An Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere Retrospective

[@wiredelectrosphere]

There are games that hold up despite It's age and games that's don't. This game Is different. It's actually a lot better than I remember It to be. It's one of my favorite games that almost nobody knows about. Namco really did western people dirty by removing almost everything from the game

[@Ph33NIXx]

they shot themselves in the foot.. Maybe not Namco.. but Sony did the same with Demons souls

[@va8157]

That graphic design style is in pretty much every namco game from that era, love it.

[@RogueBeatsARG]

and the OST is the best from Namco Sound Team

[@hecksters423]

5:21 You'd be hard-pressed to see this Japanese-looking pilot is the son of a veteran OADF pilot.

[@karlkinnard9932]

ah yes, he is though, ACE combat 7 makes that clear. We are getting closer to the timeline that AC3 was at. I can't wait for AC 8 as well as a remaster of AC3.

[@Da_Juice]

Ac3 is honestly my favourite game in the series. I hope AC8 is a prequel or remake of 3.

[@FightCain]

Or a sequel.

[@younghentaii1772]

Yeah based on the work it seems like after x story

[@phantomwraith1984]

I'd love if Ace8 is a sequel to Ace3. I want to see what happened after Nemo gets released into the world. An AI Drone flying around as a mercenary for hire, learning his place in the world and learning what it means to be human. But also factor in that he's a Drone and this is 11 years after the lighthouse war, so there will still be a major distrust of drones. Nemo would have to spend at least half the game struggling to gain the trust of everyone and prove he can be trusted. That could be Nemo's Razgriz theme. First Razgriz came to reign death and destruction upon the land (lighthouse war with Hugin and Munin), but after a period of slumber Razgriz returns a Hero (Nemo earning the trust of his comrades and saving the day). Like imagine if Nemo could talk and the plot devolves into Terminator 2 with Nemo being the T800 learning what it means to be human and interacting with your wingmates. That's my wish for Ace8

[@warrantyV0IDED]

@@phantomwraith1984 thats a good wish and im stealing it. Its my wish now.

[@Edo_Ginting]

Considering Mimic Squadron is part of General Resource's PMC unit, i think that might be the case

[@ZuKuPLayer]

Man, you can't just not love Keith. Even if you choose to join Uroborous, he's still coming back to save your ass and helps you destroy Black Raven.

[@SANESX]

Seriously. He started the trend of wholesome black guy in AC. E.g. Swordman, Wiseman.

[@kurono1999]

For years I thought I'd never find a review that goes deep into the stuff that makes Electrosphere a hidden masterpiece, but here it is. Good work sir, you got yourself a new subscriber.

[@RogueBeatsARG]

Yeah this game is like Serial Experiments Lain, might have 1000 reviews on YT, but is not enough

[@Shattered_Skies]

If you're interested, here's another cool AC3 review I've found kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4Omh5tne56Aeas

[@rataV7517]

7:44 the F/A-32 is based on the Boeing X-32, the one based on the F-16XL is the F-16XA and the XFA-36A is not completely fictional, it's based on the NASA X-36

[@viperlass]

I think what we really need is a completely separate IP that tries to recreate the unique feel of this game

[@younghentaii1772]

The way the games are going I think they are gonna rebuild on games like this soon, 8 is in works rn and there are hints in 7 that 8 might be the next ace 3

[@extreme123dz]

@@younghentaii1772 Or the "before" AC3 and we might see cameos from sertain characters of AC3

[@JJWMK2]

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere really need remake (original JP version)

[@icjs7513]

Thank you for shining a spotlight on this under-rated gem of a game. I'm sure Keith is also happy at the recognition you're showing him.

[@EssenceYT]

This game is so goddamn ahead of its time, even today nothing like it can compare. Truly a unique game.

