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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon''}}{{WPIcon|Ace Combat: Assault Horizon}}
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{{Template:Game Info Box
  
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{{Game
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|name = Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
  
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|image = Ace Combat Assault Horizon.png
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| image = [[File:Assault Horizon Final Box Art.jpg|260px]]
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| tagline = Make Metal Bleed
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|imageSize = 255px
  
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| subbar = [[/Aces|Aces]] · [[/Achievements|Achievements]] · [[/Aircraft|Aircraft]] · [[/Callsigns|Callsigns]] · [[/DLC|DLC]] · [[/Missions|Missions]] · [[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Original Soundtrack|OST]] · [[Skills]] · [[/Unlockables|Unlockables]]
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|Tagline =
 
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| altnames = ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition'' (Steam)
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|Developer = [[Project Aces]]
  
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|Publisher = [[Namco]]
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| developer = [[Project Aces]]
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| publisher = [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Games]]
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|US Date Released = Unknown
  
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| release = {{Collapsible list
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|UK Date Released = Unknown
  
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| header = October 11, 2011
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|Game modes = Single-Player
  
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| content = <br>'''PS3 / Xbox 360'''<br>October 11–14, 2011<br>'''PlayStation Network'''<br>November 27, 2012<br>'''Steam / Games for Windows'''<br>January 24, 2013<br>'''Xbox LIVE Games on Demand'''<br>February 19, 2013<br>'''OUYA'''<br>December 2014<br>'''Fire TV'''<br>June 2015
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Online
  
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}}
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|ESRB = N/A
  
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| modes = {{wp|Single-player video game|Single-player}}, {{wp|Multiplayer video game|online multiplayer}}
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|Platform = [[wikipedia:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]]<br/>
  
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| esrb = T
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[[wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]]
  
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| pegi = 16
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|Product Dimensions Metric = Unknown
  
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| cero = C
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|Media = Unknown
  
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|website = N/A
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| acb = PG
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| platform = {{wp|PlayStation 3}}, {{wp|Xbox 360}}, <s>{{wp|Games for Windows}}</s>, {{wp|Steam}}
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}}'''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon '''is the newest iteration of the ''[[Ace Combat Series|Ace Combat]]'' combat flight simulation series.
  
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| media = 1x {{wp|Blu-ray Disc}} (PS3)<br>1x {{wp|DVD}} (Xbox 360, PC)<br>Streaming (<s>OUYA</s>, Fire TV)<br>Digital download (removed from all but PC)
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| website = [http://acecombatassaulthorizon.namcobandaigames.eu/ Europe] (shut down)<br>[http://acecombat.com/ North America] (shut down)<br>[http://ah.acecombat.jp Japan]
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}}
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{{Nihongo|'''''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon'''''|エースコンバット アサルト・ホライゾン|Ēsu Konbatto Asaruto Horaizon}} was the 14th game released in the ''[[Ace Combat]]'' series. It took place in the real world, albeit in a different timeline from that of ''[[Ace Combat: Joint Assault|Joint Assault]]''. Players took control of various members of [[Task Force 108]], most notably [[William Bishop]], as they shut down the threat posed by [[Andrei Markov]] and other rebels from [[Russia]].
   
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''Assault Horizon'' was radically different from any other ''Ace Combat'' game in various ways. The [[Close Range Assault]] system added a new element of gameplay specific to ''Assault Horizon'', and it was the first ''Ace Combat'' to be released on personal computers and the PlayStation 3.
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==Setting==
  
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This is the second Ace Combat title (second only to ''[[Ace Combat X2: Joint Assault]]'') to take place in the real world.
  
   
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''Assault Horizon'' and its DLC are no longer available for digital purchase on the PlayStation Store, Xbox LIVE Marketplace, or Steam.{{Ref|SteamNoSale|https://steam-tracker.com/app/228400/}}
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The teaser recently released by [[Project Aces]] in August 9, 2010 shows an large-scale invasion in the American city of Miami, Florida, alongside a military raid of a Middle-Eastern looking city (presumably Iraq/Afghanistan).
  
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The teaser also shows that the player will take part in as a pilot in the Nomad Squadron (shown as the Apache Squadron) and as a pilot in the Werewolf Squadron (shown piloting the F-22), and the only confirmed enemy ace as of now is Colonel Markov, AKA "Akula", for the Shark's mouth on his [[Su-35BM]]'s nose, who shoots down the pilot of the F-22 in the teaser and supposedly slams into the parachuting pilot.
  
   
 
==Gameplay==
  
==Gameplay==
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{{Main|Close Range Assault}}
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Footage shows a massive improvement of the standard AC physics engine, with a hostile [[Sukhoi]] [[Su-33]] fighter performing the [[wikipedia:Pugachev's Cobra|Pugachev's Cobra]] to evade the player, with the player performing a [[wikipedia:Kulbit|Kulbit]], alongside a revamped destruction engine, as shown by debris coming out of battle-damaged structures. Furthermore, the footage shows a helicopter raid in a Middle Eastern-like locations, with insurgents being killed by turret fire from said choppers, presumably indicating that the players will be able pilot/board helicopters, which is a major change in aircraft selection (like the inclusion of the World War II [[A6M Zero]] & [[F6F-5 Hellcat]] in [[Joint Assault]]). For the damage modifications, buildings and
  
