Mission Update

A Mission Update is a common gameplay feature used in almost every Ace Combat game released to date. It wasn't used often until the release of Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies.

Description
Mission Updates alter the objective of the mission as it is progressed through, usually to fulfill a plot element. In some cases, it completely alters the original objective and focus of the mission. A Mission Update could also signal a change in the background music.

Appearances
Following is a list of every mission in the Ace Combat series that has featured a Mission Update.

Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies

 * The Northern Eye - After destroying the radar, the player must cross the Return Line.
 * Lifeline - After achieving 2000 points within the time limit, the player must cross the Return Line.
 * Deep Strike - After destroying the targets, the player must cross the Return Line by flying in the ravine and avoiding Stonehenge's attacks.
 * Shattered Skies - After achieving 800 points within the time limit, the player must destroy the bombers en route to the base.
 * Operation Bunker Shot - After achieving 2200 points within the time limit, the player must destroy the bombers en route to the central beach.
 * Stonehenge Offensive - After destroying Stonehenge, the player must shoot down Yellow 4.
 * Safe Return - After achieving 1300 points within the time limit, the player must destroy the fighters that appear.
 * Emancipation -
 * Siege of Farbanti -
 * Megalith (mission) -

Trivia

 * Breaking Arrows seems to feature a Mission Update of some kind (the lone missile at the end) but it is only indicated as such by the music change and SkyEye's transmissions; the Mission Update notifier never flashes.
 * Ever since and including Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, Mission Updates have been paired with another gameplay feature, checkpoints.