[@sta5011]

Ac3 was the best, only overshadowed from the max0r kids in ac community

[@Turbozebr]

Thank you so much for the detailed review, I agree with your opinion (about R-103 too), it's nice to find a like-minded person! As for me AC3 is really undeservedly unpopular, essentially an experimental part of a series of flying arcades. The first two parts of the AC served as a demonstration of the technical capabilities of the Sony PS and were among the first among the competitors to "immerse" players in the virtual cockpit of a fighter in full 3D, while giving the event a share of drive (just thanks to the arcade gameplay) control of "real" military vehicles. AC3 not only took a general approach from its predecessors, but also supplemented it. The game takes place in the near future in an alternative version of Earth, however, with very thick hints of the real world. The fleet is represented by both existing and modified versions of existing aircraft in our time, and completely non-existent. Maybe it's a matter of time? Although, physics, apparently, will also have a lot of questions for these aircraft :) By the way, about the modified existing aircraft, there is one interesting fact for those interested in military aviation: at the time of acquaintance with the game (about 2000), and a little later when we repeated it, my friend and I, in addition to admiring non-existent planes, were surprised by planes that were very similar to the real ones. We thought: "Oh, these Japanese are cunning! Probably, in order not to pay licenses to aircraft manufacturers, they decided to slightly modify existing aircraft." So, since there were certain difficulties with the Internet in those years, we continued to think so, until later we gradually began to stumble (this is now all sorts of fan-wikis) on articles about the development of aircraft, both those that served as prototypes of serial models, and those that did not go into wide production, but remained concepts in a single copy. Which is now, of course, surprising and striking, as during the development of the game (mid-90s), the developers, so to speak, showed ingenuity:) Among the advantages of the game I want to note: + stunning futuristic design of (especially non-existent) aircraft. Well, what beautiful shapes! + narrative style and non-linear plot + interesting locations and non-trivial tasks (and not just "shoot down all the enemies") + an amazing soundtrack, I'm happy to listen to it even after 20 years. Among the disadvantages: - lack of localization (if desired, you can also find texts of translations of dialogues and cut scenes on the Web), which greatly limits the degree of immersion and involvement of new players in the plot; - a completely ruined American edition of the game. Play only Japanese! Those who played in AC7 (an excellent part, by the way), could notice something indescribably common between these two parts. And it's not just about the anime-style cut scenes, but in the general mood. I write this text, of course, with a certain touch of nostalgia, but for 20 years AC3 has been held repeatedly both on PS1 and on PS-emulators, and I will state with responsibility that in its own way, this is probably the best representative of arcade. In our time of remakes and remasters waiting for the AC3 remake!

[@adri.progression]

thank you for sharing 🙏🏽

[@Spacecazeka]

game has the best OST ever

[@10msplits]

This game's universe and soundtrack is utterly stunning, it's a shame nothing more was done with it. The ace combat community should give it more attention now the English translation is out. Thanks for this!

[@JongleurBt1]

Even in 2022 this game is still ahead of its time

[@nyarlathotep4889]

AC 3 is Evangelion but with planes, and I love it

[@adiekaputra6235]

Truly a game that is way beyond its time. Thank you for the video!

[@low_expectations4636]

Best Ace Combat so far :3

[@mbe102]

I've been playing 6, and I'm loving it. Theres a sweet romhack/patch for the US Version that adds back in the Japanese Story/Conent, FYI, for AC3. *Edit: Should've watched the video first haha, he mentions it, my bad.

[@deadspace4755]

l love those details. l have even noticed whenever a mission starts, you see effects you wouldn’t see on a human. It says the level(difficulty you're playing on) and the mission's name like its a simulation of something (wink wink). Nemo(and his name) sees something that no one else would be able to see(at mission start, HUD everything) and then you get the "Decide" voice line, which in retrospect, puts many details into one. Perfect game! In Ace combat 3. Why the "decide" is my favorite line? Because it reminds me of our lives and the way the Ai voice says it. Monotone but also with clear expression. You just got to do it. And just like in the game, you don't have the option not to decide, there is one but it leads back to the A decision since someone else does it for you. But all other times, you must decide if you want to move the story forward and the decisions can appear mid-mission, end mission, whatever the game has made. In the end, we must decide when presented a crossroad or a decision. It always need to be reminded, it is a truth. Did you know that in Greek Language "Truth" is "Αλήθεια" but that word has the "a" in it, in which it means the opposed of that. The actual word is "Λήθη",which means "erasing from memory, not remembering anymore".If you take opposite of that(Αληθεια) it means remembering it always, keeping in it your mind. How rich Greek is eh? Multiple meanings and literal. We must always have truth inside of us especially God and our actions and our situations

[@chemistara102]

This game really needs a remaster, no, a Remake English dubbing, higher quality cutscenes, special weapons, oh man

[@MatheusVieira0118]

AC7 graphics, some new aircrafts (YF-23, Su-57 with COFFIN, and more of the original aircraft of the following games)

[@Attaxalotl]

If we could only get one remade AC game, It'd be a REALLY hard choice between 3 and 0.

