Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Nov 1, 2001
Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies Image
Metascore
89 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 68 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Ace Combat series soars once again. Experience aerial combat like never before. A brand new gripping storyline and 18 fabulous missions will keep pilots-to-be on the edge of their seats. Released as "Distant Thunder" in UK & Europe. [Namco]

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Hot Games
    100
    Without a doubt the best flight sim available for a next-gen system. Ace Combat 04 shatters the competition.
  2. XenGamers
    100
    Offers a heady, elating sense of flight, adrenaline-charged combat, perfect controls, and breathtaking visuals that will humble titles played even on the mightiest PCs.
  3. Game Informer
    85
    A complete game package that has been meticulously constructed to draw you in like a missile to an afterburner. [Nov 2001, p.102]
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  4. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Its gameplay isn’t revolutionary, and a couple of its missions get a tad tedious, but Ace Combat 4 sure looks pretty, which is half the reason flying buffs play these air-combat games anyway. [Dec 2001, p.234]
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See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. AlexE.
    10
    I have played this game many times and would recomend it.
  2. DGDrocks7
    9
    It's been 10 years since I got this game. Yet every year since, I always find time to play this game. Sure, I play games like Battlefield and Call of Duty today, but this game will always be hold a special place in my gaming library. Graphics were stunning in its time, almost on par with MGS2 (released in the same year). And gameplay, it defines fun. Of course, when you play it for too long, it gets boring (like any other game). But after a couple days (or maybe hours), when you pop it in again, it feels like a new game. If you still have a PS2, or a PS3 that plays PS2 games, go find this game. You won't regret it. Should it be released on the PS Store, buy it. If they ever release an HD remake, buy it.… Expand
  3. Shika
    8
    The gameplay lacks, there are simply too many missions where the objective is "score x amount of points in y amount of time". It gets a bit tedious, however thankfully this is not every mission and some inspired missions are added in like one based on D Day, the gameplay is very much in touch with the arcade roots and some of the planes are a bit too roller coastery at times. The somewhat lacking mission variety is balanced out by the amazing storytelling and fun missions thrown in, The story is told only in pictures paired with dialogue and missions. The slideshows really show how simple a concept paired with good voice acting and exceptional writing can make a great story, you don't need animations and cutscenes. The main character, Yellow 13, has depth and you really get a feel for who he is by the time you fight him in the final mission. It also sets up the stage of the war and the town, having the feeling of an occupied town during WW2. Seeing the characters on the ground in cutscenes gives the locations life, to the point where while flying overhead you really feel as though you're affecting the local population. The final mission isn't anything too complicated, but it's built up so much by in game dialogue that it still feels as though you're at the climax of the war. Less melodramatic chatter compared to 5 really gives it a more mature feel. Flawless story paired with some good gameplay… Expand
  4. Uter
    6
    It's more of a rental than a purchase.

See all 37 User Reviews