Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Big on violent blow-up effects but light on gameplay.

PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 2011
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 15+

Based on 1 review

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  • Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Game: Screenshot #1
  • Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Game: Screenshot #2
  • Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Game: Screenshot #3

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is an aerial combat game where you destroy aircraft and buildings more than people. However, the game displays violence graphically, often with big, dramatic explosions. You can kill people on the ground, too, such as firing at rebel soldiers, and you'll see them fall and bleed. There is also some profanity and sexual references in the radio chatter between pilots.

Community Reviews

Dennis G. Carrier C.
Dennis G. Carrier C. Adult
April 17, 2017
age 10+

Fell far short of expectations

The game's only bright spots are the scenery. The DFM (dog fighting mode) ruined this game's potential. The 300 missiles you have won't work against Ace pilots. And they send Ace pilots at you. What good are the over 300 missiles I'm carrying if they won't bring down a target? What you must do is get as close as possible to enemy planes from behind and you'll see a blue square light up and "RB and LB" on your enemy's wings (after locking on your targeting with "Y") You must quickly (very quickly) press LB and RB simultaneously to enter "DFM" mode. Then it's basically like an arcade mini-game where it's easy to blast the enemy out of the sky with missiles or your machine gun. But up until then you may pass by the same enemy plane 5 times before you can get the DFM to kick in. As you're coming up from behind they'll go very low to try to get you to crash. Even though you're really close to the surface, they still duck under you. They're so fast they can do a hairpin U- turn under you at 200 feet altitude like they switched instantly into reverse in mid-air with out losing speed. So the game is incredibly monotonous. You chase bogies around trying to get the DFM to light up. It becomes ultra-tiresome. The monotony especially stings because the missions go on for seemingly ever. The aircraft repairs itself while in the air. You're more likely to crash into the ocean while trying to get close to the enemy in this game than be shot down. I loved Ace Combat 6. Compared to that, this game is garbage.
BrioCyrain
BrioCyrain Adult
May 6, 2012
age 16+

A good flight action game

Not the best Ace Combat game, but definitely not the worst. I suggest getting either AC4 or AC5 if you enjoyed this one.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much swearing
See all 3 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Fans of aerial combat games are well aware there aren't a lot of options out there -- especially for consoles -- but one of the most successful franchises around the globe has been Namco Bandai's nearly 20 year-old Ace Combat series. Now, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gamers can get their hands on ACE COMBAT: ASSAULT HORIZON, the latest in the best-selling series. With a story written by New York Times’ bestselling military author, Jim DeFelice (Leopards Kill, Threat Level Black), you play as a top gun pilot tapped to squash dangerous groups in real-world locations, such as Russia, Miami, and Dubai.

You must rely on your flying and shooting skills to complete the various missions, which includes dogfighting, air to ground combat, and for the first time, manning an attack helicopter as well as supersonic jets. Gameplay still balances arcade action with a realistic aircraft simulation, as you dodge incoming fire, looming skyscrapers, and cliff edges. Quick acrobatics and a trigger finger is required to take on waves of enemies in both the solo campaign and online multiplayer modes.

Is It Any Good?

Yes and no. Despite Ace Combat: Assault Horizon's breadth (many modes and aircraft) and high production values, it's short on depth and replayability. Think of it like a Michael Bay popcorn flick. Those who climb into the cockpit will experience some thrilling action, tight controls, and near-photorealistic graphics (including aircraft that are shown being torn apart, scattering debris and spewing fuel). But, the gameplay doesn't quite match the visuals. For example, the "on rails" shooter portions when you serve as door gunner on a Blackhawk helicopter isn't as much fun. Also some missions are quite lengthy, without many checkpoints, so you might find yourself repeating a good chunk of a mission if you die. In short, if you don't expect serious depth from this game, you'll likely enjoy yourself for its good-looking and fast-paced action.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether violence in an aerial combat game has less impact than the violence in combat games that take place on the ground, with a gun in hand? How does the violence in this game compare to the violence found in a military shooter like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare?

  • When playing online with strangers, what precautions should you take? Here are our tips about online gaming.

Game Details

  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Namco Bandai
  • Release date: October 11, 2011
  • Genre: Simulation
  • ESRB rating: T for Alcohol Reference, Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
  • Last updated: October 5, 2021

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love fast action and realism in their games

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