[@Eradicator-jv9xr]

​@@MatheusVieira0118 or a sequel set right after ac3

[@ThomasJeff1898]

If there is an English dub, Robbie Daymond should be the one to voice Erich Jaeger. Appropriate since his Japanese voice is the same as Goro Akechi in Persona 5. This is just my opinion though.

[@egkeagle8520]

This game seems to nail the whole aesthetic that Serial Experiments Lain provides except that it seems more upbeat.

[@edogawajunk_TOKYO_Local]

electrosphereの素晴らしさを世界広めてくれてありがとう！ 日本より心を込めて

[@hecku]

Many thanks for the positive comment!

[@lucassalles4428]

arigato gosaimashita

[@matchesburn]

It still pisses me the hell off that the English release of this was basically the Japanese release sans about half the content. It wasn't until years after I played it that I found out and realized that the west basically got a neutered and castrated version that was merely an empty shell of the original Japanese version. Which is hilarious, because I thought the story and setting were much better than Air Combat or AC2 and I still look fondly on the game to this day. ...I just wish, and I know it will never happen but I wish, that we in the west could get a remastered Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere with the original Japanese content translated and on PC. God, I want that so bad.

[@dpm2937]

AC3 always made me curious. I just played AC7 but I am reading about the Lore and other games. AC4 and AC5 were amazing games but AC3? The theme of removing the humanity by sublimating, the choices that matter, the 5 different endings, the cutscenes, the details, the soundtrack making you feel so spacey. If they released the 2 disk, 5 ending, animated cutscenes AC3 internationally it would be a masterpiece everywhere not just in Japan.

[@yasgamer]

Honestly if the writers were put on an RPG, so they had more room to flesh it out, it would be one of the most influential games of all time.

[@DragonSpikeXIII]

Great retrospective, the kind a game like AC3 deserves. Btw, we have a new fan-translation patch out that fixes previous bugs, improves the translatio for the main story, translates the in-game encyclopedia in its entirety, plus a bunch of other extras, like the VHS, another video from the AppenDisc, the guide books, and much more! My blog is probably the easiest way to get it right now, it's a blog called "USEA Today"

[@nanatzaya]

The soundtrack is the ultimate nostalgia to me. I was 13 when i played this game for weeks and months (how happy and proud i was when i finally completed every mission on A rank at every difficulty) and every tune, even the menu sounds, and every airplane modell instantly beams me back to the turn of the millenium. It's insane how much the audio visual design of this game has been engrained in my consciousness and how much i still adore the audio-visual aspects of this game. Truly a real piece of art, even in its gutted form.

[@Attaxalotl]

Conclusion from someone who has not yet seen EVA nor played AC3: AC3 is EVA but with planes.

[@opfax163]

and with a touch of serial experiment lain

[@egovoronum]

this game is like fine wine

[@warrantyV0IDED]

Keith is best waif- I mean Aibō. My mind cannot be changed. Great review man

[@Alcahest]

Excellent video. This game is an absolute masterpiece, the ambiance unique, the direction masterful & the presentation mindblowing. Is there still a market for games like these nowadays ?

[@hecku]

Thanks a bunch, I certainly think that there is still a market for cyberpunk games, but it takes a very knowledgeable and dedicated developer to make something of such quality like AC3.

[@stylemistake]

@@hecku I might just be that developer, developing a prototype of an AC3-like game based on SS13 lore. Market for cyberpunk/dystopian themed flight games seems to be practically non-existent, which is a bit sad, because I absolutely adore the Electrosphere! There is nothing quite like it.

[@hecku]

@@stylemistake Awesome! Good luck on your endeavor my friend.

[@RogueBeatsARG]

@@stylemistake YES, Im music producer if you need something XD

[@Jules-69lol]

I firmly believe that this game will recieve a remake, maybe after AC8 comes out, but I'm almost certain it will have one

[@Blahblahblah28504]

Something tells me this guy really loves Keith. Don't blame him. He's fucking awesome! Him and Rena are my favorites.