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''Assault Horizon'' boasts several radical changes to the standard ''Ace Combat'' formula. For the first time in the series, the player will alternate between piloting fighter jets, helicopters and bombers as the story progresses; for example, some missions will have the player being the door gunner of an [[MH-60 Blackhawk]], while others put them in the role of a [[B-2A Spirit]] stealth bomber.
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The game runs on a revamped game engine allowing for destruction on a scale never seen before in ''Ace Combat'', and indeed in a flight simulator. This engine allows for real-time deformation: as an example, sustained gunfire on an enemy fighter will rip off its tail, while more severe damage will either tear off the wings or (in more extreme cases) even completely disintegrate the airframe as a whole, spilling the aircraft's oil across the sky and forcefully ejecting the pilot from the cockpit.  As mentioned before, buildings and other structures are now subject to combat damage and will deform in real time. Scenery damage will be often combined with Close Range Assault to provide a cinematic feel to gameplay—for example, stray fire in a pursuit will hit nearby buildings, forcing the player to evade the debris while remaining in pursuit.  However, this is only at scripted points in the campaign.
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===Controls===
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The game provides players with two control schemes, "Original" and "Optimum". The 'Original' control setting is similar to the controls known as "expert controls" in the previous ''[[Ace Combat]]'' games. As expected, it gives full control of the aircraft, with the left stick making it roll (not turn) when you push right or left. On the other side, the new "Optimum" control scheme -the default mode and the one used in all the trailers released so far- is NOT the equivalent of the usual 'beginner/novice' control style of the series. It prohibits one from doing full rolls but this is to gain the stability needed to get the best of the new ‘Close Range Assault System’.
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[[High-G Turn]]s are still available by pushing triggers together, as well as Autopilot if both shoulder buttons are depressed. A new feature called "Flight Assistance" provides comfortable options to players like Auto-leveling, Automatic Collision Prevention, Automatic Stall Prevention, sight assist and Automatic forward Target Selection. These options can be turned on or off.
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==Plot==
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{{Main|Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Missions}}
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In early 2015, an insurgent group named "[[SRN]]" surfaces in Eastern Africa. Quickly overwhelmed, the region's nations request the {{Wp|United Nations}} for help, which in turn calls upon [[NATO]] to deal with the situation. The insurgency has the advantage of guerilla warfare and unusually advanced weaponry, which allows it to rapidly move through the entire African continent. Seeing how the situation worsens, NATO commissions a special unit named the [[Task Force 108]], an international military unit comprised of aircraft pilots and military commanders from, amidst other nations, the [[United States of America]], [[Russian Federation]] and France. Furthermore, NATO has discovered that the rebels are in command of a weapon of mass destruction - a special cruise missile named "[[Trinity]]". To make things worse, it has been confirmed that the SRN is being assisted by a group of Russian mercenaries led by Colonel [[Andrei Markov]], a feared ace pilot and former Lieutenant Colonel of the [[Russian Air Force]]. Soon thereafter, [[William Bishop]], leader of the Task Force, sees himself and his comrades involved in an escalating race between NATO and SRN for the control of Trinity.
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==Multiplayer==
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[[File:B-2 4.jpg|thumb|250px|B-2 bomb bay over Paris]]
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''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon'' features online multiplayer capabilities, similar to its 2007 predecessor. The game's feature mode, [[Capital Conquest]], has players from both NRF and [[NATO]] either attacking or defending cities such as Paris or Washington. All ranges of aircraft can be used, from fighters and multiroles to attackers and choppers. When a base is at critical damage levels, the [[B-1B Lancer|B-1B]] and [[B-2A Spirit|B-2A]] become available for that side and can be used to cause massive damage to the opposing base. However, they require [[Air Strike Mode]] to bomb (meaning they can only bomb the HQ, and only when available), and are very vulnerable, given their limited maneuverability.
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The other three modes are Domination, where two sides gain points by capturing and defending various bases; Deathmatch, where points are gained by shooting down other planes; and Mission Co-Op, where up to four players can choose from one of eight specially-designed Campaign missions to play together with increased difficulty.
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A new addition to multiplayer is the "Skill Set" system, which allows players to customize their aircraft's statistics to suit their game style, in ways such as stealth, mobility, and weapons. Another addition is the "Friendly Assist System" (FAS), which allows up to four players to share a skill's benefits.
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===Callsigns===
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{{Main|Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Callsigns}}
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[[File:604703 20100916 screen003.jpg|thumb|250px|F-35B with a Tu-95 over Dubai]]
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''Assault Horizon'' also boasts a callsign setting, which allows different flights of players to customize their callsign for that match. Callsigns can only be set by the flight leader in the Capital Conquest or Domination modes and must be unlocked by completing a task. For example, to unlock the [[Garuda]] callsign, one must complete the entire campaign; to unlock the [[Mobius 1|Mobius]] callsign, they must receive the "Hero" multiplayer bonus; and so on. If no callsigns are unlocked or changed, a default callsign will be used (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, or Delta).
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==Aircraft==
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{{Main|Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Aircraft}}
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''Assault Horizon'' allows players to fly a variety of aircraft, ranging from fighters and attack aircraft to helicopters and bombers. Available aircraft include long-runners like the [[F-16C Fighting Falcon]] and the [[F-22A Raptor]], while also including new designs like the [[Su-57|PAK FA]] and the [[Su-24MP Fencer]]. They also play as a gunner of an [[AC-130 Spectre]]. Currently, there are 7 post-release downloadable aircraft which include the [[ASF-X Shinden II]], a fictional aircraft designed by ''Macross'' creator [[Shōji Kawamori]] in cooperation with [[Namco Bandai]], the [[Su-37 Terminator|Su-37]] (with at least one skin being of [[Yellow Squadron]]), [[Ka-50 Hokum]], [[Tornado GR.4]], [[AV-8B Harrier II plus]], [[YF-23A Black Widow II]], [[F-15 S/MTD]], and the [[CFA-44 Nosferatu]].
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Unlike in the previous games, the player doesn't have to purchase their aircraft but can instead choose freely from whichever is available for the upcoming mission. This isn't the first time that aircraft could be picked from the start after unlock, however, as this feature originated in ''[[Ace Combat 3]]''. The selection is limited by the nature of the mission, e.g. in an air-to-ground, the player is limited to Attacker aircraft. After selecting the aircraft, the player can also select its paint scheme and [[weapons|special weaponry]]. In missions that switch between different player characters, the player has to select aircraft for all of them, e.g. in mission 11, they must select a bomber for [[Janice Rehl]] and a fighter or multirole aircraft for [[William Bishop]]. The player has no control over the aircraft, colors, and weaponry of their [[wingmen]], who generally choose to fly the aircraft that best fit with the current mission.
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===Paint Schemes===
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In previous installments of ''Ace Combat'', special aircraft colors had to be unlocked and/or purchased. ''Assault Horizon'' is the first installment to allow player customization of the plane's colors. Different parts of the plane's paint, including the missile smoke color, can be recolored to fit the pilot's preference, and paint schemes may be saved for future selection between schemes. Paint schemes are unique to only the plane it is first made on; for example, to fly every plane in one specific scheme, a separate paint scheme would have to be made for each and every plane in that color scheme.
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There are special paint schemes that may be unlocked while playing the campaign or multiplayer, or downloaded/purchased as downloadable content (DLC) from the PlayStation Store and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. For example, to unlock the Death Rider scheme for the [[F-15C Eagle]], it must be downloaded as DLC. But to attain the Mobius paint scheme, you have to play multiplayer and achieve the "Hero" MVP award. Each special paint scheme can also be recolored to a new color scheme of the player's choosing, and there are many hidden selections; for example, the [[Mobius Squadron]] logo is normally the same color as the rest of the scheme but can be recolored to be shown.
