Rumor: Namco Bandai Can't Sell the PS4 Port of Ace Combat 5 (Maybe AC6 too). Tomorrow Could be the Last Day to Get Them (Digital Offer Ends 2/18/19)

EYEL1NER · Jan 17, 2019

I saw the rumor a week or two ago and committed to pre-ordering a PS4 copy. I have AC6 on disc but am kind of tempted to pre-order/return a copy of 7 for Xbox One so I can get a digital code for 6 as well. Since I have the disc though, it's not really a priority for me like getting V for PS4 was. Can't wait to play V though, since I started the series with 6 (on,y questions is, start V or 7 first?).

mclem · Jan 17, 2019

Piichan said:
Don't take it personally, but it always irks me when people call Bandai Namco, "Namco Bandai".
You never see "Enix-Square", so I wonder why this keeps happening.

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

Wait, so if you buy the game before 18th next month then you still get it?

Xenosaga · Jan 17, 2019

Dancrane212 said:
Don't suppose you have a link to that? It'd be nice to get a direct source on this.

It's from Japanese interview
I will do quick translation on that part.

Q: Also, the Ace Combat 5 that is included as first-print bonus, do you have plans to sell it separately?

Everyone: No there is absolutely no plans to sell it separately.

Shimomoto: You can only get it through first-print bonus

Tamaki: Yes so please preorder it

Q: Oh it's important information that it's not going to be sold separately

Kono: It(AC5 port) was realized with such circumstances

https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2018/10/04/14966_4.html

Gong · Jan 17, 2019

Well fuck, I was maybe gonna pick it up later as I enjoy the series (4 is still one of my favourite games ever), but I didn't realise it would come with Squadron Leader on PS4 :o I'm broke AF just now, can I find the dough by the 18th next month?

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

OneThirtyEight said:
Bummer for all you fans. I remember when Outrun Arcade was removed from the PS3-store because of the Ferrari license ending and you coudn't redownload the game if you had it deleted from the hard drive wich i unfortunaly had done at the time.

You can still get it but it is a bit of a pain to download.

If you go on your PS3 and go to the account download list (not through the store) then you will find it. The pain part depends on how long your download list because you will have to keep scrolling down the list to find it and you can't search for it.

Prophane33 · Jan 17, 2019

Dancrane212 said:
Don't suppose you have a link to that? It'd be nice to get a direct source on this.

In addition, as someone on the last page quoted me from another thread: Bandai Namco have a long history of releasing pre-order only classic games. I can think of only a single one (possibly two) that they offered for sale later. In a case like this when there are actual real world licensing issues (e.g. it's not an anime property that they have the exclusive license to use), I think it's a safe bet to assume this game is pre-order only. Which is why I immediately pre-ordered after the (I believe Gamescom?) trailer. Bandai Namco have a history of doing many things western publishers would never do, and that western gamers may find obtuse or unfriendly, mainly due to their slavish adherence to Japanese copyright norms. As such, I feel safe in saying I'd honestly be shocked if it was ever available separately.

Kage Maru · Jan 17, 2019

Well I double dipped, thanks for the heads up OP.

andshrew · Jan 17, 2019

Richter1887 said:
You can still get it but it is a bit of a pain to download.

If you go on your PS3 and go to the account download list (not through the store) then you will find it. The pain part depends on how long your download list because you will have to keep scrolling down the list to find it and you can't search for it.

The easiest way to find stuff like this without having to spend ages scrolling through your download list is to use the PSDLE extension. It re-presents all of the information on the PS Store page into a quick to search list, so you can just search for the delisted game and start it downloading.

badboy78660 · Jan 17, 2019

Richter1887 said:
Wait, so if you buy the game before 18th next month then you still get it?

18th of this month (day the game comes out).

Falus · Jan 17, 2019

badboy78660 said:
18th of this month (day the game comes out).

Op says 02/18 that's why

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

andshrew said:
The easiest way to find stuff like this without having to spend ages scrolling through your download list is to use the PSDLE extension. It re-presents all of the information on the PS Store page into a quick to search list, so you can just search for the delisted game and start it downloading.