[@DpNemo]

best entry in the franchise. (the full version)

[@LetsRocka]

I did this whole game so many times... getting all the 'S' fly the black raven, Disson ship, etc... really fond about the time spent with it. Every now and then I have to hear the OST. This game is pure ART.

[@felipearellano2811]

Ah yes, Electrosphere. I did a playthrough on all Ace Combat games, starting from Air Combat 22 on arcades and hitting the end of the series (so far) with 7, and it's both a blessing and a curse we got AC3. It's so off the mark with series, it tried so many new ideas, that inspired all games following it in terms of complex lore and certain themes, along with multiple paths for 0 (although not in the same scale). A shame Project Aces never tried to create a sequel, or even a spin off series in vein with Electrosphere, but maybe this was the best they could make?. Anywho, good video, I like seeing this game get some love put into it.

[@dr.mantistobboggan4065]

This is honestly still my favorite PS1 game and an Ace Combat name. Partially because the setting is so damn cool, but I feel the gameplay is most satisfactory. For example, missiles actually do lead pursuit, trying to intercept the target rather than to chase it. Combat is much more allowing here.

[@Wallguardian]

Much appreciated, AC3 is my favorite game of the franchise! Stunning Soundtrack and awesome story/gameplay!

[@RogueBeatsARG]

i swear that Coffin F22 gets me every time, i need those 3D models

[@HuhnK0t]

talking about hard mode, when i was a kid i was obsessed with all the special aircrafts so i played and played and played until i got an A rank streak in all missions, and holy fuck did the X49 with the orbital laser bring the game to another level! the aurora aswell, brilliant designs and just such a myth around those planes back in the day. awesome :D

[@stryker5055]

Excellent video dude. I have yet to play AC3 and that's going to change because of this video; I've always been attracted to the style, aesthetics, and especially the music of the game alongside the corporate geopolitical conflict type setting. Reminds me a lot of the 4th Generation of Armored Core.

[@andrewrogers3067]

Hey!

[@Kasperthedancer]

It is really complex. >50 missions in 5 endings that do not repeat alongside with the aircrafts. Unique style and music. Characters that are develop with the main plot. Also, numerous branching on the missions depending on your time and objectives. The gameplay itself feeling very driven and exiting. Did not I mentioned ability to look from the cockpit in the 3D, which makes dogfights to feel on the new level?

[@oldiskool9328]

This game was fantastic to play it on 99/00

[@elsharkone7]

Unfortunately in my home country licensed video games were very hard to find in the early 2000's, so I had to play the pirated version which I think cut even more content than the Western version. But now that I know about the original Japanese version, I am excited to replay it how it was originally intended!

[@1lemrak]

7:44 talking about f16 when yf32 Joint strike fighter is on screen

[@lomen6694]

6:42 it actually does look at the left corner

[@hecku]

yea I noticed that a little while ago, I second guessed myself while editing for some reason.

[@Ikcatcher]

As long time Ace Combat fan, this game is probably the most bizzare entry in the entire franchise. I completely understand why Project Aces stayed clear from it since then because of how much it feels like a feverlike dream.

[@Attaxalotl]

What is it with really late 90's/really early 00's games having that quality? Majora's Mask, Metal Gear Solid (at the time, anyway), and AC3 are all really freakin' weird for the series' that they originated from. Majora's Mask is the single darkest a Zelda game has been Metal Gear Solid took a near-future war story and, well, turned it into Metal Gear Solid. I don't know much about either of these things, but from the looks of it, AC3 is now Neon Genesis Evangelion but with planes.

[@PS3PS2fan]

A little bit of trivia. The website Project: Lighthouse had an entry about the Ace Combat 3 Press Kit. One of the information about the characters is their nationalities. Rena (Japanese) Dision (French) Erich (German) Fiona (Scandinavian) I'm not sure about Cynthia or Keith. But I think I remember what they are: Cynthia (Scandinavian) Keith (American/African-American)

[@alponarc2307]

They are from strangereal believe it or not

[@Remix2366]

Cap

[@arshianoob]

Simon (Russian) Yoko (Japanese) Park (Chinese) Delarkson (British)

[@rubenlopez3364]

Bro the Music is Matrix vibes

[@johndeluna692]

I loved this game. Well ahead of its time accompanied by excellent music.