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==Soundtrack==
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{{Main|Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Original Soundtrack}}
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The Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Original Soundtrack is the game's official soundtrack. Similar in nature to the [[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Original Soundtrack]] and [[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Original Soundtrack]], it combines electronic music with bombing symphonic sounds, which include both Western and oriental instruments. As well, unlike previous ''Ace Combat'' soundtracks, it is notable for the inclusion of heavy electric guitar solos in many songs. A stand-alone release has not been confirmed.
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It contains a total of 38 tracks divided into three discs. Pre-ordered Limited Edition copies in Europe contained a "small" version of the soundtrack, whereas pre-ordered copies in Japan contained the entire soundtrack.
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==Development==
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===Patch 1.02 & Digital Copies===
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On November 26, 2012, ''Assault Horizon'' received Patch 1.02, which came with the following changes:{{ref|TitleUpdate|[http://ah.acecombat.jp/title_update/ 無償タイトルアップデート]. [http://ah.acecombat.jp/ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Official Website]. Published on November 27, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}}
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*The health of the [[Capital Conquest]] HQs have been increased.
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*Players can no longer respawn during the first 15 seconds of the match (to fix an exploit where players could respawn at an allied respawn base at the start of the match).
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*If a player is being chased in [[Close Range Assault|Dogfight Mode]] and crashes on the ground or leaves the mission boundary, that player will count as being shot down and ''all'' players chasing them will receive credit for the kill. This also counts for the killstreak count for unlocking the use of Trinity.
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*Some weapons have been adjusted. Specific details are not provided in the official patch notes. Fans have discovered that the [[6 Target Air-to-Air Missile|6AAM]]s have less mobility, and [[Quick Maneuver Air-to-Air Missile|QAAM]]s have more speed and accuracy.<ref name="ACSPatch102">{{Cite web|url=http://acecombatskies.com/topic/33405-patch-102/ |title=Patch 1.02 |author=[[User:SlyCooperFan1|]] |website=AceCombatSkies.com |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=21 March 2015 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20161129023419/http://acecombatskies.com/topic/33405-patch-102/ |archivedate=29 November 2016}}</ref>
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*The player's spawn invincibility (10 seconds of infinite health and stealth after spawning or respawning) is immediately canceled when firing any kind of weapon or initiating DFM or ASM. (The latter was already in effect pre-patch.)
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*The uploading of statistics to the ''Assault Horizon'' website is no longer in use since the website was shutting down.
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*The exploit where players could fire a charged standard missile in DFM, switch weapons, and immediately charge up their secondary weapon (or vice versa) is no longer possible.
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*The hitbox on the aircraft carriers in Capital Conquest in Tokyo and Washington, D.C. has been fixed, primarily outside of ASM.
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*The "Global ASM" skill has been modified. According to fans, Global ASM can no longer be initiated nearby a Capital Conquest HQ.<ref name="ACSWebsiteDis">{{Cite web|url=http://acecombatskies.com/topic/33355-ace-combat-website-discontinued/#entry792764 |title=Ace Combat Website Discontinued |author=ekirbo |website=AceCombatSkies.com |date=26 November 2012 |access-date=21 March 2015 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20150325173621/http://acecombatskies.com/topic/33355-ace-combat-website-discontinued/#entry792764 |archivedate=25 March 2015}}</ref>
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*On the PlayStation 3 version, multiplayer matches will no longer freeze or lag when a new player joins mid-session.
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*On the Xbox 360 version, voice chat quality has been improved.
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*Fans have independently discovered that the AI pilots have also received an update, now being incredibly aggressive instead of flying static around the map.{{refcall|ACSPatch102}}
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The next day, on November 27, ''Assault Horizon'' was added to the PlayStation Store as a digital download. An optional bundle pack was also made available, including the game, Tokyo, Honolulu, and some of the DLC aircraft.{{ref|StoreUpdateNov27|[http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/11/27/playstation-store-update-267/ PlayStation Store Update]. PlayStation Blog. Published on November 27, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}} It was also added to Xbox LIVE Games on Demand on February 19, 2013, as a digital download, but no bundle was made available.{{ref|GamesonDemand|[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/ACE-COMBAT-AH/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8024e4d081c?DownloadType=Game ACE COMBAT: AH]. Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}}
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===Enhanced Edition===
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On November 27, 2012, Namco Bandai officially announced the development of a PC port for ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon'' through their [https://twitter.com/NamcoBandaiUK/status/273452301279182848 UK Twitter account] and [https://www.facebook.com/AceCombat/posts/500985019931956 Facebook page], making it the first ''Ace Combat'' game to ever become available for personal computers. Known as the "Enhanced Edition", it has most of the downloadable content featured in the console versions, and optimized controls and graphics for computers. Multiplayer was supported through the Games for Windows - LIVE (GFWL) service before it was replaced by Steamworks (see [[#Transition to Steamworks|below]]). It was released on January 25, 2013, in retail and digital download forms, in addition to being available for download on Steam.
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====GFWL Code Issues====
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[[File:ACAH Steam error.png|thumb|250px|Screenshot of Steam error preventing purchase of the game]]
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Starting on the week of November 24, 2013, people who purchased ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Enhanced Edition'' were given invalid GFWL keys that did not redeem for ''Assault Horizon Enhanced Edition'', or anything at all.{{ref|SteamDiscussion|[http://steamcommunity.com/app/228400/discussions/0/666826703868873893/ Product code not working :: ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition General Discussions]. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}} In response, on December 2, 2013, Steam shut down future purchases of the game while they worked out the problem with [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]] and Microsoft. As of February 24, 2014, the game could still not be purchased; however, some players were given refunds (in the form of Steam credit).{{refcall|SteamDiscussion}} On February 24, Tony Shoupinou confirmed that the game was going to be available for sale again once the [[#Transition to Steamworks|Steamworks transition]] was ensured to be running smoothly.{{ref|buyitagain|[http://steamcommunity.com/app/228400/discussions/0/558748822549751871/#c558748822582978669 Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities.] Steam Community. Published February 24, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.}}
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====Transition to Steamworks====
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On January 17, 2014, Joystiq reported that Namco Bandai was set on removing the GFWL service from ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition'', but no release date had been provided.{{ref|joystiq-gfwl|[http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/17/games-for-windows-live-is-dying-games-list-colorblind/ Games for Windows Live is dying, we check the life support of games (colorblind)] Joystiq. Published January 17, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.}} According to SteamDB, depots of a "2.0" version of ''Assault Horizon'' were uploaded to Steam as early as January 30 with a description indicating that GFWL (G4WL in the description) was being removed.{{ref|steamdb|[https://steamdb.info/app/228400/history/ ACE COMBAT&trade; ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition · Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition · AppID: 228400]. SteamDB.}} On February 20, 2014, various sources reported that Steam achievements were added to the game.{{ref|steamworks-steam|[http://steamcommunity.com/app/228400/discussions/0/558748653651618612/ HOLY S**T seems like they're switching this to Steamworks soon!] Steam.}}{{ref|neoacahsteam|[http://www.neoseeker.com/steam/ace_combat_assault_horizon_enhanced_edition/ ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition Steam Achievements] [http://www.neoseeker.com/ Neoseeker].}}
