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Ace Combat Assault Horizon prepares for takeoff

Namco Bandai flight franchise returns to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next year, trailer shows helicopter battles, destructible environments.

Ace Combat fans can get ready to fly the unfriendly skies once again, as Namco Bandai has today announced that Ace Combat Assault Horizon will be released on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Set for release next year, the game will be the first console iteration in the series since 2007's Xbox 360-exclusive Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.

Assault Horizon will be the series' first flight on PS3.

Assault Horizon will be the series' first flight on PS3.

Namco Bandai confirmed single-player and online multiplayer options for Assault Horizon, but few other details were given about the latest effort from series developer Project Aces. A teaser trailer suggested the game will be a rebirth for the franchise, with one quickly glimpsed text message at the outset promising, "This one's a game changer." The clip showed dogfights through downtown skyscrapers that jettisoned debris when struck with missiles, helicopter battles, and turret-gunning sequences.

While a new Ace Combat hasn't been seen on consoles in nearly three years, the series has since appeared on the handheld radar a couple of times. Last year saw the debut of Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion for the iPhone, while the PSP receives its second installment of the franchise, Ace Combat: Joint Assault, later this month.

138 Comments

  • DanieltheDead

    Posted Dec 23, 2010 4:37 am GMT

    Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!Can't Wait!

  • yamamoto_12

    Posted Nov 29, 2010 12:20 pm GMT

    First off, that soundtrack is amazing (which Ace Combat isn't?). Second, I don't know why people keep bashing the switch to a real world sim. The still have the freedom to do creative plot twists, they just have to get the locations accurate. The controls look like classic AC, and you won't have to deal with enemies with infinite flares (I've only played the demo for H.A.W.X. and its crap after playing any AC.) Thirdly, I'd love to play as a helo. In the trailer, there was an apache longbow at 1:18 which looked to be totally controlled by the play. The last good helicopter game I played was Thunderstrike Operation Pheonix. I've been waiting for this since AC Zero, and I am really pumped.

  • DARREN636

    Posted Nov 2, 2010 2:28 am GMT

    could have sworn that i played this on my megadrive in the early 90's.... and LHX attack chopper' classic.

  • evratto

    Posted Oct 18, 2010 12:51 pm GMT

    I love ac ... three years of waiting and one more to go.. ... lots of folks must be too old 4 this new adventure ..

  • raptor400k

    Posted Sep 14, 2010 8:59 am GMT

    Now this is cool, Ace combat's back and I do agree, the series did need some innovation. Firstly, though, why areal world setting?The old near future setting was awesome and the old games had cool, original and somewhat cheesy, tales. This new setting maybe needed to restart, but I don't think it'll change much really especially since we'll be too high up to care,maybe the cool sci-fi elements would be gone and I fear they'll try to do an archetypal military plot that takes place across the globe. Secondly, the QTE and turret sequence I'm seeing is scaring me,we don't need that in this kind of stuff in this game,I hope the QTE what someone down below said and not just some scripted thing(the maneuver is making me highly doubt that though)Ace Combat was fun because it was open ended, and turret shooting, maybe it'll be interesting if its for co-op(One man flies, the other's a gunner)
    Hopefully though this game will be cool and they make some interesting improvements. The "over the shoulder" like cam while gunning looks cools, though nothing much, but piloting heli's(also hope they add VTOLs) and destructible environs really sound cool especially since helis can be quite maneuverable nowadays and what they did to land textures is awesome.Ofcourse its too early too judge but I just hope they don't go all overly scripted cliched campaign and completely simplify physics.

  • PlasmaJedi

    Posted Sep 4, 2010 6:10 pm GMT

    Ok, lets just get it over with and state the situation as it is:
    1) A very early trailer, in which everything we see is subject to speculation.
    2) Its now set in a modern, real-world setting (the first time ever) with a promise of being a game changer. It seems likely the over-the-top emotionally exagerated Japanese stories will probably be replaced by more mainstream military drama like HAWX or Modern Warfare.
    3) Given that we've seen quicktime button sequences and apparently on-rails turret shooting, it seems to have taken a turn for the simple and exciting scripted style of presentation. This is not neccesarily a problem, MW2 does this very well, but its very different from previous AC games and tends to get old, not to mention lame when its done wrong.
    4) Clearly, whether the game is awesome or not, AC fans like the flight, the feeling and the overall style of the classics. Any serious change will annoy at least someone.
    5) Last but not least, the changes we see seem to present a game that will likely be more simple, flashy but empty, and judging by this trailer we have no way of knowing whether that will be the case. I personally hate HAWX because the flight physics are so simplified that if you know how to fly (or played AC series) flying will be very hard. Yet HAWX has pretty graphics, flashy presentation, high tec bling, and more planes. I wonder if the AC team is trying to emulate its main rival. Only time will tell if they make the same mistakes as thier rival.

  • yurchan

    Posted Aug 30, 2010 8:23 pm GMT

    they should've put the CHINESE to be the invaders, that would really give the game a REBIRTH ... anyway awesome trailer, been waiting for this for the last 3 years

  • oneofthefall

    Posted Aug 24, 2010 7:11 am GMT

    keep the awesome supersonic jets and ditch the heli's please!

