It’s not uncommon for games in the boomer shooter mould to enter early access with just its first episode. Usually I just wait. Fallen Aces indeed launched this way, albeit for a conspicuously low price. I was hyped up from the very first time I saw this game and its very structure is fairly surprising. The game will have three episodes with a set of levels in each. Despite this, it’s not a Doom-style boomer shooter in any capacity. Instead it’s a level-based immersive sim, with an emphasis on stealth and melee combat all tied together with an incredible hand-drawn noir style. But the question stands – is Fallen Aces worth it in early access?
The game makes its plot known through fantastic fully voiced comic cutscenes. The setup is simple. Goons are trying to rub out the protagonist and it’s up to him to unravel the mystery that got him into this mess. The in-game models are all ridiculously detailed pieces of vector art that look simply phenomenal. Fallen Aces is a gorgeous game in a way that most people could never hope to create. And the levels just ooze character and style. Plus, the level design is terrific and dense with secrets and shortcuts.
Enemies abound and can all be taken out if you sneak up on them and press a button. You have three inventory slots that can be used for weapons or healing items. This is one of the only things about Fallen Aces that I dislike. A big pipe taking up as much space as a box of bullets is kind of wild, especially when you only have room for just three things. If you want to carry a gun, you’ll need to have that in one slot, with its ammo in another, thereby using up two thirds of your carrying capacity. This mostly led me to not carry guns at all. Especially since melee weapons wear down quickly, making it helpful to carry more than one.
With melee weapons equipped you can strike, block, and dodge enemy attacks. The melee combat is exactly what I want out of first-person brawling. It’s meaty and satisfying, plus the stealth feels just right too. While the game’s first level is fairly small, the very next one is absolutely massive. You’re typically presented with objectives to complete, all written in your trusty notebook. Fallen Aces does not hold your hand, though. You’re expected to explore, plus plenty of optional stuff awaits that can award you with more supplies and extra cash.
As for the immersive sim elements, most objects can be picked up and thrown (perfect for distracting enemies.) If you knock an enemy down that’s carrying a weapon, you can pick that weapon up. It’s honestly a very good immersive sim, despite being as level-based as it is. But more importantly, the game is just a joy to play. I have an excellent time playing it, as the game design is truly as top-tier as the visuals, tiny nonsensical inventory and all.
As for whether Fallen Aces is worth it in early access, I can only say that it absolutely is. Getting this game for it’s current full retail price is an absolute steal, especially considering that this is only a third of the game. And what a third it is. You can easily get several hours of play out of this already, so just the first episode rivals plenty of other games in terms of content. Fallen Aces is not only already an amazing game, but I’d be fully surprised if it didn’t turn out to easily be one of the best games of whatever year it ends up releasing in.
While you’re here, consider checking out our latest reviews:
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