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'Ace Combat' is a semi-realistic flight simulation video game series published by the Japanese company Namco. Although set in fictional countries, many details are similar to real-life wars, such as the Persian Gulf War, the Cold War, and World War II, and feature actual present day aircraft, but also fictional ones, especially flying fortresses.
The first three titles were released on Sony's PlayStation platform, while three subsequent titles were released on the PlayStation 2 ('', '' and ''). One title, '' was released on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform and another title, ''Ace Combat 6'' is scheduled for release on Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform.

Contents

Titles

Playstation

''Air Combat'' (1995)

''Ace Combat 2'' (1997)

''Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere'' (1999)

Playstation 2

''Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies'' (2001)

''Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War'' (2004)

''Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War'' (2006)

Xbox 360

''Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation'' (Fall 2007)

Playstation Portable

''Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception'' (2006)

Game Boy Advance

''Ace Combat Advance'' (2005)

Title differences

Differences with real life

Music

External links

Titles

Playstation

''Air Combat'' (1995)

Main articles: Air Combat

The first installment in the series, it was released as '''Air Combat''' in the North American and European markets, but the original Japanese title of ''Ace Combat'' was used for all sequels.

''Ace Combat 2'' (1997)

Main articles: Ace Combat 2

This introduced the fictional continent of Usea that would feature in all sequels.

''Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere'' (1999)

Main articles: Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere

The third sequel was played off in a more futuristic setting featuring futuristic planes that were not well received by some. The game appears to be set in the same world as most other games in the series. The Japanese version of this game is very story-driven, featuring 52 missions, multiple endings, and anime-style characters. However, in the North American and European versions, this story was mostly cut out, reducing it to 36 missions and a much more linear storyline. Consequently, this game was generally well-received in Japan, but met much criticism elsewhere.
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Playstation 2

''Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies'' (2001)

Main articles: Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

Also known as '''Ace Combat: Distant Thunder''' in Europe or abbreviated as 'AC04', it was the first sequel for the PS2 platform. This title was a big improvement, due to this console's improved processing power and its ability to render more detailed graphics. It was well received by many primarily for its gameplay, well-told narrative, and its beautifully rendered graphics.

''Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War'' (2004)

Main articles: Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

Also known as '''Ace Combat: Squadron Leader''' in Europe or abbreviated as 'AC5', the graphics were further improved mostly in the depiction of afterburner flames, missile contrail, explosion effects and trees. It also offered 27 missions in campaign mode and more than 30 missions in an arcade mode (which was a direct sequel to the story of ''AC04''), many more than the 18 missions of the previous title. Although in practice, most of these arcade missions were shorter than the multi-staged missions of ''AC04''. ''Ace Combat 5'''s other major additions included a simple wingman command system where the player could give orders to other members of their squadron. Aircraft had to be purchased not only for the player, but also for his/her wingmen.

''Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War'' (2006)

Main articles: Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Also known as '''Ace Combat: The Belkan War''' in Europe serves as the prequel to ''Ace Combat 5'' and explains in further detail the fictional ''Belkan War'' that preceded the events of ''Ace Combat 5'' by 15 years. This is the first game to feature rival aces and their interviews on their experiences with the main character. It is also the first game to feature three ace styles (Mercenary, Soldier and Knight) which can alter the missions you play, the aces you fight and how your allies & enemies react to your fighting style.
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Xbox 360

''Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation'' (Fall 2007)

Main articles: Ace Combat 6

The newest installment in the series, this entry boasts a new "Dynamic Operation System" whereby massive battles unfold on a "living battlefield," as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can break out at any time at multiple locations as allies and enemies clash in real-time. Online play will be available through Xbox Live and players will be able to choose from a variety of online game modes, including classic deathmatch and team-deathmatch. Players will also be able to play in co-op mode. (IGN.com)
This title (Japanese: "Kaihô he no Senka") was confirmed in production for Microsoft's Xbox 360 platform. [1][2]
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Playstation Portable

''Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception'' (2006)

Main articles: Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception

This the first title in the series for Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform. Set in 2020, the player is a pilot in the ''Gryphus Squadron'' of the Federal Republic of Aurelia, who almost single-handedly defends the country from the invading forces of Leasath. The game offers around 30 missions (including alternate missions) and wireless ad hoc play for up to 4 players.
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Game Boy Advance

''Ace Combat Advance'' (2005)

Main articles: Ace Combat Advance

This is the first title in the series for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld console.

Title differences

The Japanese ''Ace Combat'' was renamed ''Air Combat'' in the North American and European releases.
In NTSC territories, the fourth installment of the game is known as ''Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies'', while in PAL territories the game is known as ''Ace Combat: Distant Thunder''. Another change was done in the Spanish version of the game, being renamed ''Ace Combat: Trueno de Acero'', that can be translated as ''Ace Combat: Steel Thunder''. The fifth installment of the game is known as ''Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War'', while the PAL release was renamed ''Ace Combat: Squadron Leader''. In PAL territories, ''Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War'' had a slight rename to ''Ace Combat: The Belkan War'' making it the first game since the series introduction to not have a significant name change in PAL Territories.
It is unclear why PAL versions of the game have different titles, although it is surmised that the number is removed from recent installments to keep continuity.
The PlayStation 2 games offer anamorphic widescreen images and scenery (to be activated in the options menu).

Differences with real life

It should be noted that because this game is only semi-realistic, there are some differences in the game than wth real life. Such as:

★ The afterburners on an aircraft are of unlimited use.

★ There are no G forces, given the abuse the pilot can take and not black out at all.

★ Planes can carry up to 90+ missiles.

★ Although the standard missiles are AIM-9 Sidewinders, they can lock on to both air and ground targets.

★ Despite being hit with an AIM-9 Sidewinder, planes can go on flying in all but the hardest difficulty setting, and in easy mode, the player can take several hits.

★ Jetwash has no affect on other aircraft.

Music

The Ace Combat series is known for its dramatic soundtrack, particularly in later installments of the game where full-blown orchestras, such as the Warsaw Philharmonic, are used. Each installment of the series usually uses one style of music as the basis of its soundtrack:

★ In ''Air Combat'' and ''Ace Combat 2'', the music is heavily influenced by rock and gained popularity with fans of the genre.

★ ''Ace Combat 3'' uses a techno soundtrack similar to that of Namco's ''Ridge Racer'' series, but with more focus on atmosphere and dissonant synth instruments than electronic beats.

★ '' mixed orchestra, guitar, and synth tracks.

★ '' also uses mixed orchestra, guitar, and synth tracks composed by NAMCO's in-house sound team, and features the song "Blurry" by Puddle of Mudd, as well as several orchestral performances by Warsaw Philharmonic.

★ ''' uses similar techniques to ''Ace Combat 04'' and ''Ace Combat 5'' but incorporates a Spanish flair through the use of acoustic guitars.

★ '' uses techno music similar to ''Ace Combat 3'', although it maintains the more cinematic synths from the Playstation 2 games as well.

External links

★

★ http://www.acecombatskies.com/ Ace Combat fansite and forums

★ http://www.electrosphere.info/ Ace Combat fansite and forums

★ Ace Combat: The Belkan War screenshots gallery