Ace Lightning (video game)
| Ace Lightning | |
|---|---|
 Cover art | |
| Developer(s) |
Gamezlab (PC and PS2) Tiertex Design Studios (GBA) |
| Publisher(s) | BBC Multimedia |
| Platform(s) |
PlayStation 2, IBM PC Game Boy Advance |
| Release date(s) |
|
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure, third person shooter, platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Ace Lightning is a series of video games released initially on 25 October 2002, based upon the BBC-created television programme of the same name. The PC and PlayStation 2 are 3D action-adventure, third-person shooter and platform games, whilst the Game Boy Advance version is a 2D side-scrolling platformer.
The games all have similar features, and follow the synopsis of the television show's plot, involving superhero Ace Lightning venturing into the nightmarish amusement park called the Carnival of Doom to defeat his nemesis Lord Fear and obtain the shattered pieces of the Amulet of Zoar.
Plot
The video games follow the same storyline, although the Game Boy Advance version follows the television show's story more closely, involving characters who are from a fictional video game appearing on Earth. Ace ventures into the Carnival of Doom to find the pieces of the Amulet and defeat Lord Fear, eventually sending the villains back to the Sixth Dimension, the characters' homeworld.
All of the games' cutscenes are shown in the style of a comic strip with speech bubbles. A prologue at the start of the game describes Lord Fear escaping from prison in the Sixth Dimension and stealing the Amulet, but is stopped by Ace and the following fight results in the shattering of the Amulet. Both individuals find a single piece of the Amulet and take their fight to the Carnival of Doom to collect more pieces.
Gameplay
The Game Boy Advance version is a simple side-scroller platform game where a player controls Ace and moves him around the carnival's attractions. At the end of the each level is a piece of the Amulet and a boss battle against an antagonist suited to the environment. The levels are based on attractions that are usually seen in an amusement park of small funfair (e.g. a ghost train, carousel, roller coaster, etc.). The player can be ambushed by the enemies whilst navigating their way around the carnival, leading to miniature boss battles. Two minigames are unlocked throughout the course of the game, one being a shooting gallery and the other a strength-testing game.
The PC and PlayStation 2 games are almost identical in content, but the PlayStation 2 version has better graphics and two bonus levels. The Amulet piece at the end of the each level may only be gained after a task is completed, like defeating enemies or a boss, or collecting enough tokens called Doom Dimes. Most of the game involves platforming and locating keys or switches to access new areas. Ace Lightning uses a weapon called the Lightning Lance, which has an energy bar that refills by collecting lightning tokens or energy from fallen enemies. Melee attacks and wrist cannons serve as other forms of attack if the Lance's energy is depleted. Ace can also pick up accessories that serve as temporary power-ups, such as a forcefield or healing.