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On February 24, 2014, an announcement was posted to the game's discussion forum confirming the transition to Steamworks for achievements and multiplayer. Users who had purchased ''ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition'' before the announcement would have to follow a multi-step process to transfer their GFWL save files and achievements to the new Steamworks version of the game, including switching the game to the "Acah-2.0-" beta from the game settings. Users who purchased the game after the announcement but before April 1, 2014, would just have to enable the "Acah-2.0-" beta. On April 1, 2014, the game updated again to completely remove GFWL, and it now completely runs with Steamworks. Remaining GFWL save files and achievements are not guaranteed to transfer to the Steamworks version anymore.{{ref|announce02242014|[http://steamcommunity.com/app/228400/discussions/0/558748822549751871/ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities.] Steam Community. Published February 24, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.}} However, renaming a custom aircraft skin or a custom skill set is no longer possible since the dialog to do so was previously utilizing GFWL input, and attempting to access the online leaderboards crashes the entire game.
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On March 28, 2014, a private "beta3" branch was added to the Steam version of the game. As of June 2, 2015, this branch is still being updated; however, its contents and purpose are unknown.{{refcall|steamdb}}
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Since its Steamworks transition, ''Assault Horizon'' has been on sale numerous times, typically for 75% off its USD$19.99 price tag. On the weekend of July 25–27, 2014, the game was available for free to all Steam users for the weekend only, and was 75% off again for anyone interested in purchasing it.{{ref|freesteam|[http://store.steampowered.com/news/13984/ News - Free Weekend - Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition, 75% Off]. Steam.}}
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===Streaming===
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[[File:Assault Horizon OUYA.jpg|thumb|250px|''Assault Horizon'' on OUYA, without a Playcast Packful Of Fun subscription]]
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On August 8, 2012, Namco Bandai announced that they were in talks with {{wp|Ouya|OUYA}}, and asked for suggestions on what possible games to bring to the OUYA console. Out of 841 replies, over 30 people requested an ''Ace Combat'' game.{{ref|OUYAFacebook|[https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS/posts/416886055016053 Bandai Namco - OUYA & NAMCO BANDAI Games are chatting right now,...]. Facebook. Published on August 8, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}}
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In December 2014, {{Wp|Playcast Media Systems}} formally released "Playcast Packful Of Fun", a streaming service for the OUYA console, which allowed gamers to play a selection of games with an $8/month subscription. ''Assault Horizon'' was included in the service, and a 10-minute timed demo was available for non-members from the game's intro menu.{{ref|HCG|[http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/22/playcast-fun-pack-launches-on-the-ouya/124547/ Playcast Packful of Fun Launches on the OUYA]. Hardcore Gamer. Published on December 22, 2014. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}} While the game supported achievements{{Ref|OUYAPlaycast|[https://www.ouya.tv/game/Playcast-Packful-Of-Fun/ Playcast Packful Of Fun]. OUYA. Published in January 2015. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.}}, it was not clear which version of the game was being streamed to the OUYA.
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[[File:GameFly Assault Horizon.jpg|thumb|250px|''Assault Horizon'' among other games available through GameFly]]
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Sometime after June 2015, ''Assault Horizon'' and the rest of "Playcast Packful Of Fun" were removed from OUYA following Playcast's merge with {{Wp|GameFly}}. As part of the merge, GameFly rebranded and move Playcast's streaming service exclusively onto the {{Wp|Amazon Fire TV}}, where ''Assault Horizon'' is currently available to stream and play.{{Ref|Amazon-GameFly|[http://www.amazon.com/GameFly-Streaming/dp/B00RLGNR4W GameFly Streaming]. Amazon.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2016.}}
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{{Clear}}
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===Removal===
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As of January 27, 2016, ''Assault Horizon'' and all of its DLC were removed from the PlayStation Store and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Players could no longer purchase any ''Assault Horizon'' material digitally. However, players who already had purchased the game or DLC could still download them at any time.{{Ref|ACESWEB|[http://acecombat.jp Ace Combat official website].}}
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==Reception==
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[[File:PTOM Assault Horizon.jpg|thumb|200px|"Best Vehicle Game" award plaque from ''{{wp|PlayStation: The Official Magazine}}'']]
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''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon'' received generally positive reception from critic reviews. Metacritic currently holds a Metascore of 78 for the Xbox 360 version (based on 71 critics){{ref|MCX360|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ace-combat-assault-horizon Ace Combat: Assault Horizon for Xbox 360 Reviews]. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}, a Metascore of 77 for the PS3 version (based on 28 critics){{ref|MCPS3|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ace-combat-assault-horizon Ace Combat: Assault Horizon for PlayStation 3 Reviews]. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}, and a Metascore of 77 for the PC version (based on 14 critics).{{ref|MCPC|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/ace-combat-assault-horizon-enhanced-edition Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Enhanced Edition for PC Reviews]. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}} However, the reception from gamers was less positive. The PC version currently holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, where 61% of the 2,300 user-published reviews are positive.{{ref|AHSteam|[http://store.steampowered.com/app/228400 Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition on Steam]. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
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''{{wp|PlayStation: The Official Magazine}}'' reviewed the PS3 version and awarded a 9/10 as well as the "Best Vehicle Game" award during their 2011 "Game of the Year!" awards.{{ref|PTOMDec2011|''PlayStation: The Official Magazine'' December 2011 issue. Page 68.}} They sent a commemorative plaque to Bandai Namco, and [[Kazutoki Kono]] posted a picture of it on Project Aces' Twitter.{{ref|BVGAwardNote|Kono incorrectly referred to the plaque as being sent from "OPM", the abbreviation of the ''{{wp|Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine}}''. OPM was discontinued in December of 2007, and ''PlayStation: The Official Magazine'' (PTOM) became the official magazine of PlayStation in the United States until its cancellation in December of 2012.}}{{ref|BVGAward|[https://twitter.com/PROJECT_ACES/status/188220813395234817 ACE COMBAT on Twitter]. Published April 6, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
  +
  +
IGN's Jack DeVries reviewed the PS3 version and awarded a 7.5/10. He praised the game's graphics, soundtrack, voice acting, and interesting multiplayer, and he especially praised the mission variety as well as for arriving to the real world instead of remaining on [[Strangereal]]. However, he criticized the gameplay for being repetitive, as well as the story for being uninteresting.{{ref|IGNReview|[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/14/ace-combat-assault-horizon-review Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review]. IGN. Published October 13, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
  +
  +
Joe Vargas (Angry Joe) reviewed the Xbox 360 version and awarded an 8/10{{ref|AngryJoeReview|2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foI1baadkvk Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review]. AngryJoeShow on YouTube. Published October 16, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}} and the spot of "9th best game of 2011".{{ref|AngryJoeTop102011|2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqlES2p3u3I Top 10 BEST Games of 2011!]. AngryJoeShow on YouTube. Published December 30, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}} He informed viewers he hadn't played an ''Ace Combat'' game before ''Assault Horizon'', providing an unbiased opinion. He praised DFM for its originality over firing at "green boxes hundreds of miles away"{{refcall|AngryJoeTop102011}}, as well as the game's mission variety, graphics, soundtrack, and multiplayer modes. He criticized the helicopter missions and momentary cutscenes in the middle of missions, as well as the overuse of DFM, especially when flying against ace characters who require the use of DFM to shoot down.{{refcall|AngryJoeReview}}
   
