Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ is a slightly peculiar release - it's an arrival with little to distinguish itself from the original aside from New Nintendo 3DS-only features, yet it's naturally being marketed for the original portable models too. The additions are minor yet fun, so it feels rather like an update of content that'd normally be a download, but is nevertheless sitting on retail shelves with a + in the title. Regardless of the mode of distribution, what we have is an enjoyable 3DS experience, with some neat and albeit limited amiibo features thrown in.
Ace Combat is a long-running franchise, and in the home console space has often been popular for its lengthy missions and relatively complex control system, but on the 3DS Bandai Namco has rather sensibly opted for an arcade-like experience. Missions are snappy affairs, typically over in under 10 minutes, and have simple objectives that ultimately necessitate destroying any enemy in sight. There's a focus on intensity and exciting scenarios, and importantly it's entirely possible to hop in for 10-15 minutes, rattle through a mission and then get on with your day.
In terms of the control system, the default basic controls are designed to accommodate this idea of quickfire dogfight encounters. Movement is simple with the Circle Pad, with boosters, breaks, guns and missiles all instinctively available, along with some use of the D-Pad to adjust the radar - rather handily on the touchscreen - or switch to limited-use Special weapons. For series veterans up for a challenge there's also a 'Classic' option, utilising the traditional style of left and right simply tilting the plane rather than immediately turning; it's more authentic and is worth exploring, but due to the arcade-like nature of the game we instinctively opted for the basic control scheme.
Though there are nods in the mechanics to authenticity - such as stalling the plane if flying too high, for example - it's in recklessly swooping through the skies, locking on and firing missiles that the most fun is to be had. Special manoeuvres mapped to the Y button play into this - when locked onto an enemy a yellow outline and Y prompt a cinematic move that then brings you in behind your foe. It becomes a vital tactic, while a variation is also used for dodging incoming missiles, with an arrow prompt requiring a rapid push of the Circle Pad + Y in the relevant direction. In the most intense battles it feels like the gaming equivalent of Top Gun - the movie, not the retro games - as you're forever flipping upside down, pulling off crazy moves and taking out those bogies (or whatever).
It's simple and silly, though in addition to the Classic controls there are also plane customisations that come into play to flesh it out. New craft unlock with progress, and in-game currency can then be used to purchase those planes, additional special weapons or to upgrade equipment in areas such as the Engine or Armor. This mix of unlocking and purchasing content plays well into the clear intention that you should replay stages multiple times.
We also have new Nintendo-themed planes in this edition, too. Various models can be unlocked by finding question mark blocks in clearly marked stages, and in addition to looking neat they're also very useful - and free - options. On the New Nintendo 3DS you can also scan amiibo, which are immediate shortcuts and - even for those planes you've found in game - serve up what seem to be figure-exclusive customisations. As these craft are so useful they'll be handy for those new to the game, while the Star Fox plane unlocked with the Fox amiibo is outrageously effective; it's arguably overpowered, but it's also quirky and fun. Is this amiibo content a game seller? Not really? Yet like much functionality with the toys it's harmless and enjoyable nonetheless.
Beyond unlockables, the core structure of this experience revolves around the Story Mode, with completed missions then available (at the same difficulty setting) in Free Play. Somewhat annoyingly you're tied to a difficulty level through an entire playthrough - about four hours - and only after completing it can you change the setting. There are occasional splits in which you choose one of two stages, too, which is something else to tempt you into multiple runs through the story; rather like the classic Star Fox 64 this is all about re-playing stages to look for 'Ace' pilots to gun down and more, though the campaign is of a length that you're unlikely to blast through it as frequently as the iconic Nintendo title.
Progressing and beating the Story unlocks Survival Missions - which are self-explanatory - and particularly tricky 'Extra Missions'. There's little innovation here beyond the basic concept of pretending you have "Maverick" as a nickname and shooting everything in sight - even escort missions basically mean "blow up everything in range", but that's part of the appeal. If you find it repetitive, however, the modes and difficulty settings will do little to shake that feeling; shifting between different planes may adjust your approach to a degree, but this is still a one-note experience. That's not a bad thing as long as expectations are reasonable.
