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.