+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ + ACE COMBAT : THE UNSUNG WAR + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ FAQ/WALKTHROUGH VERSION 1.40 LAST UPDATE : 13/12/05 BY MICHAEL RADFORD +----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself, First as a dark demon, As a demon it uses its power to reign death upon the land; and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns. This time as a great hero... ============================================================================== Introduction ================================================================= ============================================================================== Welcome to my AC05 walkthrough for PS2. Some of you with unnecessarily good memories may remember my guide to AC04, that was my first ever FAQ and this is the first one I have done in a long time. So, buckle up your harness, arm your ejection seat and, if you are reading this part after you have read the rest of the guide cut off your oxygen supply, for shame! Although this FAQ is taken from the PAL game, I decided to put the subtitle as the Unsung War instead of Squadron Leader for a number of reasons, one being that the JAP / US title is much better then the European one and also because it makes slightly more sense in game if you take the title The Unsung War. With that said, there is almost no difference between the two, so you can easily use this guide for which ever version you have. ============================================================================== ============================================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS ============================================================ ============================================================================== TITLE ------------------------------------------------------------> CODE 1. UNNECESSARY SELF PROMOTION ------------------------------------> IN01 1a. About the Author ------------------------------------------> IN02 1b. About the Guide -------------------------------------------> IN03 1c. Disclaimer ------------------------------------------------> IN04 1d. Version History -------------------------------------------> IN05 1e. Contact Information ---------------------------------------> IN06 1f. Blurb -----------------------------------------------------> IN07 2. THE BASICS ----------------------------------------------------> BC01 2a. Aircraft Terms --------------------------------------------> BC02 2b. Aircraft Basics -------------------------------------------> BC03 2c. Combat Training -------------------------------------------> BC04 2d. Wingman Control -------------------------------------------> BC05 3. CHARACTERS ----------------------------------------------------> CH01 3a. Kei Nagase (Edge) -----------------------------------------> CH02 3b. Alvin Davernport (Chopper) --------------------------------> CH03 3c. Hans Grimm (Archer) ---------------------------------------> CH04 3d. Jack Bartlett (Heartbreak 1) ------------------------------> CH05 3e. Blaze -----------------------------------------------------> CH06 3f. Marcus Snow (Swordsman) -----------------------------------> CH07 3g. Hamilton --------------------------------------------------> CH08 3h. Orson Perrault --------------------------------------------> CH09 3i. Peter N. Beagle (Pops) ------------------------------------> CH10 3j. AWACS (Thunderhead) ---------------------------------------> CH11 3k. AWACS (Oka Nieba) -----------------------------------------> CH12 3l. Capt. Anderson --------------------------------------------> CH13 3m. Vincent Harling -------------------------------------------> CH14 3n. Prime Minister Nikanor ------------------------------------> CH15 3o. Major Natashya --------------------------------------------> CH16 3p. Genette ---------------------------------------------------> CH17 3q. Kirk ------------------------------------------------------> CH18 4. THE STORY SO FAR ----------------------------------------------> SY01 4a. The Background --------------------------------------------> SY02 4b. Osea and Yuktobania ---------------------------------------> SY03 4c. Belka -----------------------------------------------------> SY04 5. THE AIRCRAFT --------------------------------------------------> AR01 5p1. The Weapons of the Game -----------------------------------> AR02 5p2. The Aircraft of the Game ----------------------------------> AR03 5a. F-5 Family ------------------------------------------------> AR04 5a1. F-5e Tiger II ----------------------------------------> AR05 5a2. F-20a Tigershark -------------------------------------> AR06 5a3. X-29a ------------------------------------------------> AR07 5b. F-4 Family ------------------------------------------------> AR08 5b1. F-4e Phantom II --------------------------------------> AR09 5b2. F-4g Wild Weasel -------------------------------------> AR10 5b3. F-4x -------------------------------------------------> AR11 5c. MIG-21 Family ---------------------------------------------> AR12 5c1. MIG-21bis Fishbed ------------------------------------> AR13 5c2. MIG-21 -----------------------------------------------> AR14 5d. A-6 Family ------------------------------------------------> AR15 5d1. A-6e Intruder ----------------------------------------> AR16 5d2. EA-6B Prowler ----------------------------------------> AR17 5e. F-16 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR18 5e1. F-16c Fighting Falcon --------------------------------> AR19 5e2. F-16 Block60 Fighting Falcon -------------------------> AR20 5e3. F-16XL -----------------------------------------------> AR21 5e4. F-2a -------------------------------------------------> AR22 5f. F/A-18 Family ---------------------------------------------> AR23 5f1. F/A-18c Hornet ---------------------------------------> AR24 5f2. F/A-18e Super Hornet ---------------------------------> AR25 5f3. EA-18g Growler ---------------------------------------> AR26 5g. Mirage 2000 Family ----------------------------------------> AR27 5g1. Mirage 2000 ------------------------------------------> AR28 5g2. Mirage 2000d -----------------------------------------> AR29 5h. MiG-29 Family ---------------------------------------------> AR30 5h1. MiG-29a Fulcrum --------------------------------------> AR31 5i. A-10 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR32 5i1. A-10a Thunderbolt II ---------------------------------> AR33 5i2. YA-10b -----------------------------------------------> AR34 5j. F-14 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR35 5j1. F-14a Tomcat -----------------------------------------> AR36 5j2. F-14b Bobcat -----------------------------------------> AR37 5j3. F-14d Super Tomcat -----------------------------------> AR38 5k. Tornado Family --------------------------------------------> AR39 5k1. Tornado GR.1 -----------------------------------------> AR40 5k2. Tornado GR.4 -----------------------------------------> AR41 5k3. Tornado F-3 ------------------------------------------> AR42 5k4. Tornado ECR ------------------------------------------> AR43 5l. MiG-31 Family ---------------------------------------------> AR44 5l1. MiG-31 Foxhound --------------------------------------> AR45 5l2. MiG-31m ----------------------------------------------> AR46 5m. F-15 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR47 5m1. F-15c Eagle ------------------------------------------> AR48 5m2. F-15e Strike Eagle -----------------------------------> AR49 5m3. F-15s/MTD --------------------------------------------> AR50 5n. Su-27 Family ----------------------------------------------> AR51 5n1. Su-27 Flanker ----------------------------------------> AR52 5n2. Su-32 Strike Flanker ---------------------------------> AR53 5n3. Su-35 Super Flanker ----------------------------------> AR54 5n4. Su-37 Terminator -------------------------------------> AR55 5o. F-117 Family ----------------------------------------------> AR56 5o1. F-117a Nighthawk -------------------------------------> AR57 5p. JAS-39 Family ---------------------------------------------> AR58 5p1. JAS-39c Gripen ---------------------------------------> AR59 5q. Typhoon Family --------------------------------------------> AR60 5q1. Typhoon ----------------------------------------------> AR61 5r. Rafale Family ---------------------------------------------> AR62 5r1. Rafale M ---------------------------------------------> AR63 5r2. Rafale B ---------------------------------------------> AR64 5s. F-35 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR65 5s1. F-35c ------------------------------------------------> AR66 5t. YF-23 Family ----------------------------------------------> AR67 5t1. YF-23a Black Widow II --------------------------------> AR68 5u. F-22 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR69 5u1. F-22 Raptor ------------------------------------------> AR70 5u2. FB-22 Concept ----------------------------------------> AR71 5v. Su-47 Family ----------------------------------------------> AR72 5v1. Su-47 Berkut -----------------------------------------> AR73 5v2. S-32 -------------------------------------------------> AR74 5w. MiG 1.44 Family -------------------------------------------> AR75 5w1. Mig 1.44 ---------------------------------------------> AR76 5x. Hawk Family -----------------------------------------------> AR77 5x1. Hawk -------------------------------------------------> AR78 5y. X-02 Family -----------------------------------------------> AR79 5y1. X-02 Wyvern ------------------------------------------> AR80 5z. FALKEN Family ---------------------------------------------> AR81 5z1. Falken -----------------------------------------------> AR82 6. THE WALKTHROUGH -----------------------------------------------> AC00 6a. 01. Shorebirds --------------------------------------------> AC01 6b. 02. Open War ----------------------------------------------> AC02 6c. 03. Narrow Margin -----------------------------------------> AC03 6d. 04. First Flight ------------------------------------------> AC04 6e. 05. Rendezvous --------------------------------------------> AC05 6f. 06. White Bird pt.i ---------------------------------------> AC06 6g. 07. Front Line --------------------------------------------> AC07 6h. 08. Handful of Hope ---------------------------------------> AC08 6i. 09. Lit Fuse ----------------------------------------------> AC09 6j. 10. Blind Spot --------------------------------------------> AC10 6k. 11a.Chain Reation -----------------------------------------> AC11 6l. 11b.Reprisal ----------------------------------------------> AC12 6m. 12a.Powder Keg --------------------------------------------> AC13 6n. 12b.Four Horsemen -----------------------------------------> AC14 6o. 13. Demons of Razgriz -------------------------------------> AC15 6p. 14. Ice Cage ----------------------------------------------> AC16 6q. 15. White Noise -------------------------------------------> AC17 6r. 16a.Desert Arrow ------------------------------------------> AC18 6s. 16b.Desert Thunder ----------------------------------------> AC19 6t. 17. Journey Home ------------------------------------------> AC20 6u. 18. Fortress ----------------------------------------------> AC21 6v. 18+. 8492 -------------------------------------------------> AC22 6w. 19. Final Option ------------------------------------------> AC23 6x. 20. Ancient Walls -----------------------------------------> AC24 6y. 21. Solitaire ---------------------------------------------> AC25 6z. 22. Closure -----------------------------------------------> AC26 6aa. 23. Ghosts of Razgriz -------------------------------------> AC27 6ab. 24. White Bird pt.ii --------------------------------------> AC28 6ac. 25. Heartbreak One ----------------------------------------> AC29 6ad. 26. Sea of Chaos ------------------------------------------> AC30 6ae. 27. Aces --------------------------------------------------> AC31 6af. 27+. The Unsung War ---------------------------------------> AC32 7. ARCADE MODE ---------------------------------------------------> AD01 8. ADVANCED ------------------------------------------------------> AV01 8a. Free Mission ----------------------------------------------> AV02 8b. Hard and Ace modes ----------------------------------------> AV03 8c. Advanced Manoeuvres ---------------------------------------> AV04 8d. More Planes -----------------------------------------------> AV05 8e. Medals ----------------------------------------------------> AV06 8f. Personal Records ------------------------------------------> AV07 8g. Time Line -------------------------------------------------> AV08 8h. Music / Lyrics --------------------------------------------> AV09 8i. Movie Transcripts -----------------------------------------> AV10 i. Prologue ("Their Nameless War") ---------------------> AV11 ii. Shorebirds #1 ---------------------------------------> AV12 iii. Shorebirds #2 ---------------------------------------> AV13 iv. Narrow margin ---------------------------------------> AV14 v. First Flight #1 -------------------------------------> AV15 vi. First Flight #2 -------------------------------------> AV16 vii. White Bird (Part 1) #1 ------------------------------> AV17 viii. White Bird (part 1) #2 ------------------------------> AV18 ix. Front Line (no dialogue) ----------------------------> AV19 x. Handful of Hope -------------------------------------> AV20 xi. Blind Spot ------------------------------------------> AV21 xii. Demons of Razgriz #1 --------------------------------> AV22 xiii. Demons of Razgriz #2 --------------------------------> AV23 xiv. Ice Cage --------------------------------------------> AV24 xv. White Noise -----------------------------------------> AV25 xvi. Fortress #1 -----------------------------------------> AV26 xvii. Fortress #2 -----------------------------------------> AV27 xviii. 8492 -----------------------------------------------> AV28 xix. Fortress #3 -----------------------------------------> AV29 xx. Ancient Walls #1 ------------------------------------> AV30 xxi. Ancient Walls #2 ------------------------------------> AV31 xxii. Heartbreak One #1 -----------------------------------> AV32 xxiii. Heartbreak One #2 ----------------------------------> AV33 xxiv. Sea of Chaos ----------------------------------------> AV34 xxv. Aces #1 ---------------------------------------------> AV35 xxvi. Aces #2 ---------------------------------------------> AV36 xxvii. Dead Ahead (no dialogue) ---------------------------> AV37 xxviii. The Unsung War ------------------------------------> AV38 xxix. Epilogue --------------------------------------------> AV39 8j. Unlockable extras -----------------------------------------> AV40 8k. Gliches ---------------------------------------------------> AV41 9. DYK / FAQ -----------------------------------------------------> FQ01 9a. DYK -------------------------------------------------------> FQ02 9b. FAQ -------------------------------------------------------> FQ03 10. ENDING NOTES -------------------------------------------------> EN01 10a. Thanks and Credit ----------------------------------------> EN02 =============================================================================== =============================================================================== ============================================================================== 1. UNNECESSARY SELF PROMOTION ------------------------------------------- IN01 ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1a. About the Author ---------------------------------------------- IN02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ My name is Michael Radford, at the time of writing I am 19 years old and am currently sorting out finance to start my aviation training, in the hope of becoming a commercial pilot. Since Ace Combat 2 wayyyy back on the old Playstation, I have been a big fan of the series. In my opinion, each one has got better and better. I have written numerous FAQs in the past for games such as Ace Combat 04, Metal Gear Solid 2, Sega GT 2002 etc. I specialise in writing guides specifically for the PAL market, although the games are generally so similar it makes no difference which format you play on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1b. About the Guide ----------------------------------------------- IN03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This guide is your 'basic no-holds-bared announced spoilers, and read at your peril' class guide. Basically meaning, if you see: !!SPOILERS!! then (for the slower one in the audience) there are spoilers. These are relatively few and far between though and normally if you are following the guide then that part of the story would have already happened and you're okay to read on. As a last note, if you see anything that you would like to see elaborated, moved, improved, removed or any other kind of 'oved the please contact me, contact information supplied below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1c. Disclaimer ---------------------------------------------------- IN04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This guide is protected under copyright law, reproduction of any kind apart from personal use is strictly prohibited. No money is allowed to be made through this guide, and it is not to be shown on any sites except the following: http://www.cheatcc.com --------------------------------------- Cheat Code Central http://www.gamespot.com --------------------------------------- Gamespot http://faqs.ign. --------------------------------------- IGN http://www.neoseeker.com --------------------------------------- Neoseeker http://www.supercheats.com --------------------------------------- Supercheats Publication in any other form INCLUDING online is not permitted, if you see this guide anywhere where it shouldn't be then please contact me on mike8580@hotmail.com , putting the subject as something with the words Ace Combat 5, or something similar. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1d. Version History ----------------------------------------------- IN05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This section indexes the history of this guide, stating: version number, file size and any amendments, credits and other information. === Version 1.40 - GAHH, MY EYES! === Size: 368KB / Date: 13/12/05 === Ah ha! hahaha the proof reading is done! There are probably a few mistakes but they have been reduced. I told you the size would go up a lot. In addition to the guide's now semi-coherent nature there is now a section in the missions walkthrough detailing exactly where to find the named pilots and the best way to get the S ranks. Now a certain individual has no excuse to do his: 'wayyh the guides are more interested in telling us how tall Chopper is and not how to get the S licences' anymore :p That arcade section my come, of course the Belkan War will probably be out by then (o_o); === Version 1.33 - CUM HISTORIA... === Size: 339KB / Date: 07/09/05 === There are Final Fantasy guides not updated as often as this you know! Extras this time include and are limited to :( the rough translation of the song The Demon of Razgriz. And not surprisingly it is just a repetitive version of the poem The Demon of Razgriz. Oh well, back to the proof reading. === Version 1.32 - INTRESTING THINGS! === Size: 332KB / Date: 05/09/05 === Today with have scores, some tips on certain missions and an interesting fact regarding Oka Neiba. Despite the game has been out for a while now, the guide still is racking up over 140 hits per day and just under 25000 a year. So thanks for everyone who has found or is finding this guide interesting. === Version 1.31 - A SMALLER UPDATE === Size: 331KB / Date 17/08/05 === Two updates in two days? Not too much added this time, at the bottom of the guide there is the captions that appear on the epilogue, I think they make a good way to end the guide. Also added the Packman ghost to the DYK section and Neoseeker to the permissions list, like not having their name on it would stop them hahaha. === Version 1.30 - A LARGE UPDATE === Size: 330KB / Date 16/08/05 === Hurrah! I finally got around to doing an entire description of every plane in the game. There's a lot more stuff then ever as you may have noticed from the size of the file. So what is there? Well, there is as mentioned before all of the planes available, a transcript of all the CG movies, more scores and some finishing touches. What's that? Arcade section? hahahah. I really, really will do it when I get a controller with all working buttons. Right now I've been reduced to playing without the ability to accelerate, yaw, fire missiles or change targets. === Version 1.24 - LOTS OF GOOD THINGS === Size: 176KB / Date 01/07/05 === Don't you love it when Gamespot keeps you informed? Me too, this guide has been up on gamespot for a while and I never saw it *smacks self*. I'd also like to apologise for not replying to the several emails I got, anyways everything is up to date now as far as I know. So what's new, well... We have a new advance manoeuvre, more scores, a poem, release updates, more damn spelling mistakes. === VERSION 1.23 - SCORE, SCORE, SCORES === Size: 174KB / Date: 10/06/05 === Yep, more scores for the hall of fame, keep 'em coming! I also added the lyrics to the song Blurry, as well as a few new FAQs. === VERSION 1.22 - MORE SCORES === Size: 173KB / Date: 17/05/05 === I have added some scores that people have submitted and I'll update my own soon :D === VERSION 1.21 - MORE ADDTIONS === Size: 172KB / Date: 17/03/05 === I will get the plane and arcade part of the guide done, honest. For now though there have been a few more corrections made, thanks to Robert Morgan and Neil for spotting them. === VERSION 1.1 - SMALL CORRECTIONS === Size: 169KB / Date: 16/03/05 === A couple of typos and mistakes have been corrected. The mission 8492 is now accurate (thanks to Kaj-Nrig Thao for spotting it), also cheat central has been added to the listed sites. === VERSION 1.0 - MOST OF THE GUIDE NOW UP === Size: 168KB / Date: 15/03/05 === All of the mission data is now up as is the rest of the guide. Only the plane and arcade database, as well as a few odds and ends until the guide is complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1e. Contact Information ------------------------------------------- IN06 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you have ever written a FAQ before, then you will know that this is the part most of us dread. If you are writing for a game that is extremely popular like GTA: SA then you will literally get hundreds of emails from people who haven't read the guide, and instead go straight to the contact info. They also normally post the exact same question on the forums. It is only a minority but as you can imagine it is extremely annoying to have your work undermined by people who point blank, refuse to read what you have put for their benefit. So please check that your question is not answered anywhere in the guide, thanks. On the other hand, if you want to ask a question about the game that I have not put in the guide, then I will be more than happy to help and put credit in when I do an update. Also if you wish to add you scores to the hall of fame, or have constructive criticism then please write in. Email: mike8580@hotmail.com Subject: Ace Combat 05 Guide (or something similar) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 1f. Blurb --------------------------------------------------------- IN07 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of blurbs, it is a small section of the guide that is changed with every updated and is designed basically for me to rant about stuff regarding AC, guides, people and just about anything else. --------- 13/12/2005 ===== The life of an Ace, told by Ace. --------- That's the new tag line of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan war, of which more info was finally released. It seems to not actually be set in the Belkan war per se but instead the history of the pilot named Galm 1 is told by the Aces that he battled. The action itself is in the war though, obviously. Although there is not a huge improvement in graphics in what we have seen so far (there is only so much a PS2 can give), The Belkan War looks like a fitting end to the Ace Combat Series on the PS2. Bring on the PS3 and Ace Combat Six! ..please with online Namco! :D By the way, merry Christmas Ace Combatters, and of course Namco. ============================================================================== 2. THE BASICS ----------------------------------------------------------- BC01 ============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 2a. Aircraft Terms ------------------------------------------------ BC02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chances are that a lot of people know something of aviation already and know a lot of this. However it is extremely frustrating for someone to come into the game and have no idea what people are rattling on about. And hey, everyone's got to learn some time. So here's a list of all the things you will hear, and what to make of them. ALLITUDE - You height relative to the ground, normally measured in feet. ATTITUDE - What your plane is doing, pointing up or down, or in a roll etc. PITCH - This tells you the angle that you have your nose raised or lowered. A pitch of 10 degrees means that you are pointing up 10 degrees, whereas negative 10 would be pointing down 10 degrees etc. ROLL - How flat your aircraft is in relation to the ground. No roll would be you flying with the wings level. You roll the wings when you want to turn (or miss two objects that are very close together O_o) SHACK ON THE TARGET - Missile impact on an aircraft. FOX 1 - The phrase used to warn or record when you have fired an AA weapon that is semi-smart (like an SAAM). When two are fired at once it changes to FOX 1, FOX 1. FOX 2 - The phrase used to warn or record when you have fired a standard missile at something. When two are fired at once then it changes to FOX 2, FOX 2. FOX 3 - The phrase means firing a smart AA missile that will hone to the target **NOTE- The definitions for the expressions Fox1, Fox2 and Fox3 are to the best of my knowledge, if these are wrong can someone let me know? PICKLE - It just means bombs away! TRASHED - Missile was evaded. BAIL OUT - To eject from a plane FLASH CODE / SIGNAL LIGHT - A form of Morse code only using light not sound, it's used by the military to communicate with each other when radios are not an option. CALLSIGN - Every aircraft, ground unit and sea vessel has their own unique call sign. This makes identifying people and yourself possible over a busy radio channel. It was either that or call people by the first names and you can see where that's going. Normally Callsigns are grouped for instance Rapier 1 and Rapier 2 are two separate units within the Rapier Callgroup and are probably working together. Your call sign in the campaign mode is Blaze. Your fellow pilots are known as Chopper, Edge, Heartbreak 1 and Archer or (which is rarely used Wardog 1, Wardog 2, Wardog 3 and Wardog 4). BOGEY / BANDIT - A bogey is the general callgroup for an enemy aircraft. Basically, these are the guys you shoot at. FRIENDLY - Abbreviated to FRND in the HUD these people are on your side and are not to be shot at. Unless you're a fan of Court Marshals and firing squads, if so blast away! WINGMAN - The other plane / planes flying with you. They will help you attack enemy aircraft as well as keep them off your back and help out around the battle field, the wingman however are not nearly as good as a human player and they will rarely mark up more then three kills per mission. WHISKY MARK - A small W shape in the centre of your HUD, this is telling you which way the nose is pointing. HUD - (Heads up Display), just as in a real fighter, you have a heads up display that projects your instrument readouts onto the cockpit front window. This gives all vital information including: airspeed, altitude, attitude, weapon status and a map of the local combat area. NUGGET - Term for a rookie pilot, instructors tend to keep calling them this even after they become fully certified fighter pilots. BEARING - Imagine a compass, it has 360 degrees on it. 090 would be ninety degrees and would mean that what ever is been pointed out to you is east. Other points you should memorise are 180 - south, 270 - West and 000 or 360 - north. O'CLOCK - If something is marked as an o'clock bearing, imagine a clock face, it works in the same principles as the bearing above but it isn't relative to the ground, for example: "Bandit closing at 3 O'clock" would tell you that an enemy aircraft is approaching to your left (not necessarily east.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 2b. Aircraft Basics ------------------------------------------------- BC03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a seasoned player of Ace Combat, nothing drastic has changed with the basic controls, however the R3 button now changes the camera and the directional buttons give wingman orders and replies. I suggest looking at the wingman control section (BC05 in find) and if you want to look at some of the advanced techniques or to send in your own then you should head over to that section (AV08 in find). If you are going to get anywhere in Ace Combat, it would help if you knew how to fly the planes you are in, so here's the basic controls to all the planes in the game for anyone not already on the know. Left analogue stick up -------- Pitch down / turn left (easy only) Left analogue stick down ------ Pitch up Left analogue stick left ------ Roll left Left analogue stick right ----- Roll right / turn right (easy only) Right analogue stick up ------- Look up Right analogue stick down ----- Look down (not in cockpit view) Right analogue stick left ----- Look left Right analogue stick right ---- Look right SELECT button ----------------- Change between missiles and special weapons START button ------------------ Pause game Directional button up --------- Wingmen order attack Directional button down ------- Wingmen order cover Directional button left ------- Wingmen order disperse Reply 'yes' in a question Directional button right ------ Wingman order allow / disallow special weapons Reply 'no' in a question Cross button ------------------ Fire cannon Circle button ----------------- Fire missile / special weapon Square button ----------------- Display local area map Triangle button --------------- Change missile lock targets L1 ---------------------------- Decrease thrust L2 ---------------------------- Yaw left L3 ---------------------------- N/A R1 ---------------------------- Increase thrust (hold for afterburner) R2 ---------------------------- Yaw right R3 ---------------------------- Change view L2 and R2 --------------------- Autopilot (gets you straight and level) When you start the game, you may, or may not think something along the lines of: GAH, WHAT'S ALL THIS ON MY SCREEN!?! Well if you do here's what all of those crazy lines mean. Cue ASCII art! NE E SE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <- Compass, this SCORE 090 TIME tells you what 0000 20'00'00 direction you are flying in. = 15___ ___15 |= - |- = |= - 10___ ___10<-----|--Attitude indicator. = |= this tells you your - |- pitch angle. Solid = 5 ___ ___ 5 |= means up, broken means - |- down. = SPEED ALT |= - 3500 W 500 |- <-Altitude indicator. = |= This tells you how high - -5 --- --- -5 |- you are, don't let it = |= hit zero. - |- = -10 --- --- -10 |= - <--------------------------------------|--Airspeed. This tells = |= you your speed - -15 --- --- -15 |- surprisingly. +------------------+ +------+ | \ | / | | GUN | ..... <- Gun ammo, | \ | / | +------+ normally infinite. | \ | / | | MSSL | ..70 <- Missile ammo. | \ | / | +------+ | \ | / | SAAM ..10 <- Special weapon | \ | / | +------+ ammo |_______\|/________| | DMG | ..0% <- Damage indicator | | | +------+ +------------------+ /\ ^ | || | < Visual representation See 'Map' below | / \ | of damage and missiles. / \ --||-- There are several other things that you will see in the HUD. Here is a list of all of the information: BLUE FRND BOX - This is an allied plane GREEN BOX WITH EDGE, CHOPPER, ARCHER OR HK BREAK ONE - One of your wingman EMPTY GREEN BOX - Enemy non-target, you also have to lock on to fire missiles at it, to lock on press triangle. However, there is a wee glitch in the game that sometimes means that the game looks over a target and doesn't lock. Get around it by flying off, coming back and trying again. GREEN BOX WITH NUMBERS AND AN IDENTIFIER - This is the target you have locked onto and when you get in range will missile lock if you have your regular missiles armed. Switch with the triangle button missiles will lock when you get to 2500 meters. RED BOX WITH A SOLID TONE - This is a target that you have in missile lock. Press circle to fire and it will try to hit it, if the enemy is doing some Fancy flying you missile may not turn enough to compensate and in turn miss. MAP - This map shows the combat area immediately in front of you. There are several shapes that appear there that you should recognise: WHITE TRIANGLE - Enemy aircraft, the longer sides of the triangle indicate which way it is pointing, however it does not give altitude, the aircraft has taken no damage. CIRCLED WHITE TRIANGLE - If it has a circle around it then it is a target and must be shot down to complete the mission, or go a way to completing it. YELLOW TRIANGLE - This is an aircraft that has been damaged and is anywhere between about 20-89% health. If it is in a circle then it is a target. RED TRIANGLE - That's right, it's an enemy aircraft on it's last legs. A couple of rounds from the old Vulcan cannon will be all it takes to finish it off. As normal, if it is in a circle then it needs to be shot down, probably had it coming anyway. WHITE, YELLOW OR RED CIRCLE - Same as a enemy aircraft only this is a ground target. A larger circle means that it has to die. RED LINE - A red line indicated a missile. Use the display to gauge where it is and the best way of avoiding it, these are sometimes quite difficult to see. All of this is very nice if you want to fly in a straight line, but if you Have thoughts of completing the game you are going to have to know some Techniques of Flight. Although there is a tutorial in the game, you can never know too much, right? Right! Straight and level flight - Does exactly what it says on the tin, make you go straight forward at the same altitude. All you have to do is aim the whisky mark in the middle of the screen with the wings level. Or hit autopilot to get the game to do it for you. Turns - First, roll the wings left or right until you get to about 45 degrees, then pull the nose back to increase the angle of attack and the plane turns in that direction. To alter the rate in which you turn, try different bank angles and the rate you pull back. You can also turn by using the rudder. Press and hold L2 for left or R2 for right to move the rudder position. This is known as yaw and is not suitable of large turns, only small changes to direction. To turn tighter also try to slow down, for fast wide-angle turns speed up. Stalls - This is something that you are better off avoiding normally, if you slow down too much then your wings no longer generate lift and your aircraft becomes a very aerodynamic rock. Speed up and pull up to get yourself out of one, although that won't help too much if you are close to the ground. LANDINGS, TAKEOFFS AND AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING There are several points in the game where you will have to take off before a mission, land after one and refuel on the way to or back from engagements. These are all relatively simple and once you know how to do them they will be done in no time. LAND TAKEOFF: A takeoff from land rather then some sort of touch and go. To takeoff from any ground base, simply power up the throttles, get the speed up to about 85-100MPH depending on the type of plane you're flying and pull the nose up. When you get to around 2000 feet the takeoff is complete. DIFFICULTY: 1/5 CARRIER TAKEOFF: Just as simple as a ground takeoff, only faster. Hit the afterburner and wait for the catapult to blast you forwards. When you are off the end, pull up to climb and get above 2000 feet to complete the takeoff successfully. DIFFICULTY: 1/5 LAND LANDING: To land is the correct position you must get those crosses lined up in the centre. Do not roll to turn, instead use the rudder (the to back shoulder buttons) get the vertical line in the middle of the screen and your heading in the right direction. Then pitch down slightly to align the horizontal line in the centre. Then slow the plane down to about 100 keeping the plane on the correct decent path. When you get to the runway guide the plane to the ground. **NOTE- you cannot flare the aircraft so you just have to hit the ground. DIFFICULTY: 2/5 TIPS ON S RANK - To get the 'Needles Eye' medal you have to get the 'perfect' dialogue on the Land Landing, Carrier Landing and AA Refueling. To get the S on land landing, hit the after burner and line up with the runway, Go low and wait until you just start passing over the white lines. Hit L2 and slow down to end the landing, also make sure that you nose wheel has run along the white lines of the entire time. To make sure you got the best score, look at the debriefing screen, if you have scored anything less then 1000/1000 on the Landing Bonus then you will have to redo it. CARRIER LANDING: Exactly the same as a land landing only this time the runway's slowly moving. Hit the carrier as early as possible to avoid rolling off the end. DIFFICULTY: 3/5 To get the S Rank on the carrier landing, all you have to do is accelerate all the way to the carrier, wait until you get to around 200 feet and slow rapidly, hit the carrier and keep trying until you stop in time. AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING This works in a similar way to landings. There are two squares, a smaller one inside a larger one. As you get closer to the refuelling craft, the inner square gets bigger. The idea is to get both squares to the same size and touching each other perfectly. When you do this, the game takes over and the plane refuels. After it is completed the refuelling is over. DIFFICULTY: 2/5 It's very simple to get the S rank on this one, as with the rest it involves charging at the target and decelerating, wait until you are 200 meters away and hit L1, try to slow to the same speed of the target in front of the stalk or pipe out of the back. When the game takes over, the refuel is complete. Missions: #4 - Ground Landing #13 - AA Refueling #16a - Ground Landing #16b - Ground Landing #18 - AA Refueling #20 - Carrier Landing #21 - Carrier Landing #26 - Carrier Landing (Thanks goes to Jason Horsley for the above list) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 2c. Combat Training ------------------------------------------------- BC04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now it's time to put what you know to the test. Here are the basics of dog fighting. AGHH, THEY'RE SHOOTING!!! There are many ways in which those evil bandits can try to take you out of the sky, so here's what you should expect to see: WARNING: If you see the word 'WARNING' flash up on the top centre of your HUD, don't panic. This used to mean that the enemy had a missile lock on you, however, sometimes in this game you can get this sign, even when it would be impossible for them to lock on, for instance when you are a long way away or flying through a tunnel. So it just means that there are enemies present in your location, or they have a lock on one of your wingman (who incidentally cannot be shot down, although can be hit). MISSILE ALERT: This one should be taken slightly more seriously. Someone has decided you're in his view of the sky and would like to remove you. If you are going to get shot down in the game, this is more often then not, how it's going to happen. DAMAGE: This is what happens if something hits you, try to avoid it ya? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There are of course ways of avoiding being blown to smithereens. Here are all of the normal ways. If you feel more adventurous, or want to contribute some of your own, head to the advance techniques lower down (Hit find and type in AV08). THE COWARD'S WAY - That's right, check the map and if there is no enemy plane (a triangle) or missile (a very small dot) in very close range hit the afterburner and run away, well fly away! MOST EFFECTIVE AT: LONG RANGE LOOP DE LOOP - Point the nose to the sky and when you get about a third of the way through the loop, hit the power. Missiles have a very poor ability to turn (around 90 degrees sharp in any direction are their limit). As long as it doesn't get you on the way up then it will never hit. Also mind the ground at the other side. MOST EFFECTIVE AT: ANY RANGE SHARP TURNS - Roll the plane a whole 90 degrees and hit L1 to slow down. The slower you go the shaper the plane turns, so you are well out of the way by the time it gets to you. Don't try this when the missile is too far away as it will still hit you. MOST EFFECTIVE AT: SHORT RANGE DIVE OR CLIMB - Not always guaranteed to work, but if you turn 90 degrees in any direction and put on some power, the missile (as long as it is not right behind you), should miss. MOST EFFECTIVE AT: MID RANGE AA FIRE There are other things that can shoot you down, some only in specific missions and are explained more in the walkthrough section. The other most common form of fire is AA weapons. These are similar to your cannon and, like missiles, have a very limited range. If you are being targeted from the ground, then, you can for most difficulty settings ignore it as it does minimal damage and rarely hits. If you want to avoid them however, fly far enough in any direction and it will stop firing, that or insert a missile into it, that works well too! If the target is firing from the air, then just use missile dodging techniques to escape, after all, it could be worse, if you are in gun range then you are also in missile range. One last point about ground AA guns, the higher you are the less accurate they get. Simple maths/physics, if you are flying low to the ground you present a bigger target and less distance, thus your aircraft becomes Swiss cheese, when there are a lot of AA weapons, try to stay above 1000 feet to avoid being hit. FLAK FIRE Flak guns were designed in WWII to shoot down enemy aircraft (mostly bombers). They work by firing like a shotgun, hurling small bombs into the air which detonate at a certain height, spraying shrapnel. In the game you don't have to worry about the splash effect from the explosions (the bits that fly out and cut you plane into small parts), but the explosions can damage you, and quite a bit too! The solution, fly underneath or over the top. Flak guns pose their biggest threat as mentioned before, when attacking any bombers you may be escorting. In this case it is far easier just to take out the offending gun itself. Of course, these blinding levels of violence and human carnage is not all one way. So what's the best way of shooting down other planes and destroying ground targets? MISSILE LOCK: The normal way of destroying the enemy is through your standard heat seekers, and the way to get them to hit is to achieve a missile lock. If there are numerous targets in front of you, the game automatically selects one. This is not always the sensible one such as a TGT, press triangle to switch through available targets. **NOTE- The game has a slight bug that sometimes makes it impossible to target the thing you want, you could keep pressing triangle forever and it would not select, even if it is the only target on screen and is perfectly legal with your active weapon. To get around this, either simply ignore it and come back later, or circle around, come back and have another shot, the last option is to get up close and give it a damn good gunning. You will know when you have a missile lock as the target will turn red and a rhombus appears in it's box. Hit the circle button to fire a missile (**NOTE- it normally takes two missiles to destroy a enemy plane and anything from one to three missiles to destroy your average ground facility. Missiles come in range at about 4000 feet. GUN RANGE: Unlike the missiles, your gun is unguided. Get within about 1500 feet and a small circle with a dot in it's centre will appear. Get the enemy plane inside this dot and hold down X to fire. This way takes longer, but it also has infinite bullets providing you are not playing on Expert or Ace. There are also some medals you can get for destroying enemies just by using your guns. SPECIAL WEAPONS RANGE: There are several special weapons, each with a different way to deploy them and are covered in their relative sections in the walkthrough. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - So that's the basics of destroying enemies, but if you want to try something more adventurous then heading for their six and shooting then read on! BIDE YOUR TIME: The second a bogy comes in missile range doesn't mean you have to fire at it you know, follow its movement, turning in the same arc and stay behind it (don't try to overtake GT fans!). Eventually the enemy plane will level out use this opportunity to launch a few heat-seekers his way, or blast him with your guns. INTERCEPTION: Sometimes you will see a plane flying straight for you, capitalise on this and match their altitude. When they come in range of your missiles let rip and turn away at an angle to avoid the wreckage. DUMMY SHOTS: If your enemy is red on the radar you probably only need to lightly spray bullets his way to have him ejecting in fear. However, for some reason you can't get him in your gun range. Fire a missile at him to make him evade it a steep turn, follow his bend and fire your gun to bring him down, (fire at the wings remember, you don't want to kill him do you?) **NOTE- Don't do this trick on long missions where you need all the missile you can get. ATTACK: One pilot being evil and not letting you kill him? The remedy, switch to attack mode and instead of one plane after him, he has four, laugh wildly at his expense as he crashes to earth in a blazing ball of death. Then remember the children you just robbed of a parent, you monster! WHIRLY BIRDS: Helicopters as you are no doubt aware have the annoying ability to hover, sometimes if you are going fast or there's a group of them you can fly right past them without firing a shot. Instead switch to your XLAAs and take the group out at once. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There are a lot of ground targets in the game, the most efficient way to destroy them is to use missiles, still there are a large amount of special weapons that can be used to get rid of either large groups of ground enemies, or single ones from a distance. These are all explained in the aircraft section. However do you know how to bomb targets? If no then welcome to the bombing master class! The first thing to do is make sure you are using a plane that carries bombs, not air to surface or air to air missiles. The code for an unguided bomb falls into three categories: UGB - Your standard unguided bomb these will destroy any targets underneath or in the immediate area. UGBM - A slightly larger bomb, destroys targets slightly further away from where it lands. UGBL - You guessed it, a big bomb for big damage, anything near it is destroyed. PGBM - Precision guided bomb, the piper locks onto a target, acts a bit like a air-to-surface missile only without the range. PGML - A bigger version of the PGBM But how do you use bombs? That's the easy bit, hit select to use your special weapon, a small dotted line with a large circle and a dot appear. The line is the bombs decent path, make sure that there are no obstructions along any of it. The small dot in the middle of the larger circle is where the bomb is estimated to land, the big circle itself is the splash zone (or the area that is affected by the bomb). When using them, try to aim for groups of enemies for the best effect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 2d. Wingman Control ------------------------------------------------- BC05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the major changes from previous Ace Combat games, is that this one allows you to have wingmen instead of you being just a lone fighter. This all may seem unnecessary and there are hundreds of ways they could have got this wrong, but Namco have pulled it off perfectly. At the start of the game you are not the leader of your squadron and are playing wingman to your commanding officer Capt. Bartlett with the callsign Heart Break One. You cannot give any orders at that point, but fairly soon into the game you get promoted and have full control over the squadron. Your wingmen are all far superior to the other AI aircraft and cannot be damaged. They are also very good at taking down the odd fighter and although by the game's end you should have a kill rate in the hundreds and they will be lucky to get past twenty they are still very useful and shouldn't be neglected. There are several orders you can give to your wingmen these are given by pressing any direction on the D pad, then pressing the order you wish to give. **NOTE- These orders with the exception of SPW can only be used one at a time. ATK (Attack) - Press any D pad button and then up, you wingmen will now become aggressive and attack any planes in front of you or them, then continue to attack other targets. DSP (Disperse) - Used when there is a large combat area, your team stop covering each others backs and move off to separate parts of the map and destroy stuff. Activate this command by hitting left on the order menu. Remember that this can leave you with no one shooting down aircraft behind you and as a result you get more missiles thrown at you (just). CVR (Cover) - Handy for battles against small amounts of fighters and the opposite of attack. Your team will engage any targets that get a missile lock on you. This is very much over looked in the game put can be an extremely effective way of luring planes away from something you are escorting and then have your wingmen pick them off as they follow you. SPW (Special Weapons) - This can be used at anytime with any other formation order. Activating this allows your wingmen to attack with either bombs, air-to- ground missiles or whatever other special weapon their aircraft carries. Some people are not fond of using there wingmen and often leave them on cover or disperse since they only manage about one kill each per mission. This is fine and there are no negative effects for not using them. =============================================================================== 3. CHARACTERS ------------------------------------------------------------- CH01 =============================================================================== The first AC game to actually have interesting characters* (one of the things definitely lacking in previous instalments), and pulls it off extremely well. Here's a short synopsis of each of the main characters and even their mysterious first names (if they have them then I'll find them eventually) * - This statement is true only if you didn't get to play the JPN AC03. For reasons best known to themselves Namco saw fit to remove the story from the other releases. Thanks Namco :? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3a. Kei Nagase (Edge) ----------------------------------------------- CH02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 23 Height: 167cm Weight: 47kg Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Brown Blood Type: A One of your wingmen for the game, Edge is an extremely skilled fighter pilot and was the only trainee to survive the surprise attack on Sand Island. Kei blames herself for the downing (and possible death) of her Captain, and refuses to take a promotion to squadron leader in favour of staying the number 2 plane (the guard for the number 1) to prove to others and herself that she can guard her wingmen. She has a love of peace and a strong supporter of President Harling's anti-war policies, which is presumably why she joined the airforce :? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3b. Alvin H. Davernport (Chopper) ----------------------------------- CH03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 29 Height: 185cm Weight: 89kg Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Blue Blood Type: B The number 3 wingman, Alvin H Davernport is set in to rock and roll (hence 'Chopper'). He looked up to Captain Bartlett a lot as a 'bad mouthed, good- natured leader'. He seems to like Blaze, but not respect him as Captain of the Squadron. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3c. Hans Grimm (Archer) --------------------------------------------- CH04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 19 Height: 163cm Weight: 52kg Hair Colour: Brown Eye Colour: Green Blood Type: AB Only a trainee pilot in reserve at the start, Grimm becomes a member of the squadron early in the game. His is the youngest survivor in the squadron (although he was on the ground at the time of the attack), Grimm has an older brother in the army which was his cause for signing up. Grimm is a shy and his in flight emotions seem to range from mild panic to absolute trauma. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3d. Jack Bartlett (Heartbreak 1) (obsolete - Kid) ------------------- CH05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean (fine, he's Osean, happy!) Age: 42 Height: 178cm Weight: 70kg Hair Colour: Black / Grey Eye Colour: Brown Blood Type: O One of the OADF's (Osean Air Defence Force) most notorious pilots. He made his name as one of Osea's top aces in the Belkan war 15 years ago, where he quickly rose to the rank of captain. Now firmly set into his ways, Bartlett has never been promoted, and fifteen years after the war ended, Bartlett is more notorious for his lack of respect for the chain of command, and his inability to follow orders. At the end of the Belkan War, Bartlett was shot down by a mysterious Belkan pilot named Ashley, along with another Belkan aircraft. He and the Belkan defector, known by his callsign 'Hukbien' made it back to the allied front. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3e. Blaze ----------------------------------------------------------- CH06 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Our mysterious pilot, all we know about Blaze it that we almost defiantly see him. In the crew quarters at the start of the game there is a shot of the entire room with every surviving trainee and a few trainers with Bartlett. Blaze has to be one of these. We never hear him talk in the game, although judging by the answers that your wingmen give you, Blaze seems to reply more then the generic 'Yes' or 'No' that we pick out. Blaze is the Squadron Leader for most of the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3f. Marcus Snow (Swordsman) ----------------------------------------- CH07 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 34 Height: 190cm Weight: 85kg Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Brown Blood Type: A From a squadron of the Naval Air Force, Snow now flies alone after the slow destruction of his team-mates. Snow is an extremely talented pilot who is loyal to his commanding officer, but will not blindly follow orders and is not afraid to answer back if he doesn't agree. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3g. Allen C Hamilton ------------------------------------------------ CH08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Belkan Age: 28 Height: 178cm Weight: 65kg Hair Colour: Blond Eye Colour: Green Blood Type: AB After the first war between Belka, and the rest of the continant, Hamilton was recruited by Osea into a secret squadron of Belkan Aces to strengthen their Air Force. The Squadron, named the 8492nd never officially existed and when the ruling of the country changed hands, the knowledge of the squadron went with it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3h. Orson Perrault -------------------------------------------------- CH09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 48 Height: 180cm Weight: 106kg Hair Colour: Brown Eye Colour: Green Blood Type: O Chubby, rash and unsubtle, the Base Commander of Sand Island is not well respected and he knows it. He is a warmonger that prefers to have the air force working in combat rather then being there for defence. After the Cirern-Pacific war begins, he tries his best to increase morale. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3i. Peter N. Beagle (Pops) (obsolete -- Hukbien)--------------------- CH10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Belkan Age: 56 Height: 170.5cm Weight: 73kg Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Blue Blood Type: B Formally one of the most skilled pilots in the Belkan Air Force, he refused to drop a nuclear bomb on a civilian city in Belka, for this he was marked as a traitor becoming infamous and hated throughout the Belkan military. Sentenced to death he escaped in a stolen fighter, but was shot down along with Bartlett who was also in the area, by the Pride of Belka, the Grabacr Squadron. Pops is still a brilliant fighter pilot, however spends most of his time as the Sand Island Base Mechanic. He looks after all of his planes dearly, large or small. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3j. AWACS (Thunderhead) --------------------------------------------- CH11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean As head of a battlefield the people inside this AWACs observe, give and relay orders. Most pilots believe them to be slightly incapable and insensitive. He is the type that will always follow the order of the most superior officer, even against his gut feelings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3k. AWACS (Oka Nieba) ----------------------------------------------- CH12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Yuktobanian Translated as 'Sky Eye' or 'Eye of Heaven' this aircraft's name is a nod to the AWACs from AC04. From Thomas Kaluzny: "Oka Nieba" is actually a Polish word (yeah I'm Polish) and is really translated to "Eye of Heaven." -- This is interesting, I actually thought Oka Nieba was just made up, it shows how much detail is put into the game. From Neil H: A more likely explanation for the 'Oka Nieba' AWAC is that Yuktobania was part of the ISAF during the war in AC04. Sky Eye's lack of an accent in that game could simply be because he is talking in his own language; after all, we don't know what the spoken language in Usea is. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3l. Capt. Nicholas A. Andersen -------------------------------------- CH13 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 61 Height: 177cm Weight: 72kg Hair Colour: Grey Eye Colour: Blue Blood Type: A The Captain of the OMDF (Osean Martine Defence Force) / OMS (Osean Martine Service) Aircraft Carrier Kestrel. A veteran of the Belkan War, Anderson follows his heart and instinct more then the orders he is given. He is thought of as a skilled captain, and respected by his crew, although disliked by airforce hawks like Perrault who claim he shies out of combat. Also, did anyone else in the UK notice the striking resemblance between himself and the good Captain Birdseye? Just an observation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3m. President Vincent Harling --------------------------------------- CH14 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean The twice-elected president of Osea, Harling has a strong peace plan which reduces the amount spent in defence and uses it to help rebuild a new continent with such projects as the Arkbird and it's Mass Driver. Harling's views towards peace have made him unpopular with some of his Generals and other leading Osean military figures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3n. Prime Minister Nikanor ------------------------------------------ CH15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Yuktobanian The elected Prime Minister of Yuktobania, he has strong anti-war policies like Harling's. As a well respected figurehead of the Yuktobanian Government, he was one of the main figures involved in keeping the alliance between Osea and Yuktobania strong after the end of the Belkan conflict. His peace policies, like Harling make him unpopular with his own military. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3o. Major Natashya -------------------------------------------------- CH16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Yuktobanian - - (SPOILERS!) A Recon Major in the Yuktobanian army, she objected to the military government and joined the resistance, after learning of the Yuke forces betrayal of their Prime Minister, she stole several secret files and went renegade. She also has a history with Bartlett as the one who broke his heart 15 years ago. (END SPOILERS!) - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3p. Albert Genette -------------------------------------------------- CH17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 32 Height: 174cm Weight: 58kg Hair Colour: Brown Eye Colour: Blue Blood Type: O A reporter looking for his big break, he goes to Sand Island in search of the unique Squadron leader there. Later he becomes entangled with the events of the war, publishing 'The Four Wings of Sand Island' and joining the official Osean Press Corps. Genette acts as the narrator of much of the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 3q. Kirk ------------------------------------------------------------ CH18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nationality: Osean Age: 7 Height: 53.5cm Weight: 31kg Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Brown Blood Type: 1.1B Pop's loyal companion and known in the Sand Island base, Kirk stays with Pops and the other members of the Squadron through thick and thin. =============================================================================== 4. THE STORY SO FAR ------------------------------------------------------- SY01 =============================================================================== It is important to understand the back story if you want to understand what the game is about. Although the game does it well, here is a little recap about what's happening. Check out iceblue's excellent rundown of the game area http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/ace_combat_5_world.png ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 4a. The Background -------------------------------------------------- SY02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The year is 1989, in the small northern country known as the Principality of Belka. In an effort to keep the nation afloat politically, a Federal Law Review was enacted, with disastrous results. In the economic panic, the government was ousted, and before another was elected Belka was seized in a Coup by an extremist Right Wing faction, possibly supported by the Belkan crime organisation the Grey Men. Belka began to stabilise and over 6 years reached new levels of growth, most prominently in it's armed force of which it developed both conventional, nuclear and more unorthodox weapons. And late in 1995, Belka began to invade it's bordering nations, beginning a conflict remembered as the Belkan War. After crushing their rivals, the twin super-powers The Osean Federation and the Union of Yuketobanian Republics both pooled their resources, and declared war on Belka. After some hard fought battles, the two countries, with support from rebels in the nations already occupied by Belka began to gain the upper hand, and soon Belka was pushed back. Over the course of the war, Belka developed even more advanced weapons, and often the Allies would lose ground, but over sheer numbers pushed the Belkans back to Stier, close to the Belkan capital of Sundentor. To stop the advance any further, Belka dropped seven nuclear bombs on it's border, destroying the Belakan cities there, and making an impassable barrier. The Belkans head effectively sealed themselves into the northern regions, where in-fighting consumed their cities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 4b. Osea and Yuktobania --------------------------------------------- SY03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Osean Federation Captial - Oured Union of Yuktobanian Republics Capital - Cinigrad After the Belkan conflict both Osea and Yuktobania were allies, but also extremely weak. As they both slowly rebuilt their strength, they elected anti-war head of Governments and their armies never had the same strength again. They also, having watched the destruction of seven Belkan cites, dismantled and destroyed their nuclear weapons. In an effort to rebuild their air force after the war, both countries secretly recruited a Squadron of Belkan Aces, before their peaceful governments got into power. All evidence of this was destroyed in both countries and all knowledge of these two mysterious squadrons disappeared. Following the end of the Belkan war, Osea gained the former Belkan region of Nord Belka (North Belka in German, but apparently meaning 'South' in Belkan :?) and was renamed North Osea. Osea, also sized several Belkan companies (mainly advanced technology companies) such as Grunder Industries, a former Government sponsored research and development company that gave Belka an undeniable edge during the war. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 4c. Belka ----------------------------------------------------------- SY04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principality of Belka Capital - Sudentor After the destruction of their country, the Belkans have a strong dislike of Osea and Yuktobania. The original Belkans who have always been part of the country and not of the parts that were invaded are a very patriotic people. The divide between the two countries where the nuclear bombs were dropped is politically isolated. To the south there is the area the Osea now rules known as Nord Belka, or North Osea, but locals still consider themselves part of Belka when asked. The north is a different story and is the remnants of the once prosperous country. Nuclear fallout and it's own icy location make Belka a country with few population centres left. It no longer has much of a working government. =============================================================================== 5. THE AIRCRAFT ----------------------------------------------------------- AR01 =============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5p2. The Weapons of the Game ------------------------------------------ AR02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are enough weapons in the game to keep even the most trigger happy pilot occupied. Weapons are divided into three categories. Guns, Missiles and Special weapons, the latter of which are activated by pressing select; to make your wingman activate theirs, you must turn on the SPL option by pressing left on the D-pad, they will then use a mix of all three types of weapons available. So, here is a list of every weapon available, remember you cannot choose which weapon you want on your plane this time around, you get what the aircraft comes with. Key for special weapons ======================= Damage - The damage done to targets on impact Hone - The ability that the missile has of honing on the target Blast - The radius of damage the bomb/missile does on impact Number - The number of weapons you get over how effective it is Overall- How useful the weapon is when you consider all its aspects GUNS Vulcan Cannon: The Vulcan cannon is mounted on the front of every aircraft. If you are playing on very easy to hard it will have infinite rounds, if you are on expert or ace then it will have a limit. The cannon is very effective at close range, however hopeless at a distance. It does pay to practice using it though as (surprisingly to some people) it can be just as useful as missiles. For more information on using your guns go to the 'Basic Training Section' (find and BC04) and look at Gun Range. MISSILES Missiles: Damage : 3/5 Hone : 3/5 Number : 5/5 Overall: 4/5 Description: Your missiles are your basic mid range weapon. From a missile lock at around 2500 feet one press of the circle button and the missile will hone in on the target. Missiles can be used for both AA and AG attacks. SPECIALS SAAM: Semi-Active Air-to-Air Missile (SEMI TRACKING) Damage : 4/5 Hone : 3/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 4/5 Description: A very useful long range weapon, however it needs to be keep within a tracking circle in order to be effective. This can be annoying if you have to make a quick turn to evade a missile. Overall, these make a good compliment to your normal missiles and guns as a long range alternative. However this weapon is overshadowed by the XLAA. Comes with: F-20A, Mirage-2000, F-14A, Mig-31, F-15C, Su-27, Su-47 XLAA: Advanced Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (FIRE AND FORGET) Damage : 4/5 Hone : 4/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 4/5 Description: The great thing about these missiles is that you can lock on almost as soon as you see these targets, and from the distance it gives the missiles a great chance to line up with the target. However, get too close to the target and your missiles will sail right past them. Comes with: F-14D, Mig-31M, Su-35, Typhoon, X-02 XMAA: Advanced Medium-range Air-to-Air Missile (FIRE AND FORGET) Damage : 4/5 Hone : 3/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: A cross breed between the normal and XLAA. Incorporating multi-targeting and and long range attacks. This weapon can be useful from a distance on a formation of planes or helicopters, but as soon as you get in close then it becomes next to useless. Again, this acts as a supplement to your regular missiles and cannons rather then solely depending on it. Comes with: F-4X, F-16C B60, F/A-18E, TND-F3, F-15S/MTD, F/A-22A QAAM: Quick-manoeuvre Air-to-Air Missile (FIRE AND FORGET) Damage : 4/5 Hone : 5/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: If you played Ace Combat 4 then you may remember the ferocity of these things. They literally could bring down the entire Yellow Squadron in a matter of minutes. Well they have been scaled down now, so they don't have the turning circle of a fighter and seem to go slightly slower then last time. However, they are still excellent for firing at targets very quickly to track and thin out the number of enemies in a large air battle. Comes with: X-29A, Mig-21-93, Su-37, YF-223A, S-32, Hawk NPB: Napalm Bomb Damage : 1/5 Blast : 1/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 1/5 Description: A small bomb fitted to fighters you get early in the game. They are just like a small unguided bomb only the damage and explosion radius is less. However you get several of these bombs per plane (and you will need most of them if you want to cause some damage). Comes with: F-4e RCL: Rocket Launcher Damage : 2/5 Blast : 1/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 2/5 Description: Not the most useful of weapons, these actually function more like missiles. Aim the reticule at what you are shooting at and a volley of unguided rockets are launched. These are useful against armoured ground targets like bunkers and pillboxes, however they are usless against moving targets, especially air targets due to their size and movement. Come with: Mig-21 BIS, JAS-39C UGB: Unguided Bomb (Small) Damage : 2/5 Blast : 2/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 2/5 Description: One step up from the NPB, it has a larger explosive range as well as more damage handed out, it still however is not good against groups of targets as the range of the blast will not encompass more then a few square metres. The bomb is best used to strike lone stationary, or slow moving ground targets. The useful thing about this bomb is that you get two per wing, this means that if there does happen to be a group of the aforementioned lone stationary or slow moving ground targets, then you can wipe out the lot of them in one run. Comes with: F-5E, F-16C, Mig-29A UGBL: Unguided Bomb (Large) Damage : 4/5 Blast : 4/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 4/5 Description: The UGBL is without a doubt one of the best bombs in the game, dropping them will cause a large damage area destroying whatever maybe underneath. This weapon will be most useful on missions that concentrate on bombing targets within a close area, for instance on Four Horsemen. The only problem being that you are only given a small number of the bombs so you may find yourself running short mid- mission. Come with: A-6E, Mirage-2000D, MIG-1.44 FAEB: Fuel Air Explosive Bomb Damage : 1-5/5 Blast : 5/5 Number : 2/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: The Fuel Air bomb used to be one of the best weapons in AC4, however it's effectiveness has been drastically reduced thanks to a new system of damage. Instead of doing a set amount of damage in one large area, the damage now changes between each dropping and the area within the blast itself. So you may end up being able to wipe out a bunker with one shot or not even destroy an AA gun. Therefore the weapon is too unpredictable, despite the possibility of a wide damage area. Comes with: YA-10B LASM: Long Range Air to Surface Missile Damage : 3/5 Blast : 1/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: Although it can be used to destroy long-range, hardened targets such as pillboxes, the LASM really shines in anti-ship roles. Although the damage done is not huge, it is enough to take out any ship (and it's weapons) in one or two shots depending in the difficulty. Comes with: F-2A, F/A-18C, Rafale M, F-35C LAGM: Long Range Air-to-Ground Missile Damage : 3/5 Blast : 1/5 Number : 2/5 Overall: 2/5 Description: Similar to the LASM, but can attack several targets at once. While this is handy for attacking a large portion of the battlefield, you may find it easier and kinder to your special weapon reserves to use bombs instead. The lack of planes this weapon comes with also means that you may not have much of a choice put to not use it. Comes with: F-4g XAGM: Advanced Air-to-Ground Missile Damage : 3/5 Blast : 2/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 4/5 Description: The main benefit of this weapon is its trajectory. The missile will fly straight and level until it is a few metres away from the target, then it dives down and impacts this means that it can avoid dangerous terrain and also allows you to stay out of the way of well placed SAMs. The only problem with this weapon is that you will find that after a few full target launches you have run out. Still this remains my favourite air-to-ground weapon, well perhaps... Comes with: F-16XL, A-10, Su-32 GPB: Guided Penetrating Bomb Damage : 5/5 Blast : 2/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: If there's one thing this game is not short of, it's bombs, bombs and missiles. This particular one is, as the name suggests one used in penetrating hardened bunkers such as pillboxes. This means that you don't have to fire two missiles at them to get rid of them. They don't have much of a damage radius however so it is another one target kill per bomb weapon. Since it only comes with the F-14b and the F-117a with are both... well, rubbish you may not be using it too much. Comes with: F-14b, F-117a BDSP: Bomblet Dispenser Damage : 3/5 Blast : 1/5 Number : 4/5 Overall: 2/5 Description: If you are going for a long mission with a lot of bombing in it, then you will want something that is going to last, that you get more then just a few shots before you are out. This weapon is ideal for that role, although you have to trade off some damage. The bombletts are dispersed over your flight path, but the only way the weapon is useful is if the targets are in one long straight line, which most of the time they aren't. You also have to fly slowly and quite low to be accurate, and moving off the flight path will waste your shot so it gives a great opportunity for SAMs and AA guns to damage or destroy you. Fortunately it is only for one plane and chances are you will very rarely use it. Comes with: TND-GR1 SFFS: Self-forging Fragment Submunitions Damage : 2/5 Blast : 5/5 Number : 2/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: If somebody told you that self-forging fragment submunitions were about to fall on you, you would be more then a little afraid. Unfortunately it is just a fancy name for a cluster bomb, which is still bad news if it is falling towards you. It works in a similar way to that of a bomblett dispenser, only does less damage. Comes with: F-15E SOD: Stand-Off Dispenser Damage : 2/5 Blast : 5/5 Number : 2/5 Overall: 3/5 Description: There is not much to say about this weapon apart from it is another weapon just like the BDSP only the dispenser is actually released from the plane, this allows you to fire from a distance and not be destroyed by any defences nearby. However, an unpredictable range of damage means that unless you are aiming for a large group of targets, you may miss. This weapon is not suitable to destroy single targets due to the possibility that you may miss what you are aiming for all together. Comes with: TND-GR 4, Rafale B, FB-22 ECMP: Electronic Countermeasures Pod Damage : 0/5 Blast : 0/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 2/5 Description: This is not an offensive weapon but instead blocks any missile attacks on you for a few seconds. Ooh, that's useful I hear you cry. Actually it isn't. Efforts to try to think about something useful to say about it usually cumulates in a headache. My advice, dodge the missiles yourself. I guess if you are really bad at evading missiles then this may come in handy, perhaps. Comes with: EA-6B, EA-18G, TND-ECR TLS: Tactical Laser Damage : 5/5 Blast : 3/5 Number : 3/5 Overall: 5/5 Description: This is less of a laser and more of a sustained beam of focused death. This only comes attached to the Falken and is the most overpowered weapon in the game. It works in a simmiler way to the vulcan canno surprisingly. When the weapon is fired the shot extends from the aircraft from around 2500 directly ahead and extends to around 10000 feet. Any target that it hits is destroyed as good as instantly, even the gun towers in the mission Aces don't last more then half a second to it. This makes it very good for sweeping a lot of ground targets from a distance. It is harder to aim at an aircraft but not by much. Slightly too overpowered for my tastes and one of the main reasons I personally hardly ever use the Falken. Come with: Falken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5p1. The Aircraft of the Game -------------------------------------- AR03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are a total of 53 playable aircraft in the game. On your first playthrough you will get the majority of the of them. When you complete the game, play though the missions you didn't get on Free Mission and volia! You now have all the first branch aircraft. But what are all these other spaces you ask. To unlock the other planes you have to fill up the small bar below it. To do this kills as many things as you can, the best way of doing this is in Free Mission and Ace mode. The following missions are in my opinion the best for advancing the kill bar: Desert Thunder, Journey Home, Sea of Chaos, Aces and The Unsung War. For Reference: -------------------------------------------------------------------- Xx1. NAME OF PLANE ------------------------------------------- XX01 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 1* ANTI-AIR --- 5* STABILITY --- 2* ANTI-GROUND --- 6* MOBILITY --- 3* DEFENCE --- 4* MISSILES --- 7* SPECICAL --- 7* 8* OS: Osean paint scheme RZ: Razgriz paint scheme YK/SP/BK: Yuke, Special or Belkan paint scheme UNLOCK BY --- How to unlock aircraft COST --- How much the aircraft costs OVERALL --- 0/100 1* - The planes effectiveness at high speed, acceleration and top speed rating 2* - How slowly the plane can go before it stalls. Often higher for bombers 3* - The ease in which a plane turns. The higher the value the better it can keep up to and out turn aircraft in dogfights. Normally higher in fighters 4* - How much damage an aircraft can take. For instance an AA round may do 36% damage with an aircraft with a low rating, but only 17% to a high one. once again normally higher for bombers 5* - On average judging by: speed, mobility, missile number and type and number of special weapons how good the aircraft is at handling dog fighting. 6* - On average judging by: speed, stability, defence and number of special weapons how competent an aircraft is at destroying ground targets 7* - Number of missiles available in the aircraft. 8* - Number of special weapons available in the aircraft. **NOTE: The anti-air and anti-ground values have no effect on your aircraft, instead it governs how well your wingmen perform and what they focus on. For instance a wingman in an aircraft with an AA value of 80 will destroy more targets then one with 20. Also, depending on which stat is higher AA or AG will depend what your wingmen do. For instance, on a mission like Operation Footprint, give your crew A-10s and they will bomb ground targets a lot more then if they were in F-14s. **FAQ- How do I unlock the next plane in an aircraft family? - A: Look at the most recent aircraft of that family that you have unlocked. There is a bar underneath called the 'kill-bar', the more targets you destroy the more it advances until it is full and a new aircraft becomes available. After you finish the game play through some of the more enemy heavy missions to progress this bar. The kill bar must be completely full before a new aircraft is unlocked. When this is done, you should get a confirming message, the aircraft is then available to buy from the relevant menu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5a. F-5 Family -------------------------------------------------------- AR04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================ F-5e > F-20a > X-29a ============================ The F-5 family is the first aircraft type available to you, for the first few missions you are forced to choose the F-5e. Using it you unlock the next tier (the F-20a) fairly quickly, however I would not recommend buying it until the end of the game. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5a1. F-5e Tiger II ------------------------------------------- AR05 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 62 ANTI-AIR --- 22 STABILITY --- 60 ANTI-GROUND --- 47 MOBILITY --- 32 DEFENCE --- 43 MISSILES --- 52 SPECICAL --- 12 UGB OS: Light/Dark blue camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Black/Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Available at start COST --- 8100 (4 available from start) OVERALL --- 26/100 The first plane that you will ever fly in Ace Combat 5. It handles as you would imagine the first plane would: slow to turn, low yaw rate and not too fast. It is however better then the alternative you get after mission 3, it also comes with dual cannons and with a small surface area, you will get hit by other planes guns a lot less. This aircraft is surprisingly useful for the first few missions. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5a2. F-20a Tigershark ---------------------------------------- AR06 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 60 STABILITY --- 60 ANTI-GROUND --- 25 MOBILITY --- 43 DEFENCE --- 46 MISSILES --- 60 SPECICAL --- 10 SAAM OS: Light/Dark blue camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Dark blue with white tail stripe UNLOCK BY --- Filling F-5e kill bar COST --- 11900 OVERALL --- 30/100 Chances are that you have unlocked this plane by the end of the game but not bought it. The plane combines a good level of speed, stability and damage resistance for an early plane, but it is also overshadowed by what you will already have when you get around to buying it. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5a3. X-29a --------------------------------------------------- AR07 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 76 STABILITY --- 47 ANTI-GROUND --- 40 MOBILITY --- 71 DEFENCE --- 49 MISSILES --- 60 SPECICAL --- 10 QAAM OS: Light/Dark blue camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: White body with red and blue stripes UNLOCK BY --- Filling F-20a kill bar COST --- 17100 OVERALL --- 33/100 The problem with all of the lower tier aircraft is that although they are not bad planes they are out matched in later levels by both enemy planes and the planes that you have. Therefore they are best suited to be used in a second playthrough. The aircraft itself is fast and very mobile, its size also lets it dodge AA fire paticully well. This aircraft makes an interesting alternative to the Rafale in the mission Aces. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5b. F-4 Family -------------------------------------------------------- AR08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================================= F-4e Phantom II > F-4g Wild Weasel > F-4x ================================================= You will recognise this as the plane that Bartlett was flying when he lead the squadron at the start of the game, this family of aircraft is in my opinion a step down from the F-5 family with similar characteristics but far bigger and bulkier. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5b1. F-4e Phantom II ----------------------------------------- AR09 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 25 STABILITY --- 46 ANTI-GROUND --- 50 MOBILITY --- 32 DEFENCE --- 56 MISSILES --- 62 SPECICAL --- 10 NPB OS: Grey/Light blue cloud-type pattern RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Dark Blue with light blue decoration UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 3: Open War COST --- 10500 OVERALL --- 12/100 The only way this aircraft could be considered superior is if it were fighting a squadron of unarmed microlites with large banners saying 'We Surrender' while carrying huge bullseyes on them. Okay it's not that bad, but is it certainly not good. It takes forever to turn, doesn't yaw well, shakes around and cannot follow another plane around a turn more then 90 degrees. It also has the most pathetic bomb ever created, and a tiny amount of them. Avoid. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5b2. F-4g Wild Weasel ---------------------------------------- AR10 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 17 STABILITY --- 55 ANTI-GROUND --- 68 MOBILITY --- 25 DEFENCE --- 68 MISSILES --- 64 SPECICAL --- 10 LAGM OS: Blue body, green tail flash RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Flower decoration UNLOCK BY --- Filling the F-4e kill bar COST --- 12800 OVERALL --- 8/100 This one is even worse then the F-4e. The plane has lost even more of it's turning ability, it is huge and gets hit by machine guns a lot, it so slow you can run faster and has the most pathetic Anti Aircraft ability ever seen. The only way it maybe useful is on a bombing mission set your wingmen on Cover and bomb from a height. If you attempt to go low you will get shot by all the AA guns there and find yourself hard pushed to even dodge a normal missile. On the other hand it does come with a hippy special pattern, woo >.> -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5b3. F-4x ---------------------------------------------------- AR11 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 73 STABILITY --- 61 ANTI-GROUND --- 37 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 10 XMAA OS: Blue body RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light/Dark blue camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Filling the F-4g kill bar COST --- 16900 OVERALL --- 38/100 The F-4 finally gets the anti-aircraft overhaul is so desperately needed. Although it's still as big as football pitch it does now have a good speed and its mobility allows it to turn and yaw a lot better. It has had a slight lowering in defence, and guns are still going to hit you a lot in this thing, but it is a vast improvement from the last two in it's family. Unfortunalty it is likely that you have stopped caring about this family of aircraft long before you get it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5c. MIG-21 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================= MiG-21bis Fishbed > MiG-21-93 ================================= The MiGs in my opinion are too similar to the F-5 to be worth bothering about when you start the game. However they are small, relatively fast and well armoured; but so are the F-5's, and you get those for free. Overall they are not really worth buying until a second playthrough. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5c1. MIG-21bis Fishbed --------------------------------------- AR13 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 22 STABILITY --- 29 ANTI-GROUND --- 47 MOBILITY --- 35 DEFENCE --- 42 MISSILES --- 56 SPECICAL --- 08 RCL OS: Green camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Silver body black tail stripe UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 3: Open War COST --- 7600 OVERALL --- 23/100 Although this aircraft is very cheap it is also exactly like the F-5 in almost every way. It does have slightly better speed, but is slow to turn and has a poor special weapon. It is not made for dog fighting which is what tends to happen when you get in this aircraft. Superior to the F-5, in terms of ability, but only statistically, chances are you won't feel much difference except your pockets are slightly lighter when you choose the MiG. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5c2. MIG-21 -------------------------------------------------- AR14 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 82 STABILITY --- 59 ANTI-GROUND --- 46 MOBILITY --- 74 DEFENCE --- 63 MISSILES --- 72 SPECICAL --- 12 QAAM OS: Green/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Leopard skin decoration UNLOCK BY --- Fill the MiG-21 kill bar COST --- 19200 OVERALL --- 36/100 Although this aircraft is a significant step up from the MiG-21bis, it is manoeuvrable enough to keep up with some of the more agile fighters. Chances are, you won't have used the MiG-21bis enough to have unlocked this -21 yet. This is one of the best AA aircraft of the lower tiers but you may have to play free mission to unlock it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5d. A-6 Family -------------------------------------------------------- AR15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================= A-6e Intruder > EA-6B Prowler ================================= This family is the first bomber only family unlocked. It is also one of the worst families in the game. Nothing other then it's special weapon stands out as being useful, and is overshadowed by the far superior A-10 unlocked in only a few short missions. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5d1. A-6e Intruder ------------------------------------------- AR16 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 44 ANTI-AIR --- 15 STABILITY --- 51 ANTI-GROUND --- 61 MOBILITY --- 25 DEFENCE --- 68 MISSILES --- 60 SPECICAL --- 10 UGBL OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light/Dark brown UNLOCK BY --- Complete mission 4: First Flight COST --- 11000 OVERALL --- 14/100 What lets this plane down most of all is it's top speed and mobility. It has a lot of trouble climbing and following enemy planes through turns. This means that you cannot repel enemies after a bombing run and have to rely on you wingmen shooting approaching planes before they reach you. If you are going to use this plane, it helps to have at least two squadron members in the a good anti-aircraft plane in order to balance out the stats. It is just easier in my oppion to use missiles and guns on enemy ground targets then use this. The redeeming feature of the plane however is it's 10 UGBLs. The damage caused by these can be very effective against groups of targets, but I just don't consider the trade-off of actually using it in the first place worth it. Quite expensive too. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5d2. EA-6B Prowler ------------------------------------------- AR17 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 49 ANTI-AIR --- 50 STABILITY --- 60 ANTI-GROUND --- 55 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 66 SPECICAL --- 05 ECMP OS: Light/Dark brown camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light Orange UNLOCK BY --- Fill the A-6 kill bar COST --- 15200 OVERALL --- 34/100 Although much better then the A-6, this aircraft is sill plagued by poor speed, low mobility and has a bad special weapon. It is also a lot more expensive for what still remains a mediocre aircraft, although it has been improved to give it a chance against fighters, I'd still recommend not using this plane, even for a wingman. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5e. F-16 Family ------------------------------------------------------- AR18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================== > F-16c Block 60 F-16c > F-16xl > F-2a =========================== The F-16 family is easily the best air-to-air fighter in the early game. It is small and very fast. Easily worth the price that you pay for them. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5e1. F-16c Fighting Falcon ----------------------------------- AR19 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 30 STABILITY --- 46 ANTI-GROUND --- 55 MOBILITY --- 44 DEFENCE --- 46 MISSILES --- 66 SPECICAL --- 14 UGB OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Green/Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete mission 6: White Bird pt.i COST --- 12000 OVERALL --- 40/100 One of the best fighters from the early game. Although it doesn't have the highest anti-air value, it is fast, manoeuvrable, and well armed, although why it is fitted with bombs and not missiles is beyond me. The F-16c is undoubtedly the best of the first aircraft you get for AA missions. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5e2. F-16 Block60 Fighting Falcon ---------------------------- AR20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 76 STABILITY --- 60 ANTI-GROUND --- 40 MOBILITY --- 65 DEFENCE --- 49 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 12 XMAA OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Blue camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F-16c kill bar COST --- 18100 OVERALL --- 49/100 There is not a lot of difference between the -16c and the Block 60. It does however have a better turning circle, good handling at both low and high speeds and a more suitable special weapon. It also comes with a considerably larger price tag. In my opinion, unless you really wan those XMAAs then I'd save the 6000 credits and get the F-16c. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5e3. F-16XL -------------------------------------------------- AR21 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 66 ANTI-AIR --- 34 STABILITY --- 64 ANTI-GROUND --- 80 MOBILITY --- 52 DEFENCE --- 61 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 14 XMGM OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F-16c kill bar COST --- 18300 OVERALL --- 48/100 For around the same price as the Block 60 this is a very good plane for precision strikes on armoured targets. Don't be fooled by the low air-to-air value, this aircraft can hold it's own against any plane in the game when flown well. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5e4. F-2a ---------------------------------------------------- AR22 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 40 STABILITY --- 70 ANTI-GROUND --- 85 MOBILITY --- 44 DEFENCE --- 57 MISSILES --- 72 SPECICAL --- 12 LASM OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Blue with white nose and tail hilight UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F-16c kill bar COST --- 19500 OVERALL --- 76/100 One of the best starting fighters available. But, as is the way with all of the third level aircraft, chances are you won't have it by the end of your first playthrough. It is however relatively cheep for what you get, handles excellently and is very good at ground target attacks. It is damn near unstoppable on Sea of Chaos and Four Horseman. Well worth buying four of when you get the opportunity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5f. F/A-18 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR23 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================================== F/A-18c > F/A-18e > EA-18g ================================== The F/A-18's are a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground type aircraft, although their stats lean a bit more towards air-to-ground. Still, they are very useful in the early game, when you really need an entire flight of multi- role aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5f1. F/A-18c Hornet ------------------------------------------ AR24 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 68 ANTI-AIR --- 27 STABILITY --- 53 ANTI-GROUND --- 62 MOBILITY --- 44 DEFENCE --- 57 MISSILES --- 64 SPECICAL --- 10 LASM OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Blue UNLOCK BY --- Completing Mission 6: White Bird pt.i COST --- 13100 OVERALL --- 59/100 A multirole aircraft not too dissimilar to the F-2. It is however unlockable early and is very effective against ground targets, although it needs support from better anti-air aircraft due to low mobility and damage tolerance levels. Overall though, a good aircraft for the multi-role missions, although I'd personally fly them with 2 other F-16's on cover or attack depending on the situation. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5f2. F/A-18e Super Hornet ------------------------------------ AR25 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 78 ANTI-AIR --- 68 STABILITY --- 63 ANTI-GROUND --- 43 MOBILITY --- 58 DEFENCE --- 61 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 12 XMAA OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F/A-18c kill bar COST --- 16900 OVERALL --- 62/100 Another good multirole fighter. It is also fairly fast to unlock as you will be using the F/A-18c in quite a few missions. The F/A-18e is more advanced then the older modal, but still suffers from the same problems. They are however lessened and a special weapon has been changed to an anti aircraft weapon. All round better then the F/A-18c and worth buying in your next playthrough. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5f3. EA-18g Growler ------------------------------------------ AR26 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 78 ANTI-AIR --- 65 STABILITY --- 74 ANTI-GROUND --- 69 MOBILITY --- 75 DEFENCE --- 52 MISSILES --- 74 SPECICAL --- 06 ECMP OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Black grey pixel type decoration UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F/A-18e kill bar COST --- 21000 OVERALL --- 67/100 The best of the F/A-18 family, this aircraft is a very good multirole fighter, capable of striking ground targets and still repelling air attacks with no support. This means that it is a good choice for a flight of four planes. On top of this it has a reasonable price tag. The special weapon isn't that bad either, in fact it can be very useful on the Fortress and 8492 mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5g. Mirage 2000 Family ------------------------------------------------ AR27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================== MIR-2000 > MIR-2000d ======================== One of my favourite aircraft families and home to the best bomber of the early game. These planes are also very cheap for what you are getting. The MIR-2000d is one of the best planes in the mid-aircraft section and well worth buying four of. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5g1. Mirage 2000 --------------------------------------------- AR28 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 86 ANTI-AIR --- 59 STABILITY --- 31 ANTI-GROUND --- 23 MOBILITY --- 44 DEFENCE --- 46 MISSILES --- 60 SPECICAL --- 08 SAAM OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete mission 7: Front Line COST --- 12300 OVERALL --- 59/100 One of the best value fighters for dogfights in the game. It has a very fast acceleration and top speed, a decent special weapon and is resilient to damage. It is also quite small so you will avoid AA fire if you find you need to go low. Don't be deceived by the mobility stat, it's one of the most agile aircraft of it's type. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5g2. Mirage 2000d -------------------------------------------- AR29 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 86 ANTI-AIR --- 36 STABILITY --- 38 ANTI-GROUND --- 60 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 59 MISSILES --- 64 SPECICAL --- 14 UGBL OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Green camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the MIR-2000 kill bar COST --- 14900 OVERALL --- 70/100 Undoubtedly one of the best bombers in the game. This aircraft has an alarming amount of UGBLs. The aircraft also keeps the speed of the regular MIR-2000 and is better at AA then it too, despite it's AA stat. Once again, very cheap and well worth getting four of for ground missions, although wingmen tend to under perform in AA with it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5h. MiG-29 Family ---------------------------------------------------- AR30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======= MiG-29a ======= The first aircraft family to house only one plane. More details below. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5h1. MiG-29a Fulcrum ----------------------------------------- AR31 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 30 STABILITY --- 39 ANTI-GROUND --- 55 MOBILITY --- 45 DEFENCE --- 49 MISSILES --- 60 SPECICAL --- 14 UGB OS: Silver/Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Green camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 7: Front Line COST --- 11200 OVERALL --- 64/100 The one comment that seems to sum up the MiG-29a is 'Jack of all trades, master of none'. While this is not a bad aircraft by a long way, a good multirole plane tries to strike a balance that works between all aspects, whereas this never really comes up to par. Still, it is the best multirole aircraft so far, although you maybe better off with the MIR-2000 and save some credits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5i. A-10 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================== A-10a > YA-10b ================== The best ground attack fighter in the world? Maybe.. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5i1. A-10a Thunderbolt II ------------------------------------ AR33 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 39 ANTI-AIR --- 17 STABILITY --- 65 ANTI-GROUND --- 74 MOBILITY --- 34 DEFENCE --- 94 MISSILES --- 64 SPECICAL --- 14 XAGM OS: Tan/silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Green/Dark green camouflage (simmiler to AC04 A-10) UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 7: Front Line COST --- 13800 OVERALL --- 66/100 You maybe expecting me to say this is the best AG aircraft of the game. Well unfortunately it isn't, but it is still a great anti-ground striker and the best aircraft that you will have in the mid-game for ground assault. However, I personally think that the lack of a bomb makes gives an automatic disadvantage to this aircraft, as air-to-ground missiles have very little splash damage, and they waste a lot more ammo per target then a bomb would. The aircraft also has a very low speed, low mobility and doesn't stand a chance against some of the more advanced fighters. That said, it can fly very slowly, fire from a long way away, and take massive amounts of damage. I'm not saying this is a bad aircraft, far from it, it is the best AG aircraft of the mid game and especially useful in missions like Operation Footprint. Since it's not too expensive, I would consider putting your wingmen in them to give them the best chance of attacking ground targets. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5i2. YA-10b -------------------------------------------------- AR34 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 39 ANTI-AIR --- 37 STABILITY --- 83 ANTI-GROUND --- 93 MOBILITY --- 59 DEFENCE --- 99 MISSILES --- 71 SPECICAL --- 14 FAEB OS: Tan/silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Green/Dark green camouflage (simmiler to AC04 A-10) UNLOCK BY --- Fill the A-10 kill bar COST --- 20000 OVERALL --- 78/100 The best anti-solid-ground bomber in the game. The top speed of the YA-10b is almost the same as the A-10. It can however, fly at a much slower speed, turn faster and can take even more punishment before being destroyed. Not to mention that the missile count has increased and the plane now has bombs. It's Fuel Air bomb is powerful enough to destroy a large group of tanks or several pillboxes in one drop. It does lack slightly at anti-ship combat since the special weapon cannot lock on, this means you have to fly a lot lower in order to destroy ships, but with the amount of damage it can take, that is no problem. The problem does however lie in enemy fighters. When a fighter gets close to you, you will have to do some extensive acrobatics to get out of being hit since you cannot trust its speed alone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5j. F-14 Family ------------------------------------------------------ AR35 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================= F-14a > F-14b > F-14d ============================= The modern AC games have both had a plane 'mascot' last time it was the Raptor, this time it is the F-14. Strangely, the stats of the plane all lack, compared to others that are already unlocked. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5j1. F-14a Tomcat -------------------------------------------- AR36 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 68 ANTI-AIR --- 72 STABILITY --- 56 ANTI-GROUND --- 26 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 10 SAAM OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Green/Brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 9: Lit Fuse COST --- 14800 OVERALL --- 58/100 The Tomcat is reasonably fast in the air, but lacks mobility to make it the most powerful fighter aircraft, despite relatively good stats handling always feels too sluggish. The most use you will get out of this aircraft is when you are taking off from a carrier, in this case out of all the mid section aircraft available, this performs the best in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5j2. F-14b Bobcat -------------------------------------------- AR37 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 78 ANTI-AIR --- 47 STABILITY --- 61 ANTI-GROUND --- 61 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 12 GPB OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill F-14a kill bar COST --- 16500 OVERALL --- 56/100 Still suffering from the sluggish handling of the F-14a, the new version takes up bombing as it's major role. Although not as proficient at it as the A-10, it is faster and can better hold it's own against fighters. I would recommend using this as an alternative to the A-10 if there is a primarily bombing mission with the likelihood of there being some fighter activity. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5j3. F-14d Super Tomcat -------------------------------------- AR38 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 87 ANTI-AIR --- 81 STABILITY --- 64 ANTI-GROUND --- 35 MOBILITY --- 58 DEFENCE --- 61 MISSILES --- 72 SPECICAL --- 14 XLAA OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Purple with a white flower UNLOCK BY --- Fill F-14b kill bar COST --- 17800 OVERALL --- 59/100 Although the last two planes were useful in there own right, by the time you unlock the F-14d you would have probably finished the game, and as such has a lot of better aircraft to choose from. Although it is overshadowed by the time you unlock it, it still makes for an excellent carrier based attacker and air-superiority fighter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5k. TND Family ------------------------------------------------------ AR39 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================== > TND GR.4 TND GR.1 > TND F3 > TND ECR ======================== All the aircraft of the TND family share good defence stats (common to bombers) and still retain a high mobility. What lets them down is their special weapons. Although the F3 comes with XMAAs the rest of them are let down by weapons which are rarely useful. Still if you ignore these faults then you have a good multirole aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5k1. TND GR.1 ------------------------------------------------ AR40 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 27 STABILITY --- 63 ANTI-GROUND --- 73 MOBILITY --- 40 DEFENCE --- 90 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 10 BDSP OS: Light brown/Tan RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 9: Lit Fuse COST --- 15000 OVERALL --- 60/100 A powerful anti-solid ground aircraft, but let down by the special weapon. If you are only using missiles though (which it also lacks) you have a good multirole fighter, with a good defence. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5k2. TND GR.4 ------------------------------------------------ AR41 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 37 STABILITY --- 71 ANTI-GROUND --- 82 MOBILITY --- 51 DEFENCE --- 92 MISSILES --- 74 SPECICAL --- 10 SOD OS: Green camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Tan/Dark Orange camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the TND GR.1 kill bar COST --- 18700 OVERALL --- 64/100 With better mobility then it's processor this multipurpose fighter/ bomber can also take more punishment and fight off attacking aircraft much better, it's still let down though by a special weapon that is rarely useful though. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5k3. TND F-3 ------------------------------------------------- AR42 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 74 STABILITY --- 60 ANTI-GROUND --- 37 MOBILITY --- 59 DEFENCE --- 91 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 10 XMAA OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Grey/Blue camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the TND GR.1 kill bar COST --- 16500 OVERALL --- 70/100 The best aircraft of the TND family. It is the only aircraft to have a useful special weapon as well as even more stability and defence (although sacrifices some of its stability). Since as soon as the GR.1 kill bar is filled you get all of other aircraft of the family it renders both the GR.4 and ECR useless. It's also cheaper then them too :D -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5k4. TND ECR ------------------------------------------------- AR43 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 68 ANTI-AIR --- 59 STABILITY --- 69 ANTI-GROUND --- 63 MOBILITY --- 67 DEFENCE --- 80 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 05 ECMP OS: Green/Grey Camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: White/dark blue UNLOCK BY --- Fill the TND GR.1 kill bar COST --- 19000 OVERALL --- 60/100 With only two more missiles then the F-3, lower stats and a higher price the only reason that you may want to buy this aircraft is to try out the ECMP (although prepare to be disappointed.) You would have thought that they would give the ECMP to an aircraft with a lower mobility since this one can dodge missiles with the best of them. All round - not as good as the F-3 in every respect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5l. MiG-31 Family --------------------------------------------------- AR44 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =========================== Mig-31 Family > MiG-31m =========================== One of the best attack fighters in the mid-game the MiG-31s both lack the requisites for ground attack, but are unrivalled in the air. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5l1. MiG-31 Foxhound ----------------------------------------- AR45 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 97 ANTI-AIR --- 77 STABILITY --- 49 ANTI-GROUND --- 30 MOBILITY --- 53 DEFENCE --- 85 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 14 SAAM OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Blue/Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 9: Lit Fuse COST --- 14300 OVERALL --- 79/100 Defiantly one of the best fighters in the mid-game, it has a good supply of missiles, decent mobility (once again better then the stat suggests), very high defence and an abundance of special weapon ammo. The problem is as it is so large, if dog fighting goes lower down you run the risk of being hit by AA fire or unexpected SAMs, but the high damage resistance compensates for this. What it doesn't compensate for though is its rate of yaw, which is quite bad for a fighter. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5l2. MiG-31m ------------------------------------------------- AR46 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 97 ANTI-AIR --- 84 STABILITY --- 56 ANTI-GROUND --- 37 MOBILITY --- 63 DEFENCE --- 87 MISSILES --- 74 SPECICAL --- 14 XLAA OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Blue/Grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the MiG-31 kill bar COST --- 18400 OVERALL --- 81/100 Slightly better then the older version, but only just. It is a bit more expensive and has a slightly better weapon, but apart from that it is more or less the same aircraft. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5m. F-15 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR47 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ===================== F-15c > F-15e > F-15s/MTD ===================== Above average fighter family, although the first two are multirole type aircraft the F-15s/MTD is one of the best air superiority fighters in the game. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5m1. F-15c Eagle --------------------------------------------- AR48 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 73 STABILITY --- 61 ANTI-GROUND --- 37 MOBILITY --- 54 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 70 SPECICAL --- 10 SAAM OS: Silver RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Blue/Dark blue camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete mission 12a: Powder Keg COST --- 16200 OVERALL --- 71/100 A different alternative to the MiG. Both the F-15 and the MiG-31 share similar stats. The F-15c has a slower speed, but is much more agile and smaller then the bulky MiG, it also carries more missiles. Aesthetically pleasing too! -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5m2. F-15e Strike Eagle -------------------------------------- AR49 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 42 STABILITY --- 77 ANTI-GROUND --- 87 MOBILITY --- 55 DEFENCE --- 75 MISSILES --- 76 SPECICAL --- 14 SFFS OS: Dark Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Brown/Green camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F-15c kill bar COST --- 19900 OVERALL --- 69/100 This seems to me like a multirole aircraft which edges slightly more on the fighter side trying to be a bomber. Although reasonable stability and defence stop it from being bad at this role, it's obviously more suited to being used as an air-superiority fighter. Remember, since the anti-Air value is quite low, this is not an aircraft for the wingmen. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5m3. F-15s/MTD ----------------------------------------------- AR50 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 94 STABILITY --- 81 ANTI-GROUND --- 58 MOBILITY --- 89 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 76 SPECICAL --- 14 XMAA OS: White RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Grey/white camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the F-15c kill bar COST --- 22700 OVERALL --- 96/100 The most expensive and also the best fighter so far. This aircraft has all the requisites of an excellent air superiority fighter. It is also quite useful for attacking ground targets due to a high stability. Just watch out for damage. This is the best aircraft of the game so far but does take a long time to get and can be overshadowed by the later aircraft which you should have by the time you get it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5n. Su-27 Family ---------------------------------------------------- AR51 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================= Su-27 > Su-32 > Su-32 > Su-37 ============================= Now we are getting into some of the most advanced fighters in the game. The Su-27 family strike a balance between powerful AA fighters and powerful bombers. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5n1. Su-27 Flanker ------------------------------------------- AR52 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 74 STABILITY --- 55 ANTI-GROUND --- 38 MOBILITY --- 57 DEFENCE --- 61 MISSILES --- 72 SPECICAL --- 10 SAAM OS: Light blue/Silver camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 12b: Four Horsemen COST --- 16000 OVERALL --- 83/100 Not bad for a first tier aircraft. It is fast, mobile and has a lot of missiles for the longer missions. A good special weapon and a very low price also make this one of the best fighters available as the story progresses, but is soon outshined. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5n2. Su-32 Strike Flanker ------------------------------------ AR53 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 63 ANTI-AIR --- 51 STABILITY --- 79 ANTI-GROUND --- 96 MOBILITY --- 67 DEFENCE --- 78 MISSILES --- 80 SPECICAL --- 16 XAGM OS: Light blue/Silver camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill Su-27 kill bar COST --- 21500 OVERALL --- 82/100 The first real plane to over-take the A-10 in terms of performance. It doesn't have the resistance of the A-10, but it does have a high top speed and acceleration as well as long range missiles and a nice supply of normal missiles. Well worth investing in. Still no bombs though aggh! -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5n3. Su-35 Super Flanker ------------------------------------- AR54 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 93 STABILITY --- 73 ANTI-GROUND --- 56 MOBILITY --- 85 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 80 SPECICAL --- 14 XLAA OS: Light blue/Silver camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare BL: Dark Silver, some OADF symbols and 8492 in tail in light grey UNLOCK BY --- Fill Su-27 kill bar COST --- 21200 OVERALL --- 94/100 This is the aircraft the 8492nd use, and for good reason. A lot of good special weapons, blistering speed, excellent stability and mobility for turns and more missile than you can point a big missily stick at. This is one of the best fighters in the game full stop. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5n4. Su-37 Terminator ---------------------------------------- AR55 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 96 STABILITY --- 76 ANTI-GROUND --- 59 MOBILITY --- 93 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 82 SPECICAL --- 14 QAAM OS: Light/Dark brown camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Yellow Squadron, two-tone grey camouflage, yellow trim large yellow 13 UNLOCK BY --- Fill Su-35 kill bar COST --- 23700 OVERALL --- 98/100 One of the three of the regular plane 'superfighers' and my personal favourite. Although not blisteringly fast it remains very stable for slow, quick turns. It also has even more missiles then it's predecessors. If there is one thing that lets it down is its special weapon. Finally the special colour scheme is the Yellow Squadron, which automatically makes it the best :p ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5o. F-117 Family ---------------------------------------------------- AR56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ====== F-117a ====== Ironically, the best fighter in the game comes before the worst. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5o1. F-117a Nighthawk ---------------------------------------- AR57 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 39 ANTI-AIR --- 39 STABILITY --- 81 ANTI-GROUND --- 91 MOBILITY --- 38 DEFENCE --- 75 MISSILES --- 54 SPECICAL --- 16 GPB OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Black/Dark grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 15: White Noise COST --- 20100 OVERALL --- 31/100 Not the best bomber ever. It has an appalling top speed, terrible manoeuvrability, low missile capacity and a poor special weapon. It can however more-or-less stop in mid-air without stalling (isn't it the other way around on the actual plane?), hold lots of missiles and is one of the stealthiest planes out there. I wouldn't bother with this aircraft however as being a stealth plane has next to no effect in the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5p. JAS-39 Family --------------------------------------------------- AR58 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ====== JAS-39 ====== Single family multirole aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5p1. JAS-39c Gripen ------------------------------------------ AR59 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 78 ANTI-AIR --- 40 STABILITY --- 61 ANTI-GROUND --- 75 MOBILITY --- 68 DEFENCE --- 60 MISSILES --- 68 SPECICAL --- 12 RCL OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Green/Light brown camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 15: White Noise COST --- 17900 OVERALL --- 67/100 Although not a bad plane, the Gripen has no outstanding charicaristics. It is not the best fighter, bomber or multirole. It is useful in a pinch but if you have kept some of your other aircraft then you should have no real use for it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5q. Typhoon Family -------------------------------------------------- AR60 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======= Typhoon ======= Single family figher. