Incredible!!! By far still the greatest game I have ever played!!! (I'm an aviator)
User Rating: 10 | Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War PS2
SPOILER ALERT!!! This was an amazing experience. I love air combat games, but nothing has ever matched up to Ace Combat 5. While the actual flight dynamics are not outstanding (they are really good, just nothing special), the entire campaign experience as a whole makes gameplay extremely immersive. This can be seen by comparing the campaign mode with the arcade mode. In the arcade mode, you are simply dogfighting and playing with the flight mechanics, and it's not the best experience. However, in the campaign, every second counts and every enemy is a vital target because you know so much more is on the line. You have to destroy certain tanks; not because of the mission objectives, or points, but because the men down there are counting on you, as they remind of their duty with their natural radio conversations. The radio conversations are one of the finest aspects of AC5, as they capture not only the deep dynamic characterization of your flight-mates but also illustrate war to all its horror and glory with chatter from both your allies and your enemies. The experience is made even more dynamic as your squadmates will ask you deep, thoughtful questions in flight, and then naturally react to your apply.
Finally, the campaign gameplay is fantastic due to its diversity. While any flight game can offer diverse terrain (there is *literally* no type of landscape not represented in AC5), this game offers a variety of objectives. One minute your protecting your landing force 500 ft off the ground, next you're shooting down spaceships and satellites. The enemy is also dynamic as well. Enemy ships and subs each require certain tactics to counter, while the Grabacr and Ofnir squadrons will truly test your aerial fighting capabilities. The campaign may sound far fetched, but the deep, dynamic, and extremely interesting plot line will have you taking to the skies time mission after mission.
