Ace Combat 4: The Shattered Skies

More than 15 years after my last time with the series, I finally returned to its modern roots through Ace Combat 4: The Shattered Skies. My earlier experience came from the PSP entries, Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception and Ace Combat: Joint Assault, both of which were highly enjoyable. Coming from those later iterations, Ace Combat 4 doesn’t offer as much in terms of gameplay depth. Still, that shortcoming matters less when the game serves as the origin story of one of the series’ most iconic pilots: Mobius One.

Released in 2001 as the first Ace Combat title on the PlayStation 2, it established the core formula the series would refine for years: an anti-war narrative framed through the rise of a lone ace pilot, set against rival squadrons and imposing superweapons. It also marked the first proper use of the Strangereal setting, the alternate world that became the backbone of the franchise.

You play as Mobius One, a pilot fighting for ISAF, a force initially pushed into a desperate position after Erusea devastates their military using the Stonehenge superweapon, a network of anti-air railguns. From that bleak starting point, the story follows how Mobius One gradually turns the tide of the war. His involvement in key operations including the destruction of Stonehenge and the defeat of the elite Yellow Squadron cements his reputation as a decisive force in the conflict. The Yellow Squadron, flying Su-27s marked with their distinctive insignia, serves as a memorable rival and a symbol of Erusea’s air superiority.

Having started the series with Skies of Deception, I noticed familiar storytelling techniques here, especially the use of multiple perspectives to reinforce the anti-war message. One of these perspectives leans into a stylized, almost anime-like presentation, adding emotional weight to the broader conflict.

My main motivation for revisiting Ace Combat 4 was to better understand the legacy of Mobius One, a figure often treated as legendary within Ace Combat series. Just like many Ace Combat Top Ace, he’s silent and faceless, defined almost entirely by his actions and how others perceive him. Over time, he evolves from just another pilot into a symbol of hope for ISAF and a source of fear for Erusea, with his callsign becoming synonymous with turning the tide of battle.

Even so, his reputation didn’t fully match my expectations. His accomplishments: such as destroying Stonehenge and defeating the Yellow Squadron are significant but feel more grounded compared to later protagonists. This contrast is especially noticeable coming from Gryphus One, whose journey follows a similar arc but pushes the scale further. In that sense, Mobius One feels less like the peak of the archetype and more like its foundation, establishing the template that future Ace Combat heroes would build upon.

In terms of gameplay, Ace Combat 4 is understandably basic compared to later entries. It’s still an accessible arcade-style flight combat game; far from realistic, but engaging enough for casual play. One surprising aspect is the heavy focus on air-to-ground missions, with fewer dogfights than I expected. Enemy AI is also less aggressive on standard difficulty; opposing fighters don’t pursue the player as relentlessly as in later titles.

The superweapons, while important to the story, feel relatively restrained. Stonehenge and Megalith are large, static installations with limited defenses beyond standard SAM systems. Compared to later creations like the more elaborate and mobile Gleipnir, they lack spectacle and mechanical complexity.

Looking back, my assessment of Ace Combat 4 may come across as overly critical, largely because I started with more refined versions of its formula. The series tends to iterate on a consistent core, so jumping backward makes the earlier title feel like a rough draft of what came later.

          

Ace Combat 4 aircraft roster reflects the series early-stage design. It’s noticeably smaller than what later Ace Combat titles offer, highlighting the series’ more modest beginnings. High-end options include the Su-37, S-37, and the F-22A Raptor - the latter being the most recognizable, as it’s featured prominently on the game’s cover and associated with Mobius One.

My progression followed a familiar path: starting with the F-4 Phantom, then moving through the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-14 Tomcat, before finishing with the Rafale. Although I could have unlocked and used the F-22A as in previous playthroughs of other titles, the Rafale proved more than capable during the final missions.

Overall, Ace Combat 4 represents the foundation of the series’ modern identity, though it’s not necessarily the best entry point today unless you’re interested in its legacy. Later titles deliver a more polished and feature-rich experience. Still, for those curious about the origins of Mobius One and willing to accept dated visuals and simpler mechanics, it remains a worthwhile and concise story with a clear anti-war message.

Even so, the main reason I pushed through Ace Combat 4: The Shattered Skies despite the risk of disappointment is because I see it as a necessary stepping stone toward Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, a title I perceive as the series’ pinnacle, particularly for its standout musical score that goes well beyond what the genre typically offers.