Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception

"PSP’s X only musters half of Ace Combat’s potential"

Namco really brought out the best in Ace Combat when it was on the PS2. Both 5 and Zero, it will easily earn a spot in my top games list. Ace Combat X for the PSP feels very much like a caged game when compared to its previous titles. Be it the graphics, controls, and overall presentation, it comes off as an average effort on Namco when compared to the scale of 5 and Zero.

Graphically the game isn't as detailed as the PS2, and given that it is on a handheld system, it's understandable. Flying through canyon ravines the textures get so muddy that you can't tell if you're going to make it if you pull out of a hard drop (most often you won't). Framerate is pretty set at 30fps, and it's not that bad. The highlight of the sunlight hitting the water on the horizon is nice, but it's offset by the dithering smoke, fog, and missile trails. It's still very good effort, but to me it's a mixed bag.

Presentation is very reminiscent of the Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies, right to the anime style cutscenes and narrator. Its does its job, but it's nowhere near the scale of 5's story, or Zero's presentation. The music follows 4's techno style.

Gameplay is average, and those of you used to the PS2 controls will need some getting used to. The PSP's analog stick is hard to get used to, and if expert pilots require rudder controls, then you're definitely out of luck- the default controls don't allow for simultaneous rudder and yaw/bank maneuvering. The buttons on the right side also need getting used to especially if you're accustomed to the analog button sensitivity of the PS2 games- the PSP doesn't have any. The map controls are even awkwardly placed onto the Select Button which makes viewing the map a difficult task; you might as well leave the map open to medium zoom. The new strategic portions of the briefing are a nice addition and will give a lot of new breath in which mission you choose.

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It might not seem fair that I'm always comparing this game to its predecessors so much, but Ace Combat's legacy and popularity is largely attributed to its powerful presentation, storytelling, and gameplay; something that X doesn't seem to reach. I'm not saying it's a bad game at all, and I still recommend it for hardcore fans, and the PSP is currently the most suitable handheld system for it, however my heart would be disappointed if Namco continues to pursue Ace Combat on handhelds without giving the reins back to consoles, limitless mise-en-scene and cinematography, where Ace Combat belongs.

It's still better than all of the combat flight sims on handhelds out there, but PSP's X only musters half of Ace Combat's potential.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/31/06