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5q1. Typhoon ------------------------------------------------- AR61 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 86 ANTI-AIR --- 91 STABILITY --- 69 ANTI-GROUND --- 54 MOBILITY --- 85 DEFENCE --- 65 MISSILES --- 78 SPECICAL --- 14 XLAA OS: Light Brown RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Light Blue/Tan camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 16a: Desert Thunder COST --- 21500 OVERALL --- 97/100 Although not visually stunning, this is one of the best fighters in the game. Whist not as powerful as the Raptor or Terminator, the Typhoon has excellent mobility and speed, and can hold it's own against any regular plane. It also has very useful XLAAs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5r. Rafale Family --------------------------------------------------- AR62 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================= Rafale M > Rafale B ======================= Small and very capable the Rafale performs best at air-superiority. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5r1. Rafale M ------------------------------------------------ AR63 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 71 ANTI-AIR --- 50 STABILITY --- 68 ANTI-GROUND --- 84 MOBILITY --- 79 DEFENCE --- 63 MISSILES --- 74 SPECICAL --- 14 LASM OS: White RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare YK: Dark/Light grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 16b: Desert Lightning COST --- 21200 OVERALL --- 78/100 One of the best anti-ship planes in the game, it has the best special weapon for the job as well as being small and great either fast or slow. If the F-35c wasn't so good then this would be the definitive plane for missions for accurate strikes such as Sea of Chaos. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5r2. Rafale B ------------------------------------------------ AR64 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 71 ANTI-AIR --- 51 STABILITY --- 70 ANTI-GROUND --- 86 MOBILITY --- 81 DEFENCE --- 65 MISSILES --- 76 SPECICAL --- 14 SOD OS: Green camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Light blue with large flame UNLOCK BY --- Fill Rafale M kill bar COST --- 20800 OVERALL --- 87/100 Cheaper then the M version, the Rafale B has had the obligatory stat boost. It is made slightly less effective with its new special weapon. You may be better of spending the extra money on the M version. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5s. F-35 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR65 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======= F-35c ======= Single family anti-ship aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5s1. F-35c --------------------------------------------------- AR66 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 68 ANTI-AIR --- 57 STABILITY --- 79 ANTI-GROUND --- 91 MOBILITY --- 87 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 76 SPECICAL --- 14 LASM OS: Blue, light grey nose RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Light/Dark grey camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 16a: Desert Thunder COST --- 20500 OVERALL --- 94/100 Whilst the F-35 is not suited to attacking lone targets for a prolonged period of time (such as in Desert Arrow), it is easily the best aircraft for destroying small grouped targets in short missions. The aircraft shines most in Sea of Chaos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5t. YF-23 Family ---------------------------------------------------- AR67 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ====== YF-23a ====== Another single aircraft family. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5t1. YF-23a Black Widow II ----------------------------------- AR68 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 94 STABILITY --- 80 ANTI-GROUND --- 58 MOBILITY --- 83 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 80 SPECICAL --- 12 QAAM OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare BL: White Osea/Belkan design UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 16b: Desert Lightning COST --- 20500 OVERALL --- 94/100 Another extremely powerful aircraft similar to the Raptor. The aircraft is well suited to tightly packed dogfights such as missions like The Unsung War and Journey Home. It can also hold it's own against spread out targets, although in that role the special weapon is useless. Still the best aircraft to use for tight dogfights. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5u. F-22 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR69 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================== F-22 > FB-22 ================== The family the fanboys love. Other then that a small family of very capable, widely known/populer fighters. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5u1. F-22 Raptor --------------------------------------------- AR70 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 96 STABILITY --- 82 ANTI-GROUND --- 59 MOBILITY --- 88 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 80 SPECICAL --- 16 XMAA OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Mobius One, grey/white with ISAF and ribbon insignia, blue trim UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 17: Journey Home COST --- 24000 OVERALL --- 97/100 The tied best, none special Fighter of the game. Excellent turning, good special weapon and sick Mobius One colour. You will hear a lot about how this plane is the best in the game. Try it for yourself and see, the AC community have been split on this and the Terminator for a long time. In any case, this is a very competent fighter and well worth buying. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5u2. FB-22 Concept ------------------------------------------- AR71 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 54 STABILITY --- 89 ANTI-GROUND --- 99 MOBILITY --- 73 DEFENCE --- 78 MISSILES --- 82 SPECICAL --- 18 SOD OS: Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Blue with yellow horizontal lines. UNLOCK BY --- Filling the F/A-22 kill bar COST --- 24800 OVERALL --- 87/100 If you want unstoppable bombing wingmen then this is the plane for you. With an anti-ground ranking of 99 (the most it can have) your wingmen will repeatedly attack ground targets and more often then not, hit them. Although the high AG value, it still is not as good as the MIR-2000d or A-10 in my opinion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5v. Su-47 Family ------------------------------------------------------- AR72 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ================ Su-47 > S-32 ================ A rather unique fighter with wings that are frequently described as "the wrong way round". Even more capable fighters to choose from. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5v1. Su-47 Berkut -------------------------------------------- AR73 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 96 STABILITY --- 75 ANTI-GROUND --- 59 MOBILITY --- 91 DEFENCE --- 66 MISSILES --- 82 SPECICAL --- 14 SAAM OS: Silver camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare BL: Yellow/brown camouflage with a large B on the tail. UNLOCK BY --- Complete mission 17: Journey Home COST --- 23100 OVERALL --- 96/100 One of the best anti-aircraft, aircraft to put a wingman in. This plane is fast, turns extremely well, has good special weapons cool colour schemes and can soak up a surprising amount of damage for a fighter. It is also reasonably well priced. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5v2. S-32 ---------------------------------------------------- AR74 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 97 STABILITY --- 64 ANTI-GROUND --- 67 MOBILITY --- 98 DEFENCE --- 67 MISSILES --- 82 SPECICAL --- 14 QAAM OS: Light brown camouflage RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare BL: Grey/Silver/Black camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Fill the Su-47 kill bar COST --- 26200 OVERALL --- 97/100 One of the best fighters in the game, well up there with the Terminator, Raptor and Eurofighter. The S-32 has all of the aspects that you would expect to find in a quality fighter jet. The only negative point would be that it is slightly pricey for what you get. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5w. MiG 1.44 Family ------------------------------------------------- AR75 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======== MiG 1.44 ======== Strange, but very good aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5w1. Mig 1.44 ------------------------------------------------ AR76 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 76 ANTI-AIR --- 64 STABILITY --- 70 ANTI-GROUND --- 88 MOBILITY --- 96 DEFENCE --- 61 MISSILES --- 80 SPECICAL --- 18 UGBL OS: White, black flash on the nose RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Hamillton's aircraft, white, green stripes and Osean Air Defence Force written on the side. UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 25: Heartbreak One COST --- 26200 OVERALL --- 97/100 It may surprise you to learn that not only can this aircraft bomb targets into next year with a staggering amount of UGBLs, but it can also hold it's own against entire squadrons on fighters alone. It can be tricky to use well until you get used to it's strange handling, but once you do few of the game's aircraft can topple it. The best bomber in the game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5x. Hawk Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR77 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==== Hawk ==== The first of the bonus planes, this is actually an aerobatic aircraft. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5x1. Hawk ---------------------------------------------------- AR78 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 73 ANTI-AIR --- 51 STABILITY --- 34 ANTI-GROUND --- 16 MOBILITY --- 41 DEFENCE --- 42 MISSILES --- 56 SPECICAL --- 06 QAAM OS: Red/White RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Grey, blue trim written on the side. UNLOCK BY --- Complete Mission 25: Heartbreak One COST --- 5000 OVERALL --- 33/100 The first of the three bonus aircraft and the easiest to unlock, just finish the mission Heartbreak One. Fairly rubbish in all aspects, it is the training jets that the Wardog squadron used and the ones that you use to escape in Final Option. You are unlikely to use it much, but it's nice to see it as a selectable plane. Interesting note?: the normal colour for the aircraft is red as a reference to the UK's RAF display team the Red Arrows, who used this plane in their airshows. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5y. X-02 Family ----------------------------------------------------- AR79 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ==== X-02 ==== Erusia's trusty death-bringer -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5y1. X-02 Wyvern ------------------------------------------ AR80 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 78 ANTI-AIR --- 94 STABILITY --- 90 ANTI-GROUND --- 67 MOBILITY --- 99 DEFENCE --- 67 MISSILES --- 84 SPECICAL --- 14 XLAA OS: Light Grey RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Orange with horizontal black stripes UNLOCK BY --- Buy one of each plane except the FALKEN COST --- 39700 OVERALL --- 98/100 The old special plane from AC04 makes its welcome return, and it is just as unstoppable as last time. Good speed, ridiculous mobility, great stability, the best normal special weapon, lots of normal missiles, looks the business, has great colour schemes and a large price tag. Save up and get four, do your part for foreign imports! Interesting note?: As mentioned above, the X-02 Wyvern was the hidden aircraft in Ace Combat 04. If you have never played the game, look at the world map, there is another continent to the left of the continent Osea is on called Usea. In there is a country called Erusia, who made the plane, but never deployed it. See interesting (?) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 5z. FALKEN Family --------------------------------------------------- AR81 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======== FALKEN ======== Not really much to say about this plane other then it is the equivalent of just shooting the pilots before they even get in the cockpits. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 5z1. Falken ----------------------------------------------- AR82 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEED --- 83 ANTI-AIR --- 99 STABILITY --- 82 ANTI-GROUND --- 93 MOBILITY --- 99 DEFENCE --- 67 MISSILES --- 84 SPECICAL --- 14 TLS OS: Red RZ: Black with grey nose and red vertical stabiliser flare SP: Dark/Light blue camouflage UNLOCK BY --- Destroy the five FALKEN hangers in the missions COST --- 826000 OVERALL --- 99/100 Ah-ha! We come to the paradox of the Falken. This aircraft is the secret, unlockable aircraft for the game. And it is almost perfect, it has the best stats of all the planes in the game and the most powerful special weapon. Unfortunately, here's the paradox part. The plane is too good! It maybe just me, but using this makes the game a lot less fun. Although it is good to use just to see how much it kicks all the other aircrafts tails. See the DYK section for some facts about the Falken. =============================================================================== 6. THE WALKTHROUGH -------------------------------------------------------- AC00 =============================================================================== Amidst the eternal waves of time From a ripple of change shall the storm rise Out of the Abyss peer the eyes of a demon Behold the Ragriz, it's wings a black sheath The demon soars through dark skies Fear and death trail it's shadow Until men united wield a hallowed sabre In the final reckoning the beast is slain As the Demon sleeps man turns on man His own blood and madness spread throughout the earth From the depths of despair awaken the Razgriz It's raven wings ablaze with majestic might =============================================================================== --- #1 SHOREBIRDS AC01 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- HT BK 1: F-4 (no choice) BLAZE: F-5E (no choice) --- --- CHOPPER: F-5E (no choice) EDGE: F-5E (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Follow the lead aircraft (HTBRK ONE) closely # Hold your fire until further orders # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 1/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay, first mission in the game and surprise, surprise, it's really easy. For the first part, all you have to do is stay in formation and follow Bartlett (HTBRK ONE). As soon as you hear "Tally Ho, we've got company, let's go!" Hit L1 to slow down or you might hit one of the aircraft ahead of you. Turn right with the squadron and trail the SR-71. Continue following the squadron's formation, this time taking the left side as Edge falls back to the trail position. You will approach four enemy aircraft. However, you cannot shoot at them. Let them fire at you (they almost certainly miss) and then turn left through 180 degrees to intercept. After a bit of radio chatter, the aircraft become shootable and your objective changes to 'destroy the targets'. Use the tactics mentioned in the above section to get rid of them. If you have trouble with them, stay close to another wingman, Bartlett will destroy them in around 5 minutes. After they are destroyed another wave of MiGs arrive. Try to get a feel for shooting them down. If you have destroyed all the aircraft so far yourself you are treated to another wave. Shoot them down as well and your done. After they all go for a drink the mission ends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~1750 points, 20 minutes --- To get the S rank all you have to do is shoot down every plane in the first two waves yourself, then destroy the entire third wave as well as the named pilot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: GIGANTOR --- Destroy all of the first two waves yourself, GIGANTOR is behind the third wave. Make sure you take him out before the rest of them as the mission will end. UNLOCKS: HAWK 3rd colour =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #2 OPEN WAR AC02 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- HT BK 1: F-4 (no choice) BLAZE: F-5 (no choice) --- --- CHOPPER: F-5 (no choice) EDGE: F-5 (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 1/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once again you have no choice on your plane or command of the squadron, you're still only a nugget. Follow Heartbreak One to the UAVs and shoot them down. Bartlett doesn't engage so it's down to you, Edge and Chopper. This is a thinly veiled tutorial at using your gun. Line up the UAVs with the small dot when you get into gun range and fire a short burst. If it hit the UAV explodes, then move off to the next one. When the UAVs are destroyed a wave of fighters come from the west. Follow Bartlett away from them as Chopper falls behind. Soon after you are ordered to help out your fellow wingman, turn round and destroy any fighters that remain. After the cut scene it is mission complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~1000 points, 7 minutes --- The easiest mission in the game to get an S on (where it is not given automatically). Just afterburner to the UAVs, shoot them down with missiles and turn to vector 275. Stay with the aircraft until they become targets and shoot them down. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- NO NAMED PILOT =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #3 NARROW MARGIN AC03 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-5 (no choice) EDGE: F-5 (no choice) --- --- CHOPPER: F-5 (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Protect the aircraft carrier Kestrel from enemy attack as it escapes from port # Protect the aircraft carrier Kestrel form enemy attack as it escapes to open >>water ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you remember the mission Invincible Fleet from the last game, then this should be familiar. This time however you are defending the ships instead of sinking them and the first mission where you get to be the lead plane. Nagase will ask to cover your six, it doesn't matter how you reply she will still do it. Wow, this squadron is good at following orders aren't they? After you get to the battlefield give the order to disperse. You also have a fellow fighter, Swordsman flying an F-14, he cannot be commanded as part of your squad but will shoot down a couple of planes. As the mission starts I recommend you destroy the two A-6s ahead of you and then stick to the Kestrel shooting anything near it. When everything close by is gone, spread out and attack the other enemies, always keeping a check on the Kestrel, it can soak up damage but can also be destroyed and if it is then you have failed the mission. There will be more waves waiting for the Kestrel so keep attacking. When you hear a line about bodies floating in the waves and a short monologue courtesy of Chopper the mission begins the second phase. The main threat from this part of the mission is the NIMRODs that are flying over the Kestrel. For now concentrate on destroying the few enemy fighters that appear. Keep checking the east of the map for three aircraft flying together. When you see them, move to their six o'clock. They should be three NIMRODs flying towards the carrier. Use a combination of missiles and guns to take them down, note that sometimes the NIMRODs will spread out, hunt them down and destroy them before they make too many bombing runs at the Kestrel. When the first go down another group will appear, so take these out too. If you have trouble finding the NIMRODs (they are not identified as targets) head back over to the Kestrel, hold above it and one will come along soon enough. When the Kestrel starts getting close to the enemy ships (they are small white squares on the map), start attacking. Destroy the missile boats first to stop any distractions, then sink the rest of the fleet to complete the mission. NOTE- NIMRODs are quite large and will take three missiles to destroy. NOTE- If you do not destroy the enemy vessels in time then the Kestrel will attack them; providing it is not destroyed doing this it will trigger the end of the mission after it breaks through. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~9400 points, 18 minutes --- Amassing the required amount of points shouldn't be too hard with all of the targets in the first part of the level. To get as many as possible destroy all the first aircraft, then hang around the bridge for a flight of 3 more to come from the NNW, then the A-6s from the East that fly under the bridge. When they are destroyed the area should have about 5-8 (depending on the difficulty) more fighters inside. Take them all out yourself always going for the ones that a non-wingman aircraft is aiming for as their kills don't count towards your total. When the second part starts, destroy all the local fighters before going for the NIMRODS. After the waves are destroyed, get rid of any remaining aircraft and go for the ships. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: ZIPANG --- After the last Nimrod waves are down ZIPANG appears north west of the Kestrel and acts like any other AI fighter. Get him as soon as he appears, otherwise you will have to go looking for him. UNLOCKS: F-14 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #4 FIRST FLIGHT AC04 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-5 EDGE: F-5 --- --- CHOPPER: F-5 ARCHER: F-5 (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) # Protect Grimm (ARCHER) from enemy attack as he takes off ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 1/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before this mission starts, there is a cool cut scene of the base being bombed, be sure to use the right analogue stick to look outside the cockpit. After the scene you are required to take off. No planes will attack you while you do this and considering what you have been doing up to this point, it shouldn't be a problem. Destroy the two F-4s in front of you then turn all the way around to face Sand Island. There will be a mixture of bombers that are grouped together and will periodically fly over Sand Island, bomb the base, fly away and turn around for another run; and fighters that either fly alone, or in groups of up to four. If you are trying to just complete the mission without achieving the S rank, then head for the targets only. However, to do it the old fashioned way, take out any and all aircraft at your leisure. The bombers targets are random, but the base itself will be destroyed if it takes enough damage. When all the fighters are destroyed, or after a certain amount of time elapses there will be another short cutscene. Pops takes off and Grimm comes out of the hanger in Bartlett's F-5. From this point you have to guard Grimm as he makes his way towards the runway. Several more fighters and bombers enter the area, the bombers will attack the base again whilst the fighters will go for any remaining FRNDs, your squadron and Grimm. Take out all the bombers in the area (they are arrows with circles on the map) and use the right thumbstick to watch Grimm making sure that nobody is attacking him, soon you hear Grimm announce his take off and Chopper yell at him to cover his six. Another friendly will appear to the east of Sand Island, this is 'His Highness' Lieutenant Colonel Ford. For now take out any remaining fighters out there. Try to get rid of them all before he yells at Chopper. More fighters and bombers will now appear behind the Colonel. Hit disperse if you haven't done already, As soon as the new wave appears fight the bombers and take them down. When the last one falls it is mission complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~10,000 points, 20 minutes --- O_o That's a lotta lot of points to get for just a big dog fight with a couple of bombers thrown into the mix. Actually it is not that hard at all, it just takes strategy. Firstly, after mopping up the fighters directly ahead of you, turn and attack one of the groups of bombers, take them down and do the same for another one. Hit disperse in the order menu and ignore the last bomber unit and go after all of the fighters. Take them all out until only the remaining two bombers are left, which you should then down. After the Colonel is shot down, employ the same tactic again. Take out all but two of the bombers, destroy the fighters (including the second and third waves.) After there are no more, destroy the bombers and it is mission complete with the S, hoorah! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: MINDRIPPER --- Simple pilot to find and shoot down, the ace appears after you shoot down 2 enemy aircraft. He appears in the north west of Sand Island. UNLOCKS: F-4 3rd colour scheme ============================================================================== ============================================================================== --- #5 RENDEZVOUS AC05 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-5 EDGE: F-5 --- --- CHOPPER: F-5 ARCHER: F-5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OBJECTIVES: # Protect the three aircraft carriers including the KESTREL from enemy attack ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Keep flying straight and level when the mission starts and listen to the dialogue between Chopper and Thunderhead, the mission doesn't get going for a few more seconds. When the tempo of the music changes and enemies appear on radar change course to incept and put your squadron on attack. This mission is similar to Narrow Margin, only this time you have not one carrier to protect, but three! The Kestrel, Buzzard and Vulture can all take massive amounts of damage, but can also be sunk so always be aware of any enemies getting too close. Most of the attacks come in five main waves, but for now hit attack and destroy the aircraft that just appeared. There is now a mixture of Harriers and A-6s. Turn to intercept them, try to take one or two out before they past you, then turn around and destroy the rest of them. Now another wave will appear both east and west of the carriers. Since you should be in front of them still, take out the new wave. Then fly right over the carriers and destroy the others. You may have a hard time hitting the Harriers as they fly quite low and very slowly; finally, if you haven't already put your team on disperse. Another wave appears from the east and west again, these guys are more or less the same as wave two. The fourth wave comes from the west after there are two aircraft remaining in the third. Shoot them all down and stay west for the next group. Group five come in low from the east and west at around 900 feet. Go low and shoot them before they get in range, then head east and take out the other group, that should now be attacking the carriers, whew... If you are playing on Ace, this is where it gets slightly harder. A group of fighters appear far east, set the squad on attack and after burn it to them, they fire long range anti-ship missiles. In Normal mode each ship can take about seven of these, in Ace they can take about two or three, the missiles get more accurate the more advanced difficulty you're on. By the time you reach them, they would have probably already fired a few shots. Take the rest of them down and head back to the fleet. There will be a short scene where a ballistic missile falls on the fleet, the game positions you away from the blast however you won't get hit. After all the chatter, climb and hold position at any altitude above 5000 feet and stay there. After all the team and Swordsman survive the second shot, the mission is complete, if not a total success. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 9min 30sec --- The time for this mission can be a bit tight if this is your first time playing an Ace Combat game. The best way to complete the mission in the time limit, is to play the mission in the free mission mode after one completion. Use an aircraft with a high speed. Follow the walkthrough above as fast as possible using any special weapon you have. Try to clear the carriers airspace before the SXLAS fire. This may take a bit of practise to familiarise yourself with the mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot ============================================================================== Now would be a good opportunity use your money that you have collected throughout the last few missions to buy two F-16s, this increases the competency of your squadron. =============================================================================== --- #6 WHITE BIRD PT. i AC06 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-16 (F-5) EDGE: F-16 (F-5) --- --- CHOPPER: F-5 (F-16) ARCHER: F-5 (F-16) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) # Prevent the enemy target from reaching the mass driver ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a simple guard mission. Transport planes will drop tanks with parachutes, when they land they will charge for the Mass Driver (the big catapult). The Mass Driver itself has two perimeters of pillboxes, but these do very little damage. There are two ways that you can destroy the tanks: as they descend you can use your cannon to rupture the parachute, or when it lands, fire two missile at it to destroy it. If even one tank makes it to the mass driver it is mission failure. Check on your map, the tanks are marked as ground targets. When the mission starts, hit disperse, trail and shoot down the nearby transport plane, try to destroy it before it gets over land and starts dropping airborne tanks. If it survives it will drop two tanks. If it does start dropping try to hit their parachutes, causing them to fall to certain doom. More C-130s will have dropped more enemies. If you can hit some more before they get to the ground it will make your life slightly easier, if not then hit them with two missiles each. After two more tanks are destroyed, head to the next group. By the time they are gone yet more C-130s will have dropped more units of two tanks. Take them all out. The Yukes now take a different course of action. They launch cruise missiles at the Mass Driver, and priority moves to destroying them before they hit. The missiles themselves are a pain to hit from the front or side; instead, stick around the Mass Driver and watch your map with the square button. Several groups of two cruse missiles are heading towards it. Head over to any of them, fly past and turn through 180 degrees, fire a missile at both and head back to the Mass Driver. Choose the next closest target and rinse and repeat until the missiles stop coming. From there it is mission complete after the laser capsule takes off. The Mass Driver can take around 15 missiles before being destroyed. There is also another way to complete the mission. When the cruise missiles start heading your way, look on the map to see three lone targets in the corners. These are the B-2s firing the cruise missiles. Switch to attack and destroy them to stop the missiles, (you must do this fast as the mass driver will be getting hit). Don't bother keeping disperse on as your wingmen follow you anyway and more often you will pass them on your way back. Thanks to Rob Morgan for the info. **Note- Despite the short conversation at the start, the Arkbird will not come under fire in this mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~10,000 points, 15mins --- This is one of the easier missions to get an S in, all that is required is that you destroy everything. When the mission starts, let the C-130 drop it's tanks, then destroy it. Turn right and destroy the next transport, then right and the next one etc. When the transports have all been shot down or otherwise left the area concentrate on the tanks. When they are all wreckage destroy the fighters around the area and wait for the missiles to come. Take them all out as you normally would to get the S. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: ZAHARADA --- When the cruise missile are being fired he starts near a random B-2 and flies towards the Mass Driver. Unlocks: MIR-2000d 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== You should have enough money for two A-10s at this time. If not then I recommend using the trusty ol' F-5E. Also if you have the left over money get another F-16. =============================================================================== --- #7 FRONT LINE AC07 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: A-10 (F-16) EDGE: F-16 (F-5e) --- --- CHOPPER: A-10 (F-5e) ARCHER: F-16 (F-5e) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Prevent the enemy (HOVERCRAFT, AH-64) from advancing east # Prevent the enemy fleet from firing on Sand Island # Destroy the SCINFAXI # Avoid burst missile attacks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once again Sand Island is under attack, this time you have all the nuggets that you brought back from Hierlark base flying with you, don't get too attached to them though. Survey the area with the square button, there are a lot of baddies and you can't let them escape to the east, or they will land on Sand Island. What you are facing are: Frigates, Cruisers, Hovercraft and Helicopters. The Frigates are the fastest boat and will race towards Sand Island, the Cruisers move slower and provide heavy support for the other units, the hovercraft will swarm at Sand Island, using numbers to bludgeon their ways through your air assault and the AH-64 choppers cover all other units. Not to mention fighters trying to distract you. Make sure you disperse the squadron and allow special weapons. Your wingmen won't do too much in the way of sinking stuff but will engage enemies while you attack. The nuggets on the other hand generally waft around and get shot at. When the mission starts head over to the front of the attacking forces. These will be a mixture of hovercraft, frigates and AH-64s. Use your AG missiles (if in the A-10, bombs for the F-16) on the ships and insert missiles in the hovercraft and choppers. Peel off to the left and start taking out the forces flank leaving any fighters to your squadron; help them out if they're getting overwhelmed. With the left side gone, pick of all the remaining assault force, but try to save some special weapon ammo, you're going to need it in a few minutes. Listen out for Nagase mentioning a sub launched missile. Then wait until Thunderhead starts counting down, when he does ascend to 5000 ft. Before the missile impacts, the Arkbird destroys it, so head back down and make sure no targets cross the line to Sand Island. The Scinfaxi fires another missile, this time there's no need to go up to 5000 ft. The Scinfaxi now launches several missiles, the sona-bouy has been disabled and the Arkbird can't target anything. When Thunderhead starts counting down go above 5000ft and wait until the blast clears. Destroy what remains of the Yuke invasion fleet and wait for the first 'boss' of the game. The Arkbird will fire at the Scinfaxi and cause it to surface. For a ship that spends most of it's time underwater it has a massive amount of AA weapons. Stay high and out of it's way. Change to what special weapon ammo you have left and shoot everything you have at it's facilities, you want to be aiming for the named target 'Scinfaxi'. Only attach the Scinfaxi after it launches a burst missile, then go above 5000ft, wait for the explosion then attack again etc. When everything is destroyed avoid flying over the Scinfaxi, Arkbird will shoot it again and a new target opens up. Switch to attack and destroy the sub to complete the mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~17,000 points, 20mins --- Another quite high margin for getting the S grade, but still no time limit to worry about. The easiest way of getting the S in this mission is to just choose a fast, well armed plane (the F-35c is perfect for this) and destroy everything wildly. Make sure both waves of assault forces are gone before the Scinfaxi fight. During your clearing of the assault forces, don't try to dodge the first two burst missiles since none of them detonate. Just remember to dodge the third one, and the ones lauched when fighting the Scinfaxi. The most annoying part of this mission (on Ace especially) is being destroyed when trying to attack the grossly over-protected submarine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #8 HANDFUL OF HOPE AC08 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-16 EDGE: F-16 --- --- CHOPPER: F-16 ARCHER: F-5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Escort the transport plane (C-5) to the north of the map # Avoid the AA systems indicated as circles on your radar # Protect the transport plane (C-5)from enemy attack ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Take a look at the map, in the middle are a stretch of 'bubbles'. This is the AA engagement zone; also look to your left, you only have Nagase with you for now. Keep flying on your original heading and listen to the radio chatter, soon there will be a cut-scene. Now you have to escort a transport aircraft to the other side of the engagement zone. Easy? Well actually no. It is not broadcasting a valid transponder code, so if it falls into a defence zone it will be fired at. Quite why the squadron have taken to guiding unidentified aircraft which no friendly transponder through their countries lines of defence is unknown. Hmmmm. The transport cannot turn too well, so any sharp turns will leave them heading straight into an engagement zone. The key to this mission is the rudder, using it to make slow wide turns that keep the escort plane on course. As for acceleration, I recommend that unless you are on a stright leave the L1 and R1 buttons alone and let the plane fly normally (you will not stall). So head for the entrance ahead and hang on. **Note- this map is elaborated to give the general idea, the exact shape is slightly different (mainly there is not as much room). However, the route is explained as you will find it below the map. E XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX X XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (5)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX (4) 0 XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 0 0 (2) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (3)X 0 XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXX 0 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXX 0 XX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXX 0 XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXX 0 X XX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXX 0 (1) XXXXXXXX \(A)/ 0 XXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXX 0 0 XXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 0 XXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 0 0 XXXXXX 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX S XXXXXXXXXXXXX DIRECTIONS- 1) After entering, follow the path until you get to a right turn. At this point turn to the area shown as (2). 2) From here turn back south and around ridge (A), then follow it round to the north. 3) Follow the hairpin turn all the way around to point west. there is a small bubble in the centre of the turn, make sure you go around the outside to give the transport best angle to turn (you will also get an update about your turning from the captian). 4) Mind the bump on the way out by moving slightly south. 5) Turn north west to miss the last bubble. The exit also has a zone in the middle, both sides are wide enough for all the planes to pass through easily however. There are several other zones along the flight path so use the rudder to avoid them, the very small circles however are safe for both aircraft to fly through except on Ace. It's strange that they would leave such a gaping hole in the AA system isn't? Anyway... As soon as you exit the system your mission updates and the C-5 flies north west away from the enemy who is approaching from the extreme North, Chopper and Archer fly on from the south to back you up. Fly for the nearest wave of fighters and shoot them down. Then head back and take out the next wave. If a single plane escapes you and gets close to the transport immediately fly back and take it out. Also, if the enemy stats swarming all over the transport, shoot as many as possible whilst on Attack then fly off. Most of the ones you hit should follow you. One more wave later and the remaining fighters retreat and now it's time to fight a far more lethal enemy.. windmills! Head back to your escort and search for ground targets, there are several cluttered around the flight path of the transport. Take them out and kill any remaining fighters in the area (but do not chase them). More ground targets appear a few seconds later, take the last of them out. You have only about 1 minute to do this so you should be close to the transport when they appear. When they are all gone, the plane lands and the 8492nd Squadron come in and take over, mission complete! **Note- Did you get the reference to AC04? The C-5 was heading to North Point in Usea (A major location in the last game as ISAF's last base). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~3600 points, 15mins --- Getting an S in Handful of Hope is sometimes more challenging then people think. All you have to do is shoot down all of the enemy fighters that come over the border in the second half of the mission. This added to the bonus for hitting the windmills gets you the S. Once again, it is sometimes better to do this in Free mission when you have several fast planes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== Using your money from the last mission buy some more A-10s. =============================================================================== --- #9 LIT FUSE AC09 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: A-10 (F-5) EDGE: A-10 (F-5) --- --- CHOPPER: A-10 (F-5) ARCHER: A-10 (F-5) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: #Protect the ground forces (CO.A-D) and neutralise enemy defence positions (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is mostly an air support mission. Along the beach there are several defence positions in the form of Pillboxes, and Tanks. When the mission starts hit disperse and special weapons, then make your way to the beach ahead of the ground team. Whilst the companies row their way to their landing sites you have the opportunity to clear the way. Take a look on the map to see where they will land and take out the resistance waiting for them. To do this, it's much easier to fly to one end of the beach and make your way to the other side while using your special weapons, missiles and guns to selectively bomb enemies laying in wait, then turn completely around and do the same. After the units land more enemies appear. Switch to normal missiles and keep flying from one side of the beach to the other, wiping out the enemies that happen to be closest to your ground forces. When the squads get to the hills TGTs will appear. You need to place priority in attacking these as they can decimate your forces. After they are down move to using the same beach-combing tactic, only over the hills. Make sure that there are no tanks or pillboxes blocking any of your forces movements. The bunkers you attacked before flash up as targets again, so take them out for good, by this time there probably won't be too many enemies left, so just go where you are needed most. After a while two more targets flash up, then again. Finally your allies will make it to the fortress (the pentagon looking thing). From here on, stick around and destroy the two guns at the front to give your allies the best chance of moving inside while attacking any enemies and TGTs that pop up. When the ground forces get into the centre it's mission complete, and from what score you got one of the ground teams messages will be different. Because of the hectic nature of this mission and they way it can be different each time you play it, it's not possible to tell you which units to attack first. A unit in a deadly position on one try maybe completely harmless another. because of this it is easier if you 'beach-comb' or otherwise go where you are most needed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~8000 points, 10mins --- Finishing the mission in the time limit can be quite a task in this mission. To get the S rank I would recommend using a fast plane with a lot of bombs (the MIR-2000 is a good choice). Use the map to look for targets and bomb, missile and gun them all. Use bombs to destroy all the targets as soon as they pop up and use your current score to estimate how many aircraft you have to shoot down to get to 8000. The beach combing tactic takes too long to be used if you're going for the S. Instead just hang around and destroy everything that you can. The less resistance, the faster the ground units can go. If you do get the S, the ground unit's message will be 'you're a father'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #10 BLIND SPOT AC10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIR-2000 EDGE: F-16 --- --- CHOPPER: F-16 ARCHER: F-16 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy the target (TGT) before it escapes the map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 4/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The main reason this mission is difficult is because you have to move very fast to destroy all the transports before they exit the map. When the mission starts switch your command to attack and enable special weapons. Then go up to 22000 and about 3/4s acceleration. You should see a small white plane ahead with no markers (this makes it hard to spot if you don't know where to look). Get close to it and trail it until a marker appears after Grimm notices that they are jammers, Shoot down the E-767. Ignore the transports and use your afterburners to move ahead to the group in front. Stay at 22000 and destroy the next E-767. Move to the last group and take down the last E-767, then the transports below. Now move back to the group that you destroyed the second jammer (the one ahead of the first group). Take out all the transports, then do the same for the last group. While doing this mission you'll hear the 8492nd attack a civilian target, when Thunderhead asks you if you opened fire on a civilian building, reply no and continue mopping up the transports. When they are wreckage the mission is complete. **Note- Don't shoot any transports until the jammers are down as they create false signals. This means you may end up wasting missile firing at targets that don't exist. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~13,000 points, 9mins --- Another tricky mission to get the S rank on if you are using the early aircraft. If you are on free mission it's simple case of doing the above guide fast. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: DUNE --- The toughest named pilot to shoot down, not because he is hard to shoot down, but because he is so far away from everything else on a mission where time is already tight. Because of the distance that you need to travel, I recommend doing this mission in the MiG-31m on free mission. When the mission starts, shoot down the E-767s as described. When the attack on the civilian target happens, there is an aircraft to the south-west, almost at the point where you started. This is the named pilot. Before going over, destroy all the second group and all but the most southerly of the next. Now race to the named pilot and take him out using a XLAA. Then using as much speed as you can get, get to the last target and destroy it before it flies of the edge of the map with a few XLAAs. Unlocks: EA-6B 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== During the and of the mission Chopper will ask a question about a song called 'Face of the Coin'. Your answer will decide which two mission you get next. None of them are particularly hard, but I recommend pressing 'no' as Reprisal and Four Horsemen are more interesting missions. Press 'yes' for Chain Reaction and Powder Keg or 'no' for Reprisal and Four Horsemen. =============================================================================== --- #11a CHAIN REACTION AC11 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-16 EDGE: F-16 --- --- CHOPPER: F-16 ARCHER: F-16 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) # Protect the airport from enemy attack ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The harder of the two missions, although not by a whole lot. You must defend the airport from attack by a group of extremist Yuke fighters. When the mission starts, order attack and destroy the F-14s to the north. When they are destroyed head west and destroy the advancing fighters at 6000 ft. When they are destroyed watch the tanks come out of the transports and head back to the airport, all targets must be destroyed before the tanks can destroy the airport (around six and a half minutes). Set the order to disperse and start focusing on the tanks, which take 2 missiles to beat. After all of the tanks are gone aim for the transport aircraft, and then the airborne ones. After the ground troops are gone, more enemy fighters appear from the south. Shoot them all down to complete the mission. **Note- When attacking the tanks and transports take some time to get rid of some of the fighters that are aiming at the civilian aircraft, if one is destroyed, the mission fails. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~0 points, 8mins --- Once again, this is a simple speed mission. Destroy everything fast! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #11b REPRISAL AC12 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIR-2000 (no choice) EDGE: MIR-2000 (no choice) --- --- CHOPPER: MIR-2000 (no choice) ARCHER: MIR-2000 (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Neutralise the poison gas using your special weapon # Pursue the terrorists ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While the attack is going on at the airport, you have to stop chemical weapons in this collage town. When the mission starts hit disperse and allow special weapons. The gas does not appear on your radar but it's fairly obvious where it's coming from. It is better if you use the first person view to complete this mission as it gives you a 360 degree view without either the cockpit or the plane getting in the way. To stop the gas bombs, you must equip your special weapon, then aim the piper directly at the base of the gas. The chemical weapons are invisible targets that can only be destroyed by your special weapon, if you hit is you will get a target destroyed sign on your HUD. The city is placed on two sides of a river, with gas attacks on both ends. Since it is closer attack all the gas bombs on the west side, then move east and get the rest of them, you will know when either side is free of gas by an announcement from the police. After all the gas is neutralised, there will be a police chase between the cops and terrorists. Your mission objective changes and the terrorist vehicle is marked. There isn't a whole lot to do at the minute except to watch them go, is it just me or are you reminded of Micro Machines? Annnyway... the terrorists will throw dangerous, things like gatling guns and TVs (?) at the police. Just ignore them and for the time being watch the chase. The terrorist's truck cannot be targeted but will take damage if you shoot it with your gun, destroying it will fail the mission though. The police will assemble a blockade on a nearby bridge, when the terrorists get there helicopters will come in to pick them up. These are already at close range, so don't let them get any closer to the bridge. You only have guns to work with for this mission so you'll have to get in range to shoot them. The helicopters use the buildings to avoid being hit so don't go too fast or you'll smash into them yourself. After the three waves of helicopters are destroyed it's mission complete and the dad get to go home to his daughters birthday HOORAY! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~0 points, 10mins --- Another time mission, destroy the stuff that the terrorists throw at the police if you feel like it. Most of the time here is taken up on the police chase so don't be fooled by the nice time limit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #12a POWDER KEG AC13 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-29 EDGE: MIG-29 --- --- CHOPPER: F-16 ARCHER: F-16 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated Targets (TGT) # Adjust your angle of attack when firing into a tunnel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This time you are destroying a weapons storage facility. For this entire mission you will get the warning alarm as there are supposed to be troops in the jungle with SAMs. These are not targetable, but when you go too low they will fire at you. You targets are the tunnels. They are protected so bombs and normal missile attacks won't work. You have to go low to the ground, find the opening and shoot a missile into the tunnel. There are not a lot of targets to get, and a whole load of side enemies so this is a perfect opportunity to score large amounts of points and get more credits to get better planes. Switch your orders to disperse and start destroying the targets, when there is only one left destroy the remaining enemy facilities until you have only 1 minute left (or you destroy them all), then hit the last target and complete the mission. As far as missions go this is not a very interesting one, and there is not a lot of help that can be given other then what has already been said. Remember look out for those SAMs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the FALKEN: Destroy a FALKEN hanger. --- Look down, there is a river below, fly above it until you get to a fork, follow it to the east and look ahead. A target labelled 'Hanger' will appear, destroy it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~10,000 points, 20mins --- Get the S rank as detailed in the above walkthrough. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #12b FOUR HORSEMEN AC14 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-29 EDGE: MIG-29 --- --- CHOPPER: F-16 ARCHER: F-16 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Synchronise you attacks with your wingmen to destroy enemy radar sites # Destroy all indicated targets (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In my opinion one of the best missions in the game, you must work together with the rest of your squadron to destroy each TGT at precisely the same time. Take a look at your radar, there are four targets on four lines, if you pass one of these line without first destroying it's radar site then it's fission mailed time. However, there are also 3 more hidden targets on each row, and they all must be destroyed at the same time, see where this is going? Each squadron member takes a target, remember the ones they go for do not show up on your radar, leave them to it. Head to your closest target, the objective is to destroy it when Nagase says 'now!'. Then move to the next one. During the attack (presumably because Blaze has this thing against talking) Nagase is leading. Head to the first target and try to have it on screen when she says 'mark'. Keep moving towards your target. Try to be around 9000 feet away when she counts down from ten. Depending where you are you should alter the time you fire at the radar. Normally, it takes a missile about one second to travel just over 1000 ft. Use this gauge to work out when to fire: Dist. in feet - Time to missile hit (seconds) Less then 500 ft - less then 1/2 1000 ft - 1 1500 ft - 1 1/2 2000 ft - 2 Remember, you have to destroy the radar, not fire on zero. You also get about a second either way so it doesn't have to be absolutely accurate, the trickier part is getting there at just the right time, if you arrive too early you will have to brake hard and may end up stalling or flying past the radar line, getting there too late means you can't fire in time and the mission is a failure. Also, remember you cannot fly past the target or you will fail the mission. After you destroy the radar you can breath easy, at least for a few seconds. The stations get closer with each passing line, so you will have to take your aircraft to a slow speed to match the others, try not to fly too fast and end up turning as chances are you will miss the next shot. Again destroy the radar in time with the others. For the next target you have to speed up to get close to in time, again destroy it and the final one. One of the more annoying things in this mission is your wingmen may make a mistake and the attack run is aborted. If this happens break off and try to get back into a position where you can fire when the countdown restarts. When you get all the way through the radar network switch to attack and head to the far end of the base to destroy the C-5s on the taxi and runways. It's hard to get them all on the ground, so blast the rest while they're flying away. Like Power Keg, this is a great excuse to get a lot of money, there's lots of targets and time so reduce the base to rubble. Destroy all but one target first, then attack everything else, then as the time is about to run out, or you destroy everything, get the last target for maximum effect. Remember, the hangers have targets in them too, destroy the hangers and then attack the AA facilities inside them from up high. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the FALKEN: Destroy a FALKEN hanger. --- Another easy one. While destroying things leave the 'Smokestacks' on the eastern side. Every now and again when a new batch of targets open up look to see if there is a enemy 'Hanger' near the smokestacks. If so destroy it, if not stick around destroying other things until it comes up. To confirm it's destruction listen for the message from Thunderhead: 'parts found in enemy hanger we'll ask the ground forces to retrieve them later'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~15,000 points, 20mins --- There's not really much more to say other then destroy all but one of the targets, then all of the side enemies, then the last target for an easy S grade. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot ============================================================================= =============================================================================== --- #13 DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ AC15 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-29 EDGE: MIG-29 --- --- CHOPPER: MIG-29 ARCHER: MIG-29 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Maintain altitude below 1000 feet (300 metres) and approach the target area # Your approach has been detected. The HRIMFAXI will fully submerged in 1 >>minute. Attack it before it does. # Destroy the HRIMFAXI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remember all the way back when you had to sink the submarine Scinfaxi? Didn't you enjoy it? Well now you have to do it all again... in less than one minute. Easy! But first, we have to do some air-to-air re-fuelling, a new feature in an AC game. Check the relevant part of the guide (before the mission section) if you need help (find and BC04, then scroll up a bit). Okay, enough talk, let's sink something! For the first part you are not allowed to go above 1000 feet. You should not have trouble with this, but if it makes you feel better, press and hold the two back shoulder buttons to make the auto pilot keep you straight and level. When you pass one of the submarines, a timer appears, the Hrimfaxi will now dive in 60 seconds. Afterburner it all the way to the sub and fire two missiles or an air-to-ground missile if you happen to be carring them. Two missiles will disable it. After a short scene, the Hrimfaxi surfaces and shoots UAVs and a burst attack towards the Osea ground offensive. Like the Scinfaxi, the Hrimfaxi also has a large number of powerful AA weapons. Try to ignore these and focus on hitting the TGT. Also like it's sister ship, it will keep launching burst missiles at you. Use the same tactic as before: Fire then climb then fire etc. After a few passes, you should destroy it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~6700 points, 20mins --- This takes quite a lot of speed to get the S. Use something like the F-22 or MiG-31m. From the start, afterburn towards the picket subs. Destroy the first one and turn left. Start destroying as many as you can before the timer gets to around 25 seconds, then destroy the Hrimfaxi and supply sub, then the rest of the picket. You don't have to get them all, but about three quarters of them is good. Now destroy the AA gear on the Hrimfaxi (all but the TGT), when they are gone destroy the aircraft around it. Finally sink the Hrimfaxi and complete the mission with a well earned S. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot ============================================================================== !!SPOILERS!! - If you haven't got up to this mission yet then it is not recommended that you read on as the plot starts to get going. =============================================================================== --- #14 ICE CAGE AC16 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-31 EDGE: MIG-31 --- --- CHOPPER: MIG-31 ARCHER: MIG-31 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Find and destroy all Targets (TGT) located throughout the map # Protect the SEA GOBLIN helicopter team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keep flying on your starting heading until you see enemies on the radar, hit attack for your wingmen. After you have taken them all out, three more groups will appear. These fighters have some stealth capabilities so you may not be able to detect them until you get close. Shoot down the remaining enemy planes; you'll know you got them all after the mission updates. Sea Goblin appears in the south east corner of the map, there are also several enemy AA weapons. Destroy all weapons that threaten the helicopters. When the first wave is destroyed another comes up, so take them out as well. When the choppers land go up to a safe altitude and watch the Sea Goblin team carry out their work. - - - !!SPOILERS START!! - - Before the mission ends, Nagase is shot down and the Gunship crashes into a mountain in the bad weather. Way to go Nagase! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~0 points, 11mins --- As with all the timed missions there is nothing really to say apart from do the above things fast. :D ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #15 WHITE NOISE AC17 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-31 --- --- CHOPPER: MIG-31 ARCHER: MIG-31 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Search for Nagase (EDGE) by following the distress beacon signal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 4/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the hardest missions in the game and also one of my favourites. It's time to rescue Nagase! There is a new instrument below your compass, that's your locater signal. The two dotted lines move closer together the closer you get to her direction, and the beeps get faster the closer you get. But first there is the small matter of enemy planes to take care of. Switch to attack and shoot them down. Next start flying in a 360 degree turn left or right. Watch the signal reader and when the dots meet fly that heading. As you get closer the beeps will increase. When you get close, a jammer AWACs appears. Look up to find it and shoot it down. Afterwards, keep following the locator until finally Edge appears as a friendly marker. Note, you do not have to fly ultra low for it to work. I would tell you where to find her, but where would the fun be in that? Also it changes to a random position every time ;) When you get Nagase on your radar Sea Goblin comes back and flies to her location. Head over there and clear all the AA weapons that appear under it, and take out the gunships and aircraft shooting at it. Use your aircraft as a distraction. Switch to attack and shoot all the planes while the helicopter heads over to Nagase. When you've got all the planes, head back over to Sea Goblin who should be near her by now. Shoot the helicopters and planes surrounding it and don't let them target the helicopter. It will eventually stop over Nagase and it's mission complete. Chopper asks you whether one of his favourite songs would be appropriate right now. With that done, the mission ends successfully. Getting through this mission is all about getting the enemy fighters away from Sea Goblin, see the tip below. Once they are gone it is just a matter of wiping up stragglers, making sure there are no AA weapons that threaten the helicopter and listen to the radio chatter. **NOTE- if there are a lot of aircraft attacking Sea Goblin, fire at as many aircraft as you can and then fly away from them. Most will follow you instead of attacking the chopper, meaning you can take them out safely. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~8000 points, 8mins --- Getting the points shouldn't be a problem with all the aircraft that go after sea goblin. You may find that you get the S on your first playthrough anyway. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: DAREDEVIL --- When the E-767 jammer appears this Ace is just to it's east and slightly behind. Unlocks: X-29a =============================================================================== At the end of White Noise Chopper again asks you about the Face of the Coin song. Replying 'yes' gives you Desert Arrow and 'no' gives you Desert Thunder. Desert Thunder is the easier one, so if you have been having trouble so far go for that, otherwise I would recommend Thunder. =============================================================================== --- #16a DESERT ARROW AC18 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-15 EDGE: F-15 --- --- CHOPPER: A-10 ARCHER: A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Score at least 10000 points within the time limit # Continue to destroy enemy forces until the time runs out # Destroy all indicated targets (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This makes a change from the last scenery doesn't it? There are two friendly positions that need protecting so allow special weapons and disperse the squad. This mission is like a juggling act, knowing where to be to provide the most effective cover for the allies attack and not neglecting one group while you spend all of your time mopping up insignificant light defence for the other. When fighters appear over the eastern attack force move in and shoot them all down. Next is the central force, who will also run into aircraft. Keep an ear out for the two sitreps that come it from the two forces, listen to which one (if any) need the most cover and head over to them. **NOTE- The bomber force (the eastern group) are the most vulnerable. They will all take serious damage by enemy fighters so although you shouldn't neglect the tank force (central group) always keep a watchful eye on the eastern side. Keep up the escort and try to avoid losing any bombers to maximise the damage they do. When a large amount of enemies appear ahead of the central battle group, head over and help bomb the enemy airfield. When everything is taken care of, head up to the top-centre of the map (it should appear as a large group of enemies on the map) and bomb them. You should just be destroying the last of the HQ when the time runs out and you should have easily amassed 10000 points by now. When the time runs out, providing you have enough points, an AWACs appears in the centre of the map. These guys have a lot of escorts, so take them all out first since there's a healthy time limit. You may run out of missiles while doing this, if so either focus on the enemy fighters or AWACs with your guns or just fly around the fight and let your wingmen shoot everything. After the AWACS and refuelling planes go down, it's mission complete. Now it is time to land on the strip you just captured. As normal it is a nice easy landing in a well-lit area, just stop anywhere on the runway. If you need help on landing look under the landing section of the tutorial above the missions section. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the FALKEN: Destroy a FALKEN hanger. --- Not too difficult. Start from the airfield and head over to the HQ, about half way between them a hanger target will appear. Destroy it to get closer to the 900,000 credit death ship. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~21,500 points, 20mins --- Although this looks like a joint ground/air target mission, you will do a lot better if you just use the best AA fighter you have. The advantages being, you can attack ground targets just as easily with missiles and guns; since all the ground targets are spread out, bombs don't really do much damage and fighters are the main enemy in this mission anyway. When the mission first starts head straight over to the eastern group and fly just behind the bombers. When the first enemies appear take them down, as well as the second wave the follows if you took them all out. Now head over to the tanks in the central area. Make sure that they're safe from the numerous enemies that appear. Then head north and start attacking the base, always keeping an eye on the expanded map to see if there is any trouble with the bombers or tanks. After a short time more fighters will move towards the bombers. By this time the majority of the base should be destroyed and the tanks should be close by. Head back over as fast as possible and destroy the fighters. While there is no immediate threat to the FRNDs start destroying the enemy HQ. Take out the FLAK guns near the centre so your bombers can get through unscathed. Also be sure to take out the HQ yourself, its worth the missiles believe me ;) Clear any fighters that may have tagged onto the bomber squadron and head back to the airfield to cover the tanks from the enemies which pop up. After they report the base captured and the HQ is being bombed unopposed finish off any enemies that may be lurking around. When the mission updates head over to the new targets. The first order is to actually attack the fighters since the TGTs don't actually go anywhere and don't put up serious defensive fire. When all the fighters go down check for any other non-target enemies that could be destroyed, and when you're ready bring down the TGTs to complete the S grade. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #16b DESERT THUNDER AC19 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-15 EDGE: F-15 --- --- CHOPPER: A-10 ARCHER: A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Score at least 10000 points within the time limit # Continue to destroy enemy forces until the time runs out # Destroy all indicated targets (TGT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This mission is very similar to Desert Arrow, only with more enemies. There are two friendly forces that need protecting. A central one going after the oil facility and a western one that's trying to capture the local airstrip. However both are blocked by tanks and soon you will get several air support requests. Activate disperse and special weapons and go to work. Unlike in Desert Arrow, you cannot just destroy one wave of enemies and leave your allies to take their time to get to the base, this is the area with the thickest fighting and enemies will constantly block your tanks movements. Head over to the central group and take out the A-10s bombing your tanks. Then the enemy tanks that are shelling the allies. When the path is clear do the same for the next group. For now take out any fighters in the area and keep destroying the enemy positions as they block the forces. Listen for the sitreps of the combat area and use it to judge what needs the most support. When you get a break head to the oil refinery and start softening up the defence, when the tanks arrive move to the airstrip and do the same. While you do this keep checking your map that enemies don't block your troops. Also be wary of any A-10s as they do a lot of damage quite quickly. When the time runs out and you have 10000 points head to the targets just north of the airstrip the tanks captured. Destroy all the targets starting with the battleship to complete the mission. Landing time now. Line up the crosshairs (localizer and glide slope if you want to be technical) and hit the runway, well not hit as much as gently touch down. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the FALKEN: Destroy a FALKEN hanger. --- Like the last hanger, this FALKEN target is located between the two main areas. Fly from one to the other and you will come across a lone hanger to destroy. Mmm, can almost smell that laser can't you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~24,000 points, 20mins --- To get the best chance of getting an S grade, choose your best fighter. Head to the central section first and take out the units blocking the way, as well as the A-10s bombing the tanks. Now do the same with the ones on the western side. Take out the fighters that are flying around the immediate area, but do not go too far out just yet. In a few minutes more blockaders appear ahead of your forces. Help them deal with it and head to the oil refinery, which you must now damage while keeping an eye for the last blockade that appears. After the third line goes down and the oil refinery is out of action head to the airfield, taking out any fighters you meet along the way. The tanks should get there a few minutes after you arrive so take the opportunity to cause serious damage to their defences. Take the last few moments of the mission to clear any tanks from around the bases which should now have been captured. The mission updates and a destroyer appears. Take out it's onboard SAMs and AA guns, then concentrate on the fighters. When the entire area is clean of hostiles finish of the destroyer, and give yourself a pat on the back and an S grade. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: ABELCAIN --- After the mission updates and the destroyer appears waves of fighter protect it, Ablecain is in the third wave. Unlocks: EA-6b 3rd paint scheme ============================================================================== *** *** !! ZOMG SPOILERS !! There are going to be spoilers until the end of the game in case you forgot. Look not here lest the story spoiled be! *** *** =============================================================================== --- #17 JOURNEY HOME AC20 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIG-31 EDGE: MIG-31 --- --- CHOPPER: MIG-31 ARCHER: MIG-31 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Follow your wingmen closely # Intercept the enemy fighters # Protect the airspace until reinforcements arrive. # Destroy all enemy fighters (F-117) # Protect the stadium from enemy attack #Intercept the enemy fighters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another mission that involves Edge leading the formation and you stuck in the trail position (providing you played Four Horsemen). For the first part of the mission, you are participating in an aerial display. The squadron do a series of climbs, descents, a four-point roll over the stadium, a turn and a high speed fly-by. Begin the mission in first-person view and try to keep Archer and Chopper just on the speed and altitude displays to stay in the correct formation. When the count hits 2:34:00 pitch up to 45 degrees and stay in formation, then do the same only down. Do this twice more and when you approach the stadium begin a four point roll to the right, rolling 90 degrees about once every second, or don't bother with the roll it makes no difference really. There is now a short scene with the Vice President. When you get control again, the display is over and you are back to the leader. Fly about a bit listing to the dialogue until the mission updates. Two SU-37s appear, shoot them both down. There will now be a constant supply of enemy aircraft to shoot. Switch the formation to attack and go after them all. There will also be a six minute timer that counts down to the reinforcements arrival. As far as I am aware, these fighters never attack the stadium, but because there are so many of them they will shoot at you quite a bit. Make sure you don't accidentally fire, or lead a missile at the stadium. There's not exactly a lot of help I can give here since a dogfight is quite random, you just have to take out as many as possible. After the countdown reaches 00:30 the 8492nd claim it was a drill. Ignore them and continue to fight the enemy, Thunderhead gets jammed for a while but you don't need him right now. When the timer stops you get a wing of F- 117s attempting to bomb the stadium. Fly to their location in the north east and shoot them down before they get too close, remember that these are stealth bombers and will not appear on radar until you get near them. After they are shot down, keep attack the hundreds of enemies swarming about until the next wave of bombers arrive. Shoot them down as well and keep fighting. After a while Chopper gets hit and has to go low, he will only engage when enemies get near him. This only leaves you with three planes so keep shooting them all until Chopper has to crash his aircraft. Seeing Chopper die makes the rest of the squad go into overdrive. You could let them just take them all out themselves. However, don't. Kill as many aircraft as you can until they call of their strike as friendly reinforcements arrive. Chopper gets a fly-by salute and the mission ends. This is one of my favourite missions and they do the whole thing really well, kudos to Namco! **Note- Chopper says he can't bail out anywhere, and is forced to crash into a tiny square of grass. Anyone else notice the huge lake in the middle of the city that would of made a fine crash landing site instead of him waiting while his aircraft fell to bits while there is a full-scale evacuation? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~23,000 points, 20mins --- It is hard not to get the S on this mission since the only kills are you or your wingmen. Try to take out every enemy who appears. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: PROTEUS --- After the Chopper death scene he appears to the side of the new wave of enemies. Take him out quickly before your wingmen kill the entire wave and the mission is completed. Unlocks: FB-22 3rd paint scheme =============================================================================== Take this opportunity to buy at least two (preferably three) JAS-39s =============================================================================== --- #18 FORTRESS AC21 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: JAS-39 EDGE: JAS-39 --- --- ARCHER: JAS-39 / A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Protect the allied ground forces (FRND) as they storm the enemy fortress ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 4/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First of all it's an air-to-air refuelling, this shouldn't cause too many problems, again if you need help just hit the section above. Wow, those ground forces are enthusiastic aren't they? This mission is not as easy as you might think. If all the allied units are destroyed before they break through the fortress then the mission ends in failure. Fly towards the tanks rolling up the road and destroy all the pillboxes along their path, as well as the two control towers above the bases entrance. As the tanks approach fly over the fortress wall and look around the sides of the hill surrounding it, there are large bunkers containing guns that must be destroyed. Start at one end and fly all around the perimeter of the base taking them out. After the tanks enter the mission updates and suddenly there's a whole lot of bad guys waiting at the other side of the entrance. Head over to where the forces just broke through and destroy the eight flanking tanks and AA weapons. Then go back around the fortress and destroy any working bunkers again. You must also destroy the control towers on the opposite end of the base (the tall masts opposite where your forces entered). Head up high and look at the base, there are several tanks all driving around some of them friendly, some not, there are also four hardened hangers for storing tanks. Head back down and destroy all the enemies that are hitting the ground forces. Go to one of the "hangers" and fly low so you can shoot at the tanks underneath. Also engage the fighters that take off from the runway. When you get a question from the ground forces asking if they should go outside, reply yes and head over to them. There are several tanks waiting for them. Destroy them and the control towers (which are very accurate). The threat is now the enemy aircraft that are taking off. Deal with them as they come until the mission ends. You will get a medal in this mission if at least 3 of the four tanks make it all the way through. