AC 5 is the grandest and longest AC game of the PS 2 era, however it's also the worst one. It's by no means a bad game, it has all the core components of AC - arcade flight controls, slight sci-fi, large plane selection and varied missions, but the storyline and at times bad balancing made it the least enjoyable for me.
Story
Another war in Strangereal, (Yes, that is the name of the alternate universe AC is set in) that continent can't ever get enough. AC 5’s storyline is about a war between two major superpowers that turns out was instigated by a shadowy organization. It doesn't use any unique storytelling methods like others in the series and overall, it's just a save the day kind of story without any of the elements that made the others special. Your character develops the gigantic vocabulary of two words - yes and no. Choosing either has no almost no effect on the story.
Gameplay
Gameplay is mostly okay. The same arcade flight mechanics of the other games with some additional features. These are a progression meter to unlock better planes by playing with a similar one and a way to give orders to your squadron. These orders however aren't very effective. My biggest problem is the low missile count of the planes. I failed multiple missions just because I didn't have enough. Whether or not this will be a problem for you is dependent on whether you play with a keyboard or controller. Since the MG’s (that are much easier to aim with a controller) are the most effective in any AC game.
Graphics and artstyle
The game is from the PS2 era so you can expect some outdated graphics. Unfortunately, the cutscenes have not been spared for this installment. The closest comparison I can make is Toy story 1.
Atmosphere
The hero that saves the day's atmosphere is still there, but it’s weakened a bit by having the whole squadron take the credit, rather than only you.
Soundtrack
Soundtrack is as good as always. “The Unsung War” is for me the best part of the ost.
Final Thoughts
President Harling, we NEED 5 million rockets to bomb Yuktobanian children. PLEASE
Story
Another war in Strangereal, (Yes, that is the name of the alternate universe AC is set in) that continent can't ever get enough. AC 5’s storyline is about a war between two major superpowers that turns out was instigated by a shadowy organization. It doesn't use any unique storytelling methods like others in the series and overall, it's just a save the day kind of story without any of the elements that made the others special. Your character develops the gigantic vocabulary of two words - yes and no. Choosing either has no almost no effect on the story.
Gameplay
Gameplay is mostly okay. The same arcade flight mechanics of the other games with some additional features. These are a progression meter to unlock better planes by playing with a similar one and a way to give orders to your squadron. These orders however aren't very effective. My biggest problem is the low missile count of the planes. I failed multiple missions just because I didn't have enough. Whether or not this will be a problem for you is dependent on whether you play with a keyboard or controller. Since the MG’s (that are much easier to aim with a controller) are the most effective in any AC game.
Graphics and artstyle
The game is from the PS2 era so you can expect some outdated graphics. Unfortunately, the cutscenes have not been spared for this installment. The closest comparison I can make is Toy story 1.
Atmosphere
The hero that saves the day's atmosphere is still there, but it’s weakened a bit by having the whole squadron take the credit, rather than only you.
Soundtrack
Soundtrack is as good as always. “The Unsung War” is for me the best part of the ost.
Final Thoughts
President Harling, we NEED 5 million rockets to bomb Yuktobanian children. PLEASE