Ace Combat 661109 226156037 2008-07-17T02:01:42Z FullMetal Falcon 418883 /* External links */ clean-up; relevant ones are located elsewhere {{Otheruses4|the video games series|the first game in the series|Air Combat}} '''Ace Combat''' is an arcade style Flight Action [[video game]] series published by the [[Japan]]ese company [[Bandai Namco Games]]. Emphasizing action and dramatic plots over realism, the series has established itself in Japan, and the world as a prime example of the pseudo realistic flight action genre. The games of the series all take place in the same fictionalized world populated with fictional countries with details loosely based on real-life location, events, and wars. One of the main selling points of the series is the ability to pilot a range of aircraft that include fictional representation of present day military aircraft, prototypes that never saw actual use, and completely fictional super-weapons. Long time fans of the series are rewarded with small hints of the continuity between the games, as some characters and events are referenced from one game to another. The first three titles were released on [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation]] platform, while three subsequent titles were released on the [[PlayStation 2]] (''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies|Ace Combat 4]]'', ''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War|Ace Combat 5]]'' and ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''). One title, ''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception|Ace Combat X]]'', was released on the [[PlayStation Portable]] (PSP) platform while the latest title, ''[[Ace Combat 6]]'', has been released on [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] platform. ==Gameplay== ===Setting=== <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Ace_combat_world2.PNG|400px|right|World Map of the Ace Combat World|{{deletable image-caption|1=Wednesday, 16 July 2008}}]] --> Earth is the setting of all of the ''Ace Combat'' series of games. The Earth of ''Ace Combat'', however is very different from reality's Earth (different [[continents]], [[country|countries]], major events, etc.), but is also somewhat similar (i.e. similar history, similar lifeforms, and landforms named after or exactly identical to ones on Earth). The continent of [[Antarctica]] covers the planet's [[South Pole]]. It is unique in that it is the only continent from the real earth that is identical in Ace Combat. The Osean main continent is the central continent of the Ace Combat world and has had many conflicts throughout its history. Ace Combat's 'Earth' is apparently located in the same solar system as in reality, with the same moon and sun. Also, apparently constellations seen in the sky are visible here as well. One particular constellation, [[Crux]], plays a major part in ''[[Ace Combat X]]''. The world of Ace Combat is home to several major oceans and large seas that separate the main continents. The Ceres Ocean separates [[Osea]] from [[Yuktobania]], and it is the smallest of all the oceans. This is where a majority of the Circum-Pacific War of [[Ace Combat 5]] was fought. The Pacific Ocean separates [[Osea]] from the Southern Verusean Continent. Despite the fact that no known battles were fought here, the Circum-Pacific War was still named after this ocean. The name is probably derived from the fact that the two opposing sides of the war were on either side of it. The Atlantic Ocean is the largest ocean, it touches Osea, Usea, and Verusea. Despite not being named in these games, battles in ''[[Ace Combat 2]]'', ''[[Ace Combat 3]]'', and ''[[Ace Combat 4]]'', were either fought over this ocean, or over coast adjacent to it. The Cascade Ocean (which is mislabeled in the above map) is the second largest ocean, touching the continents of Osea, Anea, Verusea, and Usea. The Artic Ocean covers the North Pole. ==Games== ===Playstation=== ====''Air Combat'' (1995)==== {{main|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|Ace Combat 2}} This introduced the fictional continent of [[Usea]] that would feature in most sequels. ====''Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere'' (1999)==== {{main|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. ===Playstation 2=== ====''Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies'' (2001)==== {{main|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 [[PlayStation 2|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|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 32 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''<nowiki>'</nowiki>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|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. ===Xbox 360=== ====''Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation'' (2007)==== {{main|Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation}} This installment into the Ace Combat series has boasted some of the most impressive graphics, and involving game mechanics to date. The attention to detail of the aircraft had provided a photo-realistic rendition of aircraft combat. Ace Combat 6 features a new "Dynamic Operation System" whereby massive battles unfold in real-time on a "living battlefield," as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can break out at any time at multiple locations. This system involves the player in strategic decisions that alter the course of battle. The game is also notable for being the first in the AC series to include options for online play, which is available through [[Xbox Live]]. Players can choose from a variety of game modes, including classic deathmatch, team-deathmatch, and co-op mode. This title (Japanese: "''Kaihô he no Senka''") is exclusive to the [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] platform. [http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158102][http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/774/774129p1.html] ===Playstation Portable=== ====''Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception'' (2006)==== {{main|Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception}} This is 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 31 missions (including alternate missions and the special mission) and wireless ad hoc play for up to 4 players. ===Game Boy Advance=== ====''Ace Combat Advance'' (2005)==== {{main|Ace Combat Advance}} This is the first and only 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. Ace Combat 3 Japanese version is extremely story-driven, featuring anime cutscenes, detailed characters, and 52 missions, with multiple paths through the game and 5 possible endings. The American and European versions, released a year later, have been extremely criticized for removing almost all of the story elements, including all of the anime stile cutscenes, and cutting the game down to 36 missions. 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. The [[PAL]] territory boxart for [[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]] has kept the same name and has included the number, the only difference between it and the other boxarts is the illustration. [http://www.acecombat.eu/] [http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/acecombat6/index.html?tag=result;title;0] The PlayStation 2 games offer [[16:9]] [[anamorphic widescreen]] images and scenery. ==Music== The Ace Combat series is known for its dramatic soundtrack, particularly in later installments of the game where full orchestras, such as the [[Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra]], 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 [[Electronic music|electronic]] soundtrack similar to that of [[Namco]]'s ''[[Ridge Racer (series)|Ridge Racer]]'' series, but with more focus on atmosphere and dissonant synth instruments than electronic beats. *''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies|Ace Combat 04]]'' mixed orchestra, guitar, and [[synth]] tracks. *''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War|Ace Combat 5]]'' 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 Orchestra]]. *''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War|Ace Combat Zero]]'' uses similar techniques to ''Ace Combat 04'' and ''Ace Combat 5'' but incorporates a Spanish flair through the use of classical, electric, and even acoustic guitars. *''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception|Ace Combat X]]'' uses electronic music similar to ''Ace Combat 3'', although it maintains the more cinematic synths from the Playstation 2 games as well. *''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation|Ace Combat 6]]'' is the most orchestral soundtrack to date, and is similar in style to Ace Combat 5 and Zero. There is significantly less electronic elements throughout the score, although they have not been removed entirely - remaining for several key tracks, including one of the game's two overtures, "Fires of Liberation" (The second theme, "Liberation of Gracemeria", does away with the core electronic elements almost entirely, marking only the second time this has been done in the series, the first being "The Unsung War" - the title overture of Ace Combat 5). Several soundtracks were done by Trinity Boys Choir and Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra. ==References== {{Unreferenced|date=March 2008}} {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} *[http://www.acecombatgame.com/ Ace Combat official website] *{{moby game|id=-group/ace-combat-series|name=''Ace Combat'' series}} *http://acecombatskies.com/ Ace Combat wiki *http://acecombat.wikia.com/ Ace Combat Wikia {{Ace Combat series}} [[Category:Ace Combat]] [[ca:Ace Combat (la saga)]] [[de:Ace Combat]] [[es:Ace Combat]] [[fr:Ace Combat]] [[it:Ace Combat]] [[ja:エースコンバット]] [[pt:Ace Combat]] [[fi:Ace Combat]]