The best of the Ace Combat series on PS2
Graphics: The game graphics wise is WAY better than AC 4. The cutscenes are movie like and fully animated as compared to the slideshow we got in AC4. The characters, the landscape and the planes all look just beautifully made. Im not someone who really cares to much about graphics, but I have to say, this is one of the few games that truely impressed me.
Sounds: The sounds of combat are still around in AC 5 just as they were in AC 4, so no big change there. Not that Im complaining. Theres still plenty of chatter from both enemy and friendly forces. Including... WINGMEN! Your wingmen talk to each other and on occasion you, the player(more on that later in the review though).
Music: The music in AC 5 doesnt really feel as great as the music in AC 4(Remember the theme that opened up the final mission? Epic.). But I guess its alright. To be honest though you wont really notice the music when your trying not to die or trying to kill the enemies. So music doesnt really play a big role in the game.(Dont tell "Chopper" I said that.)
Gameplay: The gameplay in AC 5 is greatly improved by the addition of wingmen. You have almost full control of what they do. You can set them to cover(fly behind you), attack(fly in front of you and attack enemies on the nose), disperse(do what they want) and you can toggle wether or not they use their special weapons. At other points theyll say or ask you something and you can respond with a "yes" or "no". Sometimes this affects wether theyll attack, disperse or cover. At two points itll affect what mission comes next. Most of the time though its just for extra dialouge. You CAN choose to not pick either as well if you want a third option. But it doesnt really do anything. Another thing is that the enemies in AC 5 seem to be more intelligent than they were in AC 4. There are still times though where theyll be wiped out by you in one go(gotta love XLAAs and XMAAs). The last key new feature in AC 5 is how you get newer better planes. Sure, you can still go through the missions unlocking planes as you go, but that wont net you ALL of them. For most of the planes in the game you must earn a certain amount of points using that plane to get the next version. It can be a pain. But it is totally worth it for most.
Story: As mentioned above, the cinematics are fully voiced and animated, which helps tell the story alot better. Unlike in AC 4 where the story was told by a spectator AC 5 is told from the views of the main characters(not all of them of course. Just the ones that matter.). After playing through the story in AC 5 I honestly have to say I was blown away by it. It is one of my most favorite games simply due to the story. I dont want to write to much here so as to not spoil the game for others so Ill just end it here.
Overall, Ace Combat 5 is one of the best games I have ever played(and Ive played alot). I strongly suggest you go out and buy this game if its part of a genre that you enjoy. Never played Ace Combat 4? No problem. The games arnt connected through story. So theres nothing to worry about.
Well, thats my review. I do hope it was usefull in some way or another.
May the Force be with you.