In Space Ace you play the heroic Ace who must stop the evil Commander Borf from taking over the Earth! Borf plans to reduce all of humankind to infants and take over the planet. Only two people have the courage and strength to stop Borf and save Earth: the beautiful Kimberly and the heroic Ace. But as they approach Borf’s stronghold, Ace is hit by the Infanto Ray, changing him into a child, and Kimberly is kidnapped by the evil madman. Armed with only a laser gun, Ace must find and destroy the Infanto Ray, rescue Kimberly and save the Earth.
The fate of Earth is in your hands!
This release of Don Bluth’s legendary animated arcade game features video transferred directly from the stunning high definition master, delivering the sharpest images and most vibrant colors ever – far better than the original laserdisc release.
Simply press on the direction pad to guide Ace in the right direction or fire your laser gun and blast those aliens away.
Don Bluth and his production teams are the creative genius behind such beloved classics as The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail and Anastasia to name but a few.
We hope you enjoy Space Ace!
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This version
4.13 (40)
Promo video
N/A
Icon
0.5/0.5
Rating quality
0.8/1.0
Rating volume
0.2/1.0
Heuristic score · not affiliated with Apple or Google.
Categories as listed by the developer on Google Play / the App Store.
Recent Chart Appearances
AppleNZtop paid#672026-07-18
LiveOps Activity
Ratings velocity (24h)
0today
vs 0 median in the prior 7 days
Recent versions
v5.0iOS2mo ago
Last bump 79d ago.
Signals: version bump ≤ 7 days + review velocity ≥ 1.5× the 7-day median. Both ⇒ Active event; version only ⇒ Recent update; spike only ⇒ High engagement.
Update History
v5.0
Apple
released 9/11/2017
Release notesHide notes
This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.
Space Ace has been updated to ensure continued iOS compatibility. We've also updated the UI and fixed up some pesky bugs.
Happy Retro Gaming!
Versions observed by AppWolf's store pollers · newest first · up to 50 shown. History begins when an app enters our catalog - earlier versions aren't retroactively visible.
Reviews
Sentiment
Filter·
50 of 50 loaded reviews
Apple
4mo ago
Pretty good
Works well with Mfi controller. The only true way to enjoy this game imo. 👍
- Tonestones · v5.0
Apple
4mo ago
Blast from the past…but
Unplayable with controllers.
- Timmyutah · v5.0
Apple
1y ago
No sound on iPhone 15
I loved the game and so looked forward to playing this classic ☹️
- ---DG · v5.0
Apple
4y ago
Space ace
Need to wrk with backbone controller
- water 3-7-9 · v5.0
Apple
5y ago
The best game EVER
So this really helped me with finding one of my childhood games, ITS SO COOL and I really want others to play it. It takes practice to play this game but I played it for 3 years and its SO MUCH FUN
- Ce24685 · v5.0
Apple
6y ago
No problems!
Sound works great! Arcade controls are nice. Wii console sell a great version of these games also for play on your big screen. So much fun to play this again!
- 2112cn · v5.0
Apple
6y ago
Still no sound
This awesome game used to work beautifully on my iPhone 5s. Now on my iPhone 11 Pro there is STILL no sound even though that problem was reported over a year ago. This game should be fixed or removed from the App Store.
- Rob Mayette · v5.0
Apple
7y ago
No Sound
There is no sound and no way to enable sound. Not worth the $ until resolved.
- bsteinex · v5.0
Apple
7y ago
NO SOUND
The game is identical to the original laser disc game. However, there is NO SOUND to the game. No options for sound/music like all others games on App Store. Also, the control arrows make it difficult to play.
If you enjoy games with no sound, this one is for you. I WOULD NOT have bought it for $4.99 if I knew there was no sound available on this game. So I give it “1” star because of that.
- NorthWinterhold · v5.0
Apple
8y ago
Cool Retro
Awesome game from an ex imagineer at Disney Don Bluth — so cool Disney style all over it — dropped a lot of quarters on the real one back in the day
- Nate H Froggy · v5.0
Apple
9y ago
Do not buy. Needs update error!
