Alright, let's cut to the chase on this one. Can anyone say 'exhilarating graphics?' I know I sure can, and I have plenty of reasons to after seeing Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies . Everything on AC4 looks amazing. The mountains dense with vegetation strengthen the ground, while sparkling rivers wind their way effortlessly through the ranges. If the river looked any more real, there could have been some kind of secret fishing game locked in the disc somewhere. The huge expanse of sharp, blue sky provides a perfect home for your jet. The sun is so real, you might as well purchase a set of Oakley's as sunflare off of the horizon is astounding. The moon is no slouch either, as darkness' shroud is beautiful as well. There are a few levels that provide smashing weather effects such as the fog level (do jets have fog lights?), or the rainy level, where the rain looks real as it speeds southward towards earth. Of course, how good is any of this if the vehicles don't look good? Ne'er fear, as the jets look as realistic as any jet I've ever seen. The F-22 is as formidable on AC4 as its ever been, and its missiles are purty darn good looking to boot. The explosions that those missiles make is definitely a rival to Ms. California in beauty...though not so much in congeniality. The ground units look good, and even the ships (yep, you get to fire a few missiles portside) are nautically rendered. This one is a real eye-pleaser. My wife says it's a shame I don't look as handsome as this game does.

Again to be quick...the sound was music to my ears. No really, Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies sounds extraordinary. From missiles frothing off of the wings to the various engine sounds of each particular aircraft, the sound effects are nothing short of glorious. Oh the joy as you fire a few up a B-52's tail, and listen to it explode right outside your cockpit. Or the machine gun, as it fires hundreds of rounds per minute, and tears up anything on the ground or air that it hits. The music is only complimentary and is another well-done point of the overall sound. It varies in 'style' let's say, but is perfect for each mission. If you've got a neurotic flight, then the music is a bit more aggressive, while missions requiring you to fly through the valley, to take out a few radar blips is nice and ambient. Nothing like soothing tunes when it comes to jet-fighting. If my ears could've done flips, I'm sure they would have at this brilliant effort to create a wonderful looking and sounding game. Now, how well does it play?

Namco has added a burgeoning bag of options for any level of top gun. For the casual skyjackel, 1P Mode will have you flying loop de loops in no time. If you're a little more ambitious, and enjoy sending missiles up other folks' thrusters, then 2P Mode is what you're after. For those interested in a sweet story, then New Game is the way to go. AC4 pits you as a faintly-reputed pilot of the Alliance. As Mobius 1, you fly in an elite Alliance squadron, bent on shooting down the advancing Erusians. The Erusians are a mighty force, mere threads from taking over the world. They have access to a powerful laser that can shoot down asteroids, and rain destruction upon the heads of the unsuspecting. The storyline is told from a little boy's standpoint who watches every airbattle with an infatuation only rivaled by my love for LSU football. As you progress through levels, you gain points which help you purchase other aircraft. Each aircraft is specific in the way it moves as the design itself. Aircraft are gauged on a variety of topics ranging anywhere from Land Fighting ability, to Maneuverability. When you beat the game (which is very rewarding), you unlock other options which will remain a surprise. Suffice it to say, that what you unlock is really cool, and you get to go through the game again, except this time with any aircraft or weaponry you bought. The options cover every facet imaginable, from sound to controls, and how easy to make the game. Any person can find a challenge that's right for them, which is another fascinating aspect of Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies . Basically put, the graphics and sound are a wonderful gift wrap to the amazing presentation inside.

Rarely is a game able to contort itself to please any user's taste. Granted, a two-year old might have some trouble with the controls, but otherwise, they are perfect. The controls are extremely responsive, and they are only affected pending on the jet you are flying. If you find Normal too difficult, you can turn down the difficulty. Likewise, if you find Normal too easy, you can make the difficulty harder. When the difficulty is harder, the game is still realistic and not frustratingly difficult. You will have to take more definitive angles to hit the jets at harder difficulties, but still this is learned quickly. Namco did an amazing thing with this game. I can't wait for Soul Caliber if this is the kind of quality that they can do.

The manual is a very good one, providing the user with no questions after reading it. The controls make the game very likeable, and only add to the piloting experience. The menus are easy to navigate, and are very smooth. This game is as sweet as cranberry dressing on Thanksgiving.

Riot Rundown: An absolutely beautiful game. It's replay value may be a bit limited, but only after you've played it 50 times. Even after that, dogfighting your friends is perpetual bliss. Ace Combat 4 is a very tight game with lots of frills. Luckily, all the frills have sustenance under them, and can be enjoyed by many players. Bravo Namco on a job well done!