Ace Combat Zero fits the textbook definition for a sequel: Don't fix what isn't broken.
Ace Combat Zero feels a lot like its predecessors, and while there's nothing wrong with that, gamers expecting something new here will be at least somewhat disappointed. The development team behind the Ace Combat series-- known as the Project Aces team-- has largely adopted a "don't fix what isn't broken" policy with this game. This means that gamers are going to see similar mission styles that Ace Combat veterans have seen before. There are dogfighting sorties, attacks on naval fleets and ground targets, escort missions, and more. While the mission types may seem familiar, the theatres of operation are somewhat different and the difficulty can prove to be far more challenging than one may suspect-- especially when it comes to battling against aces, or elite pilots.
Speaking of aces, Ace Combat Zero focuses a lot on them throughout the game. In fact, the game's protagonist becomes a legendary ace as the Belkan War progresses... and he will face strong resistance from a decent variety of opposing aces in an impressive amount of different aircraft. When it's ace against ace, the game's difficulty ratchets up a few notches. Enemies are much harder to keep in front of you on radar and they are deadly accurate with their own missiles. As one might expect, these battles will get the adrenalin flowing, as many will surely ask (at least once), "How I did I miss him with that shot? or "Why can't I lose this guy?" The tension is thick, and that's likely the way that the Project Aces team intended it to be.
Another new wrinkle introduced in Ace Combat Zero is the game's narrative. Presented largely in documentary-style, full-motion video, complete with live actors and occasionally very convincing characters, interview segments tell the story of the Belkan War as former aces talk freely about the protagonist who shot them down in action. Even when there are missions that aren't necessarily gripping, the interesting story and the way that it is presented keeps players battling and coming back. There are some unexpected twists in the story as well, including one towards the end that completely energizes the whole experience. This pseudo-documentary also helps those who played Ace Combat 5 understand a bit more of the background behind that game's story and it even keeps continuity with certain locations, craft, and characters from The Unsung War.
When it boils down to gameplay, Ace Combat Zero takes few chances and instead delivers the same quality of play that the series has been known for over over a decade. Best described as an 80/20 mixture of action and flight simulation, the game is easy enough to pick up and play for novices and veterans alike. Controls such as throttle, pitch, and weaponry are easily all of the player's fingertips as the Dual Shock controller layout is instinctively mapped for all to use. Enemies seem to be a bit smarter this time out, especially in terms of tracking you and coming around for missile locks. It's now possible to merely incapacitate certain enemies, rather than shoot them down; a player's decision to shoot down disabled craft or destroy disabled or neutral targets affects the endings and interviews that players see.
There are a few gripes, however. The single-player campaign isn't all that lengthy. In fact, it can likely be finished in a day. While there are branching paths in the storyline, the final outcome is pretty much the same, forcing the onus of replayability on unlockable craft, medals, and new interviews with different aces. As for multiplayer action, Ace Combat Zero delivers some offline multiplayer sorties... but online dogfighting is still nowhere to be found. It's good to see that the Project Aces team implemented some multiplayer functionality; however, steering clear of the online arena tends to restrict your potential audience.
In terms of aesthetics, Ace Combat Zero does not disappoint. The frame rate runs at 60 frames per second consistently and the aircraft are the stars of the show. Missile trails, flare effects, moving rudders, and more highlight the visual experience as players experience snowy mountains, hot jungles, deserts, and more. As for the sound, it's top-notch once again. Radio chatter is omnipresent and rarely sounds forced. The musical score is another stroke of genius as several different styles-- ranging from new wave to rock to choral-- shine through and really add something to the overall experience. One other note of interest with the music comes during battles against other aces, as a near-bullfight feel arrives, thanks to some very well-done Spanish Guitar work. Initially, it may not seem to fit with the game, but the bullfight analogy explains a lot.
While Ace Combat Zero doesn't break any new ground or reset the bar within its own genre, it is a solid flight action game that pays tribute to its fanbase and combines slick presentation, great graphics and sound, interesting storytelling, and the same trademark action that has kept gamers like myself coming back for multiple iterations of the series. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned veteran or a green rookie looking for some aircraft action, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is easily worth at least a rental and is another triumph for the Project Aces team.