Yeah I have been using this but I ran into an issue which has PS3 not detecting the downloads using this method the last time I tried it (it used to work before.) I am not sure how widespread this problem is though so it could just be a "me" issue.

badboy78660 said:
18th of this month (day the game comes out).

You sure about this?

The OP says 2/18/2019 is the last day to get the offer if using digital. Atleast I hope so. If not then it will really suck.

Proteus · Jan 17, 2019

I'm convinced this is all timed exclusive to preorder content. I am tempted to grab an AC6 physical on EB before the price goes up but maybe I should just hold off.

badboy78660 · Jan 17, 2019

Richter1887 said:
Yeah I have been using this but I ran into an issue which has PS3 not detecting the downloads using this method the last time I tried it (it used to work before.) I am not sure how widespread this problem is though so it could just be a "me" issue.

You sure about this?

The OP says 2/18/2019 is the last day to get the offer if using digital. Atleast I hope so. If not then it will really suck.

Pretty sure; that's why we're all in a tizzy over it—if it's only going to be available as a pre-order, and the game's coming out tomorrow...(a pre-order is only a pre-order until the game is already out).

Edit: I may need to do more research to be positive though!

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

badboy78660 said:
Pretty sure; that's why we're all in a tizzy over it—if it's only going to be available as a pre-order, and the game's coming out tomorrow...(a pre-order is only a pre-order until the game is already out).

Edit: I may need to do more research to be positive though!

Yeah I see your point.

I think we might see something like Digimon Cyber Sleuth (same publisher) which had a special edition that had preorder bonus and was up for a month then taken down after that. Maybe it is the same thing here.

I am really hoping it is.

Dancrane212 · Jan 17, 2019

Xenosaga said:
It's from Japanese interview
I will do quick translation on that part.

Q: Also, the Ace Combat 5 that is included as first-print bonus, do you have plans to sell it separately?

Everyone: No there is absolutely no plans to sell it separately.

Shimomoto: You can only get it through first-print bonus

Tamaki: Yes so please preorder it

Q: Oh it's important information that it's not going to be sold separately

Kono: It(AC5 port) was realized with such circumstances

https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2018/10/04/14966_4.html

Thanks for the translation. Nice to get to get direct confirmation on this.

Prophane33 said:
In addition, as someone on the last page quoted me from another thread: Bandai Namco have a long history of releasing pre-order only classic games. I can think of only a single one (possibly two) that they offered for sale later. In a case like this when there are actual real world licensing issues (e.g. it's not an anime property that they have the exclusive license to use), I think it's a safe bet to assume this game is pre-order only. Which is why I immediately pre-ordered after the (I believe Gamescom?) trailer. Bandai Namco have a history of doing many things western publishers would never do, and that western gamers may find obtuse or unfriendly, mainly due to their slavish adherence to Japanese copyright norms. As such, I feel safe in saying I'd honestly be shocked if it was ever available separately.

Yeah, it was your post in the AC7 OT that reminded me of the DBZ games and sent me spinning off trying to get more info. I am definitely with you in thinking this is "it" for PS4 AC5.

badboy78660 said:
18th of this month (day the game comes out).

Richter1887 said:
Yeah I have been using this but I ran into an issue which has PS3 not detecting the downloads using this method the last time I tried it (it used to work before.) I am not sure how widespread this problem is though so it could just be a "me" issue.

You sure about this?

The OP says 2/18/2019 is the last day to get the offer if using digital. Atleast I hope so. If not then it will really suck.

badboy78660 said:
Pretty sure; that's why we're all in a tizzy over it—if it's only going to be available as a pre-order, and the game's coming out tomorrow...(a pre-order is only a pre-order until the game is already out).

Edit: I may need to do more research to be positive though!

The official FAQ says you can get it until February 18th but the (North American at least) PSN listing only mentions preorders. That could change over on the 18th but it's not a 100% lock at the moment.