Loading up gives you need to update error like the other non-HD version of Dragon's Lair. Wait for a new one instead of wasting $5
- Unitymind · v4.0.2
Apple
9y ago
Update Update Update Please.
The game's visuals are amazing. And if you have the Move Guide, you'll beat this game easy. But I know that there is more than one way to beat it. But none of the other ways work. It keeps glitching. The controls don't respond sometimes. If they would update the game there should be none of these problems. I want to love this game, but I can't with these game ruining issues.
- SwiftSatamFan1 · v4.0.2
Apple
11y ago
Awesome with some small glitches!
I loved this game when it originally came out and beat both it and Dragon's Lair. I cant believe this is an iPhone app, but very glad it is!!! It has become my favorite game all over again.My only minor complaint is that when playing the Captain level or above the movement is wrong, the screen will blink right and it only accepts it if you move left , the correct movement is not corresponding to the opposite screens. Hopefully there will be a fix for this in the near future , otherwise its flawless!! Thank you Don Bluth!
Update 5/13/15
As stated by others for sometime now, we are still having issues with these games. The final scene against Borf is completely bugged and unplayable. From what I understand, Dragons Lair has the exact same problem.
I don't think the company checks these reviews because this has been ongoing for sometime. I would love to play these again but in its current state, that is simply not possible.
Update 7/17/15
For the love of Ace, somebody, anybody from this company, please fix this game.....still waiting... It should not take months to get this app working properly again.
- DeliciousFiction · v4.0.2
Apple
11y ago
Love it and hate it
I love this game, but it doesn’t work on my iPhone 6 or my iPad Air 2
- DisneyNerds · v4.0.2
Apple
11y ago
Major Glitch with iOS 8
I love this game and grew up with it as a kid. I would honestly give it five stars except I just got the new iPhone six and ever since I got it none of the games made by digital leisure are functioning properly. On this particular game the very last level goes haywire and it starts playing on its own and then you die from a completely different scene. I've uninstalled it and installed it over five times with the same glitch. Dragon's layer has the exact same problem if you go into the menu the screen goes black and the game won't play at all. I'm hoping this will be fixed soon as it's been messed up since the release of the new iPhones! Please fix this soon!!!
- Jamesa1105 · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
Missing levels
This is a great game BUT it's missing a few levels. For example, Dexter is still on the space station, going through what appears to be a junk level. Then he leaves the space station and is pursued by space fighters. Then he goes through a checker board tunnel being shot at by flying robots. Please fix this. Other than that, awesome game.
- jiat2001 · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
Excellent but broken
I've enjoyed this game through many versions. It has been a faithful reproduction of the arcade classic, including its problems and shortcomings.
This version's higher resolution video looks very nice. But the final level is completely botched and totally unplayable.
- Walt Sellers · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
Please update !!!!
Fix game please!!!!!!!
- American Pickles · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
Please fix
This game is great except that the last level moves are out of sync with the video.
- 1lapilot · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
Finally updated!!! BUT
I agree with 1lapilot
The ending level Is way out of sync,unbeatable please fix this ASAP!!!
- Dappa_Don · v4.0.2
Apple
12y ago
LOL - Still No Retena Icon?
How many years now has there been Retena screen on iPhone, and the icon is still fuzzy? How could you miss this?
- Sonic 1992 · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Space ace
Great but last scene has an error please fix
- 403carlos · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Last level off sync
I'm glad that they fixed the game to work on iOS 7. It looks great. However, the last level on the Ace level is completely off-sync so the inputs are not matching with the flashes. In addition, some scenes are not playing on that level either. Minor problems but I'd like to see them fixed.
- Warlok03 · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Great game
It is awesome to play these great games. Please bring back Thayer's Quest/Shadoan ;)
- Bazooey · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Good update, still missing scenes
Good update, works great on iPhone 5 now. Could the app's icon be fixed? It still looks fuzzy and not high def. Also there are a few scenes missing, one I can think of is the fail scene with Kim and Ace being attacked by the squids.
- randy8080 · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Awesome!!
Amazing port of the original arcade classic, don't miss it! The video quality exceeds the original!
- CraigTaco · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
Just as I remembered!
