I guess the title of this review is really the best summation for the game. AC Assault Horizon could have been better. The devs included some bells and whistles that may appeal to people new to the franchise but mostly annoyed and angered the fans of Ace Combat. I'm talking about the dogfight in game mechanic that also persists into multiplayer. While it seems to make the act of chasing an enemy “easier” it takes away some of the charm that is integral in a flight com simulator.
Apart from that the story is a bit lax compared to other AC games and the setting isn't in the traditional world either which further annoyed fans. Setting these things aside, the game is sold and pretty. Aircraft customization is there as is buffs after you complete the campaign.
The game gets a solid 4/5 from me but you may want to miss it given that AC Infinity is about to drop any time soon. However, if the price is right. Why not grab it and try it for yourself.