Deleted member 16876 · Jan 17, 2019

Dancrane212 said:
The official FAQ says you can get it until February 18th but the (North American at least) PSN listing only mentions preorders. That could change over on the 18th but it's not a 100% lock at the moment.

badboy78660 · Jan 17, 2019

Dancrane212 said:
Thanks for the translation. Nice to get to get direct confirmation on this.

Yeah, it was your post in the AC7 OT that reminded me of the DBZ games and sent me spinning off trying to get more info. I am definitely with you in thinking this is "it" for PS4 AC5.

The official FAQ says you can get it until February 18th but the (North American at least) PSN listing only mentions preorders. That could change over on the 18th but it's not a 100% lock at the moment.

Thanks! That's what threw me (as I'll be nabbing it via PSN).

Dancrane212 · Jan 17, 2019

On the other side of things the Xbox listing makes no mention of preorders. There is only a "limited time" qualifier listed for the promo.

For a limited time, purchase ACE COMBAT™ 7: SKIES UNKNOWN on Xbox One and receive ACE COMBAT 6® Fires of Liberation™ on Xbox 360, or Xbox One via Backward Compatibility. For Backward Compatibility information, see xbox.com/xbox-one/backward-compatibility.

takoyaki · Jan 17, 2019

Thank you Dancrane212 , would have missed out on the AC5 preorder bonus without this thread.

Lothars · Jan 17, 2019

dallow_bg said:
And for XBO the code for AC6 is inside the box? Hard to tell.

Yeah it's hard to tell but it sounds like both ps4 and xbo codes will be emailed. Nobody knows yet though

Commander Kook · Jan 17, 2019

Because of this thread I've now preordered a game I originally hadn't intended to buy until later in the year. The power of limited availability of a PS2 game I never got to play...

Thanks for the heads up!

SikSlayer · Jan 17, 2019

The thing that keeps running through my mind is... why? Why can't they keep selling AC5 and AC6 separately?

Dancrane212 · Jan 17, 2019

SikSlayer said:
The thing that keeps running through my mind is... why? Why can't they keep selling AC5 and AC6 separately?

They might not have the ability to sell software with those licensed planes and are only able to give them out as promotional materials instead.

LiK · Jan 17, 2019

AC5 and 6 were both fantastic games. Shame they're not gonna be sold standalone. I don't understand why.

Prophane33 · Jan 17, 2019

SikSlayer said:
The thing that keeps running through my mind is... why? Why can't they keep selling AC5 and AC6 separately?

1.) The licenses for some of the aircraft that they originally had are expired, and perhaps they only have permission to release this as a limited item (for example, you can't get the DLC for 6 anymore unless you already own it).

2.) Like with many of their classic pre-order games, they want to give a premium to those that pre-order. Kind of like the 3DS ambassador program. It's an extra incentive for early adopters.

LiK · Jan 17, 2019

Fuck it, preordered both from BB just in case.

iosefe · Jan 17, 2019

Ps4 preorder in

If they did indeed rework it, I hope they added support for the Hotas 4 in Ac5

Sonimon · Jan 17, 2019

So with KH3 and No More Heroes coming out soon, I can't really afford to spend $60 on Ace Combat 7 right now, but I did want to pick up Ace Combat 5 when (or I guess if now) it was released separately (especially since it's hard to emulate), so I'm thinking of pulling the scumbag tactic of preordering the game from Amazon and then immediately returning it.

Proteus · Jan 17, 2019

LiK said:
AC5 and 6 were both fantastic games. Shame they're not gonna be sold standalone. I don't understand why.

Because they are being pushed as incentives to preorder.

I expect they will go on sale in a few months.

deathsaber · Jan 17, 2019

Preordered yesterday for ps4- first Ace Combat experience ever- and happy to hear 5 is a great one to play too. Also good to hear I can just grab a cheap-o used AC6 and throw it into an Xbone to play that.

Patitoloco · Jan 17, 2019

Proteus said:
Because they are being pushed as incentives to preorder.

I expect they will go on sale in a few months.

I wouldn't bet on that.