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~11,000 points, 13mins --- When the mission first starts destroy all the enemies outside the fortress, near your ground forces. Now take out the bunker surrounding it as well as the tanks and AA weapons inside the walls. When you get asked should they proceed answer yes and take out the tanks and AA lying in wait. Do another sweep of the bunkers, when done take out the JAS-39s taking off from the runway. Move to where the tanks entered and go north, take out the tanks that are firing at the advancing forces. Turn east and destroy everything under the hardened bunker. Move to the far end of the base and destroy the guns from the control towers, then turn round and destroy any remaining enemy tanks behind you. When the ground forces ask for permission to move out, grant it and attack the tanks waiting for them; turn 180 degrees and attack the remaining control towers. Head back into the fortress and engage the enemy aircraft. Soon the ground forces escape and the mission is complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: CYPHER --- Take some time to destroy all of the aircraft taking off (make sure they are in the air first). After you kill a certain number depending on the difficulty Cypher appears in the North West. Unlocks: FB-22 3rd paint scheme =============================================================================== This is a continuation of the last mission, you are returning to base so there's no saving in between, although if you fail the mission you don't need to replay Fortress. Whew. =============================================================================== --- #18+ 8492 AC22 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: JAS-39 EDGE: JAS-39 --- --- ARCHER: JAS-39 / A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Follow the 8492nd Squadron (8492) # Outrun the enemy and exit the combat area from the eastern end of the map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 4/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fly the heading you start with and listen to the conversations going on. Pretty soon you will get a missile alert. These are not regular missiles but SAAMs, this means that you will have to make long steep turns at high speeds for them to miss you. Soon a whole lot of enemies appear and you must escape from them. Keep the afterburner going and dodge any SAAMs, XAAMs or regular missiles shot at you, turn east and head for the dotted line. There will be a lot of enemies chasing you. For the best chance of surviving head down into the mountains and fly as fast as you can. Eventually only one or two aircraft will have kept up, either shoot them down or make a run for the return line. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~11,800 points, 10mins --- It should be obvious what you need to do to get the S grade. Instead of running away from the hundreds of enemies that are coming your way, you must fight and defeat them all. As soon as the first volley of missiles come your way evade and switch to attack. Afterburn towards the enemies and fire a XLAA (if you have them) at the E-767 that appears - note you have to shoot this down for the S rank. From this point on it is a case of constant evasion and firing at an enemy whenever the chance arrives. After the first wave is completely destroyed do the same for the two other waves. After everything goes down the mission is completed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: TWICEDEAD --- He appears in the third wave of enemies and is just a bit more aggressive then most of his wingmen. Unlocks: TND-ECR 3rd paint scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #19 FINAL OPTION AC23 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- POPS: HAWK (no choice) EDGE: HAWK (no choice) --- --- BLAZE: HAWK (no choice) ARCHER: HAWK (no choice) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Follow POPS closely ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Say goodbye to Sand Island, you won't be seeing it again for a while. There is no fighting in this mission, it's all about following Pops as he tries to lose the 8492nd by flying around a volcanic island. First take off and watch the scene saying that you are considered spies and are to be shot down. Hamilton and Thunderhead have a short conversation (Thunderhead appears as an enemy on the subtitles!) and you make a break for it. For this mission the team break into two groups you and Pops go ahead while Nagase and Grimm bring up the rear. There's not much I can say to help on this mission expect follow Pops moves but don't go too close as he breaks without much warning and you smash into the back of him (it's easier then it sounds). There are also two parts where you go into the old Ace Combat tradition of flying large planes through small spaces. Stay a good way from Pops (Don't go far back enough that you lose sight of his plane though) and follow his manoeuvres. After you exit the second (much longer tunnel) you run into Swordsman (remember him from the earlier Kestrel missions?) A note about the tunnels, always follow Pops route, others can be longer ways you can accidentally crash into walls, floor, roofs and other obstacles. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: N/A --- You are always awarded the S rank on completion of this mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- No enemy aces today, just as well since the Hawks are unarmed training jets. Unlocks: FB-22 3rd paint scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #20 ANCIENT WALLS AC24 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F/A-18 EDGE: F/A-18 --- --- SWORDSMAN: F/A-18 ARCHER: F/A-18 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Protect the SEA GOBLIN helicopter team and the rescue squad (FRND) as they >>retrieve the President ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As in First Flight all that time ago, we get another cockpit view movie to see in this case the aircraft is taking off from the Kestrel. It's really a great scene to watch. Also now you have a brand new wing man Capt. Marcus Snow (Swordsman). Head over to the castle, disperse the formation, enable special weapons and start destroying the targets to allow the Sea Goblin to land. When they are all destroyed wait for the next wave to appear. Make note of the tanks that start start rolling towards the castle, take them out before they get into the courtyard. There are also some fighters that try to hit the helicopter. Shoot them all down and wait for the retrieval team to come back with the President. The enemy planes and tanks that appear will concentrate their fire on the helicopter. Keep guarding it until you get the mission accomplished sign. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~14,000 points, 18mins --- There's not really a lot to say, find and destroy enemy targets as they come up. It's not too difficult at all to get this S on this mission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- No Aces today, besides the Belkans obviously :p Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #21 SOLITAIRE AC25 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: MIR-2000 / F-117 EDGE: --- --- --- SWORDSMAN: --- ARCHER: --- --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Avoid the enemy radar sites indicated by circles on your radar and photograph >>the targets (TGT) #Get the three targets (TGT) in frame at once and photograph them. Switch to >>special weapon to use the camera # Outrun the enemy and exit the combat area from the western end of the map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the first, and only mission that is preformed solo. The mission actually resembles Handful of Hope, only this time there is no transport to escort and if you hit any of the circles the mission fails. There are several things you can do to make this job easier. First fly low, it is impossible to get through undetected if you don't. Do not press L1 or R1 at all, this keeps you going slow enough to judge your turns. It is also easier to use the rudders to turn rather than rolling, only roll when you have to make an emergency turn to escape being seen on the radar. The path becomes easy to fly through if you go at 500-1000 feet (watch the ground). MAP AT BELOW 1000 FEET XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TGT XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX * XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXX * XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX * * * * XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX * XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX *** XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX *XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXX XX X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXX XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX * XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TGT - Target XXX - Radar * - Recommended flight path Around the centre of the map there are four small circles with a route to the left or right to the target. It is easier if you go left though. **NOTE- Whichever route you take there is a river flowing towards the target. Use it to navigate there safely, you may have to get quite close to it. Wherever you can, stay within the ravine, only coming up when necessary to avoid crashing. PHOTO 1 - When you're through, turn on your special weapon. Four corners, indicating the camera's range will appear. When Pops finishes talking take a photo of all the targets together. You should be pointing north to get the entrance of the mine. Remember you only have 10 chances to get them all and there is more than one photo to take. Pops will describe what's in the photo, when he does you know you've got it. PHOTO 2 - The two transport planes will now attempt to take off. You have to capture both in the same shot before they do. Don't worry about getting close, just head south for a few seconds, turn, get them both in the cameras lens and shoot. You will be shot at with AA weapons while doing this but it shouldn't affect you getting the photos. Pops will say that 'that's just the evidence we need', when he does, head east and fly to a higher altitude. Exit through the return line in the west to complete the mission, there's no need to worry about avoiding the radar on the way back so just hit the afterburner and run. Remember that you are being chased down by the Belkans and you are unarmed so don't waste time trying to shoot anything. At the return line Nagase, Grim and Snow will attack any planes that get close to you, cross the return line to complete the mission. You must land you plane now, it shouldn't be anything to tricky and you have done it before, don't forget if you don't want to land yourself hit the start button to skip. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 6mins --- Choose any fast manoeuvrable aircraft and try to fly as fast as possible through the ravine. It is fairly hard to do the first time, so try going slowly a few times to get the feel of where you are going. You get the S grade after getting through the entire mission in less then six minutes. In my opinion, if you have it, use a Rafale for this mission, it's speed and size make it very useful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #22 CLOSURE AC26 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: A-10 EDGE: A-10 --- --- SWORDSMAN: A-10 ARCHER: A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Watch for enemy forces and head to the mine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 2/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take off for from the Hierlark base. When you get onto the main mission head for the mine. There is no radar to worry about this time, however there are a lot of AA weapons. If you are going for the S grade then take them out, otherwise just climb high to get out of their range and save all your ammo for the mine. When you get to it, take out some of the surrounding SAMs and then focus your attention on the rock bed. It can take a lot amount of damage so keep hitting it until it crumbles and it's mission complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~17,700 points, 10mins --- There are a lot of targets that pop up around the mine, and a lot of them must be taken out. For this mission I would suggest using a fighter with a lot of missiles (the Raptor or Terminator are good choices), attack everything there is in each wave of ground and air targets. When you run out of missiles switch to attack and shoot at the mine. Your squadron will join in and soon it will collapse and you get another S rank. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: NONE --- Unlocks: No named pilot =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #23 GHOSTS OF RAZGRIZ AC27 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: TYPHOON EDGE: TYPHOON --- --- SWORDSMAN: F-15 ARCHER: A-10 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all indicated targets (TGT) # Destroy all Ofnir Squadron fighters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This time you are in a ravine. There is a powerful air defence grid spread over the top so you must stay below the rim at all times (1000 ft), go any higher and you will have undodgable missiles fired at you. When the mission starts, hit disperse and special weapons. There are enemy Yuke forces in helicopters and gunboats. Your job is to destroy all the targets while the rebels dismantle one of the Belkan V1 nukes. When the mission starts you immediately have to choose left or right. It doesn't really matter but I normally go left, destroy all the targets on one side of the canyon and then move onto the other side. Use your special weapon if there is a group of targets and missile if they are one their own. Remember not to go higher then 1000 feet, if you do then you will get a missile warning, if that happens, immediately go back down to the canyon to shake it off. Destroying the targets in the time limit isn't much of a problem. When they are all down, watch the movie and prepare for battle with Ofnir. These are the Belkan aggressors provoking the Yukes, like the Grabacr (or 8492nd) have for Osea. They split into two units of two and fly around the canyon at high speed. Keep the formation on disperse, this will keep your group scattered and if Ofnir comes close to one, they will attack them. Ofnir can be a pain to shoot down. They will fly very fast through the terrain and their constant turning makes it hard to hit them with missiles. The two formations will occasionally cross paths so make sure you don't crash into anything. The best way to bet them is to get behind a group, get close and shoot them with your gun, using missiles whenever they level out. After the mission is complete, don't drop your guard just because you get the mission accomplished sign, it is still possible to still hit a wall and fail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 15mins --- Another timed S rank mission. The problem here can be Ofnir, if your fight is going particularly badly they can take up to ten minutes to shoot down, leaving a strict time limit for the completion. I recommend that you go through the first half of the level as fast as possible and practice shoot at Ofnir to get them all down within the time limit. Also don't accidentally fly in front of any of the Ofnir pilots, they are more accurate then most enemies you have faced yet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: SWORDKILL --- Destroy half the targets in the area and he will appear in the straight canyon on the Eastern side, close to where you started at. Unlocks: MiG-21-93 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #24 WHITE BIRD PT. ii AC28 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) EDGE: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) --- --- SWORDSMAN: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) ARCHER: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy the ARKBIRD before it escapes outside the map ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 4/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's time to destroy the Arkbird, the Belkans have quietly seized control of it and have loaded a nuclear weapon onboard to fire at a Yuktobanian city. It doesn't matter which of the two aircraft you chose, but they are in my opinion the most well suited for this mission as they both have excellent anti-air skills, are fast and can fire from long range at several targets at once (something very handy in this mission). When this mission starts, hit the afterburner and fly towards the Arkbird. You will get a short scene showing the Arkbird slowing down and falling deeper into the atmosphere. When you gain control again the Arkbird will be low enough for you to attack it (you have also lost a lot of altitude >_>). Climb back up and get within missile range of it (don't bother with your XLAAs or XMAAs just yet. The Arkbird is 'destroyed' in one hit. However that just got their attention, you didn't think one missile was going to bring down that thing did you? The Arkbird launches it's latest AA weapon, the Vogels. These are unmanned drones and they are very annoying. Don't bother shooting at them (you only need to shoot 2 down for the S grade and you can leave that to your wingmen). The Arkbird itself moves very slowly (about 250) so you will have to match this, making you an easy target for the Vogels. Hit whatever order for the wingmen you want (you will be asked if you want to disperse later if it is not on already). I would go for disperse as it seems to get the wingmen to attack the Vogels, getting them off your back. Now you must eliminate those two launchers on the lower front. Head under the Arkbird and slow down. Hit the XLAAs and fire off a round at both of them, then fire two missiles at each one. While you were doing this a new target should have appeared marked 'laser'. Remember when you were attacking the Scinfaxi that helpful laser would destroy those ballistic missiles for you? Well this time it's just trying to destroy you. This laser can be cripplingly annoying if you don't know how to dodge it, and nothing more than a pretty beam of light if you do. When the laser becomes a target, lock-on to both it and the launchers and XLAAs at all three. You will probably see a purple light shine on the HUD, as soon as you see this, pitch up and get to the upper side of the Arkbird, to do this you have around 1 second before it destroys you You will see the laser below you, when it fades go down and take more shots at the laser and launchers, repeat this until they all are destroyed, when you are doing this, do not go below 6 special weapons or the next bit becomes tricky. You Must have the laser destroyed before the Arkbird counts to zero, if you don't then you aren't going to get much of an opportunity to shoot it again and the way it angles itself makes it very hard to avoid. As soon as the Arkbird counts to zero it's propulsion thrusters will fire and it will blast ahead of you. Switch to special weapons, ignore the Vogels and hit the targets with everything you have got (you have about 20 seconds before it gets off the map and the mission fails. The two engines are located right at the back of the Arkbird, on the left and right, they can be identified by the purple afterburners, they both must be destroyed. When the engines are destroyed slow down and put some distance between yourself and the Arkbird, it will turn and slow down, if you are travailing at full speed you may smash straight into it. The Arkbird head south and kicks in two more boosters, you probably don't have any special weapons ammo at this point so ignore anything that appears on it except for the two engines at the rear. When they are down, concentrate on firing at the laser that appears on the top side, as well as the SAMs. This laser fires shots, not beams so it doesn't destroy you in one shot. It does do a lot of damage though so destroy it as fast as possible. The laser soaks up more damage then the last one so blast everything you can at it. When it goes down, shoot the SAMs on the top to halt it's ability to dish out damage. The UAVs flying around should be on red by now, use this brief pause to finish them off. Always keep an eye on the Arkbird as it plummets towards the ocean. It's not about to go out just yet, it fires up it's last engine and attempts to get back into space. Target it and fire everything towards it, missiles and machine guns as well as any specials if you have them left over. When the last engine goes down, the Arkbird falls into the sea, exploding and taking the Belkan's nuke with it. **NOTE- if you have the FALKEN then it's TLC will do heavy damage and makes the mission a lot easier (thanks to Neil) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 7mins --- There is not much that you can do to hurry this mission, with the exception of destroying the Arkbirds engines soon after they appear. Overall, a fairly easy S rank mission, although the mission itself can be quite tough on the first playthrough. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: SWORDKILL --- Destroy half the targets in the area and he will appear in the straight canyon on the Eastern side, close to where you started at. Unlocks: MiG-21-93 3rd colour scheme ============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #25 HEARTBREAK ONE AC29 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft --- --- BLAZE: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) EDGE: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) --- --- SWORDSMAN: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) ARCHER: F/A-22 (TYPHOON) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Protect Bartlett's vehicle (HTBRK ONE) until he reaches the airfield # Destroy all GRABACR Squadron fighters # Protect Bartlett's aircraft (HTBRK ONE) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good ol' Bartlett's back! Did anyone else think he was going to be a Belkan aggressor and have to kill him as a final battle? Well maybe that's was just me being paranoid. Anyway, you have to provide close air support to Bartlett as he and the resistance members storm a nearby airfield and escape with Prime Minister Nikanor. Bartlett's vehicle will run into several checkpoints on his way to there and you must help him get through them. He will also ask for help navigating, but more on that in a minute. For now shoot down the SU-37 that comes from your right and tries to attack the resistance. After a few seconds they will come to a fork in the road, Bartlett will ask whether he should take the short-cut or not. Reply 'yes' for this as it is the most sparsely populated of the shortcuts. If you choose the long way for all of them, the resistance will run out of time and the mission will fail, but long ways are less protected. Keep an eye on the progress of the cars. When a target checkpoint appears dive down and clear it, as well as the other positions there, especially the APC and the two nearby Howitzers. There will be helicopters and aircraft trying to take out the three vehicles, make sure they do not get too close to them. After a while Bartlett asks you which route should he take. Reply Yes to take him around the long way. This will give you a chance to take out some of the fighters and helicopters that appear. Remember to watch out for Bartlett as he comes to the checkpoint. There will be one more choice between long or short routes, this time take him the short way. When a target appears fly towards it and shoot the gate down. There is a large group of tanks in wait for them, so destroy them all before they get in range of the resistance. After Bartlett and the others break through provide air support by shooting down any straggling aircraft and wait for Heartbreak One to take off. Then you will get the notice of more slightly unwelcome visitors. **NOTE- If you keep failing the mission as the resistance is destroyed by the tanks in the base, take them around the long way into the airfield, and dodge the tanks altogether. It's the 8492nd again, these are the Belkan aggressors that the Osean Air Force recruited to strengthen itself after the first war. They are slightly better then Ofnir in skill, but at least there's no annoying flying into the ravines this time around. The same tactic as any ordinary enemy plane works here, it's just these guys are harder to hit, fortunately they don't attack Bartlett. After a few minutes you should have bagged them all. Unfortunately they all ejected and live to interfere another day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 15mins --- It's very simple to get the S in this mission and you should have no problem getting mission complete within 15 minutes. If you do have trouble try using an aircraft like the Terminator to beat down Grabacr. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: DISTANTTHUNDER --- Sharing the same name as the PAL release of Ace Combat 04, DISTANTTHUNDER can be found just to the north west of Grabacr. Unlocks: YA-10b 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #26 SEA OF CHAOS AC30 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: F-35C (F/A-18) EDGE: F-35C (F/A-18) --- --- SWORDSMAN: F-35C (F/A-18) ARCHER: F-35C (F/A-18) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy the enemy aircraft and enemy fleet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My favourite mission in the entire game, and a really good FMV scene to introduce it to boot. It's time to defend the fleet again. Try to do this mission in as many F-35Cs as you can, they are one of the best anti-ground and without doubt the best anti-ship aircraft in the game. Head straight for the enemy fleet and try to hit as many as you can that are close to the friendly Yuke ships. There are plenty of targets to hit here, so don't forget to disperse your wingman and allow them to use their special weapons. If you don't destroy the enemies close to the friendly Yuke ships within one and a half minutes they will all be sunk. After a while another Osean fleet comes from the south. For now keep attacking the Yuke fleet. Soon the Osean fleet starts attacking the Kestrel and others. Finish off the Yuke ships and then head over to the south and start attacking the Osean ones. Make sure you mop up the other fighters flying around too, as they can do a lot of damage if you leave them. As with any other mission with the Kestrel in it, if it sinks the mission fails, so protect it and it's other ships throughout the mission. When all the enemy ships go down, you have to fight your way through four waves of enemy fighter/bombers, these are all relatively simple. Switch to attack to group them together, or stay on disperse if they all break off and keep them away from the allied ships. When all the enemy planes go down, it is mission complete. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~-- points, 9mins --- A tight time limit, especially on Expert and Ace where it takes more then one special weapon to destroy each ship. Attack the close Yuke ships at the start of the mission, then destroy the rest before the Kestrel and her fleet get too close. Also, make sure you keep an eye on the second Osean fleet, don't let them get too close to the Kestrel. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: DECODER --- After all the ships go down, DECODER appears in the third wave of enemy aircraft. Unlocks: Rafale b 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #27 ACES AC31 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: SU-47 (TYPHOON) EDGE: SU-47 (TYPHOON) --- --- SWORDSMAN: SU-47 (TYPHOON) ARCHER: SU-47 (TYPHOON) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Destroy all enemy positions (TGT) and protect the allied forces until they >>capture the control facility entrance. # Destroy the Core (TGT) and get out of the other side safely ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 5/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can you feel it? The end's not far off now. This is a really good mission, despite the fact the last part a pain. The mission is divided into two parts, an average defence/assault mission and another huge eng-of-the-game tunnel, unfortunately if you make one mistake you have to start the mission all over again. So anyway choose the best air combat planes you have and prepare for an emergency take off. You also get a familiar AWACs providing backup. When the mission starts there are Yuke fighter flying towards you, hold your fire until you get closer and they change from enemies to FRNDs. Don't press any buttons while these short scenes of people joining you goes on, and wait for the briefing screen, unless you are replaying the mission. Okay ready? Dive down first and shoot the first tank, then yaw to face the other and gun it down. Pull up and head forwards, do the same with the next two. There are sometimes two fighters coming over the mountains at this point. If you see them, shoot them, if not then they may have already gone past. Pull right up and face the targets, hit disperse and special weapons and start destroying all. There are several gun towers positioned around Grunder Industries, two missiles are not enough to take them out, so support them with a round or two from the cannon to destroy it. Hamilton, the Belkan aggressor from Sand Island is here too, he is a named pilot in this mission so shoot him down to get his aircraft. He is actually pretty easy to shoot down, when you do he bails out and becomes invincible annoyingly. While in this part of the mission the SOLG attacks, it completely misses however, it's range is a long way out of the combat area so there's no danger of being hit. **Note- there is some speculation about this as several people claim to have been damaged by the SOLGs attacks. It maybe it hits if you are above a certian altitude so stay away when it shoots. Eventually the allies capture the control centre, keep destroying the enemy targets until the main doors to the tunnel open. When they do, head south and then north, the entrance of the tunnel is fairly obvious when you fly north, but can be a bit difficult to see from other angles. Remember what I said about the AC series and small spaces? Well they take it to the extreme here. This is one hell of a tunnel, and you are going to have to make it all the way through, with planes coming in from the other side and good old Hamilton firing at you from behind. After you get half way in the core appears as your target, it is in an open area with the continuation of the tunnel to it's right. As soon as you get a lock fire two missiles at it to destroy it and yaw right back into the tunnel. Hamilton increases his attacks on you, but any missiles he fires normally miss so don't try doing any fancy flying. Bartlett, who destroyed the other core now is heading towards you at high speed. When you see him on the HUD go down and nudge to the right, you should easily miss him. The planes that were pursuing him now fire at you with their guns. They appear on the HUD before you pass them so take the opportunity to shoot one down and dodge the rest. Follow the tunnel at about 450-500 MPH to gauge where everything is. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME THROUGH PAUSE THE GAME AND READ After the second wave of fighters pass you there are two obstructions that you see about a second and a half before you hit them. Always stay close to the floor to go under them both and carry on. These two obstacles are the primary reason people give up on the game, be wary and dodge as soon as you see them. Don't say I didn't warn you! A few more hills and enemy fighters later and you should see the exit, the door however will be almost shut apply the afterburners and get out using the space remaining. Hamilton goes up in an explosion and it's Mission Complete! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the FALKEN: Destroy a FALKEN hanger. --- Look at the Gun Tower TGTs there will be a Hanger around the area, look for and destroy it to unlock the FALKEN. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~15,000 points, 15mins --- This is not exceptionally tricky. Just make sure that everything is destroyed before entering the tunnel, then pray you don't hit anything. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: YELLOW, HAMILTON --- HAMILTON, the friendly chap from Sand Island is flying around the battlefield in the first half of the mission. Shoot him down before going into the tunnel as he becomes impossible to shoot down. Unlocks: Nothing YELLOW is in the tunnel, the second wave after Bartlett passes, you only have one chance to hit him so be ready with the missiles. Unlocks: SU-37 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== =============================================================================== --- #27+ THE UNSUNG WAR AC32 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Recommended Aircraft: --- --- BLAZE: SU-47 (TYPHOON) EDGE: SU-47 (TYPHOON) --- --- SWORDSMAN: SU-47 (TYPHOON) ARCHER: SU-47 (TYPHOON) --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES: # Fly to the SOLG's estimated decent point ASAP # Destroy the SOLG before it hits the capital ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MISSION DIFFICULTY: 3/5 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last mission of the game, are you ready? Good. Take off from the makeshift runway and get ready to shoot down the SOLG. As soon as the mission starts, don't press anything other then the afterburner. Soon a scene will appear with the last of the Belkan aggressors, it is a double formation of the Grabacr and Ofnir Squadrons. These guys are the best pilots in the game. However, they shouldn't prove too hard to shoot down, if you haven't shot them all down by the time the SOLG gets into range then ignore them (they self-destruct after a while). After they all go down, head towards the final battle with Osea's own weapon, the Satellite Orbital Linier Gun, SOLG. This battle is similar to the one you fought with the Arkbird, only this doesn't have annoying lasers all over the place. It is however, massive and blindly shooting at it doesn't work. Look at the front of the SOLG, it has four huge arm type things, the cannon section behind it is a hexagon at the base with large solar reflectors on each side. These all need to be removed. Set formation to attack and allow special weapons, then get a good way behind the SOLG and fire at the solar panels with your guns. They will break easily (make sure that you dodge the panel falling behind every time you hit one). When all of the panels are destroyed get up close to the SOLG. In between the four 'arms' mentioned before there is a shield with four gaps, the four targets are behind this, rotating. As soon as one of the targets move to a clear shot, fire everything you've got at it, then follow it round until it shows in the next gap. Blast it to bits and follow it round until the next gap, this one should destroy it. Repeat this with the other three targets to make the SOLG lose its structural integrity and it explodes in mid air. With this threat removed, Osea and Yuktobania at peace and the Belkan aggressors crushed you have completed the campaign of Ace Combat 5, congratulations! **NOTE- As with White Bird pt.2 if you use the FALKEN and shoot various parts of the SOLG with the laser they will break off leaving it completely exposed. This makes it easier to destroy (thanks go to Neil). **NOTE- Apparently, if you leave the SOLG to hit Oured, you get an extra cut-scene with it hitting the city. I'm yet to test this yet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the S rank: ~--- points, 20mins --- There is no real way of not getting the S in this mission as it ends before the time gets to twenty minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get the Named Pilot: REPLICATOR --- After the Belkans are down REPLICATOR appears in the centre east section when the SOLG starts falling. He only appears if you can destroy the Belkans with more then a minute of SOLG decent time remaining. Unlocks: Nothing YELLOW is in the tunnel, the second wave after Bartlett passes, you only have one chance to hit him so be ready with the missiles. Unlocks: SU-37 3rd colour scheme =============================================================================== You have now unlocked some extra goodies, these being: Free Mission (Play any mission on any difficulty or with no other planes), Scene Viewer (Watch any of the movies again), Music Player (I don't have to explain this one right!) and two extra difficulties for those who like to be shot down with one missile; me being one of them. =============================================================================== 7. ARCADE MODE ------------------------------------------------------------ AD01 =============================================================================== One day... =============================================================================== 8. ADVANCED -------------------------------------------------------------- AV01 =============================================================================== Finished the game? I suppose you think you're an Ace now don't you, DON'T YOU?!? Well, even if you are look around and see what you have won, and also look at any super cool moves you didn't know you could do (or send in your own). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8a. Free Mission ---------------------------------------------------- AV02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reload your Clear file and you will get the option to play any mission on any difficulty all over again. This is good for playing those two extra missions you didn't get in the game. On Ace! Also don't forget Sp. New Game that lets you start again with all your old stuff. Laugh at the pathetic F-5s when you shoot them down with a monster S-47 right from the off MUAHAHAHAHAHA!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8b. Expert and Ace modes -------------------------------------------- AV03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sort of explains itself doesn't it? All the enemy planes have better dodging abilities as well as are much more aggressive. Your missiles do less damage, whereas they take you down in one shot and you have a limited ammo on your gun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8c. Advanced Manoeuvres --------------------------------------------- AV04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are plenty of more spectacular ways of making missiles miss then just your average sharp turns and loop the loops. Here's a few of them, as ever if you have some of your own please send them in. HUG THE GROUND - Not really that advanced but if you go under 100 and fly fast then almost no missile can hit you as other aircraft rarely go down that far. BARREL ROLL - This needs good timing. If a missile is coming from directly at your 12 or 6 o'clock wait until it is about one second from hitting you and do a barrel roll (not a regular roll or spin) and watch it pass underneath you. HIT STUFF - If a missile is trailing you, and there is a large ground target like a hanger, dive for it and pull up at the last moment, try to get it to hit the target. STALL - Easy one, if the missile is a good distance away, stall the plane and point the nose to -90 degrees. You fall from its path and the missile goes on ahead. TAKE HIM NOT ME! - Since your wingmen are indestructible if you have a missile on your back and your flying in formation fly with one of your wingmen directly behind you it hits them and you're safe. Alternatively hit the COVER order and they'll fall behind you and probably get themselves hit, suckers. THE TOP GUN TECHNIQUE - There's another 'advanced' flight manoeuvre that I've used while dog fighting, picked it up from the movie 'Top Gun'. When an enemy plane is closing in on you, and is right on your tail, hit the brakes and pull up, he'll shoot under you and you can come in behind him to teach him what swiss cheese feels like. (by Rob Morgan) **NOTE- Remember that the game's physics won't allow you to do some real dog fighting tricks such as raising your nose put keep going in the same direction etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8d. More Planes ------------------------------------------------------ AV05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh, you want more planes do you? Do you not have enough already? Normal people have to make do with only 4 fighter jets each and you want more?! Capitalism eh, money buys you stuff, who invented that one... Anyway, you can buy 4 of each type of plane after you SP. Continue through the game a few times, but if you want the special colours for the planes, or completely new ones, you're going to have to try harder. Each aircraft has three colour schemes, changeable by pressing Select. Remember you do not have to buy the plane again to get the new colour. The three colours are. OS - Osean, normally consisting of pale blues and silvers, these are the Osean Air Defence Forces standard colours. RZ - Razgriz, The black fighter jets used after you and your squadron are shot down and 'killed'. YK SP - Yuktobanian / Special / Belkan, the third colour or an enemy aircraft or BK bonus paint scheme. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Unlock the special colour scheme for the below aircraft by shooting down the named pilot that only appears after you start a game with the SP. Continue option. For more information on where to find the Ace, look under the mission walkthrough. Hawk Kill GIGANTOR in Mission 1 F-14D Kill ZIPANG in Mission 3 F-4G Kill MINDRIPPER in Mission 4 MIR-2000D Kill ZAHARADA in Mission 6 EA-6B Kill DUNE in Mission 10 X-29A Kill DAREDEVIL in Mission 15 MIG-31M Kill COSM in Mission 16A EA-18G Kill ABELCAIN in Mission 16B FB-22 Kill PROTEUS in Mission 17 F-2A Kill CYPHER in Mission 18 TND-ECR Kill TWICE DEAD in Mission 18+ MIG-21-93 Kill SWORDKILL in Mission 23 YA-10B Kill DISTANTTHUNDER in Mission 25 Rafale B Kill DECODER in Mission 26 SU-37 Kill YELLOW in Mission 27 MIG-1.44 Kill REPLICATOR in Mission 27+ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8e. Medals ----------------------------------------------------------- AV06 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AC5 herelds the welcome return of the medal system. Here are all the medals and how to get them. BRONZE ACE ------------------- Destroy 200 enemies SILVER ACE ------------------- Destroy 500 enemies GOLD ACE --------------------- Destroy 1000 enemies BRONZE SHOOTER -------------- Destroy 5 enemy planes only using your guns SILVER SHOOTER --------------- Destroy 15 enemy planes only using your guns GOLD SHOOTER ----------------- Destroy 50 enemy planes only using your guns BRONZE WING ------------------ Earn the S rank on all the missions on NORMAL SILVER WING ------------------ Earn the S rank on all the missions on EXPERT GOLD WING -------------------- Earn the S rank on all the missions on ACE GUARDIAN --------------------- Shoot down 10 aircraft with a missile lock on a wingman GRAND FALCON ----------------- Shoot down all the 16 named pilots NEEDLE'S EYE ----------------- Get the 'perfect' message for the landings and refuelings. GOLD ANCHOR ------------------ Acquired after mission 3 LIGHTNING HAMMER ------------- Protect all of your allies in Opperation Footstep DESERT EAGLE ----------------- Protect all of your allies in the Jilachi Desert ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8f. Personal Records ------------------------------------------------- AV07 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you really want to show off then head over to flight data and squadron data. Then email in the results you get, also how many times you have finished the game and on what difficulty it was on. Email address at the top. One more thing, you don't have to send in proof but please do not cheat. Just because someone has higher scores then you doesn't mean they're better then you. Also if you want in anonymous that's fine. T: Total / A: Air destroyed / G: Ground destroyed / S: Sorties flown ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- MIKE --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL FLIGHT TIME: 69:52:12 TOTAL TARGETS DESTROYED: 43,699 AIR TGT: 17,907 GRND TGT: 22,792 BLAZE : T: 39,068 / A: 16,622 / G: 19,446 / S: 914 NAGASE : T: 1,311 / A: 403 / G: 908 / S: 873 CHOPPER: T: 1,152 / A: 273 / G: 879 / S: 766 GRIMM : T: 1,257 / A: 353 / G: 904 / S: 841 SNOW : T: 911 / A: 256 / G: 655 / S: 521 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- TheKrill --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL FLIGHT TIME: 27:40:05 TOTAL TARGETS DESTROYED: 5986 AIR TGT: 2948 GRND TGT: 3038 BLAZE : T: 5247 / A: 2486 / G: 2761 / S: 141 NAGASE : T: 239 / A: 146 / G: 93 / S: 137 CHOPPER: T: 194 / A: 131 / G: 63 / S: 108 GRIMM : T: 281 / A: 170 / G: 111 / S: 127 SNOW : T: 25 / A: 15 / G: 10 / S: 21 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ROB BURNS --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLAZE : T:5710 / A: 2629 / G:3038 / S:210 NAGASE : T:289 / A:205 / G:84 / S:201 CHOPPER: T:208 / A:159 / G:49 / S:137 GRIMM : T:246 / A:159 / G:87 / S:178 SNOW : T:89 / A:51 / G:38 / S:52 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Heero Yuy --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLAZE : T:3725 / A:1667 / G:2058 / S:130 NAGASE : T:90 / A:63 / G:27 / S:122 CHOPPER: T:62 / A:50 / G:12 / S:82 GRIMM : T:92 / A:56 / G:36 / S:111 SNOW : T:44 / A:21 / G:23 / S:32 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Keith"CRASH"Storey --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLAZE : T:10076 / A:4944/ G:5132 / S:443 EDGE : T:875 / A:586 / G:289 / S:419 CHOPPER: T:480 / A:345 / G:135 / S:288 GRIMM : T:636 / A:413 / G:223 / S:377 SNOW : T:203 / A:126 / G:77 / S:103 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- mad razgriz --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BLAZE : ?:2864 / EDGE : ?:113 / GRIMM : ?:92 / CHOPPER: ?:68 / SNOW : ?:47 / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Skorbnut --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL TIME: 40:44:49 TOTAL TARGETS DESTROYED: 10924 AIR TGT: 5073 GRND TGT: 5851 BLAZE : T: 10198 / A:4566/ G:5632 / S:312 EDGE : T: 303 / A:193 / G:110 / S:295 CHOPPER: T: 174 / A:142 / G:32 / S:209 GRIMM : T: 204 / A:145 / G:59 / S:261 SNOW : T:45 / A:27 / G:18 / S:69 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- nfsjunkie91 --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL TIME: 11:37:40 TOTAL TARGETS DESTROYED: 2055 AIR TGT: 923 GRND TGT: 1132 BLAZE : T: 1777 / S:67 EDGE : T: 93 / S:63 CHOPPER: T: 69 / S:39 GRIMM : T: 89 / S:59 SNOW : T: 27 / S:18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- kale grindle --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- total flight time: 38:27:53+ total targets: 7650 BLAZE : T:7650 / A:3138 / G:4512 / S:246 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8h. Time Line -------------------------------------------------------- AV08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2010: Sep. 24: OADF Intercepts Unidentifed Aircraft Unidentified aircraft detected entering Osean airspace off western coast. Osean Air Defence Force 108th tactical fighter wing detachment (Sand Island Squadron) scrambles to intercept. Engages in combat with additional group of Additional group of unidentified fighters. Sep. 27: Unidentified ship enters Osean waters Unidentified vessel detected west of Sand Island. Attempts recon activities but stopped by Sand Island Squadron. Captain Jack Bartlett's plane is shot down during conflict. Later reported as missing in action. Sep. 27: Attack on St. Hewlett Naval Port Yuktobanian forces launch surprise attack on St. Hewlett Naval Port. Captain Andersen, commander of flagship aircraft carrier Kestrel, leads Osean Third Fleet Yuktobanian naval blockade. Blaze promoted to Squadron Leader for fleet Air support mission. Sep. 27: Raid Over Sand Island Yuktobanian forces launch air strike on Sand Island. Sand Island Base takes heavy damage but repels attack. A1C Hans Grimm officially assigned to Sand Island Squadron following attack. Sep. 30: Battle at Eaglin Straits Osean Navy 3rd fleet carriers Kestrel, Vulture and Buzzard attempt to converge on Eaglin Straits. Fleet devastated by burst missile attack from Yuktobanian underwater carrier Scinfaxi. Osea deploys ASat 'Arkbird' to front line. Oct. 03: SSTO Launch successful Osean forces launch SSTO (Single Stage To Orbit) craft to deliver new armament Module to Arkbird. Oct. 04: Attack on Sand Island fails Yuktobanian forces launch amphibious assault as prelude to Osean invasion. Osea deploys the Arkbird to launch laser attacks from outer space, prevents Yuktobanian landing on Sand Island. Yuktobanian underwater carrier Scinfaxi sunk in battle. Oct. 22: Akerson Hill Incident Sand Island Squadron encounters Osean transport plane bound for North Point while patrolling Akerson Hill airspace. Stowaway pilot kills transport plane captain before being shot. Surviving passengers take over controls and perform emergency landing. Transport plane passengers (Osean President Vincent Harling and two others) rescued by Osean Air Defence Force 8492nd squadron. Oct. 25: Arkbird immobilised Explosives hidden in supply cargo from Earth renders the Arkbird inoperable. Nov. 01: Landing on Yuktobanian Mainland Osean forces launch large-scale landing on southeast region of Yuktobania. Upon securing southern coast of Bastok Peninsula, Osean forces begin advance on Yuktobanian ,aom;amd towards capital city Cinigrad. Nov. 02: University Campus strafed Yuktobanian forces initiate aerial evacuation of Bastok Peninsula to reorganise front line against Osean advance. Sand Island Squadron prevents withdrawal operation. During mission, Yuktobanian civilian facility within combat area is strafed by fighter aircraft. Suspecting possible involvement Osean central command summons Sand Island Squadron crew to headquarters in Capital city Oured for questioning. Nov. 04: Apito International Airport attacked Osea's Apito International Airport attacked by Yuktobanian squadron and ground forces hiding inside cargo planes on tarmac. Sand Island Squadron, sent to Oured for questioning, deploys and repels the attack. Nov. 07: Blow to Yuktobanian military power Sand Island Squadron returns after military investigation for immediate participation in ongoing invasion of Yuktobania. Sand Island Squadron destroys large-scale weapons storage facility in Yuktobania's southern jungle region. Nov. 14: Osea launches massive assault Osean forces acquire location of Yuktobania's second underwater carrier, Hrimfaxi. Sand Island Squadron sinks Hrimfaxi, eliminating threat of burst missile attack. Osean ground forces launch massive offensive throughout Yuktobania. Nov. 17: POW Internment Camp discovered Osean forces descover Yuktobanian POW camp in Yuktobanian's mountainous central region. Sand Island Squadron and Marine support helicopter squadron Sea Goblin stage joint operation to rescue Osean POWs. Captain Kei Nagase's plane is shot down during rescue mission. Nov. 18: Captain Kei Nagase rescued Captain Kei Nagase, shot down during POW rescue mission is rescued. Nov. 25: Operation Desert Arrow Yuktobania's field Headquarters in northern region of Jilachi Desert and it's field support airfield in western region are neutralised. Nov. 29: Peace Ceremony attacked Yuktobanian squadron attacks stadium in Osea's southern costal city of November. Sand Island Squadron, assigned to perform air show above stadium repels attack. During battle Captain Alvin H. Davenport is shot down and killed. Dec. 06: Cruik Fortress Falls Osea's air and ground forces work together to neutralise Cruik fortress, Yuktobania's final defensive stronghold. Following the mission, Sand Island Squadron is attacked by planes of unknown origin but escapes and returns to Sand Island Base. Dec. 07: Escape from Sand Island Base Sand Island Squadron flees base and is pursued by 8492nd squadron (Belkan Aggressor Squadron). Captain Andersen of aircraft carrier Kestrel orders Marcus Snow to stage false death of Sand Island Squadron crew and shelters them onboard Kestrel. Dec. 09: President Harling rescued Osea's President Harling, help captive within Belkan territory is rescued. Captain Marcus Snow assigned to Sand Island Squadron for rescue operation. Dec. 11: Reconnaissance in Northwest Belka Reconnaissance operations in north-western forest region of Belka reveals link between 8492nd Squadron and Yuktobanian Forces. Sand Island Squadron is appointed as special forces unit under direct command of Osean President. Renamed 'Razgriz' Squadron. Dec. 12: Tactical Nuclear Weapons sealed Recon image analyses reveals existence of tactical nuclear weapons inside mining facility. Razgriz Squadron destroys facility and buries nuclear weapons deep underground. Number of nuclear weapons already transported to Osean and Yuktobanian forces unknown. Dec. 16: Resistance dismantles nuclear weapon Resistance captured tactical nuclear weapon being transported from Belka to Yuktobanian forces and dismantles it at northern canyon region of Yuktobania. Razgriz Squadron engages Ofnir Squadron (Belkan Aggressor Squadron) throughout ravines. Dec. 19: Arkbird shot down Tactical nuclear weapons from Belka are equipped on Arkbird as Belka plans nuclear attack on Yuktobanian city of Okchabursk. Razgriz squadron destroys Arkbird and prevents nuclear attack. Dec. 23: Prime Minister Nikanor rescued Yuktobania's Prime Minister Nikanor, held captive by Yuktobanian military faction is rescued. Razgriz Squadron engages and destroys Grabacr (8492nd) Squadron. Jack Bartlett reunites with Razgriz crew on Kestrel. Dec. 29: Naval battle in Ceres Ocean Prime Minister Nikanor's call for peace causes division in Yuktobanian and Ocean forces. Fleets in support of peace, those in support of war and Ocean Fleet all clash in Ceres Ocean. Razgriz Squadron and Kestrel neutralise both opposing Yuktobanian and Osean forces. Dec. 30: SOLG Control Facility neutralised Belkan forces deploy MIRV (Multi Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle) Nuclear weapon 'V2' on SOLG (Strategic Orbital Liner Gun). Joint operation of Osean and Yuke forces in support of Harling and Nikanor attacks North Osea (formally South Belka) and neutralises SOLG control facility. Razgriz Squadron enters underground tunnel below facility and destroys SOLG control device. Dec. 31: Circum - Pacific war ends Razgriz Squadron scrambles to intercept and shoot down SOLG, aimed to drop on Osean capital Oured. Razgriz Squadron overcomes resistance from Ofnir and Grabacr squadrons and destroys SOLG. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8g. Music / Lyrics / POEMS ------------------------------------------- AV09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JOURNEY HOME ---- A journey begins Start from within Things that I need to know The song of a bird Echoed in words Flying for the need to fly. Thoughts endless in flight Day turns to night Questions you've asked your soul, Which way do I go? How fast is too slow? The journey has its time, endless. If a man can fly over an ocean And no mountains can get in his way. Will he fly on forever? Searching for something to believe? From above I can see from the Heavens Down below I see a storm raging on. And somewhere heeds the answer There is a hope to carry on. When I finnaly return Things that I learnt Carry me back to home The thoughts that I feel Planting a seed, in time will begin to grow The more that I try The more that I fly The answer in itself Will be there. BLUE SKIES REMIX ---------------- Everyday I wake up unsure Of the tasks the day will bring Yesterday's disappointments Keep reminding me Tomorrow's surly coming Just as sure as the air I breath But I know that I'll get though it I have what I need I have so far to go The sun keeps shining And the wind keeps blowing But the wide blue skies, they forever stay the same I will find it in the joy in knowing That the wide blue skies are never gonna change I have so far to go I have so far to go Not one day goes by With the wide blue skies On which I rely There's hope in the wide blue sky Wide blue skies Given me so much hope BLURRY - PUDDLE OF MUDD ----------------------- Everything's so blurry and everyone's so fake and everybody's empty and everything is so messed up pre-occupied without you I cannot live at all My whole world surrounds you I stumble then I crawl You could be my someone you could be my scene you know that I'll protect you from all of the obscene I wonder what your doing imagine where you are there's oceans in between us but that's not very far Can you take it all away can you take it all away well ya shoved it in my face this pain you gave to me Can you take it all away can you take it all away well ya shoved it my face Everyone is changing there's no one left that's real to make up your own ending and let me know just how you feel cause I am lost without you I cannot live at all my whole world surrounds you I stumble then I crawl You could be my someone you could be my scene you know that i will save you from all of the unclean I wonder what your doing I wonder where you are There's oceans in between us but that's not very far Can you take it all away can you take it all away well ya shoved it in my face this pain you gave to me Can you take it all away can you take it all away well ya shoved it my face Nobody told me what you thought nobody told me what to say everyone showed you where to turn told you when to runaway nobody told you where to hide nobody told you what to say everyone showed you where to turn showed you when to runaway This pain you give to me you take it all you take it all away... explain again to me you take it all away explain again to me take it all away explain again THE DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ --------------------- Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum potentia sua daemon fundet mortem in terram Deinde moritur Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum somnus finit Razgriz surget iterum Magnus heros est Historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Magnus heros est Historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Magnus heros est Cum somnus finit Razgriz surget iterum Razgriz Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum potentia sua Daemon fundet mortem in terram Deinde moritur Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Primum daemon scelestus est Cum somnus finit Razgriz surget iterum Magnus heros est Historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Magnus heros est Historia mutat valde Razgriz revelat ipsum Magnus heros est Cum somnus finit Razgriz surget iterum Razgriz Cum somnus finit Razgriz surget iterum ----------------------- Translation - The Demon of Razgriz Although it was through an online translator, thanks to Home NOYB for the rough translation. I have cleaned it up a bit so this should be somewhere near accurate. Once again if someone is fluent in Latin please let me know. ----------------------- When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon When a demon it brings death upon the Next Earth When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon Which dies While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again And is a large hero While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again And is a large hero While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon When a demon it brings death upon the Next Earth When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon When history witnesses a great change Razgriz reveals itself At first as a wicked demon While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again And is a large hero While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again And is a large hero While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again And is a large hero While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again While in a slumber Razgriz to get up arise again ----------- ----------- === MUSIC PLAYER #01 / MENU #02 / BRIEFING 1 #03 / BRIEFING 2 #04 / HANGER 1 #05 / HANGER 2 #06 / SHOREBIRDS #07 / OPEN WAR #08 / WARDOG #09 / NAVAL BLOCKADE #10 / FIRST FLIGHT #11 / RENDEZVOUS #12 / BALLISTIC MISSILE #13 / WHITE BIRD (PART ONE) #14 / FRONT LINE #15 / SCINFAXI #16 / MOTHER GOOSE ONE #17 / LIT FUSE #18 / BLIND SPOT #19 / 8492 #20 / CHAIN REACTION #21 / REPRISAL #22 / POWDER KEG #23 / FOUR HORSEMEN #24 / DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ #25 / HRIMFAXI #26 / ICE CAGE #27 / WHITE NOISE #28 / DESERT ARROW #29 / DESERT LIGHTNING #30 / SUPERCIRCUS #31 / INTO THE DUSK #32 / FORTRESS #33 / MASK #34 / FINAL OPTION #35 / ANCIENT WALLS #36 / SOLITAIRE #37 / CLOSURE #38 / GHOSTS OF RAZGRIZ #39 / WHITE BIRD (PART TWO) #40 / HEARTBREAK ONE #41 / GRABACR #42 / SEA OF CHAOS #43 / WINGS OF UNITY #44 / WINTER STORM #45 / THE UNSUNG WAR #46 / RESULT #47 / SHOP #48 / GAME OVER #49 / TUTORIAL MAIN #50 / TUTORIAL MENU #51 / TUTORIAL RESULT #52 / ARCADE MENU #53 / ARCADE STAGE SELECT #54 / ARCADE BRIEFING #55 / ARCADE RIPPING AIR #56 / ARCADE KNOCK YOU DOWN #57 / ARCADE ELEMENTAL PARTICLE 2 #58 / ARCADE BROKEN SKIES #59 / ARCADE CATCH THE LIGHTNING #60 / ARCADE RIDING HIGH #61 / ARCADE DO OR DIE #62 / ARCADE GAME OVER #63 / ARCADE CONSEQUENCE #64 / EXTRA TRACK (BLUE SKIES REMIX) ==== TOO LATE, TOO BAD Among the darkest of thunderclouds Beyond the backside of heaven Bound by chains with ebony locks An ancient black hanger stands. On a single cord of woven hemp, Hangs a single alloy key. Hidden by God's holiest garb, He alone holds their release. The devil hisself cringes this day, In the safest chasms of hell. His scares remmember, all red and sore. As each of the tumblers fall. The mightiest angels push at the door, As the great ancient walls roll wide. Archangels themselves knowingly hide their wings, Screaming engines heard blasting to life. The terror reborn, nightmares reseen, Called in at the twilight of freedom. Apocolyptic horsemen hurriedly dismount, They dread that we have come. The for deadliest aces in God's hand. Evil men we will seek to blame. Molten steel will rain down from dakened wings, All evil will suffer in flame. Too late, too bad for the enemy of peace, Your burning demise is near. Pain will come screaming out of the sky, The DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ ARE HERE. kEITH "cRASH" sTOREY By Tyler TX 5/20/05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8h. Movie Transcripts ------------------------------------------------ AV10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **NOTE: This transcript is taken from the game's movies that are played in between some of the missions. There is no in-mission radio chatter in this so reading them one after another may not make much sense. If you can see a mistake then please email me (mike8580@hotmail.com). Introduction ("Their Nameless War") AV11 ---- Time: 2:40 ---- Plays: After the 'Press Start Button' displays for more then 15 seconds ---- Spoilers: NO --- **NOTE- Remember, this is a trailer showing various parts of in-game and CG footage. It is also a trailer so the dialogue may not make much sense if you are just reading this. TRANSCRIPT Genette: Who do you thinks covering up the battle? Bartlett: Listen, the only thing across that ocean is Murska Airbase, that's Yuktobanian territory. Genette: But, haven't we been allies with the Yukes since the war fifteen years ago? (THE DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ plays) Bartlett: Nagase! You keep flying like that and you'll die real soon! Nagase: I won't die sir! Bartlett: You're flying number two on my wing, gotta keep an eye on you or who knows what you'll get yourself into. Pops: Captain's probably hating this more then anybody, he use to have a lady friend over in Yuktobania. Nagase: Captain! Thunderhead: Warning! Warning! Wardog Squadron, return to base immediately! Genette: What happened? Hamilton: Yuktobania just declared war! Thunderhead: Edge, you lead the formation. Nagase: No! Blaze is leading, I'm gonna protect his six o'clock. And I'm not gonna lose another flight lead! Snow: Quit screwing around! This is war, the enemy's all over, they're gonna eat you alive! Chopper: The turbines won't start up! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon! Grimm: This is Grim, I'm taking off! Nagase: Be careful Grimm, I'll cover you. Perrault: The goal of this operation is simple: to invade and occupy the Yuktobanian mainland. Chopper: What are we gonna do kid? I'll follow you Grimm: You really should start calling him 'Captain'. Thunderhead: Ballistic missile incoming! Nagase: The Arkbird?! Chopper: What was that?! Nagase: It's like this enemy came straight out of the demon legends. Nagase: That can't.. It can't be! Genette: I know a little about that famous legend too. Pops: Look at that wreckage, I'm amazed they're still making them like this. Genette: Who's this 'they' you're referring to? MAIN VOCALS of THE DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ plays Nagase: Razgriz, the demon from the world of fairy tales... Grimm: Captain, do you believe in the Demon of Razgriz? Chopper: The demon from the North Sea! Chopper: I've never seen a stupid fairy tale come true like this!! DEMONS OF RAZGRIZ is CUT OUT with RADIO STATIC Yuke sub control: It looks as if you're up against Razgriz itself out there. BLURRY plays Genette V.O.: When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself, first as a dark demon. As a demon, it uses it's power to reign death upon the land, and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns. BLURRY lyrics PLAY =============================== ========================== Prologue AV12 ---- Time: 2:40 ---- Plays: When you start a new game ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: 15 years ago, there was a war. Well, war's broken out here plenty of times before. They're tried to invade the South Lands through the northern valley time and time again; luck was never on their side though, and their victories didn't last long. They didn't realise that times had changed, facing one defeat after another and watching their nation dwindle, they built up their industrial strength up to unprecedented heights, and used it to wage one final battle against the world. That was 15 years ago... They fought ferociously, but were utterly defeated. The Belkans then committed the unthinkable. They dropped nuclear weapons on their own soil, seeing this tragedy unfold before their own eyes, the victories countries vowed to throw down their weapons. The world was once again at peace, and thanks to them, it seemed it would last forever. On a distant island, far away from civilisation, the protectors of the peace take to the skies. =============================== ========================== Shorebirds #1 AV13 ---- Time: 3:34 ---- Plays: After Prologue ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: Red Alert! I was in the sky, trying to get the training team in my viewfinder, from the rear seat of the lead plane. My pilot in the front seat was howling at the earth below. Bartlett (over radio): Give me a break I'm babysitting Nuggets up here! Sand Island Base Command: Command room to Wardog squadron we have leakers aircraft type unknown crossing the border at Cape Landers bearing 78-302, Captain Bartlett, you're flight is the only group close enough to make the intercept. Bartlett: Baker, Sventsen! Go trail and stay close, we'll go high and prepare to engage the bandits, all other aircraft get low and stay out of the fight! Genette V.O.: The world turned upside down and my stomach turned inside out. (Back on the ground, Bartlett and Genette get out of the plane and walk over the apron to the debriefing room). Bartlett: I'm sorry about this. Genette V.O.: The captain's apology seemed misplaced. One instructor had survived the fight but crashed on landing, the other one was killed in action high above the clouds. It wasn't his fault that the unidentified aircraft had fired on us without warning, nor was it his fault that the low altitude area he had sent his trainees was directly in front of the enemy. Eight people died, because the command room had misplaced some zeros. Genette: That pilot in the Number 7 was amazing, did you see her fight back! Bartlett: I couldn't bear to watch. Nagase, you keep flying like that and you'll die real soon! Nagase: I won't die sir.. Genette V.O.: The only surviving trainee's voice was almost a whisper. Bartlett: Are you sure, it looks like you couldn't hurt a fly. Genette V.O.: Her face was pale, but she still manages to smile a bit for the camera. The photo along with my camera was confiscated by Base Security. I was as if our little undeclared war never happened. Scene moves to the CREW READY ROOM I came to cover this remote island because I heard that a very unique squadron leader was stationed here. I realise he was this unique though. This bad- mouthed, good-natured old firebrand could take the greenest of rookies and forge them into a fearsome fighter pilot. Of course that possibility vanished with the day's encounter. The only crew he had left now was 2nd lieutenant Nagase and the few pilots who happened to be on the ground that day. Bartlett: *sighs* I know you don't like this, but we're short on people. Starting tomorrow all you nuggets are gonna be sitting alert. If we launch, stay glued to me up there. Nagase! Nagase: Sir! Bartlett: Your flying Number 2 on my wing, gotta keep an eye on you or who knows what you'll get yourself into. =============================== ========================== Shorebirds #2 AV14 ---- Time: 3:34 ---- Plays: After Prologue ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (BARTLETT and GENETTE sit on a bench outside one of the cargo plane hangers watching the sun go down. POPS in inside the hanger making adjustments to a dismantled aircraft and RANDOM PERSONNEL can be heard in the background playing with POPS' dog KIRK.) Genette V.O.: The whole affair with the unidentified aircraft was covered up, there was even a rumour going around that it was actually a UFO. Officially the world was still at peace. Having witnessed the battle myself, I wasn't allowed to leave the island. Bartlett: Why do they even bother reprimanding me anymore? I know I'm gonna be stuck at Captain forever. Genette: Who do you thinks covering up the battle? Bartlett: Listen, the only thing across that ocean is Murska Air Base, that's Yuktobanian territory. Genette: But, haven't we been allies with the Yukes since the war 15 years ago? Bartlett: Yeah... That's why we got people working their asses off trying to confirm what the hells goin' on over there. I bet they've got hotlines ringing off the hook somewhere upstairs. The Government doesn't want to get the public railed up with all this y'know. But it doesn't matter, soldiers like us are too stupid to think for ourselves, so we just gotta keep our mouths shut when they tell us to. I feel kind of bad for you actually. Genette: (laughs), it's alright, I get to be with you guys. (POPS' voice comes from inside the hanger, he walks out and joins the conversation.) Pops: Captain's probably hating this more than anybody. Genette: Hm? Pops: He used to have a lady friend over in Yuktobania. Bartlett: Ah, that's just an old war wound now. =============================== ========================== Narrow Margin AV15 ---- Time: 1.09 ---- Plays: Before the mission Narrow Margin ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (The scene starts from the perspective of a hand camera mounted on a top corner of a simple room. Genette's face is close to the lens as he makes adjustments before moving backwards and standing in full view.) Genette V.O.: This was the room, or the cell I had been assigned to. (We see a side shot of Hamilton, who is making a phone call inside the room. He puts down the phone and taps the receiver as in deep thought, before turning his head to the camera and talking to Genette.) Genette V.O.: Captain Hamilton. Unlike his superior, the Base Commander who locked me in here he's been very reasonable with me, he even got my camera back. He told me if his uncle wasn't a soldier, he would have liked to have had a job like mine. Hamilton: Well, we don't have any reason to hold you anymore. Genette: What do you mean? Hamilton: Yuktobania just declared war. They've launched an offensive simultaneously too. Our Naval Port at St. Hewlett is being bombed right now. (Hamilton straightens his hat and leaves the room. Genette pushes back the bind and watches the three remaining Wardog planes takeoff to support the defence of St. Hewlett.) Genette V.O.: There were only three of then now. =============================== ========================== First Flight #1 AV16 ---- Time: 1:34 ---- Plays: Before the mission First Flight ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: When the rescue chopper arrived, the captain was nowhere to be seen. The only thing they found was the retreating enemy intelligence vessel. This island used to be a place of exile from the rest of the world. It then became our first line of defence against them enemy. (The scene changes to the crew lounge, it is close to midnight. Genette is sitting on a bed while Chopper puts on some music. The song Blurry plays. There are various posters one of which is the Sky Kid poster on the walls. Chopper sits down on the sofa and pats Kirk who is lying at his feet.) Chopper: Who'll be the flight lead tomorrow? I wouldn't waste my energy worrying about that if I were you. (Chopper sits down with a sigh) Chopper: We're an auxiliary squadron you know, so his Highness the Lieutenant Colonel will just come down from the mainland and take over, that's all. Whew! I love this sound, calms me down, I'm gonna sleep well tonight! Genette: I heard the one that broke the Captain's heart 15 years ago was a recon major in the Yuke army. Chopper: Yeah, I did my history homework. We were allies back then. Man, the Base Commander sure wasn't being subtle about making accusations. Haha (Chopper attempts to impersonate Perrault) Chopper: Was there anything suspicious about the Captains behaviour? He says. Hell, I'm more suspicious about that screw in his damn head. (The alert siren sounds, Chopper collapses on the sofa in a mix of weariness and frustration.) Chopper: Aw, you're kidding me, an air raid? Gimme a break man! =============================== ========================== First Flight #2 AV17 ---- Time: 1.16 ---- Plays: After mission First Flight ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (The morning is clear after the attack last night. Pops approaches and lands at Sand Island, after spending the night on the mainland. The camera observes Pops landing, watching the nose wheel gently roll onto the runway.) Genette V.O.: From the sky, the morning after. Pops came back like nothing had happened; as if the open skies had always been his one true home. Only seventeen hours had passed since the war began. Yuktobania's war strategies seemed to be minutely timed to avoid giving Osea anytime to launch a counter attack. (The camera moves to the Crew Quarters. The camera is once again in the perspective of Genette's recorder, and is pointed at Nagase resting on a sofa and writing in her book. There are other people in flight suits passing in front of the camera.) Genette V.O.: I got a notice of assignment as a member of the press corps, I guess Captain Hamilton had pulled a few strings for me. I didn't waste any time going to work. (The camera shows Genette's lens moving back and forth, trying to get Nagase in focus.) Genette V.O.: Second Lieutenant Nagase, inside the crew room. She's sitting by herself, writing something in her book. Nobody knew what she was writing. Genette V.O.: I realised these people may well be the story I was looking for all this time. In fact, I was sure of it. (Nagase looks out of the window as a jet is heard flying past.) =============================== ========================== White Bird (part 1) #1 AV18 ---- Time: 2:10 ---- Plays: After the mission Rendezvous ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (The first shot we see is an overhead shot of an airbase. However, it is vastly different from the island paradise of Sand Island. The sky is dark and it is snowing heavily. The Wardog squadron land at the base.) Nagase V.O.: We set off for the Northern Region to re-fuel. This place is paradise compared to what's further ahead. Beyond our destination lies to closed gate to Nord Belka. Fifteen years ago, the Belkans set off seven nuclear bombs there to stave off the advancing allied forces, entombing themselves to the frozen valleys to the north. That bit of history should have been enough of a lesson for us all. The seven Belkan cities near the gate were vaporised, and the local area is still highly radioactive. Our landing point was in the state of North Osea, formally a haven for Belkans, but now entrusted to Osean rule. If you refer it to that name in front of a local, he'll put a scowl on his face and tell you that this is South Belka. Nagase V.O.: Hierlark meant a lot to us. Our flight training look place here on this airfield. On the base, we were surrounded by junior cadets, eager to hear war stories. The newspaper article written about us by that journalist Genette made it here faster then we did. Somewhere along the line, we had become the most experienced pilots in the entire war. Us, Captain Bartlett's nuggets. (The shot now moves onto the four aircraft and junior cadets flying south-west back towards Sand Island. As Grimm and Chopper talk, the camera show both aircraft cockpits in the same shot.) Nagase V.O.: We were directed to take these inexperienced pilots back with us to Sand Island then we returned. Chopper (over radio): Man, we'd better thank Pops for this. Grimm (over radio): Why's that? Chopper: 'cos, he's the person who pounded basic fighter manoeuvres into us, now we can lord it over all these guys. Nagase V.O.: You said it. Nagase V.O.: These pilots had only a tenuous grasp of flying, much less mid-air refuelling, so we had to land at every base along the way. I can't believe we have to send them off to guard the western coastline. =============================== ========================== White Bird (part 1) #2 AV19 ---- Time: 0:29 ---- Plays: After the mission White Bird pt. i ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (We see a image that looks as if it is taken from a ground telescope, the focus is fuzzy as it looks at the stratosphere. We see the recently launched laser module docking with the Arkbird.) Nagase V.O.: The white bird rose up once again, laser cannon in its wings. It was a moving sight. In my heart though, I wish it didn't have to be used in war. Genette V.O.: None of them found out why they had targeted the base until much later. Of course by that time it was too late. =============================== ========================== Front Line AV20 ---- Time: 0:14 ---- Plays: Plays after the mission Front Line ---- Spoilers: Minor Spoilers --- TRANSCRIPT (We see sinking fragments of the Scinfaxi, it has been completely destroyed by the Arkbird's laser and Wardog's assault. Out of the gloom, another identical sub passes by.) (No Dialogue) =============================== ========================== Handful of Hope AV21 ---- Time: 1:15 ---- Plays: Before the mission Handful of Hope ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: When my article, the Four Wings of Sand Island was published to wide acclaim, I grew bolder. (The camera appears to be from Genette's camera again, he is recording the Base Commander Parrault talking with two other officers.) Genette V.O.: Here was a profile view of the Base Commander. The emperor of this base. (Hamilton knocks down the camera.) Hamilton: Don't! He's in a bad mood today, if he catches you, he'll have your head. Genette: What happened? (Hamilton shrugs as he walks away down a corridor. The camera move beck to the crew ready room where Nagase is sitting on the sofa again talking to Genette and thinking out loud.) Nagase: The Arkbird... Genette: Huh? Nagase: The White Bird in outer space, with Yuktobania outclassing us in firepower, it was the presidents one trump card in the peace negotiations. And now it's fallen right out of our hands. Genette: So you're saying we don't know how long the war will drag on. (We now see the same fuzzy shot of the Arkbird we saw from White Bird #1.) Genette V.O.: The Arkbird. A super weapon capable of attacking from space, far beyond the reach of the enemy. Its power generator was destroyed by explosives hidden within a supply satellite they launched from earth. Once again, the balance of power had tipped towards Yuktobania. =============================== ========================== Blind Spot AV22 ---- Time: 0:59 ---- Plays: Before the mission Blind Spot ---- Spoilers: Minor Spoilers --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: General Hamal. Supreme commander of the Osean Army deployed to Yuktobania successfully stormed the enemy beach and established a command centre on the spot. The general who claims to have been given full operational authority by the President then made the following declaration: "We will march forward and we will not lay down our arms until the Yuktobanian capital has fallen". (The screen changes to a picture of Oured from the bay.) Genette V.O.: Oured, the Osean capital. The winds of war have yet to reach here, the air still smells of peace. (We now see Nagase, Chopper and Grimm standing on Courtroom type stands in a darkened room. A booming, aggressive voice talks back to them.) Nagase: But that wasn't us! By the time we got there they had already Grimm: That's right, we heard them over the radio, they called themselves the 8492nd squadron. Osean CM officer: 8492! 