  +
GameSpot's Kevin VanOrd reviewed both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 versions and awarded a 5.5/10. He shared the same criticisms as DeVries and Angry Joe, but weighed these far more heavily and believed them to be the game's worst points. He also lamented the lack of character development as seen in ''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]'', and repeatedly pointed out the game's similarities to the ''{{wp|Call of Duty}}'' series. VanOrd's review was unique in additionally criticizing the soundtrack for being "overblown". However, he did praise multiplayer for adding the human element to DFM, as well as for the unique [[Capital Conquest]] mode.{{ref|GameSpotReview|[http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ace-combat-assault-horizon-review/1900-6339008/ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review]. Kevin VanOrd on GameSpot. Published October 11, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
⚫
==Confirmed Aircraft==
  
−
Below aircraft were all in the trailers seen below:
  
−
*[[Su-25 Frogfoot]]
  
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*[[Su-33 Flanker-D]]
  
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*[[F-22A Raptor]]
  
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*[[MH-60L DAP]]
  
−
*[[F-15C Eagle]]
  
−
*[[AH-64A Apache|AH-64 Apache]]
  
−
*[[A-10A Thunderbolt II]]
  
−
*[[Su-24 MP Fencer-F]]
  
   
  +
John Bain (TotalBiscuit) reviewed the PC version without a score. He mentioned his history with the series, having played ''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies|04]]'', ''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War|5]]'', ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War|Zero]]'', ''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception|X]]'', and ''[[Ace Combat: Joint Assault|Joint Assault]]'' to completion, as a disclaimer for his bias. He criticized the gunship, helicopter, and minigun missions, as well as the general mission length and pacing and the inclusion of regenerating health. He also criticized the cutscenes outside of missions due to their low quality and the game's departure from nameless protagonists. However, he praised DFM and its in-mission cutscenes, as well as the inclusion of the bomber mission. Bain incorrectly mentioned a lack of joystick support; all versions of the game fully support joysticks, but do not offer any settings for them. He also mentioned Games for Windows LIVE being a "black mark" against the game, but it has since been updated to remove GFWL ([[#Transition to Steamworks|see above]]).{{ref|2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipkIuwztBnk ► WTF Is... - Ace Combat Assault Horizon ?]. TotalBiscuit, The Cynical Brit on YouTube. Published February 17, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
−
==Trailers==
  
−
<videogallery>
  
−
Video:Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Announcement Trailer|Announcement Trailer
  
   
  +
''Assault Horizon'' sold over 1,070,000 copies worldwide within seven months of release. Bandai Namco considered this far more successful than the previous console game, ''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]'', which had sold 700,000 copies within four and a half years (55 months) of release.{{ref|107milsales|[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dark-souls-sells-119-million/1100-6375675/ Dark Souls sells 1.19 million]. GameSpot. Published May 8, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014.}}
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Video:Ace Combat Assault Horizon Debut Trailer|Debut
  
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</videogallery>
  
   
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==External Links==
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==Gallery==
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<gallery>
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*[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6272780.html Gamespot: ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Prepares for Takeof''f/Announcement]
  
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BoxArt2.jpg|{{Wp|PlayStation 3}} box art
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Ace-combat-assault-horizon.jpg|{{Wp|Xbox 360}} box art
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Ace_Combat_Assault_Horizon_Tech_Demo
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Ace_Combat_Assault_Horizon_-_Announcement_Trailer
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ACE_COMBAT_ASSAULT_HORIZON_-_PS3_X360_-_Behind_the_Scenes
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Ace_Combat_Assault_Horizon_-_Featuring_Close_Range_Assault
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ACE_COMBAT_ASSAULT_HORIZON_-_PS3_X360_-_Theater_of_War
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ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON '108th Task Force'Trailer
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DFM Chase over Miami.jpg|First official screenshot
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F-22A Preparing For Takeoff.png|Warwolf 1 Preparing For Takeoff
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AH Multiplayer Preparation.jpg|Multiplayer screen
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SkillShot.jpg
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Assault Horizon Concept Art.jpg‎|Concept art
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Ace-Combat-Assault-Horizon-Limited-Edition-Xbox360.jpg|Xbox 360 Limited Edition
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Ace-combat-assault-horizon-limited-edition.jpg|PS3 Limited Edition
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</gallery>
   
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{{ACGames}}
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{{Reflist}}
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{{Navbox/Ace Combat Series}}
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[[Category:Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]
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Revision as of 19:21, 18 April 2020

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon (エースコンバット アサルト・ホライゾン Ēsu Konbatto Asaruto Horaizon) was the 14th game released in the Ace Combat series. It took place in the real world, albeit in a different timeline from that of Joint Assault. Players took control of various members of Task Force 108, most notably William Bishop, as they shut down the threat posed by Andrei Markov and other rebels from Russia.

Assault Horizon was radically different from any other Ace Combat game in various ways. The Close Range Assault system added a new element of gameplay specific to Assault Horizon, and it was the first Ace Combat to be released on personal computers and the PlayStation 3.

Assault Horizon and its DLC are no longer available for digital purchase on the PlayStation Store, Xbox LIVE Marketplace, or Steam.[1]

Gameplay

Main article: Close Range Assault

Assault Horizon boasts several radical changes to the standard Ace Combat formula. For the first time in the series, the player will alternate between piloting fighter jets, helicopters and bombers as the story progresses; for example, some missions will have the player being the door gunner of an MH-60 Blackhawk, while others put them in the role of a B-2A Spirit stealth bomber.

