During the ‘90s, the “Ace Combat” series was one of the most popular franchises in gaming, alongside Namco’s other hits like “Tekken” and “Ridge Racer.” The game sold close to four million copies on the PlayStation and even more on the PlayStation 2. However, with little innovation in gameplay during the last console generation, the series lost a large portion of its fan base who were still eager for a dog-fighting sim.
In 2011, “Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy” was a pleasant surprise, even though it didn’t sell as well as expected. It combined the classic dog-fighting gameplay with a new story, pleasing fans of the series.
The main difference in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+ is the addition of Amiibo functionality. The game’s cover and aesthetics remain similar to the original, with the Amiibo feature being the main new addition. Despite improved controls, visuals, and Amiibo integration, the game still faces issues like bland textures, a slow story, and lack of gameplay variety. It’s a better game overall, but may not be worth purchasing for those who already own the original.
Players who missed out on the first release of the game and have fond memories of the experience will enjoy the aerial combat offered in this version.
The Good:
Amiibo Features: Similar to customizing racers in “Mario Kart” on the Wii U, the customization options in “Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+” add fun and gameplay depth.
Head Tracking: Playing in 3D without losing the experience when moving your head is a cool feature that enhances the game compared to the older 3DS version.
Better Controls: The additional buttons on the new 3DS provide a closer experience to the classic Ace Combat gameplay.
The Bad:
Horrible Looking Textures: The blocky backgrounds from the original release remain unchanged, despite some improvements in the 3D effect.
Not Much Has Changed: Apart from the Amiibo functionality and improved controls, the game lacks significant updates from the original 3DS version.
Final Thoughts:
“Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+” is a solid addition to the series, especially for those who missed out on the 2011 release. While the Amiibo features and enhancements are positive, they may not justify a repurchase for existing owners.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