As a whole, Ace Combat Assault Horizon+ comes together nicely, with some impressive production values helping it along - the planes you fly are licensed and relatively accurate recreations, for example. The storyline itself is fluff and only really explained if you prompt a cutscene by leaving the front screen idle, but the cheesy dialogue of your commander and occasional flight buddies, along with a sweeping - occasionally rock-infused - score all add to the dynamic. It's very decent visually, too, though betrays its early 3DS roots with some muddy textures - some ground-based enemies are blurry and barely visible, for example. The overall impression is positive, nevertheless, and we were certainly aware of the New Nintendo 3DS and its super stable 3D helping us enjoy that particular effect, despite some intense moments prompting us to move the handheld around.
Much of this applies to the original release, of course, and we'd suggest that those with the 2011 version need not double dip, as cosmetic amiibo functionality isn't worth a retail price. For those yet to experience this title, however, it's certainly worth considering.
Conclusion
Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy+ is a minor and slightly cheeky update - despite Nintendo planes and amiibo support it's certainly not worth a double dip for those with the original. It does serve as a handy reminder to those that ignored it first-time around, however, and it's an entertaining arcade experience that does its job as throwaway action fun. It's the sort of title that one can revisit every once in a while, just to fly through the skies and pretend it's the '80s and that Top Gun is cool. Often silly but always enjoyable, it's certainly worth some air miles for new recruits.
Comments 37
It might be hard to believe but this game remains my favourite of the whole series because of the way you can cut off your engine with the L+R buttons. I really don't need the Amiibo excuse to re-buy this and play it all over again, I just love being able to get such a complete "Ace Combat" experience in my pocket. I really hope this "takes off" big this second time around because from the very first day I bought my Wii U, I hope to see a game in the series on it.
PS: I would also like to state that the arcade controls might feel comfortable for series novices, but they are atrocious for anyone who played any game of the series and understands how flight is supposed to work. My advice is to stick with classic, "real" controls for the proper ability to roll, pitch and yaw like the real thing.
I think it would take off a little better if priced right. This reskin if you want to call it that shouldn't be full price. Feels like the publisher is getting second life at a re-release and that's wrong imo. Should be budget price at best. I do want it though but not till it comes down in price.
@Captain_Gonru Both.
I can't help but giggle every time I read this game's name. It's ridiculously overblown enough, but for some reason it's the "+" that makes me lose it. Sometimes Assault, Horizon and Legacy just aren't enough, amirite?
I am not sure if anyone has missed it but I think there is a update in the eshop (Irish eshop) that has an update for the original game to support the amiibos and any extra content. I could be wrong on this as I only glanced at it earlier today.
I played Assault Horizon on the PS3 back in the day, and I enjoyed it quite a bit, but after having played it this way, I see no way to return to it in this form.
These kind of action-y 3D games make me long for a Nintendo handheld with smartphone level tech, even from a couple of years back. I don't mind this level of grahpics in games like Fire Emblem or even a 3D game like MK, but in something like this? I'm sorry, but no thanks. This is just really off-putting. Any game that goes for realistic, non-cartoony or otherwise artistically inspired look in a 3D engine has to do better than this ... or at least be an exclusive with gameplay so unquestionable great, that anything else can be ignored.
I gues if you are a diehard Ace Combat fan, or if you have no access to another system, this is may hold enough appeal though, sounds like it can be enjoyable if you don't care for it's lack of superfical values
Might pick it up in a sale later in the year.
Nobody pretends Top Gun is cool dude. Top Gun is cool.
@Ralek85 Assault Horizon Legacy + has nothing to do with Assault Horizon. It's actually a remake of Ace Combat 2, but with a terrible and confusing name (in the west).
@Shiryu I agree, classic's the way to go.
I'm not really interested in flying planes or anything, but I've got almost every c-stick compatable game downloaded on my N3DS, £30 for a minor upgrade though... no thanks.
I cant really justify buying this when you get the original for about £10. I'll keep it mind if i see it in a sale at some point
I have the original release, so I guess I'll stick with it. It's an awesome game and tons of fun, plus the 3D looked great. I'm sure if you're getting it for the New 3DS, it will look even better.
An excellent title for action fans.