Like other people said, the main problem is the airplane licenses, I would bet. It's the same reason old Gran Turismos or Forzas will never come out.

mrmoose · Jan 17, 2019

Prophane33 said:
In addition, as someone on the last page quoted me from another thread: Bandai Namco have a long history of releasing pre-order only classic games. I can think of only a single one (possibly two) that they offered for sale later. In a case like this when there are actual real world licensing issues (e.g. it's not an anime property that they have the exclusive license to use), I think it's a safe bet to assume this game is pre-order only. Which is why I immediately pre-ordered after the (I believe Gamescom?) trailer. Bandai Namco have a history of doing many things western publishers would never do, and that western gamers may find obtuse or unfriendly, mainly due to their slavish adherence to Japanese copyright norms. As such, I feel safe in saying I'd honestly be shocked if it was ever available separately.

Yeah this should really be in the OP. It may indeed be a ploy, but Bandai Namco have done this a fair bit. Even their non game DLC preorder bonuses are often never released for sale after the games are released.

Considering how quickly and drastically they usually drop the price of their games, it's probably a decent tactic to get early adopters.

Proteus · Jan 17, 2019

Patitoloco said:
I wouldn't bet on that.

Like other people said, the main problem is the airplane licenses, I would bet. It's the same reason old Gran Turismos or Forzas will never come out.

Ok, I ended up ordering the Xbox One version from Best Buy just to be safe.

Now my bases are covered.

Heshinsi · Jan 17, 2019

Razgriz-Specter said:
PS4, not even a contest.
AC6 is personally and generally the weakest in the series(comparatively still a good game but just isn't on the other's level)

I'd say Assualt Horizon is the weakest, but maybe you're just counting all the Strangereal ones. I still loved AC6, although the move to use in game assets for the major cutscenes were a bit jarring, considering the stiff animations and what not. The game also felt significantly shorter than previous AC games. I did like the whole thing where you were needed in different areas of the combat region, and how fast you could get there and help influenced how successful the mission was.

RROCKMAN · Jan 17, 2019

BandaiNamco definitely are using fighting game strats in their marketing. This conditioning is annoying but I dont want to gamble on the consequences :(

Lakeside · Jan 17, 2019

I think I'll pull the not-scumbag and flip my unoped PS4 and Xbox One copies on Ebay, take the loss so I can get the codes and not feel bad. With all the 1080p talk I want to play on PC.

Still have BB GCU so that helps.

I need strength though. So tempted to just buy PS4 digital so I can play tonight and try VR.

NESpowerhouse · Jan 17, 2019

LiK said:
AC5 and 6 were both fantastic games. Shame they're not gonna be sold standalone. I don't understand why.

If you have an Xbone, you can just use the disc for 6. You can find them on Amazon for like 7 bucks

RoninChaos · Jan 17, 2019

So do we know if the code is in the box or is something the vendor's provide you after you've ordered? If it's in the box then people don't need to rush and can just buy the game as long as it's in the first run.

MrNelson · Jan 17, 2019

Proteus said:
Ok, I ended up ordering the Xbox One version from Best Buy just to be safe.

Now my bases are covered.

AC6 is just 360 BC. Unless you're really itching to have a digital copy of it you can just pick up a disc copy later.

AC5 is the big one here, since it seems to be enhanced a bit over the original PS2 version, and it has a hard time running on emulators.

rpm · Jan 17, 2019

RoninChaos said:
So do we know if the code is in the box or is something the vendor's provide you after you've ordered? If it's in the box then people don't need to rush and can just buy the game as long as it's in the first run.

All the info we have is pointing to it not being in the box, it's vendor provided (i.e. on your receipt at a physical Gamestop, emailed if buying via online retailers, etc.)

Dancrane212 · Jan 17, 2019

mrmoose said:
Yeah this should really be in the OP. It may indeed be a ploy, but Bandai Namco have done this a fair bit. Even their non game DLC preorder bonuses are often never released for sale after the games are released.

Considering how quickly and drastically they usually drop the price of their games, it's probably a decent tactic to get early adopters.

Thought I had Prophane33's AC7 OT post already there. Guess not.