8492! Is that all you people have to say! There is no squadron in our military with that number! Chopper: Damn it! What the hell's goin' on here! (The alert siren sounds.) =============================== ========================== Demons of Razgriz #1 AV23 ---- Time: 1:27 ---- Plays: Before after the mission Demons of Razgriz ---- Spoilers: NO --- TRANSCRIPT (The scene opens with several shots of the crew ready room back at Sand Island. The squadron are sitting at various places waiting for their mission briefing.) Genette V.O.: Despite the hectic mood of the staff at HQ, the start of the briefing was delayed. But the weary pilots, knowing full well that they would have to force their exhausted bodies back into the air once the order was given, weren't the slightest bit disturbed by the delay. Grimm [to Nagase]: Hey, what are you writing there? Nagase: I just can't remember this next phrase. Chopper: Here, let me see! Nagase: Hey! Nagase: The Princess couldn't feed the dove that day, she was too sick. Grimm: May I take a look? Chopper: Razgriz, the Demon of Razgriz got her right? Nagase: You know the story? Chopper: The demon from the North Sea! I remember, my Grandma used to tell me bedtime stories about it, and every time she did I'd be too scared to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. (Nagase laughs while Hamilton speaks from outside of the camera.) Hamilton: Settle down people. (The camera moves to the briefing room, where Perrault and Hamilton are standing in front of the screen with the mission details.) Genette V.O.: I know a little about that famous legend too. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself; first as a dark demon. As a demon, it uses it's power to rein death upon the land, and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns. =============================== ========================== Demons of Razgriz #2 AV24 ---- Time: 1:30 ---- Plays: After the mission Demons of Razgriz ---- Spoilers: Minor Spoilers --- TRANSCRIPT (This scene is shot as if through Genette's camera. There is a party and there is a lot of music and celebrating. Pops is in the camera talking to Genette.) Pops: Heavens! The ace pilots who sunk the enemy submarines are right over there! And I'm the person you want to interview now? Genette: No it's not that! It's just I heard that you were once a fighter pilot yourself. Pops: I just fly fright planes for the maintenance crews now. The Captain, Captain Bartlett that is, it was time for an old man like me to stop trying to compete with the young guys. Talk about a lack of respect!(laughs). Genette: Where did you meet Captain Bartlett? Pops: We were both shot down and we bailed out behind enemy lines in the last war. We got back through the bullet-ridden battlefield and made it back to the allied front lines. I tell you, it was tough getting the army to believe we were on their side. Genette: Shot down? You two! Pops: Hey, it was a long time ago. Everyone makes mistakes right? Genette: Oh, no I didn't mean it that way. Even if you're not flying with those pilots your age and experience provide a lot of support for all of them. I just wanted to tell you that. I've seen they really listen to what you say, and you always have helpful suggestions for them. Pops: Well, thank you. Genette: I think they're all going to need you, now more then ever. Pops: I'll do what I can. Genette: These people, it's like they're walking a tightrope that could snap at any second. They're all going to reach their breaking point sooner or later. Pops: Yeah... =============================== ========================== Ice Cage AV25 ---- Time: 1:17 ---- Plays: After the mission Ice Cage ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (It is raining heavily at Sand Island. The squadron have left for another mission. We see Genette in the crew room near the sofa Nagase was sitting before.) Genette V.O.: She had left here book in the crew room. (Genette picks up Nagase's book, examines the cover and flips through the pages. The words and pages are damages and pieces of paper with writing attempt to restore what was on them.) Genette V.O.: "A Blue Dove for the Princess", that was the title of the book she left behind. A favourite book from her childhood. The pages had torn off over the years and she had been writing down the words that were on those pages. Trying to remember every sentence and every verse. Nagase V.O.: I love this book so much, but I only have faint memories of what was inside. I feel I've gotten so far away from everything since then. Genette V.O.: I remember how she looked when she told me that. I couldn't help from wondering, did she choose to crash on purpose, rather then being force to take part in the invasion of another country. =============================== ========================== White Noise AV26 ---- Time: 1:29 ---- Plays: After the mission White Noise ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (The scene opens with a panoramic shot of a snowy forest. As the camera moves, we see Nagase pointing her handgun at an enemy soldier with the rescue team behind her.) Genette V.O.: When the rescue team found her, she has holding a group of soldiers who were sent in to capture her. Behind her were the helicopter crew who crashed while trying to rescue her. She had saved them, treated their wounds and hidden them in a safe place. I needed to rethink my image of her after this, after witnessing her amazing toughness and tenacity. She even managed to obtain a little information about the soldiers she captured. It seemed the people of Yuktobania were also beginning to have doubts about their leaders in the current war. And word of Nagase's squadron was getting around, as the force who sunk two of their most powerful submarines. The Yuke army soldiers had nicknamed them "The Demons of Razgriz". She was obviously very proud of that when she told me about it later. Perhaps her pride was for Captain Bartlett, the man who had trained them, or perhaps it was for her current captain. However, none of the officers in the upper echelons of their own army was proud of them, Bartlett was still missing, and that made his old trainees the subject of suspicion and criticism. =============================== ========================== Fortress #1 AV27 ---- Time: 1:36 ---- Plays: Before the mission Fortress ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (Pops and Genette are outside a hanger, inside in the remains of a Yuke plane) Pops: Look at that wreckage. I'm amazed they're still making 'em like this. Genette: They? Pops: This looks like a standard fighter jet, but it's actually different. They've done a lot of things to reduce the number of parts and cut down manufacturing costs. Without sacrificing the planes strength and performance. Very cost effective, you could make three planes for the price of two this way. Genette: Who's this 'they' you're referring to? Pops: North Osea Grunder industries. Formally the South Belka munitions factory. Run by the Belkan government. Genette: But Osea has taken over that land now, South Belkan technology is being used for Osea. Why does Yuktobania have this? Pops: Good question. Actually, speaking of Belka. Osea recruited some Belkan flying aces after the war fifteen years ago to strengthen our air force. You know about this? Genette: No.. Really? Pops: An aggressor squadron comprised entirely of Belkan aces, our old enemy. Well, that's the rumour anyway. Even an old fox like me is sure they exist. I bet the current administration isn't even aware of the story. =============================== ========================== Fortress #2 AV28 ---- Time: 0:54 ---- Plays: After the mission Fortress ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: The so-called 'impenetrable fortress' fell in half a day. And the momentum of the Osean army had reached a peak. It's final stronghold lost the Yuktobanian army was setting up a barricade in the urban area up ahead. The next battle could see a lot of bloodshed, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. However, the men and officers of the Osean army were optimistic. They thought as long as the three fighters from Sand Island were taking part in the action, everything would turn out alright. They had become the centre of the armies' strength now. (Soldiers on the ground cheer as the three fighters fly past.) =============================== ========================== 8492 AV29 ---- Time: 5:51 ---- Plays: After the mission 8492 ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (Genette and Pops are sitting the crew bunk room talking, Kirk is lying on the floor near his bowl.) Genette: Would it surprise you if I said the President Harling is nowhere to be found in the capital? Pops: Not really. The hard-line war Osea's waging right now, hardly resembles the peace policy the President was promoting. Let me guess, he disappeared just before we invaded Yuktobania right? Genette: Exactly! My journalist friends tell me that nobody has seen him enter or leave the office since. All of his decisions are communicated through the Vice President. And it gets better, a lot of the military officers who resigned in disagreement with the Presidents arms reductions planes have started to return to the capital. Pops: I found out something myself, that Belkan aggressor squadron I was telling you about, apparently they're called the 8492nd squadron. Also, and here's the kicker, Captain Hamilton, the adjutant base commander here, was assigned to the 8492nd. Genette: What! (There is a roar or fighter jets outside. Pops looks out of the window.) Pops: Oh, they're back. (We now see the three planes taxiing back to the hangers.) Nagase: There's no point talking to that blockhead commander. He treated our President like an idiot, just because he wanted peace. Grimm: What about his adjutant Captain Hamilton? Nagase: Rodger that, the captain and I will go see him, Grimm you go let Genette and Pops know. Grimm: Right, be careful. (We are back in the bunk room, Grimm is now with them.) Genette: What!? Nagase and the captain went to see Hamilton? Grimm: What is it! Did I do something wrong? Pops: Let's hurry! Genette: You got it! (Genette, Pops and Grimm walk to Perrault's office.) Pops: We don't have time to warn the Captain and Nagase, we'll have to talk to the Base Commander ourselves. (They enter Perrault's office.) Perrault: Thank you for coming second lieutenant. I was just thinking about calling you over. Pops: Me? Perrault: Special Forces, Second lieutenant Peter N. Beagle, or I guess you prefer "Pops". Fifteen years ago, you and Bartlett were shot down over enemy terrain. Bartlett's squadron HQ was destroyed, and all it's data was fried by Belkas magnetic pulse weaponry. When you made it back to the allied front lines, it was Bartlett's word that convinced them you were his squadron leader. Is that really true. (Perrault raises a handgun concealed behind his back and points it at Pops.) Perrault: Bartlett turned out to be a spy, so, who are you really? (Pops, Genette and Grimm slowly back towards the office door.) Perrault: Can't prove anything about your military record, can you? (Grimm, obscured by Genette turns out the lights in the room, using this moment of confusion to escape. As they run Perrault starts shooting wildly, one bullet narrowly missing Genette's head). Pops: This way! Perrault: Arrest 'em on sight, they're spies, shoot them if you have to! (It is still dark around Sand Island, soldiers armed with assault riffles patrol the apron. A spotlight moves around the area and passes along a container which Pops, Nagase, Blaze, Genette and Kirk are hiding behind. Only the squadron member are armed with handguns and they keep a close watch.) Genette: Hamilton's got the base commander deceived too. Nagase: I punched that guy's lights out. That bastard was wearing a Major's insignia on his shoulder. Genette: I don't know who it is, but someone's trying to widen the rift between the two countries and keep this war going. If Osea continues to win, then this war will be over. Nagase: And they're after us to prevent that? Your kidding! Genette: You people are the pillar of morale for the entire Osean army now. Pops: And now you know something you were better off not knowing, the president's disappearance. Genette: Listen Pops, who exactly are you? (Footsteps are heard coming towards them, Nagase prepares herself, Grimm runs to the container breathing heavily.) Grimm: It's not good, they've seized our planes in the hangers. Pops: Hanger C in the rear probably isn't so heavily guarded. Grimm: Yeah, but over there, there's nothing but... Pops: Will escape with my training jets. Good thing I maintain all of my planes well eh? Let's try it. Genette, you take the seat behind me. (The squadron roll out of the hanger and get onto the runway, take off and escape Sand Island.) =============================== ========================== Ancient Walls #1 AV30 ---- Time: 0:30 ---- Plays: After mission Final Option ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT Sea Goblin: This is Sea Goblin, we have found the floating remains of the destroyed aircraft in the water. I don't see any sign of the crew, it looks as if they couldn't eject and sank with their planes. Thunderhead: Roger Sea Goblin, return to base. Sea Goblin: Okay, let's go. We've got a new home waiting for ya. =============================== ========================== Ancient Walls #2 AV31 ---- Time: 2:56 ---- Plays: Plays after Ancient Walls #1 ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (Seagulls and be heard, we see that the crew have gone to the OFS Kestrel. We see the Captain of the ship on the Bridge). Genette V.O.: Captain Andersen, the man who commanded the aircraft carrier Kestrel, and kept her afloat through countless battles. Andersen: Nah, I'm just a guy who has fought one losing battle after another. Genette V.O.: However, since this war began, this ship hadn't taken a single hit from enemy forces. (Andersen and Pops walk out onto the operations deck of the Kestrel. One of the crew is playing a harmonica in the background.) Andersen: This ship maybe unharmed, but it pains me to see fewer and fewer aircraft coming back when we launch them out on combat sorties. Now the only pilot left is Captain Snow, the squad leader. (The we see a lone pilot, Marcus Snow on the deck next to his F-14.) Andersen: Nobody wants an aircraft carrier without aircraft, so we're just sitting idle here. Pops: At the end of the last war, I was assigned a mission of dropping a nuclear weapon on a city in my own country. When I refused and went AWOL it was Captain Bartlett who took me in, his nickname was also Kid back then. (We see the squadron running around playing with Kirk.) Pops: He was a strange man, fifteen years since the war and he never got promoted once. In my country there was a group called the Grey Men, they're likely to still be around today. To them I'm a traitor, and for the past fifteen years Bartlett's protected me from them. Speaking of which, you don't think the Grey Men are involved in the disappearance of President Harling do you? Andersen: I've got an intelligence gathering vessel in my fleet, the Andromeda, that's capable of intercepting all forms of communications. Recently, it picked up a secret message transmitted in Belkan. That Colonel is why I've called all of you here. Pops: All this intense flying's tough on an old body. From here on out, it's their time to shine. Andersen: Mm Pops: But what'll we do about planes Andersen: We've captured a ship trying to smuggle aircraft from a South Belkan country into Yuktobania. Plenty of planes to choose from. =============================== ========================== Heartbreak One #1 AV32 ---- Time: 2:12 ---- Plays: After the mission Ancient Walls ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: When we got word of the president's return and ran up to the Bridge. He was smiling, and chatting with Pops and Captain Andersen. Apparently he spent his days confined in the old castle, looking at the seven ground zero craters right out his window, which served as the border between the two countries of North and South Belka. In the end, the Osean army couldn't take the Yuktobanian capital, and the war began to bog down. For Belka, who challenged the world to battle, but were crushed by the twin powers of Osea and Yuktobania there could be no sweeter revenge. They had created the hatred between the two countries, hoping that the war would eventually exhaust them both. The military officials on both sides were playing right into their hands. The intelligence vessel continued to pick up the Yuktobanian armies communications. One message from air-force traffic control, contain a mysterious string of numbers. Latitude, longitude, a date and time, and one more set of numbers. The President had the answer. Harling: Well how about that? These are the number of votes I won in my presidential elections. This is from the first time I won, and here's the number from the election two years ago. This message was meant for me! Genette V.O.: The coordinates marked a location within North Belkan territory, the date was tomorrow. The squadron from Sand Island became the President's personal Air Fleet, even as the reports continued to state that they had been shot down and killed. This was the new emblem. (We see a black fighter jet with the symbol from Nagase's book and the title The Ghosts of Razgriz). =============================== ========================== Heartbreak One #2 AV33 ---- Time: 2:01 ---- Plays: After the mission White Noise ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT Genette V.O.: The President broadcast his voice repeatedly, in an effort to reveal the truth to his citizens and soldiers. However, the central government, now run by the Vice President and his Generals censored all of it, calling it 'enemy propaganda'. And Yuktobania, their enemy, wasn't about to stop fighting either. The president needed to enter the Capital himself, with his Marine force. But that meant risking his life. As he boarded the helicopter, the President smiled and said: "here goes". The third encrypted message from Bartlett came shortly after. This time there was no coordinates, all it showed was a time and a radio frequency. At the appointed time, everyone gathered in front of the radio speaker. (The clock on the wall ticks upwards as the crew stand below the speaker, when the second hand gets to twelve, the transmission come in with a radio static at the start.) Bartlett: Hey it's me! Get the wax outta your ears and listen up! We found Nikanor, the leader of Yuktobania, and we broke him outta prison. This war wasn'y his doing at all! =============================== ========================== Sea of Chaos AV34 ---- Time: 3:08 ---- Plays: After the mission Heartbreak One ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (We see Bartlett, in a Yuke flight suit as well as a small man in a suit and a woman in shades, they shake hands with Captain Andersen. Genette V.O.: 'He' had returned once more, he brought Nikanor, the Prime Minister on Yuktobania with him and surprisingly he had brought one more person. A female Recon Major in the Yuke army, the one who had broke his heart fifteen years ago. It became clear why nobody could find him in the POW camps. The very first POW of the war, he had escaped before they could even get him into the camps. Yuktobania's situation was just like ours, their leader, who espoused reconciliation was imprisoned after a silent coup-de-ete, and the country proceeded to march into full-scale war. (Genette takes a photo of the Major, the camera is through the perspective of his lens.) Genette: What should I call you? Natasha: Just Major Genette: What your real name? Natasha: (laughs) Genette V.O.: All she did was return a smile. She remained faithful to the Prime Minister, and to his vision of peace. And that faith had brought her here. Genette V.O.: She was carrying a single disk (we see the major holding a small compact disk.) Genette V.O.: She told us that the disk contained the secret plans of the Belkan Grey Men. So far we have been unable to decipher the encryption code. (It is now night and the Major and Genette are alone on the flight deck. We see the Major's hand as she points to the sky.) Natasha: The SOLG. A military attack satellite that your country began building during the war fifteen years ago, then abandoned in the peace that followed. The Arkbird was born partly to resurrect that dreadful star. Now even after the Arkbird was destroyed, the space centre's mass driver is still sending supplies into orbit. What is that star receiving from them? =============================== ========================== Aces #1 AV35 ---- Time: 2:58 ---- Plays: Before Sea of Chaos ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (The Kestrel and her fleet is at sea, the sun is setting. Suddenly the fleet picks up a Yuktobanian fleet in front of them in battle formation.) Kestrel loudspeaker: All hands proceed to battle stations, Yuktobanian Fleet ahead! The enemy fleet contains eighteen ships, arrayed in a battle formation designed to block our fleet's path. Nikanor (over loudspeaker): Attention Yuktobanian fleet! This is Prime Minister Nikanor, representative of your government! I am on the (covering microphone) Kestrel? Andersen: Yes, Kestrel Nikanor (over loudspeaker): I am on the Osean Carrier Kestrel for the sake of restoring peace between our Yuktobania and the country of Osea, we will once again.. (Nikanor is cut off by transmissions and loudspeaker sound from the Yuke fleet.) Yuke Fleet Captain: Attention! All vessels! The only thing that exists between Yuktobania and Osea is hatred. Prime Minister Nikanor has joined the enemy, recognise him as such and sink the enemy fleet with him! Yuke Piknigt: But Commander, that's the Prime Minister talking, please stand down, we don't know what we're fighting for anymore. (the single ship moves to block the advancing fleet.) Yuke Piknigt: Sir please, cancel engagement and stand down. Yuke Fleet Captain: Attention, all vessels loyal to the fleet! A traitor is blocking our way. Attack the Frigate ship Piknigt, open fire! (The Yuke fleets fires upon and sinks the ship.) Yuke Cunrath: This is the Missile Destroyer Cunrath of the glorious Yuketobanian Navy. We cannot follow a fleet commander willing to sink one of his own ships, we will protect Prime Minister Nikanor, all ships who are with us, change course and follow us. Yuke Fleet Captain: Any vessel who does not follow the flagship will be fired upon! Andersen (over loudspeaker): Protect those brave defectors! Launch fighter! Andersen: Prime Minister, please take you leave Nikanor: But... Andersen: Go to our President, and get a televised picture of the two of you shaking hands, show it to the world. =============================== ========================== Aces #2 AV36 ---- Time: 4:06 ---- Plays: After the mission Sea of Chaos ---- Spoilers: YES --- TRANSCRIPT (The Kestrel is firing guns at two missile heading towards it.) Kestrel Spotter: Second wave of missile inbound! Ten seconds till impact. Kestrel Personnel: Counter with artillery barrage! Kestrel Gunner: We can't hit all of 'em, brace for impact! (The missile hit the Kestrel. We see Andersen in the Bridge.) Kestrel Systems Operator: Starboard side flood, Damage Control! We've been hit by two sub-launched missiles, the ship's listing! Andersen: Launch them out! Kestrel Systems Operator: We can't the ship's listing heavily to starboard, we're sinking fast! Andersen: Continue with the launch! Kestrel Systems Operator: But! Andersen: Take them up, hurry up with the catapult! Just concentrate on launching them. All hands not conducting aircraft launch abandon ship immediately! (A ship from the Osean/Yuke fleet destroys the enemy submarine. The survivors of the Kestrel are in lifeboats floating next to the sinking carrier.) Kestrel Crewman 1: Enemy submarine sunk! (Cheers from the Kestrel crew.) Kestrel Crewman 2: She's sinking, the ship's sinking! (The massive carrier, now completely on it's side sinks down underwater, the crewmen in their lifeboats and lifejackets salute it as it goes down.) Genette: The Kestrel.. is gone. Andersen: I've lost time and time again, but now I've finally won. Genette: Huh? Andersen: Look, we launched them off safely. There's my victory. As long as they're in the air I haven't lost, and I know they'll succeed. Pops: Yeah... (Andersen starts humming the song Journey Home.) Genette V.O.: The captain was humming a tune, the same song I heard from the anti war audience in the stadium. He was the one playing that record in the middle of a sea battle. (The humming of the Captain changes into the vocal version and the location moves to Bright Hill, Oured where Harling is giving a speech after successfully recapturing the city with the Sea Goblin Marine Force. The camera occasionally is through the perspective of the TV broadcast with OBC and the title "A Call for Peace" With the two speakers names appearing. Whilst the two leader a re giving their speech we see flybys of Osean and Yuke fighters flying towards Belka.) Harling: This is President Harling, of the Osean Federation. Attention all Osean and Yuktobanian soldiers currently on the battlefield. Let us but down our weapons, and come out of the trenches. The Osean capital of Oured has been of the people who took advantage of my absence to usurp control over the country. Once robbed of my freedom, and my ability to do the right thing, I now again under the light of the golden sun, and I do so, with the honourable Yuktobanian Prime Minister Nikanor by my side. We have revolved our terrible and unfortunate misunderstanding, and the war is now over. Nikanor: This is Prime Minister Nikanor, Head of Government for the Union of Yuktobanian Republics. Attention all officers of Osea and Yuktobanian currently on the battlefield. Please watch as President Harling and I stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. President Harling's words are true, and the war is over. But there is still one battle that still needs to be fought. Harling: We believe that those who have tried to stir hatred between us are now preparing a weapon that could wipe out half of all metropolitan areas in either one of our countries. Our comrades are in flight as I speak, determined to stop this plan dead in it's tracks. Which country is under the threat of mass destruction? That we do not know. Nikanor: However, that is no longer important. No matter which country is hit, it would be a server blow to all of us. Harling: So now I ask you members of the military, if you see it in you're your hearts please utilise the resources available to you, and help out our brave pilots. Right now they are flying east to meet the enemy. Nikanor: To those who still dare to hide behind the power of their hateful weapons. Bring yourself before the light of peace and harmony! (The crowd give a loud cheer.) =============================== ========================== Dead Ahead AV37 ---- Time: 0:12 ---- Plays: After the mission Aces ---- Spoilers: Yes --- TRANSCRIPT (We see the SOLG on a satellite readout screen, it is falling towards the ground.) (No dialogue) =============================== ========================== The Unsung War AV38 ---- Time: 0:56 ---- Plays: After the mission The Unsung War ---- Spoilers: Yes --- (We see Oured, the sun is beginning to rise over the bay, everything is quiet and still. Suddenly a huge explosion goes off over the bay detonating like a massive firework. We see the four Razgriz fighters heading back home temporarily focusing on their cockpits whist the orchestral version of The Demons of Razgriz plays. The fighters do a in-formation roll to a lower altitude and fly past the camera before pitching up and flying over the saved capital, we see fragments on the SOLG fly past the city like comets.) Genette V.O.: When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself, first as a dark demon. As a demon, it uses it's power to rain death upon the land, and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns, this time as a great hero. Oured personnel: We won! Oured personnel: We did it! Oured personnel: Yahoo! Oured personnel: Salute the Aces of Razgriz! (Various shouts and cheers from Oured.) Several Oured personnel: Razgriz Razgriz! Razgriz! Razgriz! Razgriz! Razgriz! Oured personnel: Can you hear these cheers? Don't tell me you can't hear them! =============================== ========================== Epilogue AV39 ---- Time: 0:12 ---- Plays: After the mission The Unsung War ---- Spoilers: Yes --- (We see Sand Island AFB, now abandoned and full of gulls. We see various shots of the base from the viewpoints we saw in earlier movies such as the crew bunk room, ready room and Perrualt's office, everything is now empty and deserted.) Genette V.O.: Peace has one again spread across the world. The Aces of Razgriz never flew in the skies of battle again. Above the clouds there was only a clear blue sky, no longer in need of heroes, and perhaps that was exactly what they were hoping for all this time. (We see various scenes of a new peaceful Oured, there is a woman whose face is obscured sitting on a bench in a park with a young girl on her lap, they are reading A Blue Dove for the Princess. Many believe that this woman is Nagase and the child is that of her and Blaze's.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8j. Unlockable extras ----------------------------------------------- AV40 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unlock Expert and Ace modes Complete the game on any difficulty once Unlock the Music Player and Movie viewer Complete the game on any difficulty once Unlock Free Mission mode Complete the game on any difficulty once Unlock the X-02 Buy at least one of all the planes exept the Falken. Including the branch aircraft Unlock the Falken Destroy the five Falken Hangers in missions 12a, 12b, 16a, 16b and 27a (This can be done in Free Mission and on any difficulty) Fly which ever plane you like in Arcade mode Complete all branchs of arcade mode Get Mobius One F/A-22 in Campain mode Complete the D branch of arcade mode Unlock Falken SP colour Complete Expert with S ranks on all missions Unlock X-02 SP colour Complete Hard with S ranks on all missions Unlock Yellow 13 Su-37 in Campain mode Shoot down the YELLOW named pilot in the Aces tunnel Specail Message: Finnish all Ace mode missions with an S rank and you will get a special commemorative message at the end of the debreifing. I'll add it when I next get it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 8k. Gliches --------------------------------------------------------- AV41 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helicopter flight Not an exploitable glitch. When you are near a helicoter watch carefully, it may 'jump' around the screen, stop in the air, then jump around some more. This as far as I know only happens to helicopters, not aircraft and only seems to affect enemy ones. For the best chance of seeing it play through mission 11b: Reprisal. Arkbird flight path On mission White Bird Part.ii when the Airbird turns to the south, sometimes it will not stop turning and fly around in cirles. This happens rarly and dosn't seem to trigger on anything below Expert. Non-solid wingmen If you try to fly into your wingmen they will turn to move out of your way, if you can hit them though sometimes they register a crash and mission failer and sometimes you will go right through them More non-solid aircraft It may suprise you to learn that only your plane is effected by hitting the ground. Whilst playing the game you may see your wingmen, friendly and enemy aircraft either flying through hills, buildings or even under the map itself. Hrimfaxi visable On the mission Demons of Razgriz, when the Hrimfaxi goes below water go to 7000 feet and look down, if positioned correctly you should see the Hrimfaxi underwater, although you may have to circle around the river to get in a position to see it. =============================================================================== 9. DYK / FAQ -------------------------------------------------------------- FQ01 =============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 9a. DYK -------------------------------------------------------------- FQ02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the where you find out all the little things that have been thrown into the game. So, Did you know... - There is a pilot called Nagase in AC04's Escort mission flying Air Ixiom 701. -/Nagase in AC04 sounds too old to be Nagase in AC05; it seems more probable that Kei Nagase is the daughter of 04's Nagase. It also brings up a rather cute 'She joined to protect people like Mobius 1 protected her mom' motive/ (by Neil H) - Nagase is also the mascot from Ridge Racer with a diffrent name. - The Belkan who we hear over the radio in White Bird pt 2 and who is controling the SOLG in Aces maybe Hammilton (thanks to Neil), although it doesn't sound too much like him. - When you are saving the airport, the airline Air Ixim from AC04 tries to land. - In the mission 'Blind Spot', the transport plane is going to North Point, the home of ISAF. - The game is called Squadron leader in Europe and Oceania, boo! - In the mission 'Aces', a named aircraft is a member of the Yellow Squadron. - The continent in AC04 was called Usea, the country that is in AC05 is called Osea. Usea is also on the far east of the map in briefings an opening movie. (Thanks to Neil H for pointing it out). - Pops and Hamilton are both Belkans. - Many of the Belkan words used in the game come from German. Nord Belka (North Belka), Vogal (Bird) and several pilots names. - In contrast several Yuke pilots names and ship names come from Russian and Latin - Pops' dog is called Kirk - Cruik Fortress may have been built in one of the Ulysses 1994XF04 astoroid craters. (Thanks to Neil H), if you have no idea what I'm talking about play AC04! - The first letter of the callsigns of your wingmen spell out the word: "Aces" Archer Chopper Edge Swordsman - ACES, and no, I don't know where B for Blaze comes from. - The V2 nuclear MIRV missile stands for Multi Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle where the weapon that fires it, the SOLG stands for Satellite Orbital Liner Gun. - If you want to be all technical, the Falkan also is too unareodynamic and mis-shapen to fly. - The Falken does not appear in AC05 first, it is actully an aircraft you need to shoot down for the ZOE Commander medal in AC02. //I haven't got the Falken in AC5 myself, but when I was browsing http://www.acecombat.jp/ I checked around the aircrafts that are playable in AC5 and found Falken... I was surprised. I'm not sure if you have noticed this too or not, but this fictional plane has appeared before, that is in Ace Combat 2. It was there in the very last mission (Fighter's Honor), as a non-target enemy under the name ADF-01. It was also the plane that you need to shoot down to obtain the last decoration, the "ZOE Commander" medal. The plane was one of a kind, it wasn't seen in any other missions. The design is strikingly similar, if not identical. The only differences are that the Falken has this 'slot' on its nose (for that laser thingy?) while the ADF-01 has a vertical 'fin' (excuse me for not having the proper aviation term xD) on its belly that is not present in Falken. Other than that, they're basically twins. Heck, they share the same paint job (red). I think this is pretty nostalgic for all of us who played AC2. :)// Thanks to Widodo for the info. - The Hrimfaxi and Scinfaxi are nordic gods weapons (thanks to the people who told me). - Namco have a Pacman tribute in the game. In Mission 16a: Desert Arrow go to grid section 5d in the upper centrel area. Look down and volia! (Thanks to the people on the board who mentioned this). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 9b. FAQ -------------------------------------------------------------- FQ03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frequently asked questions: Q: Are there any named pilots in this game, I'm almost through and haven't seen one. A: There are named pilots, however they do not appear until you have finished the game once or more. Q: I have finished the story mode, but don't have all the planes, what gives? A: Have you done the extra missions? Check out Free Mission for the ones you missed and make sure you buy them too! Q: Where is the X-02? A: Unlock all the planes apart from the Falken and it can be bought after you get all the planes fly one more mission to have it appear in the buy menu Q: What is the rock song played at the end credits? A: The song is called Blurry by Puddle of Mudd, the lryics are in the section above. Q: How do I complete this mission? A: Look in the guide! If the answer isn't there ask. Q: Can I ask for your help about another game which is simmiler to AC05 A: No, only ask me questions about games I have done guides for. Q: Is the Wingman control necessary to complete the game? A: No, if you can't be bothered to play it tactically at the start of every mission hit disperse to make them move elsewhere. Q: I have ordered my group to disperse and they are still flying in formation, that gives? A: Your wingmen will disperse, but only over an area of a few thousend feet. For instance, you cannot get you team to disperse over the entire map. Q: Do wingmen kills count for points? A: Yes, anything that is destroyed by a wingmen earns you points. However, any kills by an aircraft marked as FRND doesn't count. This includes Swordsman at the start of the game. Q: Can my wingmen get shot down? A: No, but they can take hits from missiles and guns, they just don't take any damage. Q: Do I have to breck off a bombing run when I'm being shot at with a missile? A: Unless you want to get shot down. Before doing anything, check your radar, if the missile is miles away you should have enough time to destroy your target before it reaches you, if it ever gets near to you at all. Q: Does it matter what type of aircraft my wingmen fly? A: It makes a lot of diffrence. Your wingmen are much more likly to score several kills if they are in an X-02 then a F-5e. Also an aircraft with a higher air-to-air value your wingmen will focus on air targets where a higher air-to-ground value will cause them to attack ground targets. Q: Where can I check my squadron records? A: Look under Squadron Data. Q: I need help on the Arcade mode and you havn't done the walkthrough yet! A: I'm going to. In the meantime, I have finnished arcade mode a few time, just email me if you need help or want to moan about how hard the squadron of X-02s are o_O Q: How do I send in my squadron records for the Hall of Fame? A: Email them in, also PLEASE set it out something like the rest of them as it just makes it a lot easier for me. =============================================================================== 10. ENDING NOTES ---------------------------------------------------------- EN01 =============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 10a. Thanks and Credit ---------------------------------------------- EN02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firstly I would like to thank Namco for making such a great game also if you are reading this for some reason, stop changing the name of the European release! Thanks. Also, I would like to thank anyone who read this and found it interesting or helpful (or both :D ), as well as anyone who pointed out mistake, corrections, sent in their Squadron Data etc, I'd make a list put there has been quite a few people and I don't want to go through the whole guide looking for names, if you want to see your name go to the relevant bit and it should be there, if it is not then email me and I'll put it right. When you finish the game send in your records! The arcade walkthrough will come soon enough so keep watching! -------------------------- Excerpts from the book: Aces, Demons and Ghosts: Mysterious heroes of the Belkan Conflict Speculations abound over the true identity of the "Aces of Razgriz" A small squadron of fighter pilots who played a pivotal role in resolving the Cirearn-Pacific war (Belkan Conflict), and has since disappeared without a trace. Some still firmly believe that this mysterious squadron was the Sand Island detachment of the 108th Osean Tactical fighter squadron, better known as the Sand Island Squadron. Feared amongst Yuktobanian Troops as "The Demons of Razgriz" the ferocity of this squadrons combat power is said to have weakened the resolve to fight amongst many in the front lines. To this day very little information has been obtained regarding the Sand Island Squadron itself. The last recorded account is a report dated the December 7, 2010, stating that all planes from Sand Island Squadron had been shot down over the Ceres Ocean. No records about them have since been found. There are however, numerous similarities that connect Sand Island Squadron and "The Demons of Razgriz". Whatever the truth maybe, the memory of this mysterious squadron, hailed both as aces and demons - and, at one point as ghosts - still lives amongst us. Vincent Harling, 48rd President of the Osean Federation announced at the 2013 Osean Federation Council, that in the year 2020 the Government will release to the public, full details from every department pertaining to the Belkan Conflict. In a speech following his announcement President Harling declared the following: "We must let time shed light on the truth behind this conflict. In the meantime, the world has already began to head down a new path." "And this path shall go on, as long as the blaze of light that shines through the darkness is not extinguished."