Namco's console flight sim series continues in Ace Combat 5. Set in the near future of an alternate reality, the game has players taking to the skies in one of 50 realistic, modern aircraft, to defend their fictional home country of Oesa.

Teamwork is crucial in this edition of the game; players take full command of their own squadrons, and will be challenged to make on-the-spot tactical decisions that may determine the failure or success of a mission. The series' staple dogfighting is also prevalent, of course, so virtual pilots will have many opportunities to demonstrate their flying skills in the heat of battle.

The game's main campaign tells its story over 30 individual missions, highlighted with cut scenes. As usual, Oesa is at odds with its longtime rival nation Yuktobania, but the appearance of an unidentified aircraft, capable of decimating an entire Tactical Fight squadron, may shake things up. The Ace Combat series began in arcades, and originally came to consoles as the PlayStation game Air Combat. The series moved to the 128-bit generation with Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies, followed by this fifth release.

New 'Wingman Command' feature enables you to issue tactical instructions to your squadron while in flight and carry out coordinated group attacks.

Epic, branching storyline contains over 30 wide-ranging, action packed missions including bombing campaigns, high altitude pursuits and aerial dogfights. Plus, incredible fully rendered CG cut scenes pulling the player deeper into this epic adventure.

* Realistic flying experience - soar to new heights in over 50 of the world's most advanced fighters - licensed from leading manufacturers including Boeing.
* Stunning graphics - ultra-realistic and beautifully rendered in-game graphics including real-time weather effects and dynamic lightning.
* Twice as big as Ace Combat: Distant Thunder with missions covering huge map areas, some as large as 100km2.
* Multiple gameplay modes - including the instructive Tutorial mode, and the immensely popular Story mode.
* Meet mission specific criteria to unlock secrets, new aircraft and win medals.

• Third or First person perspectives.
• 3D graphics
• Cartoon graphics
• Combat planes theme.

MENU
Left Analog Stick or D-Pad select menu item
X Button enter
Triangle Button cancel
GAMEPLAY
Left Analog Stick Up pitch down
Left Analog Stick Down pitch up
Left Analog Stick Left or Right roll left or right
D-Pad Up wingmen orders - attack
D-Pad Down wingmen orders - cover
D-Pad Left wingmen orders - disperse
D-Pad Right wingmen orders - special weapons
Right Analog Stick move camera
Start Button pause menu
Select Button toggle missiles and special weapon
Circle Button fire missiles, fire special weapon
Circle Button (hold) track missile
X Button machine gun
Triangle Button change targets
Triangle Button (hold) track target
Square Button map
Square Button (press down) magnify
L1 Button throttle down
L2 Button yaw left
R1 Button throttle up
R2 Button yaw right
R3 Button change views