Metareview: Ace Combat X

The early reviews for Namco's PSP-exclusive flight game are in, and they're good! The critics have unanimously applauded the game's graphics, sound, music, depth and controls. With such care placed into games like Tekken: Dark Resurrection and the original Ridge Racer, it appears that Namco is quickly becoming the PSP's leading publisher. Let's see what the critics had to say:

• Gamespot (82/100) - "Ace Combat X plays surprisingly well on the PSP. Although its visuals aren't quite as slick as in the PS2 installments, it's a remarkably intense action game that you can take with you on the go."

• GameBrink (89/100) - "I didn't think I'd see another quality air combat game like it until Namco's eventual PS3 outing but Ace Combat X has arrived to prove me wrong. From the visuals to the audio and the controls, the developers custom tailored the PS2 Ace Combat engine to fit in the PSP's profile. And they didn't just port it; they actually improved on it as if Ace Combat X was the next title in the series and not a portable spin-off."

• IGN (87/100) - "Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception makes a spectacular landing on the PSP. It has everything longtime fans of the series could possibly want, along with a few extras they're probably not expecting. Deception also looks great and runs well, offering a near identical experience as what's on the PS2."

I didn't plan on picking up Ace Combat X, but after all the great reviews, I think I may reconsider. The game is now available in stores.