I'll fix that now.

RoninChaos said:
So do we know if the code is in the box or is something the vendor's provide you after you've ordered? If it's in the box then people don't need to rush and can just buy the game as long as it's in the first run.

It comes from the vendor.

EBGames listing...

Online Customers: Code will be emailed within 3 business days after your order ships.
Store Customers:Code will be printed on your receipt at time of pickup.

Razgriz-Specter · Jan 17, 2019

Heshinsi said:
I'd say Assualt Horizon is the weakest, but maybe you're just counting all the Strangereal ones. I still loved AC6, although the move to use in game assets for the major cutscenes were a bit jarring, considering the stiff animations and what not. The game also felt significantly shorter than previous AC games. I did like the whole thing where you were needed in different areas of the combat region, and how fast you could get there and help influenced how successful the mission was.

In the "general" I meant of Strangreal, "personally" I enjoyed Assault Horizon much more than 6 though still far below 5, 0 and 4

marrec · Jan 17, 2019

Fuuuuuck I didn't wanna get this until later in the year but AC5 is legit one of my fav games

Skyball Paint · Jan 17, 2019

This is all Chopper's fault for blasting Puddle of Mudd on his boombox.

Fuck you Chopper and fuck your music

mrmoose · Jan 17, 2019

I thought there was talk in this thread that work was done on AC5, but this seems to indicate it's just a PS2 port with upscaled resolution:
https://www.gamerevolution.com/news...der-bonus-is-not-a-remaster-says-bandai-namco

Speaking with DualShockers, Bandai Namco Producer and Brand Director Kazutoki Kono confirmed that Ace Combat 5 PS4 is not a remaster of any kind. Instead, it will be a port of the original PS2 version of the game and it will run natively on the PS4, albeit with an upscaled resolution. This might not be what some long-time fans of the franchise wanted to hear, but perhaps this might lead to an eventual remaster of Ace Combat 5 Unsung War in the future.

Darknight · Jan 17, 2019

mrmoose said:
I thought there was talk in this thread that work was done on AC5, but this seems to indicate it's just a PS2 port with upscaled resolution:
https://www.gamerevolution.com/news...der-bonus-is-not-a-remaster-says-bandai-namco

Why spend all that money porting it if they don't plan to sell it?

Dancrane212 · Jan 17, 2019

mrmoose said:
I thought there was talk in this thread that work was done on AC5, but this seems to indicate it's just a PS2 port with upscaled resolution:
https://www.gamerevolution.com/news...der-bonus-is-not-a-remaster-says-bandai-namco

We thought going off interviews this was going to be a straight PS2 Classic but the file size and media (especially in comparison with the PS2 classic emulator running AC5 via homebrew) shows that this is something more than that. To what extent is an unknown though, so far we can tell that the UI has been improved over the original game.

PS2 classics emulator on PS4 (via homebrew. Grey squares are an emulation issue).

Official PS4 release.

Springy · Jan 17, 2019

raketenrolf said:
The real question for us EU people is: Will this be the superior 60hz Ntsc release or the 50hz Pal release? The latter isn't worth it. At least not for me.

This is all I'm thinking of. I'm wondering if I should go buy a digital copy of AC7 on US PSN right now and sell off my UK physical pre-order tomorrow so I can get Unsung War instead of just being stuck with a 50Hz Squadron Leader. I'd initially figured I'd just pick up The Unsung War at a later point on the store...

Deepwater · Jan 17, 2019

Razgriz-Specter said:
In the "general" I meant of Strangreal, "personally" I enjoyed Assault Horizon much more than 6 though still far below 5, 0 and 4

Assault horizon could have been a decent entry if if it wasn't like 8 hours long with no replay value. Also, the cheating ass final boss

Rumor: Namco Bandai Can't Sell the PS4 Port of Ace Combat 5 (Maybe AC6 too). Tomorrow Could be the Last Day to Get Them (Digital Offer Ends 2/18/19)

Unshakable Resolve

Community Resettler

Into the Woods

"I'd buy that for a dollar!"