Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere

The critically acclaimed Ace Combat series has long been known as the best way to get your flying kicks on the PlayStation, so it is no surprise that Ace Combat 3 takes things to new heights in terms of terrific visuals and overall gameplay.

The standard mission design of previous games in the series remains intact, giving players complete control over their aircraft as they zip around in a fully 3-D environment. There are plenty of fun planes to fly this time around, from agile superfighters to lumbering bombers. Their manoeuvrability has been toned down from previous games in the series, which makes lining up targets more of a challenge, but it becomes second nature with a little practice.

Don't be intimidated by some of the fancy moves available to thrill-seeking flyers here. After all, what's the worst that can happen when you decide to risk a daring loop and roll? The truth is that Ace Combat 3 is ultimately more about pyrotechnics and fast action than about realistic flight physics. Ace Combat 3 isn't the leap in technology over its predecessor that we expected, but it's still a great way to satisfy your urges to fly the unfriendly skies. --T. Byrl Baker

In a future closer than you can imagine the current government system has collapsed giving way to the new corporate regime. In this new world there are two enterprises that control the balance of power.

General Resource Ltd, a multinational company with huge capital and support from the military industry. Neucom Inc. which has the ultimate technology, being funded by the information and telecommunication industry. There was always tension between the two companies.

General Resource has just recently conducted military manoeuvres in an attempt to contain Neucom. Neucom has retaliated and this has triggered a small conflict between the two companies. Your mission is to subdue the conflict with the help of Erich, Fiona and Rena, your comrades in the UPEO, gaining fighting experience and gradually winning the confidence of your fellow pilots in the process. As the story unfolds, you will uncover a conspiracy that causes you to doubt who's side you support. You must make a choice. Make sure it's the right one!!!

The Electrosphere is the future earth, ruled by two giant corporations hovering on the brink of war. Pilots working for the Neo United Nations peace enforcement forces face a new series of missions to prevent all-out global war. Ace Combat 3 is a sophisticated flight simulation game that leads you into a world of dogfights, high altitude chases, ground attacks and low altitude canyon chases.

New to Ace Combat is the virtual cockpit mode which, when used with an Analog stick, gives a full 360-degree view of the cockpit; new use of the controller provides visual tracking of enemy aircraft, not just a radar trace. Fly one of eighteen selected planes, each with its own realistic physics and weapons system.

Missions are carried out at mach speed to test your tactical and flying skills beyond the max. From stratosphere to Electrosphere, this is aerial combat at its finest.