Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon marked a noticeable turning point for the series. Instead of the previous fictional world of Strangereal, the story takes place in more realistically toned modern conflicts, and across the individual missions the player alternately takes the seat of fighter jets and attack helicopters. The game still retains its arcade-style accessible controls, but the missions are staged more cinematically, with an emphasis on large military operations and tense firefights over cities and front lines.

The most notable new feature of this installment is the Close Range Assault system, which, the moment the player gets within range of an enemy, switches the camera to a tight, semi-automatic dogfight reminiscent of cinematic aerial chases. This feature split the series' fanbase between those who preferred traditional full-distance maneuvering and a new audience that appreciated the closer, more action-packed pace. The game further expands the selection with ground and helicopter missions that control differently from classic aircraft, and it offers robust online multiplayer with several game modes, significantly expanded compared to earlier entries.

The change in tone was also reflected in the visual side – instead of the stylized illustrated cutscenes of the Strangereal entries, Assault Horizon relies on more realistically depicted military locations and more modern hardware, which, together with the Close Range Assault system, gives the battles a more cinematic, action-packed rhythm. It is precisely this combination of a realistic setting and semi-automatic close-range combat that makes Assault Horizon the most distinctly different entry in the entire series in terms of overall feel, not just individual mechanics.

Why play it: Assault Horizon suits players who want to experience the series in its most action-packed and cinematic form, with an emphasis on close-range dogfights and a variety of vehicles from fighter jets to helicopters. Fans of the classic Strangereal storyline may be surprised by the shift toward real-world conflicts, but anyone looking for flashy, accessible aerial action will get their money's worth here.