Robotech influence. Maybe they should have embraced it even more. As it is, the game lacks identity, direction, etc.

User Rating: 4.5 | Rebel Raiders: Operation Nighthawk PS2
I like that this game did not attempt be a realistic sim. Recognizing Ace Combat as the juggernaut that it is, the developers of this game knew they needed a different approach. The game does succeed in providing an alternative to realistic sims. It features true arcade-style action.

Where the game fell apart was in the execution/polishing of the game. The game lacked any story, the graphics were lukewarm (even by PS2 standards), the mission design repetitive, and the game could have embraced its obvious inspiration from Robotech even more. The game fell short in several aspects. They had some very good ideas but ultimately the thing fell apart.

Things to keep: the fighters, the controls, the player weapons, the player on-screen interface, targeting system, reloading idea, dodging missle idea.

Things to improve upon: level design, enemy design, story, identity (embrace Robotech / Macross style), Overall graphics.

Trust me guys, go back to the drawing board and make the necesary improvements and you may have a winner.