Game: Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere| Release: March 2nd, 2000| Genre: Combat Flight Sim| Publisher: Namco| Developer: Namco
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a flight simulation video game developed by Namco and released for the PlayStation console in 1999. As the third installment in the Ace Combat series, the game takes place in an alternate universe where players take on the role of a mercenary pilot working for a corporation called Neucom.
One of the standout features of Ace Combat 3 is its complex and engaging storyline, which unfolds through a series of missions and cutscenes. The game features multiple branching paths and multiple endings, depending on the player’s actions throughout the game. The storyline is enhanced by high-quality voice acting and impressive graphics for its time.
The gameplay of Ace Combat 3 is generally well-received, with a variety of aircraft to choose from and a wide range of missions to complete. However, some players may find the controls to be difficult to master, especially in the early stages of the game.
One of the game’s biggest strengths is its soundtrack, which features a mix of orchestral and electronic music that perfectly complements the game’s futuristic setting. The game’s sound effects are also impressive, with realistic engine sounds and explosions.
However, Ace Combat 3 is not without its flaws. Some players may find the storyline to be convoluted and confusing, with multiple factions and characters to keep track of. Additionally, the game’s localization for western audiences was heavily edited, with many of the game’s cutscenes and storyline elements removed or altered. This has led to criticism from fans of the series, who argue that the edited version of the game fails to capture the full scope of the original Japanese version.
Overall, Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a solid entry in the Ace Combat series, with an engaging storyline, impressive graphics and sound, and enjoyable gameplay. While some players may find the controls difficult to master and the storyline confusing, the game’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-play for fans of the series and flight simulation enthusiasts alike.
Ace Combat 3 Gameplay
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a flight simulation game that offers a varied and engaging gameplay experience for players. The game features a wide range of aircraft to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as a diverse set of missions that take place in a variety of locations and environments.
The controls in Ace Combat 3 are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to quickly get to grips with the game’s mechanics. However, some players may find the controls to be difficult to master, especially in the early stages of the game, where the missions are more challenging and require precise maneuvers.
The game’s missions are well-designed and offer a good mix of objectives, ranging from dogfighting with enemy aircraft to taking out ground targets with missiles and bombs. The game also features a variety of mission types, including escort missions, reconnaissance missions, and even stealth missions, which help keep the gameplay fresh and interesting.
One of the standout features of Ace Combat 3 is its use of a branching storyline, which allows players to make choices that affect the course of the game’s narrative. This gives the game a high replay value, as players can experience different endings depending on their actions throughout the game.
Overall, the gameplay of Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is top-notch, offering a challenging and engaging experience for players. While the controls may take some time to master, the game’s varied missions, diverse aircraft selection, and branching storyline make it a must-play for fans of the flight simulation genre.
Rating: 9/10
Ace Combat 3 Story
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere’s storyline is one of its strongest elements, offering a complex and engaging narrative that keeps players invested throughout the game. The story takes place in an alternate universe where corporations have replaced governments as the primary political entities, and players take on the role of a mercenary pilot working for the corporation Neucom.
The game’s storyline features multiple factions and characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, and the narrative is delivered through a series of well-produced cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The game’s use of a branching storyline also adds to its replayability, as players can make choices that affect the course of the narrative.
One of the standout features of the game’s storyline is its exploration of themes such as corporate greed, political corruption, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The game’s use of a near-future setting allows it to comment on real-world issues in a thought-provoking and engaging way.
However, one of the biggest criticisms of Ace Combat 3’s storyline is the heavily edited version that was released for western audiences. Many of the game’s cutscenes and storyline elements were removed or altered, leading to a disjointed and confusing narrative that failed to capture the full scope of the original Japanese version.
Overall, the storyline of Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a well-crafted and thought-provoking narrative that explores complex themes and keeps players invested throughout the game. However, the heavily edited version released for western audiences detracts from the overall experience.
Rating: 8/10 (based on the original Japanese version)
Ace Combat 3 Difficulty
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere offers a varied and challenging difficulty level that will appeal to both veteran flight simulation players and newcomers to the genre. The game features a diverse set of missions, ranging from straightforward dogfighting to complex escort and stealth missions that require careful planning and execution.
The game’s controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to quickly get to grips with the game’s mechanics. However, some players may find the controls to be difficult to master, especially in the early stages of the game where the missions are more challenging.
One of the standout features of the game’s difficulty level is its use of a branching storyline, which allows players to make choices that affect the course of the game’s narrative. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game, as players must carefully consider the consequences of their actions throughout the game.
The game’s difficulty level is further enhanced by its AI, which offers a formidable challenge to even the most skilled players. Enemy aircraft are smart and aggressive, making dogfighting a tense and exhilarating experience.
Overall, the difficulty level of Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is well-balanced and challenging, offering a satisfying experience for players of all skill levels. While some players may find the controls difficult to master, the game’s varied missions, branching storyline, and challenging AI make it a must-play for fans of the flight simulation genre.
Rating: 9/10
Ace Combat 3 Graphics
Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere was released in 1999 for the PlayStation console, and while the graphics were impressive for the time, they may not hold up to modern standards. However, considering the hardware limitations of the PlayStation, the graphics in Ace Combat 3 are quite impressive.
The game features a variety of aircraft models that are rendered in impressive detail, and the game’s environments are varied and immersive. The game’s use of color and lighting also helps to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion that adds to the overall experience.
However, the game’s graphics do suffer from some limitations, such as texture pop-in and jagged edges, which can detract from the overall experience. The game’s cutscenes, while well-produced, suffer from low resolution and some compression artifacts.
Despite these limitations, the graphics in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere are still impressive for a game released in 1999, and the attention to detail in the aircraft models and environments is commendable.
Rating: 7/10 (considering the limitations of the PlayStation hardware at the time)
Ace Combat 3 Controls
The controls in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere are responsive and intuitive, making it easy for players to get to grips with the game’s mechanics. The game features a variety of control schemes that cater to different playstyles, allowing players to customize their experience to their preferences.
The game’s flight controls are smooth and easy to use, and players have access to a variety of weapons and special abilities that can be activated using intuitive button combinations. The game’s heads-up display (HUD) is also well-designed, providing players with all the information they need to successfully complete missions.
However, some players may find the controls to be difficult to master, especially in the early stages of the game where the missions are more challenging. The game’s use of a branching storyline also adds an extra layer of complexity to the controls, as players must carefully consider the consequences of their actions throughout the game.
Overall, the controls in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere are well-designed and intuitive, providing players with a satisfying flight simulation experience. While some players may find the controls difficult to master, the game’s customization options and smooth flight controls make it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Rating: 8/10
Ace Combat 3 Sound
The sound in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a mixed bag, with some aspects of the game’s audio design being impressive and others falling short of expectations.
The game’s soundtrack is one of its strongest features, with a diverse selection of tracks that capture the adrenaline-fueled excitement of air combat. The music is well-composed and fits the game’s action perfectly, adding to the overall atmosphere and immersion.
However, the game’s sound effects are somewhat lacking in detail and can become repetitive over time. The sounds of weapons firing and planes exploding are serviceable, but lack the impact and variety that players might expect from a game in this genre.
The game’s voice acting is also a weak point, with flat and uninspired performances that fail to convey the emotional weight of the game’s storyline. This is particularly disappointing given the game’s emphasis on branching narratives and player choice, which would benefit from more dynamic and engaging voice acting.
Overall, the sound in Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is a mixed bag. While the soundtrack is a standout feature, the sound effects and voice acting are somewhat underwhelming.
Rating: 6/10
Overall, 7.8/10
%
