That Namco president Takeo Takasu was bemoaning the cost of modern games late last year should offer some clue as to why the formerly Sony-exclusive Ace Combat is no longer an exclusive. When you need to shift 500,000 copies just to turn a profit, installed base is king; which makes the announcement that this - the eighth (count 'em!) game in the Ace Combat series - is coming to 360, no real surprise.
Equally unsurprising (but still intriguing) is the news that with a whopping set of online modes topping the list of new features, number six is going to be quite at home on Xbox Live. Unveiled so far is a requisite all-against-all Deathmatch mode for the 'I, me, my' types, Team Deathmatch for the tactical 'no-I-in-team' sorts and a co-op mode for tea-sipping civilised folk - all of which is backed up with online leaderboards and downloadable content support.
MISSION POSSIBLE
The solo campaign's new Dynamic Mission system promises battles on a grander scale than ever, with objectives that evolve based on your actions - taking on different sub-missions will result in new targets emerging, the idea presumably being that every play is unique. Should you get overwhelmed, your wingmen can be called upon for support, directing their fire wherever you point them.
Opening up the game to plane fetishists and fight noobs alike, Ace Combat 6 also offers both arcade and simulation controls for your dual-stick delight. Arcade locks your plane horizontally - like Afterburner, you can move in all directions but because flying along upside down isn't on the menu you're less likely to fly into the ground like a dart. If you prefer your aeroplane gaming to be a bit more Tom Cruise, the sim controls will let you zip around inverted, pulling loops and barrel rolls, and banking your fighter to take sharp turns and neck-breaking dives.
So, with no PS3 version announced as yet, this is quite a coup for the big white 'box. Aside from looking the part, it's jam-packed with new things to do, and the latest iteration might well see the series finally find its niche, moving from cult hit to full-on mainstream success.
Comments
8 comments so far...
dandoc2 on 30 Apr '07 said:
Lets hope it doesnt take the same path as blazing angels and over g
Lets hope its amazing as online dogfights will rule
SoulChimera on 30 Apr '07 said:
Can't wait for this one, I love the Ace Combat games and can't wait to try the online modes.
One thing,
Why doesn't this site have expected release dates?
You have this...
Format Xbox 360
Developer Namco Bandai
Publisher Namco Bandai
Genre Action
Why not release date too? It's annoying having to go searching on other sites all the time for this information.
dandoc2 on 30 Apr '07 said:
Because cvg steal all their stories off other sites and if the other sites dnt state the release date then they dont
Anyways its coming out july onwards so
paulhudd on 30 Apr '07 said:
Too true bout the release dates, still... YAY Sony lose yet another exclusive. I just find it hilarious that although MS and Sony have got "super" machines, and the Wii is only ickle, its quite funny that the bigguns are riddled with bugs and the Wii, which has "NEW" technology, hasnt caused any real bugs. apart from that one update issue at the start of its life. I want to love Xbox but with those red lights of death and scratched disc problems, its quite scary. So thats why I dont wanna buy one with my own money. get yourself a free one like me at my link below.
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bazzatuk on 30 Apr '07 said:
How has the above comment not been deleted... you're after referrals to get yourself free kit you pleb!!!
Anonymous on 30 Apr '07 said:
I'm still mainly concerned about whether or not its going to come to PS3. In terms of release dates I heard Autumn for the US, with no European one announced. Anyway, unspuprisingly this game looks amazing.
dandoc2 on 1 May '07 said:
Red lights and scratching discs hmmmm
My first 360 scratched my discs and died on me with the ring of lights and constant freezing but i got a replacement and it hasnt let me down since march
Touch Wood
jamesmcintosh on 13 Aug '07 said:
I havn't really played much Ace Combet but this looks incredible. I will definetly be buying this.