Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

"I have no interest in planes, yet this game is one of my favorite games."

This is my seventh review, which will gladly be on Ace Combat 4. One of the best games I have ever played on my PS2.

It all started at blockbuster one day. I saw this game and decided to go for it. You know, haven't played a aerial combat game... Well, ever. I took it home and played it. I wasn't turned on at first how the story was presented. But god, did it ever catch on to me fast. I was sad when I had to return it. But I was very happy to find out it became a greatest hits title and was now a budget title. So I ran out one day and grabbed it, then played it long into the night. Anyhow, lets get into more depth here.

Main Details

Alright, first things first. It's a flight combat sim. The only one I've ever played. Thus I can't compare it to anything else. Not that I feel that anything else can grasp the feel of this game. You are a pilot called “Mobius 1" But the story at first seems to have nothing to do with your missions. This game holds one fond memory with me. Playing the game late into the night and beating it. It's on my top ten game list. I don't know where in that list it is, but it's not far behind the Metal Gear Solid games.

Gameplay

As always, this is the major and most important thing to a game. Well, not being an aircraft wiz I can't say how accurate the planes are. But I can say how smoothly they move. You do feel like you are in total control of this plane. Before each mission you'll get a bit of story and a briefing on the mission. Then you can choose your plane and then pick your secondary weapon. Which depending on the plane can be a better air-to-ground missile, or a better air-to-air missile. You will have less of your secondary missiles then your main missiles. Which you can shoot two at a time. Each mission will have you either destroying a base or defeating a group of aircraft. Each mission is done in such a way you don't feel like you're doing the exact same thing each level, which is truly amazing. Being you are doing the same thing each level almost. I must admit it took some getting used to flying these planes. But it's a small learning curve, nothing you'll not get used too in a half hour or so.

Graphics

These graphics are simply amazing. I mean AMAZING. You can see the sun reflecting off the aircraft, there is this level where there is a huge amount of fog. To a level that takes place only in night. To a level that is in a bright sunlight. There is not two levels that look alike. The only bad part of this game is when you get real close to the ground it looks bad and ugly. But that isn't that big of a deal.

Music/Soundtrack

Amazing, simply amazing. From the title/ending song. To just the music that plays during missions. It is simple, let dramatic enough when it needs to. It pulls off just the right effect. You simply can't get annoyed at this music. Unless you have the crappiest taste in music, *cough* Newer/Gangster Rap *cough* You feel emotion from the music. It moves you. It just adds so much when you hear the music during the last mission, it adds a lot to the later missions.

Story

This is the part that gets me every time. The way the story is in two places. One of man telling a story of when he was a little boy during the war. And you, this guy, Mobius, who isn't anything else besides you. You feel like you are him. You feel like you are saving the world. Not like you are simply controlling someone who is doing this. On the last mission. If you don't feel something, I don't know what kind of person you are. I will say this it this is the only game I have ever felt like this too. It gives me such a warm feeling, and makes replaying it worth while. I would buy the game just for the story. Hell, it could be a stick figure walking around, but if it made me feel like this, I'd get it. It's good to pass up.

Rent or Buy?

Buy, I don't even care if you are sure you like this or not. If you are considering getting this game, buy it. It's only $20, and I'm sure you can find this at EB or something for less then a rental. It's a worthy addiction to anyone's PS2 game collection.

Closing

This game makes me feel happy.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/04