Ace Combat 2 (PlayStation)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jeff Gerstmann
• Reviewed on: 07/02/1997
• Updated on: 04/28/2000
• Released on: 07/31/1997
• Originally published on GameSpot: Ace Combat 2 (PlayStation) Review

I'll be the first to admit it: I really didn't like Air Combat. It was one of the first PlayStation games, and it just lacked anything interesting. The dogfighting was boring, the missions were dull, and the game was too short. Ace Combat 2 fixes every single problem that troubled the first game. The only thing that slightly mars this otherwise amazing game is the difficulty level. Sure, there are a lot of levels, but most of them are very easy. The result is a great game you'll be done with in about two days.

Ace Combat 2 puts you in the cockpit of tons of different planes, including the F-4, F-16, SU-35, F-22, F-14, and MiG-21. Each plane has its own strengths and weaknesses and is rated in several categories, from maneuverability to ground and air attack strength. You start out with weaker planes and must save your combat pay to purchase the more expensive, and thus better, jets.

The graphics and movement of Ace Combat 2 look very nice, save for a little bit of pop-up and pixelation when you fly close to the ground. The use of textures gives the game an almost photo-realistic quality, and the entire game moves very fast. Even in cluttered surroundings, the frame rate stays up around 30 frames per second.

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