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Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

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8.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 54 critic reviews
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Based on 48 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

Developer: Namco Bandai Games

Genre(s): Flight Combat

Players: 16

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: October 23, 2007

Summary

Online for the first time, via Xbox Live, players can experience Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation on a massive worldwide scale as it features an in-depth multi-player online experience that includes a variety of action-packed online modes. Players fight alongside fighter planes, gun ships, attack helicopters, tanks, naval fleets, heavy bombers, and electronic warfare vessels in the ultimate Ace Combat showdown. The Dynamic Operation System provides for massive battles unfolding on a "living battlefield," as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can break out at any time at multiple locations as allies and enemies clash in real-time. Players can experience the realism of war when battlefields come alive with engagingly authentic audio and visual effects: thundering explosions, dense vapor trails of air to air missiles, piercing machine gun fire, booming anti-aircraft artillery fire, mid-air explosions, gigantic columns of black smoke and more. Players can prove their supremacy on a global scale as they pilot highly detailed, authentic aircraft such as the F-15 E Strike Eagle and the F-22 Raptor online via Xbox Live. For an all out worldwide battle for the sky, players can choose from a variety of different online modes including the death match and team death match style game modes. Or they can team up with friends to play in co-op, where players combine strategy and skill to work together to take on computer-controlled adversaries. Online rankings are calculated globally with high-ranking players being granted honorable titles on a global scale, adding fuel to the fires of furious competition. [Namco Bandai Games]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Ace Combat 2 Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameFAQs

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

GameTap

The most solid, robust, and realistic Ace Combat game yet. Even if you're not into playing online, Fires of Liberation offers a hearty helping of intense, varied combat that will keep you coming back long after you've completed your first campaign.

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Games Radar (in-house)

Far better than any other flight game on the 360 - and it also happens to be a technical showcase for HDTV fanatics everywhere.

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ZTGameDomain

Easily the best flight-sim available on next-gen systems, not to mention the best the series has ever had to offer. Picture perfect controls and lush visuals make this a package that fans of the series will not want to miss.

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Thunderbolt

Rather than merely surpassing the expectations set by its predecessors, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation provides a foundation for console-based aerial combat games of the future.

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Play.tm

There's something genuinely thrilling about Ace Combat's high speed dog-fighting that grabs you by your throat and refuses to let go. It's unashamedly arcadey, it doesn't last all that long and the between mission cut scenes are a bit of a pointless distraction, but once you're in the air there's few games that provide as intense a feeling of exhilaration.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

The controls are easy to pick up, which makes flying and combat both simple and fun.

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Digital Entertainment News

There are so few games that get air combat right, but Ace Combat hits the nail on the head. From the huge scale air support missions to the vicious online dogfights, everything about this game is perfect. Its limited appeal is offset by the fact it serves that audience so well.

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IC-Games

Over all, Ace Combat 6 is a good game but because of the final mission, it might be one you'd struggle to complete, but the multiplayer will more then make up for it, specially if you have the broadband speed to make it a real dogfight.

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Pelit (Finland)

A visual treat and pure arcade shooting fun. The missions are full of action and while you always end up saving the day, it certainly feels like there’s a war going around you. It’s a pity that the cutscenes are so full of phony melodrama and corny dialogue. [Nov 2007]

Team Xbox

Without overly dumbing down the modern military sim fighter, Namco Bandai has managed to create a very accessible flying game that has all of the presentation bells and whistles of its big boy cousins.

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Game Informer

But if Fires of Liberation doesn't catch your eye, I'm not sure if any game of this ilk ever will. [Nov 2007, p.154]

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Gaming Target

It may not be the flight simulator that many people may have been hoping for, but it doesn’t detract from being an enjoyable arcade shooter. Highly recommended.

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Games Master UK

As complex and as challenging as you want it to be, this is top-notch plane-based blasting. [Dec 2007, p.58]

Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

Another good chapter on this franchise. The multiplayer makes it an even more attractive proposition, since the single player campaign is good enough on its own, with the usual adrenaline fix for anyone who likes dogfights. [Dec 2007]

Gamer's Hell

In sum, Fires of Liberation is the complete package for any fan of the franchise, or anyone looking for a fairly accessible fighter-sim.

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Play Magazine

Ace Combat 6 is this venerable series at its best. [Nov 2007, p.63]

GameSpot

Slick gameplay and gorgeous visuals are among Ace Combat 6's many strengths.

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GameZone

Ace Combat 6 is an accessible and exciting flight combat game with great arcade-style gameplay. While the story elements are pretty cheesy, the game itself is a lot of fun.

