"A
quality flight title at last for the PS2"
Streaking
through the stratosphere comes the brilliant title Ace Combat
4: Distant Thunder (from here on in known as AC4).
Combining
brilliant photorealism with a smooth game engine, AC4 will see
you taking control of a fighter jet and being part of an elite
squadron foiling all threats that come your way.
Immediately
throwing you into the action, the gorgeous graphics will
have you zooming down to earth to check out if the land you
are flying over is just as detailed down low as it is up in
the sky.. Unfortunately the answer is no, but in no way does
this count against the title.
The
communication amongst you and your team mates is realistic and
listen carefully as they just might save your skin.
The title's engine is superb,
realistically giving you the impression that you truly are flying a
fighter jet. With more than one plane to choose from the playability
factor of the title is increased for perfectionists, not to mention
a fun two player option.
Yet another plus for
this already fully featured title is how damn good it looks. As far
as I am concerned you are there when you are playing this title and
multi angle replays look sweet as candy. Not
since Sky Odyssey has the feeling that you are truly airborne come
so strongly into play. Sky Odyssey was also distributed by Sony and
was released shortly after launch. One
downside is the tutorial which is frustrating yet very informative.
It's a necessary evil in essence, however with the inability to skip
or hurry up tuition, you will wish that you had never started the
tutorial.
It is a good thing that this
title has emerged relatively unscathed after the events of September
11, 2001 in the United States, with Sony Japan holding back
advertising in respect of what had occurred.
AC4 is just what the doctor
ordered for the PS2, a great flight sim with an engaging storyline.
The fast pace of the dogfights and easy to master interface will
make you an ace in no time!
Thumbs up and get ready for
the flight of your life!
- Tory Favro
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