[@RogueBeatsARG]

The Aesthetics this game has are just incredible, and shares universe with Ridge Racer 4 wich is visible on the looks and soundtrack

[@PS3PS2fan]

There's no denying that AC3 has some very interesting characters. All 6 pilots are very interesting. The others like Park and Clarkson, not so much, but still good. Also, Keith is not bad, but I'm gonna go with Erich and Fiona. Fun Fact: Several characters share their Seiyuus with other characters Erich -> Kira Yamato (Gundam SEED) Fiona -> Klonoa (Klonoa) Dision -> Might Guy (Naruto) Simon -> Frieza (DBZ)

[@h2ogun26]

Strong ghost in the shell vibe

[@PhoenixTwoFiftySix]

Electrosphere is such a good thing for us to appreciate, especially now.

[@guilhermecaiado5384]

Ace Combat 3 was the first one i owned, after getting obsessed by playing 2 once. The mission where you follow a F15 teached me to fly around. Ace Combat 5 is my favorite tho

[@plumdowner1941]

"These aircraft in many cases just defy the laws of physics, being able to turn on a dime" Welcome to Ace Combat, we hope you enjoy your stay.

[@deciver5]

As a kid I have played this game in japanese version. Had no clue what the plot was but I still loved that game.

[@SouthernGryphus]

3:42 Rotation, such great taste, loved the thorough analysis!

[@donbran92]

Im so glad I had this game when I got my first PS one, even though I didnt understand english at the time, you know this game is different when look at and listen to it.

[@mistlord]

Such an amazing review, AC3 it's my favourite ace combat game, Keith rocks but i will go with Fiona and Dision.. You have a new sub!

[@IamIanOficial]

I'm starting to think that this whole video was made because of Keith...

[@eightyuser7292]

pretty great video. Deserves much more views

[@rhoansuede7938]

Electrosphere's music reminds me of IDM genre, specifically artist like Aphex Twin, Autechre and Squarepusher

[@adri.progression]

WOWOWOWWWW 🤩🤩🤩 thank you for the in-depth review!! i found out about the game from a Graphic Design archive page so yes, I am gonna play it soon + i really appreciate you for putting the effort into this project!! 🛩🙏🏽

[@flapflapflapflap]

Ah yes, the PGR (minus the virus bullshit) but planes

[@yamilishernandez7670]

Now that the English translation was completely remastered, another team fixed the search Option, and translated every entry, subbed all cinematics, they even translated the AppenDisk and the japanese game manual in PDF, is the perfect time to play the game

[@pumarolz]

Finally the moment we al beeeen waiting fooor titatililitatilitatititaaaa

[@legendgamer676]

I get the feeling that they are gearing up to remake this game for AC8, or at least spiritually reboot it if that makes sense. Ace combat games have always had interesting stories to me, and some prophetic elements to them too so it will be interesting to see a modern take on the mega corporation dynamic from project aces

[@beerten202]

0:43 o boi you triggerd my nostalgia allright

[@rogercruz1547]

Wait, you are telling me the animations were done by the Ghost In The Shell guys, which also made Patlabor... I love these 3 things, AC3, Patlabor and Ghost in the shell

[@skinnykiddou]

Great vid, thank you!

[@retrorun]

Great review. I just completed it these days. I wish I had played the Japanese version though.

[@divecolosio4988]

5:26 Bosconian

[@logoutnexttime4883]

Great video👍Will you by any chance finish the Ridge Racer retrospective yet? I'm intrigued on what you think about the rest of the series...

[@hecku]

As soon as I get a way to play the rest of the games for sure, even though it has been so long I am still very interested in reviewing 6 and 7.

[@AtilioQuintero]

Hello, i really liked your restrospective. Ace Combat 3 is one of my favorite games ever and Keith is the best!

[@hellacoast]

Thank you so much!

[@marcoskatsuragi]

In my opinion, the mistake was actually breaking the game in the American version, reducing content and completely changing the dynamics of the package and the story. In fact, Ace Combat 3 started the process of having more complex stories, which was then continued throughout the rest of the series. Ace Combat 3 is like Final Fantasy 7, a paradigm shift in ambition and dedication to the project on the part of the company. Ace Combat 3 is not the best of them all, but it is the most important and fundamental for the series.

