Time Ace

About

Time Ace is a top-down aerial combat game for the Nintendo DS where you pilot time-traveling aircraft to stop a mad scientist's global domination plot. The story centers on Dr. Hugo Clock's mission to prevent Dr. Klaus Scythe from weaponizing a time machine. Gameplay mixes vertical scrolling shooter mechanics with the DS's dual-screen interface, letting you use the lower screen for targeting while maneuvering through waves of enemy planes. It borrows heavily from Konami's 1981 arcade title Time Pilot but adds the twist of time-period shifting environments and boss battles. The game's use of the touch screen for aiming and weapon selection stands out, offering a tactile layer not common in similar titles. While it didn't set the world on fire commercially, its 2007 release still holds a small audience for its retro arcade revival vibe. Community discussions often highlight the challenge of its difficulty curve and the charm of its paper-cutout visuals. For players who miss old-school bullet-hell action with a time-bending gimmick, Time Ace remains a curious artifact.