Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation-Fly the Unfriendly Skies
December 13, 2007 | Filed Under Game Reviews |
Just when you thought the skies had become overcrowded with air combat games, along comes Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation on a sortie to clear the way for gamers of all skill levels. This release from Namco Bandai will replace all of those old dogfights you have grown weary of with graphics that are as convincing as any we’ve seen recently. By employing either a perspective from inside the cockpit or a nose view, they have heightened the experience immeasurably. Each craft looks so well detailed that you would like to compare them side-by-side with the real thing. And the appearance of the skies is so well realized that you might find yourself distracted slightly as you engage the enemy. Vapor trails from other planes, smoke from explosions, and the landscape below are all authentic and relevant visuals.
Music soundtrack and audio effects are right on the money. The excitement builds parallel to the music as you swoop and swirl around enemy aircraft and the sound effects are close enough to make you wince. Some of the communications filler could stand a little tweaking but it doesn’t distract from the missions on which the whole game is based.
Two modes (Novice and Normal) give you a chance to learn some of the controls easily and then you can start on a mission. You can summon support from the ground and other aircraft as you gain strength from kills. Most of the shooting is point and shoot but you will need to learn how to lead a target to be effective. Some targets will actually tell you when to shoot onscreen. Multi-player online modes are well done with Siege Battle probably the best while Battle Royale gives you the chance to surge ahead of your playing partners.
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation is a great addition to the legion of console and sim games already out there but will probably have more staying power because of the great details in the planes and the landscape.
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