  • AsukaNaga

    Posted Aug 17, 2010 6:36 pm GMT

    @Darth_DuMas
    I think this will change the series for the best. If not...I will still buy it. Series like this needs support to prevent from sinking. I always like the series since its from AC2. Though like most of the fans here, like AC4, which was also my favorite. Now only if NamBan will start releasing some Tales of series too keep myself occupied until this game comes out, I will be set.

  • KaizerJinn

    Posted Aug 17, 2010 6:55 am GMT

    this looks good. ^_^

  • Capercorn

    Posted Aug 13, 2010 12:34 pm GMT

    Wow. Now that we're in the Real World, we have to deal with all the Real World baggage...

    Honestly, Ace Combat 6 was not the way to leave Strangereal. Strangereal needed to go out with a Bang... Not to mention, how did AC3 come about!? Go back to Strangereal!

  • denicola_a_god

    Posted Aug 12, 2010 12:17 pm GMT

    cant wait loved all the old ace combat games on ps2 hopefully this one will follow suit with quality

  • LHSleadtrumpet

    Posted Aug 12, 2010 3:56 am GMT

    @diesil: yeah Mobius 1 was the best! But since Ace Combat 4, the voice acting became super cheesy and the storylines became shallow... I hope this one will change that!

  • Bufta

    Posted Aug 12, 2010 2:17 am GMT

    Its About time the PS3 got some Ace combat loving, lets face it thats where the series flourished. The online aspect was a bit dodgy on AC6 though, it was a case of doing constant loop the loops and as soon as you broke free of the loop you were shot down, very frustrating.

  • Darth_DuMas

    Posted Aug 12, 2010 1:31 am GMT

    @AsukaNaga
    I'm thinking of getting a second copy of AC6, I think my current copy is getting a little worn out.

  • AsukaNaga

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 5:46 pm GMT

    Its about damn time they release a new Ace Combat game for the consoles. I got Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for the 360 and I dont even own the system! So ready for this game.

  • Mr_Manikin52

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 12:07 pm GMT

    Time to count my MiG kills.

  • RWF

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 10:50 am GMT

    About damn time!! I have been waiting years for a new one!

  • scar4ever

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 4:13 am GMT

    Damn, that looks intense!

  • Pete5506

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 3:16 am GMT

    Looks pretty neat

  • Darth_DuMas

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 1:16 am GMT

    I think we need to trust the development team, they havn't failed us yet and have plenty of experience with this type of game.

    This is a very early trailer, we know nothing yet, just speculating about what we think we're looking at so far.

    To be fair even the PSP Ace combat games, score quite highly considering what you are using to control with.

    I'm more worried about Hawx 2, because the first one sucked quite a bit.

  • fog90

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 9:23 pm GMT

    Finally, it is time. I can tell this game is going to blow people away.

  • Stryker521 posted Aug 10, 2010 7:51 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Stryker521

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 7:51 pm GMT (hide)

    This game will fail for two reasons. 1) It is set on RL Earth, not the fictional one we've been playing in since Ace Combat 1. 2) They're making this an action junkie's game like Tom Clancy's HAWX. Look at those rubbish prompt maneuverability stunts, even for the Apache at 1:15! I welcome the change to the ground so it's not stale GoogleEarth 3D buildings sort of and a new graphics engine and we finally get to eject out of the plane (properly!), but the way the trailer's constructed, it makes one wonder who they're marketing the game for. IMO, the Ace Combat we've known since 1995 died with the PS2.

  • dre256x

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:04 pm GMT

    ok from the looks of the trailer, seems like they are putting the camera closer to the player (plane) and added command inputs at certain point in the battle.. Seems like a similar change like what the did to RE4 in which the camera got changed to over the shoulder view.
    Game seem to have a more cinematic flair to it also and a bit faster pace... Look like they are aiming to be like CoD but in Aerial based..

  • dreman77

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:52 pm GMT

    FINALLY!

  • Talldude80

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:42 pm GMT

    from watching the trailer a couple times, I now think they might be changing the whole look and play of Ace combat. I've been playing since PS1. and I LOVE Air combat (ps1), Ace Combat 2, (never played ac3) 4,5, Zero(ps2), X(psp), and 6(xbox360), BUT I am getting a feeling this newest version will be cheesy and not feel like the old Ace Combat games. I sure hope it doesn't play and look too different, but we'll see when it comes out....

  • digi-demon

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:29 pm GMT

    I am really liking the look of this game - cant wait for it to be released!