Reminds me of my childhood, and it's perfect on IOS
- Litefmfan · v4.0.1
Apple
12y ago
No Video
Nothing!!!!
- JimJam7771 · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
App needs updating
Classic game, but the app needs updating:
- app no longer works on iPhone 4G with iOS 7.0.2
- icon needs to be retina display compatible, it's too fuzzy
- fail scene missing with squids attacking Ace and Kimberly
- randy8080_2 · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
Doesn't Work
I have blank screen with audio & controls. Waiting for response from developer as Apple can't refund. BEWARE!!
- Shadypablo · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
I spent hours in the arcade
This game, by far, was one of the most creative ideas in 1983. Dragon's Lair came before Space Ace, but the idea of playing a cartoon for a 13 y/o in 1983 was an out of body experience. Today I have the game on my IPhone to relive all those memories from the arcade. Thanks to Dragon's Lair, LLC for bringing this classic back!! I will look forward to other releases from other popular laserdisc games also in the immediate future. Keep doing the excellent work that you do.
- DaveiZtheRave · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
Omg hurry
Needs a iPhone 5 update ASAP !
- Thrustttttt · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
Needs tuning
Love the game but the controls are touchy causing me to die when control options don't work. Other than that great game.
- Pantheon MMA · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
:):):):):)
GREAT, but needs tuning, for one, its missing the movie option, and it cuts out Kimberly and dexters conversation on the way to the maze in captain and Ace mode, and I think it shows ace and kimmy dying when you choose the right path near the end of the game, fix these, and its an easy 5 for me :).
- Awesome pie 2838 · v3.1.4
Apple
13y ago
NEEDS UPDATES!
Huge fan of the original laser disk games, but this one needs updates. Please add the ability to watch the movie after you beat the game, and the button flashes to Captain and Space Ace levels so children can play it!
I also agree with the reviewer about Dexter and Kimberly's "I've been kidnapped by aliens..." conversation, please put it back in on the Captain and Space Ace levels.
- Warigaki · v3.1.4
Apple
14y ago
Controls are horrible
I'm a fan if don bluth, but the controls for this game are horrendous. Waste of money.
- Jacobwurz · v3.1.4
Apple
14y ago
Good! Update please?
Just as good as you remember! Developers: please include with update to include Icade support for the authentic arcade experience! And maybe Portrait view as well!
- aliens8us · v3.1.4
Apple
14y ago
Great video game
If you are like me, you go to the most critical reviews first to see what the game is really like. So, here is the deal...IT'S GREAT!!! Here are the only three critiques I have, and they are minor at that:
First, Kimmy and Dexters exchange before the second scene -- i.e. "Kimberly, come in. Are you okay? Oh sure, I've just been kidnapped by aliens, that's all." -- is missing from the Captain and Space Ace levels. Please add it.
Second, the third scene on the Captains level, I.e., the space station, the movements don't match the video. That is, you must go right even though the cartoon shows the passage is left.
Finally, in the Borf control, you can tell that scenes were omitted or, in some instance, thrown together in a hodge-lodge fashion. For example, the scenes where Borf fires the cannon at Dexter were almost completely omitted, and the scene before the final battle shows Dexter and Kimmy dying before they magically appear on the final platform.
Boiled to its essence, all but the rabid Space Ace fans will notice these minor imperfections. Everyone else will love it!
--Scott
- Lawofchaos · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Cool blast from the past
I wasn't even a newborn when this game originally released but I remember seeing it as a kid during the late '80s/early '90s in arcades but never played it. It's crazy how a couple decades later, you can play what used to be in a large cabinet right in your hands...on a phone no less! Needless to say this game is classic and fun - a different type of fun, mind you. It's about twitch gameplay pre-CoD and quick reaction time. Although you'll die a lot on the normal and hard difficulties, Space Ace can be beaten on easy mode in about 5-7 minutes so it's brief. I wish there was a "movie" mode where you could just watch the movie; that'd be cool.
- CrysisDaMonk · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Just like the arcade version in the 80s
Awesome game! Brings back memories of the arcades. Plays just like the original. The ones who have given bad reviews must have never played the original arcade game back in the day. If you are too young to know Space Ace before you buy it, then you're probably not going to like it. For the rest, it's cheaper than the jars of quarters spent years ago trying to finish the game.
