Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation (Xbox 360, 2007)

Namco’s Ace Combat series has been a long time staple in the gaming industry, standing as one of the few flight-sim based games to come out for any system. Now the series is making its debut on next-gen hardware, as Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation hits exclusively for the Xbox 360.

Gameplay: 8.5

Ace Combat 6 offers arcade-style controls that feel very intuitive and easy for those not raised on complex flight-sims to get their hands on. The game has a great deal of intensity, with action-packed missions keeping you drawn in.

Graphics: 9.0

The plane models look amazing, and the effects are great. However, the environment has a few issues, as the closer you get to the ground the more it looks 2D and blurry, but generally the game looks great.

Sound: 7.5

The sound effects are pretty good throughout and the score works for the game, but the corny voice acting and lame dialogue bring down the score.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.0

The game provides great controls and accessible gameplay, even though the storyline is pretty nonsensical.

Multiplayer: 8.5

Ace Combat 6 has a great deal of online modes, including co-op, free-for-all, and siege.

Overall: 8.5

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.

If you like Call of Duty, you'll enjoy this game. However, it's not face-paced like the C of D games. Being a pilot myself, and even though the game has much more, I really enjoy the dogfights.