  • DokiDokiBawanga

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 2:44 pm GMT

    f'ing wow!!!! i SO gonna get This and hawx 2. fighter jets FTW

  • gggames_se

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 10:39 am GMT

    This trailer is satisfying in so many ways - music is awesome

  • TECNOSKYE

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 9:26 am GMT

    So in the trailer we saw f-22, ah-64 apache, a-10, su-27, su-37, blackhawk

  • Phoenix6359

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 8:04 am GMT

    Awesome! I hope it's as fun as AC6, I loved strafing whole armies with my A-10's 30mm and a few well placed FAEB's

  • punkpunker

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:39 am GMT

    i'm scared that the game would be a movie/on-rail shooter as the trailer suggest but i'm glad that the series is no longer in the dark

  • diesil

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:28 am GMT

    mobius one was chuck norris in a f-22

  • diesil

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:27 am GMT

    ace combat needs this overhaul i wish they would release more on the plot

  • heniurisaito

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:30 am GMT

    Real world... Seriously, I wanted Ace Combat 7, not HAWX 3.

    At least the action looks good... But no more Strangreal world.... What the hell, it had so much potential for more awesomeness, although keeping it up at a "real" level would be hard without taking out some things.

    And where the hell are the squadron paintjobs?! Ace combat zero absolutely owned that, and... Just plain f-22s is not good. The only exception is Mobius 1's.

  • Flame3230

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:50 am GMT

    I'm gonna miss Osea, Yuktobonia, and Belka but otherwise this game looks great

  • hazelnutman

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 2:48 am GMT

    @Z3R0B4NG

    The first button prompt was when the F-22 was being tailed. What followed was a slo-mo aerial back flip that allowed the F-22 to gun the tailer down.

    This seems to be a much flashier version of the Tactical Maneuver Command from The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces where if you were in a certain radius of a bogey, you build up a meter that makes your plane do some crazy acrobatics to be right on the bogey's six.

    It wasn't a simple quick time event where you had to mash triangle like crazy. It demanded that you fulfilled conditions before you could do the flip. My theory is that the triangle prompt was simply telling you to press triangle once you're outside of the enemy's shooting circle (which is what the plane seems to try to do before maneuvering out of the range).

    The second prompt pops just before Akula's missile hit the F-22. No idea if that could've dodged the missile or if it was the reason we got the fancy eject animation instead of death. It could also be a prompt telling you to eject, and can probably even be turned off if you want the interface prompt-free.

    Basically, those prompts were nothing more than to show you what buttons to press at which situations to do a critical action.

  • Z3R0B4NG

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 1:59 am GMT

    i see quicktime events :-(
    i realy hoped that trend was over...

    everything else... NEED!!

    next year... *sigh* can't wait!

  • Darth_DuMas

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 1:29 am GMT

    Best news ever, fires of liberation is by far and away my best and most played game. 200 single player completion hours, which doesn't include non completion hours. I can not wait. AC6 story wasn't great, but the gameplay blew away any previous game. I love the huge multi mission maps.

    Also it may have only 15 aircraft, but unlike Hawx, they all feel very different. Hawx had about 50 which all felt the same. And the sense of speed in AC6 is emmense. I can't wait for AC7.

  • blackace

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 1:16 am GMT

    Looks like Namco will be bringing their games out on boths consoles from now on. AC6 was decent. I never played H.A.W.K. and have no intentions on wasting my time with that game. I wish Microsoft would release a Crimson Skies 2 already. That game ruled.

  • SicklySunStorm

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 12:27 am GMT

    sweet news. H.A.W.X. was good, but nothing on this series. Can't wait for this.

  • UnknownPerson55

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 10:49 pm GMT

    AC6's story sucked compared to 4 and 5's. I loved those two on PS2 way back when and couldnt even say how much I played them. I just wanna know, did anyone else wonder why Chopper didnt just go for the water landing in the river, giving himself a slight chance of living instead of crashing into the stadium? btw, Mobius 1 ftw!

  • brok

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 10:28 pm GMT

    Someone wake me up when the planes have grown some propellers

  • Takriminos704

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 9:59 pm GMT

    Bout time! I need to get back in the air, I need my old squadron back so we can kick --- up in the skies!

  • MEGA--X

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 9:57 pm GMT

    thanks god!!!!! But hey >.> we want it exclusively for apologies gift jks
    at last a challanging game on consoles
    HAWX sux in gameplay + way more easy to play =/ get the real game out!

  • hazelnutman

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 9:50 pm GMT

    The mere sight of Mobius One's emblem causes allied soldiers to achieve orgasm. Enemy pilots within one hundred kilometers of Mobius One spontaneously combust, while civilians merely go sterile. Women who approach within fifty kilometers of a Mobius One dogfight are instantly impregnated, and nine months later give birth to a totally awesome baby who will, like, go to college and everything.

    -Anonymous Ace Combat 04 Fan

  • minion715

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 8:44 pm GMT

    i think i might have spoke too soon i just saw the video and AceCombat 4 and 5 look better so far and i hope the game play can be change to like a classic mode and have the same epic feel and story line as 4 and 5

  • minion715

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 8:38 pm GMT

    thank you GOD!!!!!!!! i am extreamly happy right now. I almost bought HAWX good thing i did not because HAWX sucks and it does not need skill to play. And only AceCombat is worth $60 or more because i must have played the ps2 ones 15 or more times on every difficulty

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