Ace Combat 2

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Jul 31, 1997
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  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]
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  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.
  5. Electric Playground
    90
    There has not been a flight combat sim released on any console system that can even come close to the quality and value of this title.
  6. Gamezilla!
    85
    This game has some of the most simplistic controls and easiest flying system around. Outstanding graphics and intense gameplay make this game fun that will last for a while.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    The highly acclaimed sequel to Namco's arcade-style flight sim. [Jan 2004, p.188]
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  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Gaming Maxx
    66
    I was truly amazed by how much fun this game actually is. The planes all look amazing, the action is exciting, and it is an admirable attempt to bring high-flying antics to the Playstation... That said, it's the very simplicity of the gameplay that scuppers the game, as it is at times far too easy.
  11. 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!

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 61
  3. Negative: 3 out of 61
  1. Shika
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    Ace Combat 2 really pioneered the arcade flight genre and was clearly the best at its time and still shows today, it's almost funny to see howAce Combat 2 really pioneered the arcade flight genre and was clearly the best at its time and still shows today, it's almost funny to see how many things implemented in modern Ace Combats and other titles in the genre exist in this game from 1997. This game is great, the gameplay is solid, plane selection is good(mainly just for looks, besides looks the only real difference is maneuverability), and the mission design is excellent, but the music is really what blows you away while playing this game, some real classics. The story is a standard arcade setup, you're in charge of killing bad guys, not really anything else. It makes up for it with some seriously good mission design, even games today could learn a lot about variety and layout from AC2, it constantly throws in out of the box ideas that live to this day. The one thing that really hasn't aged well is the movement of planes, it can sometimes be hard to tell exactly how you're angled in comparison to buildings and the ground, but for the most part it isn't an issue. The game is about 4-5 hours to beat, with 21 missions in all, some taking 2 minutes to beat and some taking 12. The plane physics can feel a bit odd, they have some basic gravity physics,but sometimes the movement of the plane can feel a bit odd and not being able to move the camera really detriments the game. Amazing music, some of the best level design, awesome variety… Full Review »
  2. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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