thorswolf's Full Review: Ace Combat 5 for PlayStation 2
You have to understand that I thought there was no way in heck that anyone could outclass Ace Combat 4. I had played that game repeatedly at many levels, and the level of intensity and the graphics were nothing short of great. So when I rented Ace Combat 5, it was with expectations that the game would be pretty much more of the same. Boy, was I wrong!!
First, the graphics are nothing short of breathtaking. Whatever view you decide to use (inside the cockpit, chase view, etc.) The improvement on the previous version is marked, especially the terrain and weather. For example, one of the missions calls for a flight into the arctic circle, the snow you encounter seems so real, you may just get chills.
The sounds are also quite good and there is a noticeable difference between the sound from inside the cockpit and the sound from outside with a different point of view. Why would improvements in sound and video be such an important aspect? Well, you have to remember that we're talking about a Playstation 2 game, here. The platform hardware, while flexible, is rather old (and being replaced by the PS3). To come up with such improved graphics and audio is nothing short of spectacular. While you will see some pixelation (especially on a big screen TV) the frame rate is very smooth.
A bit more realism was also injected into the planes and their weapons. While players of Ace Combat 4 will feel comfortable with the planes' load-out, gone is the opportunity go back to base to re-arm, you must complete your missions with the load-out you started with, and I have many times run out of ammunition with vital targets still left to destroy. In short, plane selection becomes very important, and a knowledge of the capabilities of each platform is important. Thankfully, the screen that allows you to purchase new planes (once you have gained enough credits) gives you a much better explanation as to the capabilities of each plane and its special weapon than in the previous version.
All planes come equipped with 50 air-to-air missiles, but the special weapons vary in accuracy, target profiling and destructive power. The air-to-air missiles seem to require that you be a lot closer to enemy planes before lock-on occurs. These missiles also seem to be slightly easier for the enemy to beat than in the previous version of the game. Furthermore, the air-to-air missiles seem to have a limited front-aspect tracking cabability, and it is possible to shoot an enemy "in the face". As with the previous version, most enemy fighters will require two missiles to destroy, whereas helicopters and small craft only require one.
As to the special weapons, they range from small and large dumb bombs, to smart bombs, to napalm, to rockets, to extended range air-to-air missiles. About the latter, I much prefer the new "semi-active" version of the missile as compared to the "fire-and-forget" long-range missiles of the last iteration of the game. While this missile is fired, one must keep the targeted plane within a circle on the screen or the missile will lose its lock. Very tough when you have an enemy on your tail intent on your destruction. It is to note that, like the enemy planes, your own plane can usually absorb one missile hit and still continue to function.
As far as the plane controls go, all the planes seem to "feel" very much the same. While, in real life, an A-10 will never fly like an F-18, the differences between the planes are blurred except for their their defensive capabilities. In real life, no A-6 ever carried air-to-air missiles. A Tornado fighter/bomber should have zero chance against an F-15 fighter. But this is the world of video games after all, and I'm being picky.
One of the most likeable facets of Ace Combat is its reliance on a storyline to introduce the various missions you will face. In Ace Combat 5, we follow the adventures of a squad of fighter jocks based at an island air base. Peace has reigned for 15 years since the last war, when a surprise attack from the Yuktobanians, erstwhile allies, plunges us into all-out war. The "movies" between each mission are great, the animation is realistic although the voice-acting is a little over-the-top. Each "movie" provides a great introduction to the upcoming mission, while moving a parallel storyline along. Big kudos on that.
One of the great improvements of the game is the ability to communicate (in a limited way) with your squadron. Gone are the days where you're on your own in battle. As you climb the command ladder to squadron leader, you can instruct your wing mates to attack, scatter and engage, or to cover your "six". A further refinement allows you to pass those commands to your flight instructing them to use their special weapons. This is the greatest improvement in the game and requires the player to use much more thought. As you are now responsible for picking the planes for your entire flight, you have to get the mix of planes and weapons just right. Some missions require some very fast thinking indeed, and I found one missions in particular, the rescuing of a squadron mate, to be very difficult without the right airframes and weapons, and totally impossible without relying on the intervention of your wingmen. The use of the radio to order my squadron around was therefore essential to successfully complete this mission.
Another welcome addition is the increased use of the "Mission updates", which can wreak havoc with your decision on airplanes. One mission that required me to defend an airport against enemy airplanes had me selecting a great air-to-air platform. Once the bogies were cleared, a mission update sent me to do a little air-to-ground work, where I failed miserably because of the planes I'd selected for my squadron. Selecting a good "all-around" platform is usually the best choice... but not always.
Ovevrall, I found the game to be a marked improvement over the previous one, which was already a tough act to follow. That Namco was able to go in new and unexpected directions is refreshing, and maintains the series' primacy as the one to beat in PS2 aerial combat games
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