- 29slim · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Won't work for me
Right at the beginning maybe th 8th or 9th prompt doesn't register so it's a very short game for me. It seems that the game works fer others. It's been like this fer at least a year. Now I wanted to try it on iPad . And still not working. Bummed
- highvoltcult · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
AWESOME and Great Controls !!!
Well, I have to copy/paste my Dragon's Lair review into this one, because they are both as good. "Don't know why anyone is complaining about the controls. They are dead on. This game is all about instinct and memorization. You can't wait for the screen to flash to input the command, you have to do it at the same time or before. Just memorize the path through trial and error. Also, I prefer the large controls option though.
The graphics are excellent and the game's reaction to correct or missed inputs is surprisingly great. I remember that was a big problem in other incarnations that would deliver slowdown, but not here. This one is even better than it's Bluray counterpart, which I also have.
I recommend this game to anyone. I have already beaten this (iPhone and Bluray) Dragon's Lair (iPhone and Bluray) and Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp (Bluray) numerous times each and have come to a point where I can do it without dying, not even once.
I still can't believe that I have this game on my iPhone. I've loved it since I saw Dragon's Lair and this when I was a little kid in 1984 and was blown away thinking how amazing it was to see a cartoon which I could control.
The story and animation have stood the test of time and they are as great as ever. I can never get tired of this game.
Now, where is my portable Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp???"
- Manolostyle · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Thought it was broken but needed reinstall
After updating the iOS to 4.3 the game as it was installed became unstable. But after deleting and re installing I can confirm it works perfectly again!!! HOORAY!
- FrankieViturello · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Dragons Lair 2 please
Loved all the laser disc Don Bluth games back in the day. Playing Space Ace definitely brought back memories of a sweeter time. Although I was never a big fan of Space Ace, it's still a winner. Need to see Dragons Lair 2!!
- Rap Or Politics · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Excelent game
Need some improvements, better sekker time and game center support. But I love thos game. I only miss only FMV game, Sewer Shark. I hope ro someone listen to my tip.
- ozzy333666 · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Re: Sound Issue
Yeah, I see the same proplem. Please try fix that.
- Rude Boy EEEE · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
I miss and love this Game!!
I love this game since I was a little boy. As an adult I still love it. I was surprised to see the app so thank you app developer for bringing this back for me!! You have all of these high tech games these days but this is the game that always puts a smile on my face!! Even if you have never played it you'll enjoy it, I have it on my iPhone 4 and iPad. Definitely by this Game and Dragons Lair!! I love it!! Buy it!!
- ROC ROC ON... · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Perfect
I don't know which is better, this or Dragon's Lair? THEY'RE BOTH AWESOME!
- Katmandu02 · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Sound issue???
I have my iPhone sound off but i can still hear the game sounds???
is anyone else having this issue?
I have an iPhone 4 4.2.1 loaded no other games have this issue.
- Rgarza70 · v3.1.4
Apple
15y ago
Fantastic reliving of the original with one caveat.
Space Ace is a wonderful throwback to the Laserdisc original game from the 80s and in that sense it's absolutely fantastic. It continues to be beautiful and highly entertaining. The dynamic is as simple as the original: You watch a clip of film which provides a visual clue and you interact to continue to the next clip or fail and see an alternative clip. For those who are not familiar with this kind of "game", it's more like a highly enjoyable and beautifully animated, interactive movie.
The one caveat is that unlike the original, you have to actually look at the controls in order to use them, as they are not physical controllers but virtual. This does not necessarily detract much from one's enjoyment and actually makes it a bit easier to get through some of those tough parts (at times too easy), particularly those I had more trouble with in the original, but it does keep you from being fully engrossed in the wonderful artwork and animation of the movie itself as your attention is elsewhere.
Still, it continues to be a beautiful and highly enjoyable experience. Enjoy!!!
- bFranco · v3.1.4
Player Voice for this app
Complaint themes, feature requests, churn signals, and CSV export - on the Pro and Agency plans.
