Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore VIC-20, DOS, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Cascade Games, Ltd.
ACE (1985): The Grandfather of Air Combat Games
Released in 1985 by Namco, ACE is a two-player arcade game that pits biplane pilots against each other in head-to-head air combat. With its simple controls and addictive gameplay, ACE quickly became a hit with arcade-goers and helped to popularize the air combat genre.
Gameplay
The objective of ACE is to shoot down your opponent before they shoot you down. Players control their biplanes with a joystick and two buttons, one to fire the machine gun and one to drop bombs. The game is played on a single screen, and the action is viewed from a top-down perspective.
The controls in ACE are very simple to learn, but difficult to master. The biplanes are very maneuverable, and players must use all of their skills to avoid enemy fire and line up their own shots. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can help players turn the tide of battle, such as speed boosts, invincibility, and homing missiles.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1985, ACE’s graphics are surprisingly good. The biplanes are well-detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Legacy
ACE was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the air combat genre. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. ACE has also been cited as an influence on a number of other air combat games, including the popular Ace Combat series.
Review
ACE is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. With its simple controls and addictive gameplay, it’s easy to see why this game has stood the test of time. If you’re a fan of air combat games, then you owe it to yourself to check out ACE.
Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Simple and addictive gameplay
- Great graphics and sound
- Variety of power-ups
- Two-player mode
Cons:
- Can be repetitive after a while
- No single-player mode
Overall:
ACE is a classic arcade game that is still a blast to play today. With its simple controls and addictive gameplay, it’s easy to see why this game has stood the test of time. If you’re a fan of air combat games, then you owe it to yourself to check out ACE.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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