Ace Combat
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Ace Combat is an arcade style flight/combat simulation video game series published by the Japanese company Bandai Namco Games. Although set in fictional countries, many details are similar to real-life wars, such as the Persian Gulf War, the Cold War, and World War II, and feature actual present day aircraft, but also fictional ones, especially flying fortresses. The first three titles were released on Sony's PlayStation platform, while three subsequent titles were released on the PlayStation 2 (Ace Combat 4, Ace Combat 5 and Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War). One title, Ace Combat X was released on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform and another title, Ace Combat 6 has been recently released on Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform.
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[edit] Games
[edit] Playstation
[edit] Air Combat (1995)
The first installment in the series, it was released as Air Combat in the North American and European markets, but the original Japanese title of Ace Combat was used for all sequels.
[edit] Ace Combat 2 (1997)
This introduced the fictional continent of Usea that would feature in most sequels.
[edit] Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere (1999)
The third sequel was played off in a more futuristic setting featuring futuristic planes that were not well received by some. The game appears to be set in the same world as most other games in the series. The Japanese version of this game is very story-driven, featuring 52 missions, multiple endings, and anime-style characters. However, in the North American and European versions, this story was mostly cut out, reducing it to 36 missions and a much more linear storyline. Consequently, this game was generally well-received in Japan, but met much criticism elsewhere.
[edit] Playstation 2
[edit] Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies (2001)
Also known as Ace Combat: Distant Thunder in Europe or abbreviated as AC04, it was the first sequel for the PS2 platform. This title was a big improvement, due to this console's improved processing power and its ability to render more detailed graphics. It was well received by many primarily for its gameplay, well-told narrative, and its beautifully rendered graphics.
[edit] Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (2004)
Also known as Ace Combat: Squadron Leader in Europe or abbreviated as AC5, the graphics were further improved mostly in the depiction of afterburner flames, missile contrail, explosion effects and trees. It also offered 32 missions in campaign mode and more than 30 missions in an arcade mode (which was a direct sequel to the story of AC04), many more than the 18 missions of the previous title. Although in practice, most of these arcade missions were shorter than the multi-staged missions of AC04. Ace Combat 5's other major additions included a simple wingman command system where the player could give orders to other members of their squadron. Aircraft had to be purchased not only for the player, but also for his/her wingmen.
[edit] Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (2006)
Also known as Ace Combat: The Belkan War in Europe serves as the prequel to Ace Combat 5 and explains in further detail the fictional Belkan War that preceded the events of Ace Combat 5 by 15 years. This is the first game to feature rival aces and their interviews on their experiences with the main character. It is also the first game to feature three ace styles (Mercenary, Soldier and Knight) which can alter the missions you play, the aces you fight and how your allies & enemies react to your fighting style.
[edit] Xbox 360
[edit] Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (2007)
The latest installment in the series, this entry boasts of a new "Dynamic Operation System" whereby massive battles unfold in real-time on a "living battlefield," as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can break out at any time at multiple locations. The game is also notable for being the first in the AC series to include options for online play, which is available through Xbox Live. Players can choose from a variety of game modes, including classic deathmatch and team-deathmatch. Players also get the chance to play in co-op mode. This title (Japanese: "Kaihô he no Senka") is exclusive to the Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform (however is Rumored of being Re-Released for Microsoft Windows).
This installment into the Ace Combat series has boasted the most realistic experience of jet fighter combat ever. Not only with the aspect of a "living battlefield" but the attention to detail that has gone into the construction of the various jets themselves. [1][2]
[edit] Playstation Portable
[edit] Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (2006)
This is the first title in the series for Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform. Set in 2020, the player is a pilot in the Gryphus Squadron of the Federal Republic of Aurelia, who almost single-handedly defends the country from the invading forces of Leasath. The game offers 31 missions (including alternate missions and the special mission) and wireless ad hoc play for up to 4 players.
[edit] Game Boy Advance
[edit] Ace Combat Advance (2005)
This is the first and only title in the series for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld console.
[edit] Title differences
The Japanese Ace Combat was renamed Air Combat in the North American and European releases.
In NTSC territories, the fourth installment of the game is known as Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies, while in PAL territories the game is known as Ace Combat: Distant Thunder. Another change was done in the Spanish version of the game, being renamed Ace Combat: Trueno de Acero, that can be translated as Ace Combat: Steel Thunder. The fifth installment of the game is known as Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, while the PAL release was renamed Ace Combat: Squadron Leader. In PAL territories, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War had a slight rename to Ace Combat: The Belkan War making it the first game since the series introduction to not have a significant name change in PAL Territories.
It is unclear why PAL versions of the game have different titles, although it is surmised that the number is removed from recent installments to keep continuity.
The PAL territory boxart for Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation has kept the same name and has included the number, the only difference between it and the other boxarts is the illustration. [3] [4]
The PlayStation 2 games offer 16:9 anamorphic widescreen images and scenery (to be activated in the options menu).
[edit] Music
The Ace Combat series is known for its dramatic soundtrack, particularly in later installments of the game where full-blown orchestras, such as the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, are used. Each installment of the series usually uses one style of music as the basis of its soundtrack:
- In Air Combat and Ace Combat 2, the music is heavily influenced by rock and gained popularity with fans of the genre.
- Ace Combat 3 uses a electronic soundtrack similar to that of Namco's Ridge Racer series, but with more focus on atmosphere and dissonant synth instruments than electronic beats.
- Ace Combat 04 mixed orchestra, guitar, and synth tracks.
- Ace Combat 5 also uses mixed orchestra, guitar, and synth tracks composed by NAMCO's in-house sound team, and features the song "Blurry" by Puddle of Mudd, as well as several orchestral performances by Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Ace Combat Zero uses similar techniques to Ace Combat 04 and Ace Combat 5 but incorporates a Spanish flair through the use of classical, electric, and even acoustic guitars.
- Ace Combat X uses electronic music similar to Ace Combat 3, although it maintains the more cinematic synths from the Playstation 2 games as well.
- Ace Combat 6 is the most orchestral soundtrack to date, and is similar in style to Ace Combat 5 and Zero. There is significantly less electronic elements throughout the score, although they have not been removed entirely - remaining for several key tracks, including one of the game's two overtures, "Fires of Liberation" (The second theme, "Liberation of Gracemeria", does away with the core electronic elements almost entirely, marking only the second time this has been done in the series, the first being "The Unsung War" - the title overture of Ace Combat 5). Several soundtracks were done by Trinity Boys Choir and Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Ace Combat official website
- Ace Combat 6 official website
- Ace Combat 5 official website
- Ace Combat series at MobyGames
- http://acecombatskies.com/ Ace Combat wiki
- http://acecombat.wikia.com/ Ace Combat Wikia
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