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Official Xbox Magazine

The dogfighting, though, feels aimless unless you're playing with people who really know what they're doing: We predict it'll be the stomping ground of the uber-hardcore pilots. [Nov 2007, p.88]

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MS Xbox World

Ace Combat 6 is certainly a welcome addition to the Xbox 360 library of games, and although we've already had a few flying games to date, none can match the quality of Namco's efforts.

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IGN

The realistic visual design married with the arcade controls make for a game that anyone can have fun with. This is the closest to the imaginary dream of being in Top Gun that most of us are ever going to get.

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Console Monster

It was sad to have such a shallow and uninspiring storyline to keep you going until the very end, but with the game’s stunning visuals and effects, arcade pick up and play gameplay, online multiplayer and co-op features there is plenty here to satisfy your appetite in being the next Maverick or Ice Man.

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Xbox360Achievements

The visuals, audio even the character scripts are carefully chosen to add life and a new experience to AC veterans and newbies alike.

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Gaming Age

With very few flight titles available, Ace Combat 6 is the best one on next gen platforms hands down.

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Game Almighty

Someone asked me to describe Ace Combat 6 in a word, and my response was “shallow,” which probably wasn’t fair. Shallow seems to imply a lack of depth to a fault, which certainly isn’t the case with Ace Combat 6. Though you don’t have to worry about flaps settings, ILS approaches, or proper air-traffic control etiquette, Ace Combat 6 is by no means barebones. It’s a lean, mean, fighting machine.

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GameTrailers

The game is accessible enough to be picked up by someone who hasn’t yet earned their wings, and while the online mode isn’t incredibly deep, it’s a solid addition that makes the game that much more attractive. If jets aren’t your thing, though, it won’t convince you to enroll in flight school.

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XboxAddict

Graphics and sound are absolutely the strong points in Ace Combat 6.

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G4 TV

The game looks and sounds fantastic, and offers an impressive level of control and combat refinement that fans have come to expect from the series.

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Boomtown

A real victory for blue skies in games and the very welcome return of a great franchise.

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Video Game Talk

The audio soars even higher than the graphics.

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PALGN

Luscious visuals and a solid plot may really add to the experience, but it's Namco's extra layer of polish on Ace Combat 6 which makes it all the more fun to play.

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

One of the prettiest games you'll ever see and the best air combat going. [Christmas 2007, p.81]

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Kombo

If you loved any or all of the previous Ace Combat games, we recommend you pick up Ace Combat 6 immediately. If you were never a fan of the franchise or the genre before, Ace Combat 6 doesn't offer anything that will change your mind.

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VideoGamer

With a stunning single-player campaign, a wealth of capable online multiplayer facilities and the provisions of raw power the 360 offers, Ace Combat finally feels like it has become what it has always strived to be.

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DarkStation

It is a good game, one that continues to build upon the really great franchise from Namco.

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GameDaily

The single player game's story features poor voice acting and the game doesn't look as photo realistic as Namco Bandai wants you to believe, but AC6 successfully delivers the quality Top Gun experience, allowing you to live out your fighter pilot fantasies.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

An entertaining, exciting game that looks simply stunning. It really does the genre, and the Xbox 360, justice. And you can't get a higher recommendation than that. [Dec 2007, p.88]

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GamePro

About the only shortcoming Ace Combat 6 possesses is an intimidating visage, especially if you're using the Ace Edge flight stick. This is definitely a hardcore game, not one intended for casual play given its attention to detail, simulation-style controls, and general difficulty.

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Cheat Code Central

Hands down, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation is the best console flight simulator to date. This may not have been a hard achievement, but it is nice to say that there is finally an aerial combat game worth racing to the store to pick up.

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Edge Magazine

And the visuals? Well, if you want more screenshots, just pop your head out of the window and look up. [Dec 2007, p.96]

Eurogamer

More than anything else, we're just happy to have another Ace Combat game we can genuinely say we really like, rather than just saying we don't dislike it. The series has rated a categorical "meh" for some time now; but no longer. Ace Combat 6 can be our wingman any time.

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GameSpy

Providing solid gameplay throughout the duration of the game and the incredibly fun online modes, Ace Combat 6 ups the ante and more than makes up for the minor failings of previous versions.

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Gaming Nexus

Ace Combat 6 is one of the best air-combat games I have played, yet it has a lot of flaws outside the core game that drag it down a bit.

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My Gamer

Although Ace Combat is far from perfect, it still offers entertainment. This game is one of the few titles to actually marry the idea of realistic graphics mixed with arcadey controls and gameplay.

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Worth Playing

A title that's running on autopilot. It looks better than the previous Ace Combat offerings, but little else has changed.

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GameShark

Ultimately, the game provides beautiful graphics and (with the controller) an intensely immersive experience, but just keeps tripping over itself in its attempt to excel or provide new and interesting features.