[@just_matt214]

Thank you, man.

[@mbe102]

Awesome stuff dude. Very happily subscribed, look forward to your new stuff!

[@Heg2501]

Good job, my sir!

[@hhh3619]

But at the end, all is belkans fault

[@ignotumperignotius630]

Bruh this is a good review

[@pumarolz]

Finally something concrete, I’ve been reading a lot about ac3 on the wiki by never got the full picture even seeing the play throughs , can you please a full vid explaining everything, I want to buy a rig just to emulate ac games and gran turismo games

[@tessemi]

the control surfaces actually dont move properly. there on many planes inverted in places. easily visible on the mig 29's roll animation

[@OnxGrid]

Epic video

[@taroturtle]

man I swear there was a video that went more in-depth at the Y2K aesthetic of AC3 and I can't find it anywhere now

[@taroturtle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH6YY2Svr6mZq9k I CAME ACROSS IT FINALLY SMH

[@VGSuite]

Ace Combat 3 Intro in amazing HD quality remastered and with 30fps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaGXi5uMiL1-h5o

[@vaniellys]

I went down the Neucom path ibly because I would never abandon my girl Fiona, and because it's the path with Tunnel Vision.

[@lemonov3031]

Nice video, buddy.

[@kennybastian4039]

When I was young, i played electrosphere first. Never watch or know anything about Ghost in the shell. So i confirmed GIST was copying electrosphere.

[@vycanismelodis]

i love the graphical style, its a lot like the early wipE'out" games. i wonder if it has a particular name?

[@blueblack2479]

6:27 Evangelion Reference The Opening intro Uses Same Style Of It

[@luichinplaystation610]

Did you say playing with a keyboard? Oh my.......the lengths just to play it

[@nahuelnapoli]

Great video :)

[@nahuelnapoli]

Salutes from Argentina!

[@hhh3619]

If you love ace combat 3 you should play Einhänder

[@NoelHuerta]

Even Elon Musk is in the game lol the future is REAL

[@aeylxb3472]

I used to love that game and still do very much so. This is the only Ace Combat I like because of the unique story element and the fact that the physics of flight are much more realistic than the rest of the series. It still isn't a flight sim but much better than all other Ace Combat games. At least just flying around and making tight turns at low speed feels like you are flying a proper fighter jet carrying all of its weight. You can literally feel the plane and just how missiles leaving long contrails behind under the blue sky with all of the sound elements and music that portraits the future of corporate war fare provides something very unique other Ace Combat games just don't have. Ace Combat 3 doesn't feel like its part of the series at all. It feels like its own thing with aesthetics of something unlike anything else, because its so beautiful and original in every way. This game has so much emotion in every way from the tone of the dialogue to the specific color of the blue sky and how the thin clouds are moving about as you pass them by and how the sound of the afterburner spools up as your breaking the speed of sound as well as the nature of the movement and wind and just everything about it is very awe inspiring for anyone who is an aviation enthusiast. If this game was modernized and remastered with slightly better flight physics, more avionics, needing to land and take off for every mission plus taxing and the addition of limited fuel and a realistic weapons capacity; not one hundred something missiles but 10 to 15 or so located inside the fuselage with opening doors before firing like the f22 and the f35 with an addition of an intuitive mission planner for every mission. This game could be the best combat flight mmo that is something between an arcade and a flight sim. Yes, a lot would have to be changed and updated without changing the story and the overall feel of the game and remaining the same soundtrack. The game would need to be a better version of what it already is. A well done remastered version that doesn't deviate too much from the original would sell like hot cakes. I grew up on this game and it feels just like how it used to. I recently played DCS, which is absolutely amazing, but it still lacks the humility that Ace combat 3 captures very easily with no effort at all whats so ever. I don't know if it would ever get remastered with multiplayer capability where players choose their corporation which would be awesome but what I do know is that the original Japanese version is already a master piece.

[@rzufig961]

Great vid man, sub'd

[@Rogerio_FM]

I think I just killed Keith, after joining neucom, I didn't intend to join them, just save Fiona.

[@shelkton.7991]

Neucom funded sissy hypno

[@gabbyprincip1575]

No wonder General Resource said that they were going too far with their technological advancements