racing and flying

I've only played a few flight simulation games, but so far, all of them have been bull compared to this. It's as close as you can get to being in a real fighter without a pilot's license. The landscape is almost like a photograph, and the rain, smoke, fire, clouds, weapons-pretty much everything- are extremely realistic. The only problem with the graphics is that the explosions are smaller than what's blowing up, and always look the same, no matter what size or shape whatever you destroyed was. But that's not a lot to give up for the experience of the 18 huge missions with realistic briefings. The special weapons are a cool addition, too. After a while, you'll start to think you were really an ace pilot for the Allied Forces in the middle of a war with the Erusians and their superweapons. They could use the tutorial in this game as training for newly recruited air force pilots.

In a sentence, this game will keep you on your couch with a Dualshock 2 controller(which gives you a cool vibration every time you crash or are hit) glued to your hand. Definitely 5 stars.

Awesome graphics highlight this top-notch aerial combat simulator, putting you right in the cockpit of today's elite jet weaponry. Play control is fluid and easy to acclimate yourself with. There are around 18 slick looking, state-of-the-art fighter jets to select from (unfortunately, you have to earn enough points, accomplishing different missions, to be able to purchase them). The thing that struck me the most was the breathtaking beauty of the jets from certain camera angles. You really get the sense of piloting an actual jet fighter as you cruise around, surveying the landscape and horizon for your quarry.

As aesthetically pleasing as the game is, it is not without its flaws.

The game would have been better without the sappy plot, which does not belong in a no-nonsense action game of this type. The mission goals are often nebulous, and the game can be quite frustrating, some stages seemingly impossible to complete, even on the easiest skill level. The dialogue of your squadron mates and enemies is repetitive and annoying. Do not expect tons of action either; most of the time, you are flying around looking for enemies, which is time consuming and boring. And if you happen to score a hit on one of the fast flying jets, it is almost by accident. Although, that does imbue the game with a high level of realism.

"Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies", while replete with enough eye candy to give you a cavity in your pupil, will probably not satisfy shoot 'em up action game fans. But if you have ever fantasised about piloting elite fighter jets, such as the F-22 Raptor, through perilous, realistic missions, this is the game to get.

ive beaten this game ile 18billion times, i think it has great replay value, with 3 paintjobs for each plane! plus a hidden plane, you can only get by beating the game all Super rating in normal mode or higher. once you beat it in normal, you can go to hard, then expert, then ACE. I think ACE is the most realistic. it makes it ALOT harder! cant wait for ACE COMBAT 5 in FAll of 2004!BUY THIS GAME NOW! i saw it for less somewhere....mighta been the target store....