Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception (PlayStation Portable, 2006)

I love the Ace Combat series of games. Each one is close to the same as far as game play and the majority of aircraft and weapons.

I love how they setup the controls on the PS2 games so much that I was nervous about what changes they would make for the PSP version.
But I was happily surprised when I started playing with the "B" control schema and found it very similar to the setup I use on the PS2.
Since the PSP doesn't have the dual thumb controls I knew that one of my favorite features would be missing (The ability to look around while flying in another direction). Another feature that I was worried might be missing is the different views - I prefer the gun and cockpit views over the 3rd person view. However all three views are still present.
Buying planes and weapons is still part of it. Replay is still present. Unlocking colors by downing Aces is still present. Also Free flight and mission select of unlocked (played) missions is still present.

Well some things to note about the game that are a little different from the other titles in the series.
1) The replay value I felt was high in this game. I've played through all the missions several times, and even after mastering them - still like to go back and play them with different aircraft.
2) After the 3rd mission you'll be asked to choose the next mission. Your choices will determine what missions and what mission parameters will follow. So there is no way to play through the game once and get all the missions. (You'll have to do it at least 3 times to unlock all the missions)
3) You can save the Replay video of the game to your memory card. When you have a close call or something you can saved it and later show off to your friends.
4) The game has about 8 aircraft that are made up - i.e. not a model of anything real (at least not that I know of). Anyway, on these aircraft you can customize parts (though the shape doesn't change) of the planes to increase certain characteristics. One thing to note here is you usually improve stats in one area and decrease stats in another.
5) If you have a friend that also has the game there is a multi-player mode. (I haven't been able to try this out as I don't know anyone else in my area with the game.) However it looks like it is a PSP to PSP hosted game - one person chooses to host the game and the other joins via PSP to PSP wireless connection.


Overall I ended up paying more for the game by buying on ebay then I was going to, since I haven't been able to find this in stores. But I would do it again now that I've played it. For me it was well worth the price. I'm betting the reason it's not in production anymore has to do with the franchise moving to be exclusive for XBOX360 shortly after the PSP version came out. My guess is they stopped production because of some license agreement with Microsoft. I'm hoping that is only a temporary agreement and that soon, they can start on another game for the PSP and now for the PS3.

(One feature that I hope they do sometime but haven't yet is allow a person to make their own custom paint jobs and their own emblems for the planes.)

Well if you like the Ace Combat series and own a PSP, you should buy this! This game is pretty darn fun. With a max of 18 missions depending on how you play, you'll blow through this game pretty quick. Its not super long and the story isn't super great anyway. Kinda reminds me of Ace Combat 4's story but not as cool. But there is much replay value and some planes are unlocked after a second play or depending on which route you choose your missions. The controls are good for being on a handheld. My only problem that I have is that You can't change the view in the normal control scheme but only in the novice control scheme.

The Good:
Another Ace Combat Game
Has Re-playability
Plenty of Aircraft

The Bad:
Can't change the preset control scheme
Story isn't all that great

Verdict:
Should buy for someone that wants some kind of airplane game for their PSP or someone wants something different. Also if your waiting for the second one to get out on the PSP grab this one and you won't be sorry!

i like it is the best game of all ace combat I've ever played. when Leasath try to take control of Aurelia in you get to stop them it is very nice game new fighter jets.

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I like the graphics and the game itself however I think that the story line is quite short, and this may be due to the space on the UMD. Some levels of the game are quite difficult and others are easy as pie. To earn medals just like in MOH, you must play the game several different ways and in different modes. The planes are customizable, with different materials, enigines, flight controls, and control surfaces. There is a plethora of planes, both real and concept, as well as old planes. Well worth the money....