The game runs on a revamped game engine allowing for destruction on a scale never seen before in Ace Combat, and indeed in a flight simulator. This engine allows for real-time deformation: as an example, sustained gunfire on an enemy fighter will rip off its tail, while more severe damage will either tear off the wings or (in more extreme cases) even completely disintegrate the airframe as a whole, spilling the aircraft's oil across the sky and forcefully ejecting the pilot from the cockpit.  As mentioned before, buildings and other structures are now subject to combat damage and will deform in real time. Scenery damage will be often combined with Close Range Assault to provide a cinematic feel to gameplay—for example, stray fire in a pursuit will hit nearby buildings, forcing the player to evade the debris while remaining in pursuit.  However, this is only at scripted points in the campaign.

Controls

The game provides players with two control schemes, "Original" and "Optimum". The 'Original' control setting is similar to the controls known as "expert controls" in the previous Ace Combat games. As expected, it gives full control of the aircraft, with the left stick making it roll (not turn) when you push right or left. On the other side, the new "Optimum" control scheme -the default mode and the one used in all the trailers released so far- is NOT the equivalent of the usual 'beginner/novice' control style of the series. It prohibits one from doing full rolls but this is to gain the stability needed to get the best of the new ‘Close Range Assault System’.

High-G Turns are still available by pushing triggers together, as well as Autopilot if both shoulder buttons are depressed. A new feature called "Flight Assistance" provides comfortable options to players like Auto-leveling, Automatic Collision Prevention, Automatic Stall Prevention, sight assist and Automatic forward Target Selection. These options can be turned on or off.

Plot

Main article: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Missions

In early 2015, an insurgent group named "SRN" surfaces in Eastern Africa. Quickly overwhelmed, the region's nations request the United Nations for help, which in turn calls upon NATO to deal with the situation. The insurgency has the advantage of guerilla warfare and unusually advanced weaponry, which allows it to rapidly move through the entire African continent. Seeing how the situation worsens, NATO commissions a special unit named the Task Force 108, an international military unit comprised of aircraft pilots and military commanders from, amidst other nations, the United States of America, Russian Federation and France. Furthermore, NATO has discovered that the rebels are in command of a weapon of mass destruction - a special cruise missile named "Trinity". To make things worse, it has been confirmed that the SRN is being assisted by a group of Russian mercenaries led by Colonel Andrei Markov, a feared ace pilot and former Lieutenant Colonel of the Russian Air Force. Soon thereafter, William Bishop, leader of the Task Force, sees himself and his comrades involved in an escalating race between NATO and SRN for the control of Trinity.

Multiplayer

B-2 4

B-2 bomb bay over Paris

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon features online multiplayer capabilities, similar to its 2007 predecessor. The game's feature mode, Capital Conquest, has players from both NRF and NATO either attacking or defending cities such as Paris or Washington. All ranges of aircraft can be used, from fighters and multiroles to attackers and choppers. When a base is at critical damage levels, the B-1B and B-2A become available for that side and can be used to cause massive damage to the opposing base. However, they require Air Strike Mode to bomb (meaning they can only bomb the HQ, and only when available), and are very vulnerable, given their limited maneuverability.

The other three modes are Domination, where two sides gain points by capturing and defending various bases; Deathmatch, where points are gained by shooting down other planes; and Mission Co-Op, where up to four players can choose from one of eight specially-designed Campaign missions to play together with increased difficulty.

A new addition to multiplayer is the "Skill Set" system, which allows players to customize their aircraft's statistics to suit their game style, in ways such as stealth, mobility, and weapons. Another addition is the "Friendly Assist System" (FAS), which allows up to four players to share a skill's benefits.

Callsigns

Main article: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Callsigns
604703 20100916 screen003

F-35B with a Tu-95 over Dubai

Assault Horizon also boasts a callsign setting, which allows different flights of players to customize their callsign for that match. Callsigns can only be set by the flight leader in the Capital Conquest or Domination modes and must be unlocked by completing a task. For example, to unlock the Garuda callsign, one must complete the entire campaign; to unlock the Mobius callsign, they must receive the "Hero" multiplayer bonus; and so on. If no callsigns are unlocked or changed, a default callsign will be used (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, or Delta).

Aircraft

Main article: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon/Aircraft

Assault Horizon allows players to fly a variety of aircraft, ranging from fighters and attack aircraft to helicopters and bombers. Available aircraft include long-runners like the F-16C Fighting Falcon and the F-22A Raptor, while also including new designs like the PAK FA and the Su-24MP Fencer. They also play as a gunner of an AC-130 Spectre. Currently, there are 7 post-release downloadable aircraft which include the ASF-X Shinden II, a fictional aircraft designed by Macross creator Shōji Kawamori in cooperation with Namco Bandai, the Su-37 (with at least one skin being of Yellow Squadron), Ka-50 Hokum, Tornado GR.4, AV-8B Harrier II plus, YF-23A Black Widow II, F-15 S/MTD, and the CFA-44 Nosferatu.

Unlike in the previous games, the player doesn't have to purchase their aircraft but can instead choose freely from whichever is available for the upcoming mission. This isn't the first time that aircraft could be picked from the start after unlock, however, as this feature originated in Ace Combat 3. The selection is limited by the nature of the mission, e.g. in an air-to-ground, the player is limited to Attacker aircraft. After selecting the aircraft, the player can also select its paint scheme and special weaponry. In missions that switch between different player characters, the player has to select aircraft for all of them, e.g. in mission 11, they must select a bomber for Janice Rehl and a fighter or multirole aircraft for William Bishop. The player has no control over the aircraft, colors, and weaponry of their wingmen, who generally choose to fly the aircraft that best fit with the current mission.

Paint Schemes

In previous installments of Ace Combat, special aircraft colors had to be unlocked and/or purchased. Assault Horizon is the first installment to allow player customization of the plane's colors. Different parts of the plane's paint, including the missile smoke color, can be recolored to fit the pilot's preference, and paint schemes may be saved for future selection between schemes. Paint schemes are unique to only the plane it is first made on; for example, to fly every plane in one specific scheme, a separate paint scheme would have to be made for each and every plane in that color scheme.

There are special paint schemes that may be unlocked while playing the campaign or multiplayer, or downloaded/purchased as downloadable content (DLC) from the PlayStation Store and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. For example, to unlock the Death Rider scheme for the F-15C Eagle, it must be downloaded as DLC. But to attain the Mobius paint scheme, you have to play multiplayer and achieve the "Hero" MVP award. Each special paint scheme can also be recolored to a new color scheme of the player's choosing, and there are many hidden selections; for example, the Mobius Squadron logo is normally the same color as the rest of the scheme but can be recolored to be shown.

