Air Combat (PS1)

Air Combat is a semi-realistic flight-sim/action game, it was developed by Namco and was released in 1995 for the Sony PlayStation. It was called Ace Combat in Japan, but the name was changed for overseas versions. It is part of the Ace Combat series.

Air Combat is also the arcade game from Namco in 1992 that simulates an F-16. The game mainly involves dog fighting and has three levels of play; Cadet, Captain and Ace. This game was the predecessor of the PlayStation series. It had an arcade sequel, Air Combat 22.

''This storyline is merely based on the intro information and on the mission developing info. The dates are unofficial or unconfirmed, but the places named are official, as it appears on the briefing screen of one of the final missions.''

1994
On an undetermined country, a well-organized and heavily-armed extremist force declares war against the federal government and launch with surgical precision a coup d'etat, taking control of the capital. Quickly they attack military installations and other strategic key points to prevent any possible resistance. During the following months, the precision and consistency of such attacks make impossible that the loyal forces to the government can indeed counter the rebels, and are themselves forced to retreat to avoid their total extermination.

1995
On a last, desperate attempt to recover their country, the governmental and military elite makes the decision to recruit the best fighter pilots around the globe. Their mission: to defeat the terrorist's coup force and to reestablish the legitimize government on the country. Their reward: a huge economical compensation and the recognition of the nation as the greater combat aces of the world. That's how the special aces force well-known as "Scarface" emerges.

Then, this peculiar assemble of mercenary Top Guns initiates their campaign. During the course of the following weeks their impressive air battle abilities gain important victories one after another one, destroying key objectives like refineries, supply lines, military bases, etc., advancing little by little and recovering the territory that was in the hands of the terrorists. Eventually, the allied forces take the enemy stronghold located in Scorpion Island.

However, the existence of a secret super weapon of the terrorists is discovered: a gigantic airship armed with the most advanced in missile launchers and arms of assault, as with a squadron of advanced fighter jets as escorts.

The Mercenary Aces Force "Scarface" intercepts the Flying Fortress over the airspace of the allied capital and, after a epic battle, they manage to destroy it, eliminating the final wild card of the enemies.

The last remaining cells of the terrorist forces finally lay down their weapons. The legitimate government is restored and the Aces Force is acclaimed as national heroes.

Gameplay
Air Combat is mostly considered an "arcade style" flight game due to its semi-realistic physics and the fact that many planes can carry 65 missiles. The goal of the game is to destroy enemy targets dispersed throughout the various levels and earn money (something that continues with the current Ace Combat games) there are non-target enemies that the player can also destroy to earn some extra cash. The player can choose from several different planes in the game ranging from F-4 Phantoms to Su-27 Flankers and Stealth Fighters; optionally the player can select a wingman to accompany them during a mission, the player can "instruct" the wingman to perform one of three actions;


 * 1. Cover Me
 * 2. Commence (Mission Objective)
 * 3. On your own (fire at will)

Aircraft
Air Combat has several planes to choose from. Each plane has different strengths and weaknesses and it is up to the player to determine which aircraft best suits each mission. Unlike its sequels, Air Combat applies a themed mercenary paint job to each plane (see cover art) once it is purchased.