Ace Combat 4
Shattered Skies
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Game Information
Release Date: October 23, 2001
Developers: Namco
Publishers: Namco, SCEE
Platforms: Playstation 2
Genre: Arcade, Combat Flight Simulator
Players: 1, Multiplayer: 1-2

Synopsis
Shortly after the beginning of the new millenium, deep-space observation led to a chilling conclusion: the Earth would soon be hit by a group of small asteroids. In desperation, the country of Erusea developed Stonehenge, a massive anti-air ballistic weapon, in the center of the Usea continent. The weapon, for the most part, worked. However, after the danger passed, Erusea realized just how powerful a weapon it had. Using Stonehenge, Erusea established air superiority over the entire Usea continent. Conventional ground forces were no match for aerial bombardment from the Erusea air force, and the Independant States Allied Forces (ISAF) were forced to retreat to the island of North Point, beyond Stonehenge's range. Weakened and fragmented, ISAF learns of a final air strike to be conducted on their headquarters and scrambles what few pilots it has left to counter-attack. The player takes control of a rookie pilot, known only by the callsign Moebius-1, and takes a vital role in ISAF's efforts to defeat Erusea and end the war.

Plot
The game begins in 1999, with Mobius One, a pilot of the Independent States Allied Forces who is fighting against Erusea. Erusea's purpose is to take over their land that would later follow after an asteroid had impacted in Usea's territory. Erusea would then use this as their opportunity to gain control of Usea's land due to the disastrous effects of the asteroid. As Usea was unaware of this, they then sent out allies to the front line to defend against the invaders. As Erusea gained control over Stonehenge, which its sole purpose was to shoot down any asteroids that entered the atmosphere, used it against Usea's aerial forces to prevent them from sending pilots to aid their ground forces. With Usea's forces dwindling, it was up to their top pilot "Mobius One" to come to their aid and stop Erusea from taking over Usea. When Erusea gained knowledge of Usea's "Top Ace", Erusea notified their own top aces, the "Yellow Squadron" who would then pursue Mobius One to put an end to the war.

Gameplay
The gameplay in Ace Combat 4 is action-packed and very amusing. Ace Combat 4 features 18 missions to play from, each ranging in some sort of difficulty and experience. The game features 2o realistic aircraft and features 1 fictional aircraft that is the best aircraft in the game. Players will engage enemies in various types of terrains and experience flying during daylight hours and night hours. Players will engage in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-surface combat. Players will destroy enemies like submarines, aircraft carriers, aircraft of various types, battleships, and other surface type vehicles. In certain missions, players will have to go below a certain altitude to avoid being struck by Erusea's super weapon Stonehenge which shoot ballistic missiles that explode in mid-air and anything caught in its blast radius just disintegrate. Players will also hear both their allies and enemies chattering to each other to move to certain positions, watch their six, and other information through the mission. Each mission withholds an ace pilot from Erusia that awards players with their custom paint scheme for that particular plane when players shoot them down and complete the mission. Player's will be able to return to base in case they run out of ammo for their machine guns, missiles, and special weapons. On some missions, the purpose would b to instead of just eliminating the target classified enemies, the player would have to reach a certain which they are given a rank based on how high their score before the mission time ends. Players earn credits by destroying enemies during a mission which could be used to purchase new aircraft and special weapons. Player can also sell their aircrafts as well.

Graphics
The graphics in Ace Combat 4 were astonishing for its debut on the playstation 2. As of now, the graphics aren't what many would think to be remarkable as of today. The way the guns and missiles that fired away from the player's aircraft were the closest to realism and had realistic sound effects to go with it. From the guns being fired from the aircraft, helicopters, and other hostile vehicles, players would be able to see the sparks that came out from the gun upon firing which was very cool to see. The details on the aircraft were impressive with the similarities between them and the real aircraft itself. The paint schemes amongst the many aircraft are unique and diverse in patterns and colors. The terrain of the battlefields were greatly designed and exceptional. Though some of the terrain's textures were bland, but that didn't keep many players unsatisfied with the amount of action they were getting themselves into.

Controls
Compared to what many children play now in days, Ace Combat 4's controls are very difficult to most most gamers play today. The game features multiple button functions that will have the player get comfortable to and focus on the screen as well as shooting between either their gun and missiles. The steering controls to move the aircraft are inverses, which means the controls are opposite. So if the player wanted ti increase their altitude, the player will have to shift their analog stick down instead of up. All the buttons featured on the controller have their own specific function so the player will have to learn why each button does and try not to use them on accident during a mission which could cause some trouble. Overall, the controls are diverse. Players new to the Ace Combat Series will indeed experience trouble with the controls and is best suited for players of the flying type to play instead. For any returning Ace Combat players, the controls shouldn't prove too much of a hassle to get used to.

Rating
Gameplay: 9.8/10
Graphics: 9.7/10
Controls: 8.8/10
Overall: 9.5/10

Extra Information
All of the enemy aces are named after famous astronomers.
In all the maps of AC04, the country of North Point is written as Noth Point.