Previous Messages

* * * * PROGRAMMER / Toshiaki Matsuno Hi there, this is Toshiaki, the programmer. I also worked on Ace Combat 3. I am responsible for creating the air and cloud effects, as well as the various control options. As in Ace Combat 3, the right analog stick can be used to change viewpoints, but in Ace 04 it can also be used to zoom the viewpoint in and out. One of the most difficult aspects for me was creating a control system that accurately reflects the feeling of flying in 3D space. I think I have succeeded. However it was a real pain in the neck from a developers viewpoint. We had to take extra special care when building the aircraft as the player could actually look "into" the models when using the new viewpoint features. I did a lot of research into cloud formations and weather, so that I could realistically model the clouds, which now look real when viewed from any angle. Enjoy flying through the high quality backgrounds and scenery, but don't forget to accomplish your mission!

This guy is my Bug messenger. His name is Super Maru-cho.

These little guys help support the team. Today they are with me.

* * * * PROGRAMMER / Satoshi Suzuki My name is Satoshi. I am the programmer responsible for creating the 3D graphic engine used in Ace 04. Using the power of the PS2 I was able to add many features that were not possible to implement on the PS1. You can see some of these features when playing in the third-person view. To make this game as realistic as possible, I studied many images including flying aircraft, moving ships and various water surfaces. I hope our efforts will satisfy you. We should be finishing Ace 04 quite soon, so please be patient just a little more.

* * * * SOUND ENGINEER / Hiroshi Okubo I have been working on the Ace Combat series since Ace Combat 2. Creating Ace 04 on the PS2 has been very challenging, as the PS2 has much more potential than the PS1. I have been composing the BGM that is played during the game, and also the final ending theme. I have been working closely with each director to ensure that the music matches the feel of the story and visuals. I am still working on the ending theme, which I hope you will find emotional and moving. Working on the PS2 has been quite a technical challenge, as Ace 04 has evolved so much in terms of visuals, content and sounds. We are all working hard to get Ace 04 finished, and we appreciate your support. Ganbarimasu!

The Solvalou I bought in Junior High school. Maybe it's worth something now :)

Here is my keyboard. I still can't play with both hands!

* * * * SOUND ENGINEER / Keiki Kobayashi Hey, this is Kobayashi. I am in charge of creating realistic engine sounds and also several of the BGM songs. Sound Director Nakanishi and I actually visited an Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture to record the engine sounds of real aircraft. Talking with the pilots and absorbing the high-energy atmosphere of a real airforce base was really exciting and impressive. I am trying to create BGM that will give the player the feeling of being a real pilot, experiencing the tension and danger involved with every mission. I believe that the use of a choir will achieve this objective, as well as enhance the overall playing experience. Just a little more to go!

* * * * PROGRAMMER 　Seigo Kimura Hi everyone! I work on the effects on AC04. This is my first experience working on the Ace Combat series. I started working with the team at a point were the game already had its basics formed and visualized. I was astounded by the high quality graphics, and I could not believe that what I was looking at was a videogame screen. The background graphics are fantastic! Also you are able to look in all directions, which makes it possible for the players to freely fly the way they want to. Developing such a complex game system is not easy for developers, but we are almost finished, so get ready for the new Ace Combat!

Counting down the days till the game is finished!

These 2 guys watch over me.

* * * * PROGRAMMER 　Naohiro Futamura Hi! I am also in charge of completing the effects in AC04. As you can see from the screen shots of this game, the quality of the aircraft and background graphics is awesome! Due to the high quality graphics, we are required to create effects that will best match the scene. I am pushing myself hard to create various effects that will fully use the potential of the PS2. We are almost finished...

* * * * PROGRAMMER 　Tsuyoshi Takahashi Hello! I have been working on the less glamorous parts of the game that don't really show up on-screen, such as data loading control and music programming. Even though you can't actually see the results of my work doesn't mean that it isn't necessary! I have actually been working! Currently, I'm working with my colleague, Nakamura, to complete the sound routine programming. We receive new data to be added every day, so it really is tough to adjust the total balance within the game. I'm sure that the final product will be something really cool!

This is how I look whenever we find a new bug!

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