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GamerNode

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation is a fun game to waste away an afternoon, but a hard sell for anyone who hasn't been a fan of the series beforehand. The combat is fun, but the rest needs some work.

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360 Gamer Magazine UK

If you want something more than that, you might find that this is a little shallow and over too quickly, but if you are looking for nothing more than some dogfighting craziness, this could just be a match made in the clouds.

games(TM)

It’s as if Michael Bay defected to Japan and made a videogame, and we mean that in the best way possible. [Dec 2007, p.118]

Total Video Games

Yes, the jets look stunning and at a great distance, so do some of the landscapes. Get closer however, and Ace Combat 6 doesn't hold up to scrutiny, with both its visuals and gameplay coming up short.

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X360 Magazine UK

Stunningly beautiful, easy to pick up and ultimately satisfying to play. Shame about the terrible storyline, tediously long missions and a distinct lack of variety. [Issue 26, p.86]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Frequent fliers of the Ace Combat series will feel like they've been on this flight before. [Dec 2007, p.122]

1UP

Namco Bandai says downloadable planes, maps, and levels are to come, but unless they can fix the frustrating mission structure -- the game's largest problem -- I'm only mildly interested.

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Game Revolution

If you’re hardcore into flight sim games, you might find some satisfaction from the better parts of this highway to the danger zone, but if you’re looking for the next Crimson Skies, keep looking.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 48 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Justin K gave it an8:
This game is very enjoyable, but without splitscreen it literally splits the game in half when going offline. I mean who wants to pay for playing co op offline? The visuals are great, but the physics and the realistic parts of the game are a bit off. The storyline is a "eh" when you first look at it. Anyways do you see how fast the tanks move when on the floor? At least 150-300 mph! Holy Moley im suddenly destroying my enemies with my 240 some missiles! One problem that stands out the most to me is the allies, in every mission no matter what mission, the allies always relies on one person, you! That makes no sense at all. This is the problem that usually makes gamers lose the mission. This is the hardest part to get around. Gameplay: 9 Sounds:8 Missions:4-6 Everything else: about an 7-8.

Luca A. gave it a10:
Brilliant graphics truly spectacular!!! NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!!

Yung Money gave it an8:
The game had details on the jets had great graphics,and fun dogfights but the storyline sucked.The people in the game never compared to the quality on the jets.The storyline would always beat around the bush.....for example you are a pilot in a country called "Amerria" and rhe invading force are called the "Estovakians",to me it seemed like the writers were trying to avoid a conflict with Russia or something, because thats what it seemed like."U.S. v.s. Russia".......But whatever,im just talkin shit anyways its a pretty badass game just skip the cut scenes they are mostly filled with inner monologues from some stupid wit bitch.aside from all the negatives, a bitchin game!

Markus H. gave it a9:
Really beautiful and enjoyable game. A must for Jet fighter lovers.

Lycos8 gave it a9:
Amazing graphics, beautifully rendered aircraft and all the action of an arcade flight game. What's not to love about this game? Well, it's a short game with horrible voice-acting and dialogue. A skirmish mode (CPU vs Player) would be nice for those who want the multiplayer experience without the Live Gold.

Ian C. gave it a10:
That 10 is for the online play ONLY. The single player is OK, but I treated it as a practice ground for the online, which is simply AMAZING. Very tough to get a grip of tho, you'll get shot down a ton at first and wonder what it's all abbout, it feels random and frustrating. But then you get better with the controls, things get fluid, you don't just chase an enemy round and round in circles anymore, you'll meet players with whom you'll team up properly and actually work with to take down other fighters, and then you just end up in one amazing scenario after another after another after another, like you'll spot a teammate being chased down, swerving here and there everywhere to dodge a missile lock, you shout to them that you're coming to rescue them, you zoom over and take out the bad guy, saving your buddy's life and saving the day!! Hoorah!!! I love this game.

Justin gave it an8:
Not the best-playing AC game to date (it seemed easier to me than previous iterations, even on the hardest difficulty) but definitely the prettiest. the storyline sucks, but in-game dialog is usually engaging and pretty dramatic. my biggest complaint is the limited selection of planes (15, with only one unlockable original). previous AC titles offered at least twice that number. make no mistake, this is not a game for the hardcore flight-sim enthusiast. it's more a game for the hardcore top gun/iron eagle epic endless cinematic dogfight enthusiast. the planes may be real, but most everything else is videogame, from weapon payloads (almost 300 missles on some planes) to physics (inertia and gravity don't seem to work quite right) to damage (A-10s are tough, but i doubt they can manage to continue flying straight after two direct missile hits). bottom line: fun, engaging, frantic gameplay, but not for the flight sim crowd.

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Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

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Summary

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