Ace Combat X - Skies of Deception

Rating ESRB: Teen Genre action Publisher Namco External Links Official Namco Bandai

Here it is, Namco's first PSP effort of the Ace Combat franchise. Skies of Deception picks up where The Balken War (PS2, 2006)left off, taking strides to improve the overall flight combat formula started by the original title in 1995. Without letting fans down, Namco has released the kind of portable title that Ace Combat fans have been waiting for.

Skies of Deception begins with you as the underdog; a pilot for the oppressed resistance fighters of Aurelia waging war on the dominant country of Leasath. Your goal from the beginning is to push the enemy back one territory at a time. Plot sequences unfold in CG cut scenes as a journalist chronicles the origins of the conflict and the unfolding story. So really, nothing too spectacular, although the game consistently reminds you to consider the other side's perspective as you slowly but surely diminish their numbers.

Although its setting is a futuristic earth, Skies of Deception utilizes real-world jets, such as Top Gun's famous F-14, the A-10 Warthog, the Mirage 2000D, and various others. On the flipside the title retains a futuristic, fictional overtone by including many sci-fi elements like the cloaking flying fortress and limitless afterburner usage. As the plot progresses you choose your own path, with the longest campaign (from what I can gather) requiring the completion of 17 missions of varying factors; escort (protecting an ally from destruction by the enemies), jamming (where your radar and lock-on are hindered or disabled), assault (usually on a enemy base), and air restrictive (where you must stay below a certain speed or altitude). These variations in available ships, campaign paths, and mission objectives provide surprisingly varied game play.

Visuals stay interesting by providing several viewpoints, from both inside and outside the cockpit. Even with the limited screen space of the PSP, the game screen does a good job of showing every bit of information you need without feeling cramped. Additionally, the environments contain a decent amount of detail and variety, while the aircrafts retain individuality with impressive models and textures. From the aural side of things, sound effects and background music manage to stay interesting as the game progresses; nothing fancy, but everything you’d expect from an air warfare game. For extra fun, Skies of Deception also includes multiplayer components that are worth their weight.

All in all, this is a must-have for Ace Combat fans. The addicting multiplayer, mission paths, and compelling narrative gives Skies of Deception a replay value that you rarely find in a game revolving around blowing things up. This addition to the Ace Combat franchise offers an excellent model for taking console games to the handheld environment and making them work.