It's called a smart pilot. Now, Ace Combat 2 pits you against a whole squadron of them - 3-D polygonal jet jocks that maneuver like the real deal, turning every scorching sortie and dogfight into a kill-or-be-killed situation. WithWe've devised a weapon that's deadlier than a smart bomb. It's called a smart pilot. Now, Ace Combat 2 pits you against a whole squadron of them - 3-D polygonal jet jocks that maneuver like the real deal, turning every scorching sortie and dogfight into a kill-or-be-killed situation. With nearly double the missions of its predecessor, you'll double your chances of taking out the enemy. (Or taking a heat-seeker up the exhaust.)… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Games Domain
    100
    Bottom Line: Palm sweating in your face explosive action that will please both Rookie and Veteran flight sim pilots. Some of the most exciting and realistic dogfighting you'll ever experience in a PSX game. Ace Combat 2 contains the right mix of realism and arcade action to equal absolutely outstanding fun.
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Sure, "Ace 3" has better graphics, and sure, there might be a little more variety in the missions. But the laughable challenge level in "Ace 3" makes it hard to recommend it over its older brother. [Nov 2001, p.38]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. IGN
    90
    Ace Combat 2 possesses some of the cleanest polygons ever to grace the PlayStation. This game possesses fully rendered levels ranging from submarine infested oceans, to anti-aircraft plastered canyon trenches.
  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    The highly acclaimed sequel to Namco's arcade-style flight sim. [Jan 2004, p.188]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GameSpot
    75
    Sure, there are a lot of levels, but most of them are very easy. The result is a great game you'll be done with in about two days.
  6. All Game Guide
    70
    While Ace Combat 2 is loads of fun, it can get a bit monotonous. Essentially, the mission objectives are all the same (blow up the enemy) and this could lead to some boredom. If you look into this game, be sure to play it in moderation -- play a few missions a day and then give it a break for a while.
  7. Computer and Video Games
    50
    Flying through a city at night has to be the graphical pinnacle of the game and squeezing between two buildings while flying at a high speed is also a great thrill, especially if you can survive it!

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  2. hocineDZ
    Oct 20, 2020
    10
    Fantastic arcade game with great guitar soundtracks and cool gameplay, the fighter jets design is well made everythin looks polished and niceFantastic arcade game with great guitar soundtracks and cool gameplay, the fighter jets design is well made everythin looks polished and nice but the main campaign is very short… Expand
  4. D.D.
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    Best game ever.
  5. Alkecyrax
    Nov 20, 2022
    10
    Ace Combat 2 is one of the most fun games I've played. The controls are good, the graphics are nice and the missions aren't difficult. If youAce Combat 2 is one of the most fun games I've played. The controls are good, the graphics are nice and the missions aren't difficult. If you like military themed games then this game is for you.… Expand
  6. brothers54321
    Jun 5, 2016
    9
    This game was the start of everything for me. My dad went into the Air Force with the dream to one day become a pilot. While that neverThis game was the start of everything for me. My dad went into the Air Force with the dream to one day become a pilot. While that never happened, the PlayStation 1 promised him a chance to experience that feeling behind a screen with Ace Combat 2. This was the console my family owned when I was born and this game was the first I'd ever play. I remember I was 4 when I saw my dad staying up late one day playing this game and he offered to let me try. I was hooked. As a PlayStation 1 game, the game looks good. It's an upgrade from the original, but by today's standards it's obviously dated and hasn't aged as well as other games of its time have. However the combat is timeless and to this day can still be a thrill for anyone wanting to experience what it might be like to be a fighter pilot. There are a total of about 15 missions with some that you get to choose between. Where one might give you more money, it is also more difficult and every time you are shot down or crash, you have to pay for a replacement jet, which might not make it worth the risk. The music is strong for a game like this, really adding to the overall feel of the game. The story is there, but it is not really the focus. Essentially you are an ace pilot tasked with stopping a coup of rebel forces from gaining power. While it's simple in nature, it's simplicity actually adds to the gameplay, as in real life, a soldier's job is to defined his nation and follow orders. You don't really need a special story to make this game. It's the gameplay that counts and this game will still make you feel like an ace fighter today with tight, realistic controls and radio chatter between your allies that adds for a nice touch. The biggest complaint would be that this game is relatively short, as the missions take about 5-15 minutes to beat each making the game somewhere around 4-6 hours long. But the replay value is there between the well designed missions that are a pleasure to revisit and the missions you didn't choose on your first play through. In short this game is a fun classic for anyone looking to expand thier PlayStation 1 library that I would highly recommend for anyone who has wanted to know what a dogfight feels like. While there are other games in the series equally as fun and the dated graphics may off-put some, this game will always have a special place in my heart and again I'd still recommend it.… Expand
  7. escograu
    Dec 13, 2015
    9
    This is my first dive into Ace Combat series and it's really awesome. Although this is from '97, gameplay still gave a lot of fun even today.This is my first dive into Ace Combat series and it's really awesome. Although this is from '97, gameplay still gave a lot of fun even today. If you want some pure arcade dogfights and nothing more, this game is exactly for you.… Expand
  8. Thisgameisterrible
    Nov 4, 2005
    0
    I dont like this game at all, not because of the graphics, but becaue of the control you have over the planes.

See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS1 Game of 1997
5
#5 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1997