Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Online, Ace Combat also makes progress, offering a couple co-op missions and a team objective game to go with the expected (but 16-player!) skirmish modes. Namco Bandai says downloadable planes, maps, and levels are to come, but unless they can fix the frustrating mission structure -- the game's largest problem -- I'm only mildly interested.

Ace Combat 6 isn't a perfect game. A lot about the presentation feels dated, the dialogue is drab, and though the sound effects are done well, the constant beeping that warns of incoming missiles is a bit much. But what Ace Combat 6 does well, it nails. The realistic visual design married with the arcade controls make for a game that anyone can have fun with. This is the closest to the imaginary dream of being in Top Gun that most of us are ever going to get.

We were half expecting a locker-room mini-game after each mission where you have to try to slap your wingman on the bottom with a rolled up towel - your disturbingly needy and passive wingman, that is, who plaintively asks you to choose his equipment for him before you fly. "What plane should I fly?", he whines. "What weapons should I bring?", he implores. "Which flightsuit does my bum look best in?", he simpers.

"Ace Combat 6 offers hours upon hours of intense dog fighting gameplay, wrapped in a glorious presentation, and if you want to get crazy, purchase the $149.99 bundle, which includes both the game and flight stick. We'll see you online, say hello and then blow you up."

Slick gameplay and gorgeous visuals are among Ace Combat 6's many strengths.