Air Supremacy- The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces Review

Despite having had over three years to develop a diversified collection of software, there are still some noticeable gaps in the Nintendo Wii’s software library. Along with the deficiency of 2D platformers, gamers have suffered through a severe scarcity in the number of flight-simulations available for the system.  Despite persistent rumors of an update to the beloved Pilotwings franchise, no sequel has been delivered, leaving Wiimote pilots sullenly grounded.

Fortunately, a solution exists in XSEED’s recently released The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces. Digital dogfighters are encouraged to look past the title’s drab (albeit reversable) cover art, and pensive source material, and take to the skies in one of the best air skirmishes of the last few years. Upon booting the title, perceptive players may immediately notice the game’s lineage. From the game’s gorgeous graphics, intuitive control schemes, and incorporation of a multitude of aircraft, it is clear that Sky Crawlers was developed by the Ace Combat team.

Much of Innocent Aces effectiveness emanates from the game’s variety of effective control schemes. The title’s default method can initially be off-putting, as players are asked to hold the Wiimote in their left hand, and the Nunchuck in their right, transposing the customary way of gripping the controllers. With this system, players steer their craft by moving the Nunchuck in the air, as if the accessory was a flight stick, while the Wiimote is used to adjust your aircraft’s throttle. On Sky Crawler’s easier difficulty settings, the game’s maintains a level pitch for your plane. More advanced levels allow players forgo this assist, making stable flight a bit more challenging, but also offering a tighter turning radius. Those who have logged a considerable amount of virtual airtime with more orthodox controllers will appreciate the game’s incorporation of Classic and GameCube pad support. When these sticks are plugged in, the game controls just like its Project Aces- developed predecessors.

Although a majority of the game’s eighteen missions throw successive waves of air and ground-based enemy targets at players, Sky Crawlers should maintain most players’ interest throughout its story campaign. Dog fights are pleasantly intimate, as Innocent Ace’s universe eschews the jet engines and lock-on missile prevalent throughout most sky skirmishers. The title’s sole modern concession is the Tactical Maneuver Command flight mechanic. As pilots encroach on tango airspace, they will fill a gauge at the bottom of the screen. Once the meter is charged, a press of a button initiates the TMC, which places the player on the enemy’s six.

Visually, Sky Crawlers is well detailed and moves with a fluidity exhibited by few Wii titles. Most of the amenities of Ace Combat series have been integrated into the title- from detailed assignment briefs to post-mission replies which can be saved and replayed later. The title’s texture work is equally commendable, as well-rendered aircraft soar through voluminous clouds and above meticulously created landscapes. Aficionados of the anime will enjoy the game’s cutscenes, which were produced by Production I.G- the same studio who worked on the film. Each post-mission cinematic is skillfully drawn, and illuminates essentials of the Sky Crawler universe.

While Innocent Aces is wholly enjoyable, veterans of the Ace Combat series will find only a modest amount innovation in the game’s campaign. Most missions feel like a succession of heading in the direction of the red enemy locator, and then downing hostiles- with a handful of requisite escort missions. A greater selection of tactical depth- perhaps ordering teammates to take defensive positions or attack specific adversaries, would have helped alleviate the gradual tedium of air warfare.