The original was a brilliantly fun game. Played it for months. Happy times.
I never got this, but I agree with @Spoony_Tech. This should be cheaper, or have more game content besides amiibo planes. Or include an amiibo in the box, or something.
Defining this game "a minor and slightly cheeky update" NintendoLife sets a new standard for the word "euphemism"!
@SuperWiiU Good to know, it's still an Ace Combat game though. All of those I played, played pretty similar to each other. Actually, I would be lieing if I would say I could tell them apart only from memory.
Anyways, all I was trying to say is, if a game goes for a realistic style, even if it plays like an arcade game, it should look the part. It's a different story if you go for the "Pixar"-look, or go for cell-shading or any such thing ... the 3DS is ill-suited for "realisitc" looking games, it works way better with the "stylish" ones, just as it is more suited to 2D assessts than to 3D assessts.
Loved the original release however this deserves a lower score. Nintendo and Bamco trying to make more money off an old game by as little improvement as possible.
If you're interested in this game, just get a used copy of the original. Don't support cruddy business decisions such as this game.
@Shiryu Youre definitly not the only one feeling like that.
Its the perfect blend of classic, old school Ace Combat gameplay with a few modern touches that dont mess with the core gameplay.
This game is simply pleasing everyone, from old time fans to new adopters.
And to be brutally honest, the 3D tracking and the additional buttons would have been enough for me to double dip on this one.
Its such a fun and fantastic title
@Einherjar I just hope this sells enough this second time around so that Namco considers sequels or a Wii U outing...
Getting it just because I hate carrying a bunch of carts.
They should have just updated the previous game OR actually added online support. I won't buy either copy now.
@Shiryu I sure hope so.
But seeing them keeping that trainwreck that is Infinity going, i hardly doubt that they will consider something like that.
But i would really love it, as the gamepad alone could be used in so many great ways.
I'm very tempted!
The original was great. This seems like a missed opportunity. So many said the biggest flaw was the lack of modes and how does Bamco respond? By adding Nintendo jets. Whoopty freakin doo.
well, this seems like the one to get
Dang Bandai Namco paid for some serious ads on Nintendo Life haha. Ace Combat's all I see when I pull up the home page. I'm already gonna buy it, sheesh.....
@Ralek85 Of course a game on the PS3 is going to look far, far superior to one on the 3DS. By this logic, shouldn't you be criticizing the PS2 Ace Combats as well? I'm seriously wondering if you've even played them. You're the first person I've seen criticize the game for its realistic look.
@Kilroy Well, I certainly would say the same thing if a PS2 or PS2-look-alike Ace Combat would be released today (which is kinda what happened here, I guess). I would still kinda wonder why anyone would want to play this (assuming that it is not in any other way otherworld superior).
I for one don't go back to those games, just I don't go back Forza anno 2005, not because the game is bad, but because it's not better and it's looks comparably terrible.
@Ralek85 Sounds to me like you put graphics above everything else and will shun a game the moment you think it looks even slightly outdated, even if you liked it when you thought it looked fine.
Guess I'll stick to the original version then.
I picked it up in 2011 along with SM3DL, and it's one of my favorite 3DS titles (I always replay it every few months).
@Kilroy Sorry you misunderstood that way.
As an old PC flight sim fan, is this game considered ann on rails shooter, or is there more freeedom in flying?
@conman2012 You are completely free to maneuver your aircraft through the skies. It is not on rails like Star Fox 64.
I might pick this up. Don't have the original and Star Fox 64 is the only flight game I got on my 3DS. Screen shots look great. It's pretty impressive what the 3DS is capable of. Ever since Resident Evil Revelations I've made it a point not to underestimate the games on it, considering the games usually end up looking better in person than in the screen shots.
@KongFu
Thanks for that. Increases my interest in this.
Wow this game looks and plays pretty good on a New 3ds XL, before this I have only played the original first Ace Combat which was known as Air Combat on PS1, I understand this is a AC2 remake, so continuing on from where I left off a while ago, there's some pretty neat Nintendo exclusive skins on here too. The only thing this game lacks is multiplayer, wish it had it. But definitely worth it. This game should be a 8.5 at the very least.
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