The early reviews for Namco's PSP-exclusive flight game are in, and they're good! The critics have unanimously applauded the game's graphics, sound, music, depth and controls. With such care placed into games like Tekken: Dark Resurrection and the original Ridge Racer, it appears that Namco is quickly becoming the PSP's leading publisher. Let's see what the critics had to say:
Gamespot (82/100) - "Ace Combat X plays surprisingly well on the PSP. Although its visuals aren't quite as slick as in the PS2 installments, it's a remarkably intense action game that you can take with you on the go."
GameBrink (89/100) - "I didn't think I'd see another quality air combat game like it until Namco's eventual PS3 outing but Ace Combat X has arrived to prove me wrong. From the visuals to the audio and the controls, the developers custom tailored the PS2 Ace Combat engine to fit in the PSP's profile. And they didn't just port it; they actually improved on it as if Ace Combat X was the next title in the series and not a portable spin-off."
IGN (87/100) - "Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception makes a spectacular landing on the PSP. It has everything longtime fans of the series could possibly want, along with a few extras they're probably not expecting. Deception also looks great and runs well, offering a near identical experience as what's on the PS2."
I didn't plan on picking up Ace Combat X, but after all the great reviews, I think I may reconsider. The game is now available in stores.
IGN has a new promo write-up about some of the new locations to be found in the upcoming PSP-exclusive Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception. But, thankfully, for those of us that can't read, they've included some new screenshots and the game's intro as well. The game's looking real pretty, but that seems to be a requirement for all PSP games these days. The game comes out on October 23rd, so expect more coverage soon.
I'd like to end your evening with absolutely terrifying footage from GameVideos. These McDonald's ads from the PS1 era feature your favorite Ape Escape and PaRappa characters, dancing and singing. AND EVERYTHING IS SO HAPPY!!! Maybe Sony isn't as "t3h m4tur3!!!1" as we thought it was.
Ace Combat fans will be excited by the new (highly promotional) preview of the upcoming PSP-exclusive Ace Combat X on IGN. They reveal some of the features, such as the Medal System, Color Variation and Free Mission. The mini games listed include Touch and Go, Mid-Air Refueling Practice and Carrier Touch & Go. While it doesn't sound too exciting to me, I'm sure those of you that were fascinated by planes will be absolutely enthralled.
If you don't really feel like reading about these features, IGN has also posted two new trailers of the game in motion. Graphically, it looks impressive, but it seems like that's a given for most PSP games these days. The game comes out in October.
It's clear that the games library is maturing quite a bit on the handheld. I'm really impressed by how far the handheld has gone graphically, and that's with the CPU clock still limited 33%. A lot of these games look like winners, too. I'm really psyched for Jeanne d'Arc and Tales of the World. Ratchet and Clank looks absolutely beautiful too.
With E3 seemingly now a shadow of its former self, the gaming industry's focus may shift to the Tokyo Game Show, which just so happens to be only a mere seven days away. TGS 2006 goes from Sept. 22 through 24 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Andto whet your appetite, Sony has released a preliminary list of thePSP lineup that should be in playable form at the event.
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (Namco Bandai Games)
Bounty Hounds (Namco Bandai Games)
Boxers Road 2: The Real (Ertain)
Gundam Battle Royale (Namco Bandai Games)
Homestar Portable* (Sega)
Jan-Sangokumusou (Koei)
Jeanne D'Arc (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel (Konami)
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops* (Konami)
Minna no Golf-jou* (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (Capcom)
Navigation Software* (working title) (Edia)
Ratchet and Clank Portable (working title) (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Tales of the World Radiant Mythology (Namco Bandai Games)
Tenchi no Mon 2: Busouden (Sony Computer Entertainment)
(* – supports GPS)
In addition the already mentioned games, Sony will show new video of 35 more titles. I believe the big story here is how effectively the GPS games use the add-on. If Sony can get software that show the peripheral is more than a gimmick, the PSP may be able to gain some ground on the DS.
Famitsu has beautiful new screens of Ace Combat X, an all-new continuation of the Ace Combat series. Famitsu also grabbed a trailer, which is voiced in English so you can fully appreciate the cheese. The graphics are sharp, and features some potentially awesome multiplayer. Makes me want to watch Top Gun again. Wait... I never want to watch that movie ever again. The game comes out September 17th.
A press release sent out today from Namco Bandai revealed a veritable motherlode of details for their upcoming Ace Combat game for the PSP. Referred to under the working title Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception, the flight sim-ish game will feature wireless ad-hoc multiplayer hookups, an all-new storyline, strategic AI (your actions determine your objectives), and the ability to tune your own planes with parts unlocked during Campaign mode. Aircraft nerds can rejoice in the knowledge that licensed planes like the F-14D and the Tornado F3 will make an appearance in the game when it lands on store shelves this Fall 2006. Check out our brief coverage of the game here.
Jonesing for some portable flight sim-esque portable action? Curious what magazine scans look like when they're done really badly? Then get your fill of these screens from Famitsu for the upcoming title Ace Combat X on PSP. Eye-catching!
The early reviews for Namco's PSP-exclusive flight game are in, and they're good! The critics have unanimously applauded the game's graphics, sound, music, depth and controls. With such care placed into games like Tekken: Dark Resurrection and the original Ridge Racer, it appears that Namco is quickly becoming the PSP's leading publisher. Let's see what the critics had to say:
