Space Ace HD Review (PC)

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Space Ace HD is one of those video games that people have to enter with an open mind. This adaptation is a remake of the same name that was released approximately twenty years ago and is also the predecessor to Dragon’s Lair. The storyline revolves around the nefarious Commander Borf and his perverse intentions against Space Ace. Commander Borf uses a weapon called an Infanto Ray on Space Ace that converts him into a baby known as Dexter (I couldn’t make this stuff up even if I tried). Furthermore, Borf wants to conquer the world and holds Kimberly hostage. As a result, Space Ace is preparing himself to impede Borf dead in his tracks. The plot is convoluted and will probably irk the average gamer.

The gameplay is like a point and click adventure (ala The Longest Journey). You simply watch the protagonist, Dexter, and make a decision by selecting one of the available choices. There are moments where you can transform Dexter into the older version of himself Space Ace, but the transformation is an optional feature. Players do not have to change into Space Ace to complete the game; however, becoming Space Ace enables you to utilize a gun. Conversely, Dexter will not be able to wield a gun but can perform evasive maneuvers. In layman's terms, the bulk of the gameplay consists of you shooting a laser gun or defeating foes. The actual length of Space Ace HD can be finished from beginning to end in under thirty minutes. Redundancy is what most of the gaming experience will be about. For instance, Dexter will be in a scene where he has to make a choice. At certain points, Dexter has an option to use his laser gun. In contrast, there are times where Dexter is doing other things. It is a fairly linear theme that is prevalent from start to finish. Even the most casual gamer will be dissatisfied with Space Ace HD. People do not have the patience to endure playing this type of insipid point and click adventure. Moreover, the tedious gameplay only makes this adventure even more banal. This title pales in comparison to a game like Ubisoft’s Myst IV: Revelation.

Although the HD label on the box suggests that this is in high definition, it just exactly like any rudimentary DVD. Do not be fooled by the high definition label designated by HD on the cover of the box. The graphics have are in the form of a cartoon that has an eerie resemblance to Dragon’s Lair. Character models are virtually identical to the 1980s counterpart. Voice acting is not an enormous aspect of Space Ace HD. Sure, a few lines are spoken here and there. Nevertheless, the lines that are heard are vexing. This is especially conspicuous with the voice of Dexter. Hearing his voice is like listening to nails on a chalkboard. The animations in Space Ace is not particular the best, but it is adequate. Frame rate flaws are littered throughout the duration of the game. Anyone will easily notice the awkward effects with the environments. Textures appear to be popping in and out with great frequency. A watch mode is present, but there is no reason to view it because it is just flat out not engrossing.

The most arduous element of Space Ace HD is that there is nothing really entertaining about it. Some devoted fans of this genre will enjoy this game. But for the most part, you will have no trouble avoiding Space Ace HD without losing any sleep. The game developers attempt to create something like this was a valiant effort; nonetheless, it comes up short of being intriguing.

Sayed Islam
Final Verdict: 6 out of 10

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Link to article

http://www.heroesofgaming.com/space_ace_hd/p2_articleid/179