Gamebytes: Ace Combat for the Xbox 360

The latest installment in the Ace Combat series delivers a feast for gamer’s eyes with multiple real-time battle scenes and crisp, fine-tuned graphics. But first we must learn the story. Yes, we all understand it is not easy to leave behind your lover and go fight for your country, but that is why the controller is in our hands: we must go to war. That’s what your job is, Ace.

Most notably, the action in this installment has been amped up drastically compared to previous AC games. Up to six different battles can take place at once, in any of the three locations: air, land, water. Yes, you are NOT limited to the plane in this flight simulator; you can take a hit at all three locations.

Planes are trying to shoot you down, ground troops and ships are firing missiles at you, and bombers are inbound to blow up cities you must save; it gets pretty intense at times, but that is the point.

The graphics and realism behind AC6 are amazing. The aerial view from the cockpit looks photo realistic and the battle scenes are captured with much detail and precision. The makers went to great lengths to provide gamers with a realistic environment, one in which the audio matches the game’s real-life feel. Basically, the explosions sound awesome and the planes could pass as real jets. This may be the closest and safest plane flying any of us will ever do.

The campaign mode packs 15 missions and a variety of different fighters. As you progress you’ll earn money to buy new planes or sell existing planes for more cash.

Let’s talk about destroying bogies: to target a bogie, tap the Y button; once targeted you can shoot your enemy with your guns or take him down with a missile. To launch a missile press the B button; if you hold down the B button the camera will follow the missile in first person view until it hits your enemy; this is great way to watch as you take down another bogie. Not only are new jets un-lockable, but new air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons can also be unlocked and purchased.

Before starting a mission, decide which jet and weapons will work best for that specific mission. Every mission begins with you being out-numbered by your opponents, but don’t worry. You have some team members to back you up; members whom you can also issue orders by using the direction pad. Not only can your team lend you a hand, but you can also bring in some of your online pals to help you out when things look bleak.

For online gameplay, AC6 offers three different battle modes: team battle, battle royal, and team siege, plus two coop stages. The only thing that the online mode lacks is there are not enough maps to keep a player interested for very long. I’m sure there will be more for downloading soon.

The limited edition game comes with a flight stick and throttle to add to the experience; so, if you are looking for a more realistic approach then pick up that one.

Ace Combat 6 Fires of Liberation is the best in the series.

I give it a solid B.

Jeremy Hohman is the writer, producer and host of GameBytes a 30 minute weekly game news and review show. To see Jeremy’s latest pod cast or to rent & play the game reviewed simply go to; http://www.gnfgames.com