Soundtrack

Main article: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Original Soundtrack

The Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Original Soundtrack is the game's official soundtrack. Similar in nature to the Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Original Soundtrack and Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Original Soundtrack, it combines electronic music with bombing symphonic sounds, which include both Western and oriental instruments. As well, unlike previous Ace Combat soundtracks, it is notable for the inclusion of heavy electric guitar solos in many songs. A stand-alone release has not been confirmed.

It contains a total of 38 tracks divided into three discs. Pre-ordered Limited Edition copies in Europe contained a "small" version of the soundtrack, whereas pre-ordered copies in Japan contained the entire soundtrack.

Development

Patch 1.02 & Digital Copies

On November 26, 2012, Assault Horizon received Patch 1.02, which came with the following changes:[2]

  • The health of the Capital Conquest HQs have been increased.
  • Players can no longer respawn during the first 15 seconds of the match (to fix an exploit where players could respawn at an allied respawn base at the start of the match).
  • If a player is being chased in Dogfight Mode and crashes on the ground or leaves the mission boundary, that player will count as being shot down and all players chasing them will receive credit for the kill. This also counts for the killstreak count for unlocking the use of Trinity.
  • Some weapons have been adjusted. Specific details are not provided in the official patch notes. Fans have discovered that the 6AAMs have less mobility, and QAAMs have more speed and accuracy.[3]
  • The player's spawn invincibility (10 seconds of infinite health and stealth after spawning or respawning) is immediately canceled when firing any kind of weapon or initiating DFM or ASM. (The latter was already in effect pre-patch.)
  • The uploading of statistics to the Assault Horizon website is no longer in use since the website was shutting down.
  • The exploit where players could fire a charged standard missile in DFM, switch weapons, and immediately charge up their secondary weapon (or vice versa) is no longer possible.
  • The hitbox on the aircraft carriers in Capital Conquest in Tokyo and Washington, D.C. has been fixed, primarily outside of ASM.
  • The "Global ASM" skill has been modified. According to fans, Global ASM can no longer be initiated nearby a Capital Conquest HQ.[4]
  • On the PlayStation 3 version, multiplayer matches will no longer freeze or lag when a new player joins mid-session.
  • On the Xbox 360 version, voice chat quality has been improved.
  • Fans have independently discovered that the AI pilots have also received an update, now being incredibly aggressive instead of flying static around the map.[3]

The next day, on November 27, Assault Horizon was added to the PlayStation Store as a digital download. An optional bundle pack was also made available, including the game, Tokyo, Honolulu, and some of the DLC aircraft.[5] It was also added to Xbox LIVE Games on Demand on February 19, 2013, as a digital download, but no bundle was made available.[6]

Enhanced Edition

On November 27, 2012, Namco Bandai officially announced the development of a PC port for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon through their UK Twitter account and Facebook page, making it the first Ace Combat game to ever become available for personal computers. Known as the "Enhanced Edition", it has most of the downloadable content featured in the console versions, and optimized controls and graphics for computers. Multiplayer was supported through the Games for Windows - LIVE (GFWL) service before it was replaced by Steamworks (see below). It was released on January 25, 2013, in retail and digital download forms, in addition to being available for download on Steam.

GFWL Code Issues

ACAH Steam error

Screenshot of Steam error preventing purchase of the game

Starting on the week of November 24, 2013, people who purchased Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Enhanced Edition were given invalid GFWL keys that did not redeem for Assault Horizon Enhanced Edition, or anything at all.[7] In response, on December 2, 2013, Steam shut down future purchases of the game while they worked out the problem with Namco Bandai Games and Microsoft. As of February 24, 2014, the game could still not be purchased; however, some players were given refunds (in the form of Steam credit).[7] On February 24, Tony Shoupinou confirmed that the game was going to be available for sale again once the Steamworks transition was ensured to be running smoothly.[8]

Transition to Steamworks

On January 17, 2014, Joystiq reported that Namco Bandai was set on removing the GFWL service from Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition, but no release date had been provided.[9] According to SteamDB, depots of a "2.0" version of Assault Horizon were uploaded to Steam as early as January 30 with a description indicating that GFWL (G4WL in the description) was being removed.[10] On February 20, 2014, various sources reported that Steam achievements were added to the game.[11][12]

On February 24, 2014, an announcement was posted to the game's discussion forum confirming the transition to Steamworks for achievements and multiplayer. Users who had purchased ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition before the announcement would have to follow a multi-step process to transfer their GFWL save files and achievements to the new Steamworks version of the game, including switching the game to the "Acah-2.0-" beta from the game settings. Users who purchased the game after the announcement but before April 1, 2014, would just have to enable the "Acah-2.0-" beta. On April 1, 2014, the game updated again to completely remove GFWL, and it now completely runs with Steamworks. Remaining GFWL save files and achievements are not guaranteed to transfer to the Steamworks version anymore.[13] However, renaming a custom aircraft skin or a custom skill set is no longer possible since the dialog to do so was previously utilizing GFWL input, and attempting to access the online leaderboards crashes the entire game.

On March 28, 2014, a private "beta3" branch was added to the Steam version of the game. As of June 2, 2015, this branch is still being updated; however, its contents and purpose are unknown.[10]

Since its Steamworks transition, Assault Horizon has been on sale numerous times, typically for 75% off its USD$19.99 price tag. On the weekend of July 25–27, 2014, the game was available for free to all Steam users for the weekend only, and was 75% off again for anyone interested in purchasing it.[14]

Streaming

Assault Horizon OUYA

Assault Horizon on OUYA, without a Playcast Packful Of Fun subscription

On August 8, 2012, Namco Bandai announced that they were in talks with OUYA, and asked for suggestions on what possible games to bring to the OUYA console. Out of 841 replies, over 30 people requested an Ace Combat game.[15]

In December 2014, Playcast Media Systems formally released "Playcast Packful Of Fun", a streaming service for the OUYA console, which allowed gamers to play a selection of games with an $8/month subscription. Assault Horizon was included in the service, and a 10-minute timed demo was available for non-members from the game's intro menu.[16] While the game supported achievements[17], it was not clear which version of the game was being streamed to the OUYA.

