Visuals in the game are executed well, and the 3D effect is used to its fullest potential here. Your aircraft pops out from the landscape, and 3D targets are realized with varying depths to create a realistic airspace. The 3D aspect literally adds depth to the game, and being able to see enemy ships scramble around you is thrilling. It makes this feel a lot different than its predecessors, despite having the same standard format. Games like this are what having a 3DS is all about, and Legacy proves that 3D can be used in a useful, non-gimmicky way to grand effect.

The audio, though, is less impressive. The game has a decent voiceover, but repetitive stock sound bites that play constantly can become extremely grating very quickly. The background music tells a similar story; it starts out alright, but repetitive tracks ensure you will be turning the sound down fairly soon. This is especially disappointing knowing the console Assault Horizon featured a truly epic score. However, the music in Legacy just doesn't get the job done in the same way.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy succeeds primarily because it sticks to the original Ace Combat format without trying to dress the series up as something it's not. It doesn't try to tell a huge story or take hints from other current franchises, but presents you with a simplistic and portable-friendly game that is fun to play and doesn't require a lot from the user. Though I would have liked to have seen a little more from the game in terms of content and customization ability, Legacy is still a successful title on the 3DS and is worth your time this holiday season if you are looking for a no-nonsense flight simulator on a portable handheld console. It might not have the bells and whistles of its console counterpart, but Assault Horizon Legacy still has enough nuts and bolts to make it a seriously fun game.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

Game Features:

Intense and engaging battles in the sky - The fast-paced action of the Ace Combat series is even more immersive with the addition of 3D gameplay.

Touchscreen targeting – Lock on to enemies and fire at will using the touchscreen.

Edge-of-your-seat controls - Experience the exhilaration of becoming an ace pilot with added control mechanics that enable split-second counter-maneuvers, dynamic dogfight action and satisfying enemy takedowns.

Missions & Aircrafts - Full variety of real-world aircrafts to fly and diverse range of missions to enjoy.