Game Review: Ace Combat 3
If you are a fan of aerial combat 
simulations then you’re not going to find many better than the 
ACE COMBAT series which is now into its third generation with 
ACE COMBAT 3: ELECTROSPHERE. Because the game is set in a near
 future rather than present day a little leeway on the aircraft 
designs makes them different enough to be futuristic while still
 credible and recognisable. It also allowed flexibility when 
designing the 36 missions, which can vary between high-speed 
dogfights, ground target attacks and high and low altitude seek-
and-destroy.  


These missions follow a storyline that is a distinct possibility
 in this time of corporate super-giants. It begins after a 
governmental collapse; two such industries have declared war and 
the player’s role, as a member of the UPEO peace organisation, 
is to put an end to the conflict. Mission briefings detail the 
target strength and location but strategic planning is needed in
 deciding which of those targets needs to be dealt with first.
 Getting this aspect wrong can affect how the enemy reacts to 
your attacks and could also alter the course of the game as a 
whole. 


Around 20 aircraft will become available to pilots, depending on
 how well you perform, and these will each have different 
handling and combat attributes. Weather conditions and time of 
day also contribute to the combat and these have been very 
stylishly done with excellent lens flare and reflections. Rocket 
trails, explosions, buildings and ground-based units are also 
nicely recreated for a very realistic feel to the gameplay, 
which is further enhanced when using a dual-shock controller.
 

Surprisingly, ACE COMBAT 3: ELECTROSPHERE is very easy to play.
 The lack of confusing button combinations and muddled HUD 
displays allow players to concentrate fully on kicking enemy 
butt. It’s also pretty lenient if you want to simply soar off 
and have a look around (as long as you don’t get too
 complacent). The missions do get increasingly more difficult, 
however, although never tough enough so that you miss out on the
 sheer pleasure of Ace aerial combat.