Ace Combat

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This article is about the Ace Combat series. for the first game in the series, see Air Combat.

Image:Air Combat cover.jpg Image:Acecombat2.jpg Image:Ac3jacket.gif Image:Ac04box.jpg Image:Ac5box.jpg Image:Ace Combat zero art.JPG

The Ace Combat series of games are arcade-style flight sims made by Namco.

Air Combat, Ace Combat 2, and Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere were released on the Sony PlayStation, whilst Ace Combat 04, Ace Combat 5 and Ace Combat Zero are PlayStation 2 games.

Air Combat (Ace Combat) is one of the original six games on the PlayStation platinum range. The series in Japan began with the release of this game, Ace Combat, on the PlayStation. However, this game is more commonly known as Air Combat in North America and Europe. The name was changed back to Ace Combat for the sequels and reissues of the game.

Ace Combat 2 is seen by many as the best of the Ace Combat games on the PlayStation. This game also presents the world setting that would be used in the subsequent games in the series.

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere is set in a more futuristic setting than the other games in the series, and the futuristic planes were not well received by some. The game seems to be set in the same world as AC2, 04,5, and Zero. 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 more linear storyline. Consequently, this game was generally well-received in Japan, but met much criticism elsewhere.

Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies (Ace Combat: Distant Thunder), being the first PS2 release in the series, was a huge step forward from the previous three games due to its use of the 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 (Ace Combat: Squadron Leader) magnificent improvement in graphics and gameplay over Ace Combat 04 in the same way AC04 improved over the original three games. In addition, the game allowed for longer gameplay compared to the 18-mission AC04, offering almost 30 missions along with an arcade mode (which was a direct sequel to the story of AC04). Although in practice, most of these 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. Planes also had to be purchased for not only the player, but also for the rest of the squadron. Furthermore, Ace Combat 5 contains a higher level of characterization and plot not seen since the Japanese version of Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere.

Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War(Unknown European Title) serves as the prequel to Ace Combat 5 and explains in further detail the Belkan Conflict that occurred 15 years before the events of Ace Combat 5. The planes in the game will be those of the 1990's, including F-15's, F-18's and more. The game is slated to release in 2006 for the PlayStation 2.

Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception is the title of a PSP version of the game. The PSP version will have you playing as a pilot in the Gryphus Squadron of the Federal Republic of Aurelia. More information on this new title can be found at IGN.com

1 Title differences
2 Music
3 Squadrons & Wings
4 List of games
5 See also
6 External links

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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.

In NTSC territories, the fifth installment of the game is known as Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, while the European release was renamed Ace Combat: Squadron Leader.

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Music

The series is well known for its beautiful and very dramatic soundtrack, particularly in Ace Combat 04 and 5, and doesn't shy away from employing full blown orchestras, such as the Warsaw Philharmonic, and Latin chants. Notably, the pieces "Agnus Dei" and "The Unsung War" are considered to be among the most evocative musical themes ever produced for a videogame. Ace Combat 3's soundtrack has gained some popularity as well with fans of electronic music, particularly with those who enjoyed the style of Namco's Ridge Racer soundtracks. Lastly, the music of Air Combat and Ace Combat 2 have gained popularity with fans of Rock music, such as the music of Top Gun. Ace Combat Zero sticks true to the AC04 and AC5 mix of Orchastrated and Synth tracks, albeit with a Spanish flair, it also uses influences from earlier Ace Combat games.

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Squadrons & Wings

Soon after Ace Combat 4 came out for the Playstation 2, fans of the game created squadrons, (clans) in hopes of the Ace Combat Series someday going online. The first of these Squadrons, and soon to be Wings was/still is the Sins & Saints, which was the forerunner for every squadron exisiting today. With Ace Combat still not online, members of these squadrons, or wings, participate together on an English Ace Combat Fansite. They hold competitions, and all provide some information on the upcoming game, Ace Combat Zero, as well as talk about all previous AC Games.

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