Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

There's only one video game franchise anyone really considers when the idea of military aircraft. And it's back with a spin-off installment in the name of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. This is another one of those series that sees tireless releases. Each only slightly more improved than the others. Arguably, we see it all as a bit samey - but the aerial combat is too fun to simply abandon it.

Ace Combat games have come under critique for lacking innovation recently. The developers have taken feedback on board to try and freshen up the series with a spin-off. So what will we find in a new game to a franchise that's become overly predictable and mechanically dwindling? Well, we'll have to play Ace Combat: Assault Horizon to find out!

The Rebellion Takes To The Skies

The idea that Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is labeled as a spin-off opens the series to more opportunities. Clearly, this notion is being leveraged with the narrative becoming more focused and believable away from the canon series. Mechanically, the game intends to widen its player base to be more accessible and potentially inherit some new fans to the series.

'Ace Combat: Assault Horizon follows the narrative of a war drama set in multiple real locations worldwide. There's a continental rebellion thriving, and only your joint team of aviators can crush them. The story is actually decent compared to offerings of late - and without question, the character models, planes, and environments look fantastic.

It's all good and well having your visuals in check, but does the game deliver a fresh and exciting perspective on aerial combat? The short answer, yes. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon's new dogfighting mode brings high octane intensity to your aerial combat. The core mechanics of the game involve maneuvering your plane in and out of city locations. All while focusing your weaponry on speedy enemy aircraft - and it does it well.

The experience feels cinematic when you're locked at the moment. However, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon does fall a bit short when it comes to gameplay. What the game has done well is repeated pretty much throughout each level. There is little diversity other than engaging enemy aircraft, which would lead to a total bore had it not been for the narrative to follow. The repetition does create a bit of a drag to complete it.

Engines Stable

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon has succeeded in redefining gameplay to make it more exciting and engaging for the masses. The problem is that developers are still unsure how to diversify the experience to deliver a more complete game. However, if you are an aerial combat enthusiast, you won't get more exciting than this.

Pros:

• Aerial combat is some of the most engaging for the genre
• Visuals are stunning
• The use of real-world locations benefits the games immersion factor

Cons:

• Repetitive gameplay
• Each mission feels intentionally long to extend game time
• The narrative does have its hiccups