GameFly Assault Horizon

Assault Horizon among other games available through GameFly

Sometime after June 2015, Assault Horizon and the rest of "Playcast Packful Of Fun" were removed from OUYA following Playcast's merge with GameFly. As part of the merge, GameFly rebranded and move Playcast's streaming service exclusively onto the Amazon Fire TV, where Assault Horizon is currently available to stream and play.[18]

Removal

As of January 27, 2016, Assault Horizon and all of its DLC were removed from the PlayStation Store and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Players could no longer purchase any Assault Horizon material digitally. However, players who already had purchased the game or DLC could still download them at any time.[19]

Reception

PTOM Assault Horizon

"Best Vehicle Game" award plaque from PlayStation: The Official Magazine

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon received generally positive reception from critic reviews. Metacritic currently holds a Metascore of 78 for the Xbox 360 version (based on 71 critics)[20], a Metascore of 77 for the PS3 version (based on 28 critics)[21], and a Metascore of 77 for the PC version (based on 14 critics).[22] However, the reception from gamers was less positive. The PC version currently holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, where 61% of the 2,300 user-published reviews are positive.[23]

PlayStation: The Official Magazine reviewed the PS3 version and awarded a 9/10 as well as the "Best Vehicle Game" award during their 2011 "Game of the Year!" awards.[24] They sent a commemorative plaque to Bandai Namco, and Kazutoki Kono posted a picture of it on Project Aces' Twitter.[25][26]

IGN's Jack DeVries reviewed the PS3 version and awarded a 7.5/10. He praised the game's graphics, soundtrack, voice acting, and interesting multiplayer, and he especially praised the mission variety as well as for arriving to the real world instead of remaining on Strangereal. However, he criticized the gameplay for being repetitive, as well as the story for being uninteresting.[27]

Joe Vargas (Angry Joe) reviewed the Xbox 360 version and awarded an 8/10[28] and the spot of "9th best game of 2011".[29] He informed viewers he hadn't played an Ace Combat game before Assault Horizon, providing an unbiased opinion. He praised DFM for its originality over firing at "green boxes hundreds of miles away"[29], as well as the game's mission variety, graphics, soundtrack, and multiplayer modes. He criticized the helicopter missions and momentary cutscenes in the middle of missions, as well as the overuse of DFM, especially when flying against ace characters who require the use of DFM to shoot down.[28]

GameSpot's Kevin VanOrd reviewed both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 versions and awarded a 5.5/10. He shared the same criticisms as DeVries and Angry Joe, but weighed these far more heavily and believed them to be the game's worst points. He also lamented the lack of character development as seen in Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, and repeatedly pointed out the game's similarities to the Call of Duty series. VanOrd's review was unique in additionally criticizing the soundtrack for being "overblown". However, he did praise multiplayer for adding the human element to DFM, as well as for the unique Capital Conquest mode.[30]

John Bain (TotalBiscuit) reviewed the PC version without a score. He mentioned his history with the series, having played 04, 5, Zero, X, and Joint Assault to completion, as a disclaimer for his bias. He criticized the gunship, helicopter, and minigun missions, as well as the general mission length and pacing and the inclusion of regenerating health. He also criticized the cutscenes outside of missions due to their low quality and the game's departure from nameless protagonists. However, he praised DFM and its in-mission cutscenes, as well as the inclusion of the bomber mission. Bain incorrectly mentioned a lack of joystick support; all versions of the game fully support joysticks, but do not offer any settings for them. He also mentioned Games for Windows LIVE being a "black mark" against the game, but it has since been updated to remove GFWL (see above).[31]

Assault Horizon sold over 1,070,000 copies worldwide within seven months of release. Bandai Namco considered this far more successful than the previous console game, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, which had sold 700,000 copies within four and a half years (55 months) of release.[32]

Gallery

  • PlayStation 3 box art

    PlayStation 3 box art

  • Xbox 360 box art

    Xbox 360 box art

  • First official screenshot

    First official screenshot

  • Warwolf 1 Preparing For Takeoff

    Warwolf 1 Preparing For Takeoff

  • Multiplayer screen

    Multiplayer screen

  • SkillShot.jpg
  • Concept art

    Concept art

  • Xbox 360 Limited Edition

    Xbox 360 Limited Edition

  • PS3 Limited Edition

    PS3 Limited Edition

References

  1. ↑ https://steam-tracker.com/app/228400/
  2. ↑ 無償タイトルアップデート. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Official Website. Published on November 27, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 [[User:SlyCooperFan1|]]. "Patch 1.02". AceCombatSkies.com. Published on 27 November 2012. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved on 21 March 2015.
  4. ↑ ekirbo. "Ace Combat Website Discontinued". AceCombatSkies.com. Published on 26 November 2012. Archived from the original on 25 March 2015. Retrieved on 21 March 2015.
  5. ↑ PlayStation Store Update. PlayStation Blog. Published on November 27, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GamesonDemand
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Product code not working :: ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition General Discussions. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  8. ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. Steam Community. Published February 24, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  9. ↑ Games for Windows Live is dying, we check the life support of games (colorblind) Joystiq. Published January 17, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition · Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition · AppID: 228400. SteamDB.
  11. ↑ HOLY S**T seems like they're switching this to Steamworks soon! Steam.
  12. ↑ ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition Steam Achievements Neoseeker.
  13. ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. Steam Community. Published February 24, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  14. ↑ News - Free Weekend - Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition, 75% Off. Steam.
  15. ↑ Bandai Namco - OUYA & NAMCO BANDAI Games are chatting right now,.... Facebook. Published on August 8, 2012. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.
  16. ↑ Playcast Packful of Fun Launches on the OUYA. Hardcore Gamer. Published on December 22, 2014. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.
  17. ↑ Playcast Packful Of Fun. OUYA. Published in January 2015. Retrieved on March 21, 2015.
  18. ↑ GameFly Streaming. Amazon.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2016.
  19. ↑ Ace Combat official website.
  20. ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon for Xbox 360 Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  21. ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon for PlayStation 3 Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  22. ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Enhanced Edition for PC Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  23. ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition on Steam. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  24. ↑ PlayStation: The Official Magazine December 2011 issue. Page 68.
  25. ↑ Kono incorrectly referred to the plaque as being sent from "OPM", the abbreviation of the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. OPM was discontinued in December of 2007, and PlayStation: The Official Magazine (PTOM) became the official magazine of PlayStation in the United States until its cancellation in December of 2012.
  26. ↑ ACE COMBAT on Twitter. Published April 6, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  27. ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review. IGN. Published October 13, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review. AngryJoeShow on YouTube. Published October 16, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Top 10 BEST Games of 2011!. AngryJoeShow on YouTube. Published December 30, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  30. ↑ Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Review. Kevin VanOrd on GameSpot. Published October 11, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  31. ↑ ► WTF Is... - Ace Combat Assault Horizon ?. TotalBiscuit, The Cynical Brit on YouTube. Published February 17, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  32. ↑ Dark Souls sells 1.19 million. GameSpot. Published May 8, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
Ace Combat games
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Secondary Games
Spin-Off Games
Other Games
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