Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2004
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 45
  3. Negative: 4 out of 45

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  1. Shika
    Jul 2, 2012
    9
    This game is the most consistent out of all the Ace Combats, the roster is simply perfect, unlocked by playing the missions and by scoring points with them you unlock their variants, and you get to personally choose the layout of your unit, while your wingmen don't help out drastically, it still helps to arrange them based on the mission as described in your brief. Missions also change, some start out as full-on ground attack missions and instantly switch to a named squadron battle where a fighter helps out immensely. Missions layout is great, with variety and a few missions purely based on story telling, they really improve the quality of the story telling but some replay value is lost in them. The characters are great save for Nagase, she annoys the hell out of me. AC5 sets up the story exceedingly well, adding in memorable characters and pasts. The story is dynamic and twists and turns, with you becoming friends with some unexpected characters and past friends becoming enemies. The soundtrack is excellent as always, with some real gems showing through the all-around good orchestral pieces. The game does a good job of rewarding people who play through it 5+ times by adding in hidden plane parts to build an expensive fictional aircraft. The cinematics are downright beautiful, even to this date they rival today's AAA titles, with even AC6 not being as good. The game has a breathtaking climax. However, the dialogue gets a tad cheesy at times(mainly with Nagase), and all around really gets better with later characters like Pops added in.… Expand
  2. The1stGodfather
    Feb 13, 2012
    10
    This game is incredible. Although the actual game-play graphics are rather poor, the CGI animations during cut scenes is so high-quality that there are even a couple of small moments when I mistake them for real actors. The plot is incredible, and is not just another cheap war game where you work your way into the enemy and hit their capital and wipe them out. The whole complication with the Gray Men of Belka made it really interesting, especially with the 8492nd Squadron and Captain Hamilton. Like the previous game in the series, Shattered Skies (A.K.A. Distant Thunder in Europe), it does not take the war lightly. For example, in the mission where you escort the Kestrel and other ships out of Port Hewlett, there is a brief cut scene in the middle, which is appropriate seeing as this is the first mission that you fight planes that aren't unmanned aerial drones, in which the news reporter narrates seeing living people drowning in the ocean after shooting down the Yuktobanian planes, and becomes emotional and begins saying "Just stop this! I can't take it anymore!" This game amazes me even further with the new addition of commands to your wingmen. The action your wingmen take can really change the course of the battle, because they do not go off and clear out enemies if you have them following you in cover-mode the whole battle.… Expand
  3. Cjstaal
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    This game is amazing.
  4. MatthewC.
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    This is definately the BEST air combat game for the PS2!
  5. RichardC.
    Nov 10, 2004
    10
    Rumors on the web tells me that this game is better that AC4.Well, they have also said that this is a outstanding game with awsome graphics, thrilling storyline, and full of drama. The also added a new wingman command to thi game as well. I hope that these rumors are true because i will be getting this soon and will play to determine if this game hold up to the status of this quiet hoopla.
  6. AlphaB.
    Oct 31, 2004
    10
    Just Awesome!!!
  7. JacksonR.
    Apr 1, 2005
    9
    Really good game, no seriously, REALLY good game.
  8. GhostO.
    May 21, 2005
    10
    All other flight-combat game manufacturers...bow down before the new gods of flight gaming! AC5:UW is a dream come true, from the plot depth, character depth, sound, visuals, music, controls, options, unlockables... it leaves the competition reaching for the eject handle and incinerating in it's afterburners. Fly or die, AC5:UW !
  9. BrettF.
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    Wonderful game. Best ever.
  10. JesseL.
    Dec 9, 2006
    10
    Great Storyline, a ton a missions, planes, targets. The best game in the series, and great graphics, but could be a bit more realistic.
  11. AnsonG.
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Very good, Namco. This game is best i ever played.
  12. StevenK.
    Nov 1, 2004
    10
    The graphics are awesome it has a great storyline and there are many planes to choose from. goerge W. all the wa.y
  13. JamesY.
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    This is by far the best combat flight game i have ever played. Graphics holy sh*t they rule and gameplay is sweet i just wish you could eject from the plane like you could in Ace Combat 4 not Ace Combat 4 shattered skies. but sh.t i love it.
  14. Fighter17
    Dec 25, 2004
    9
    Very good game, wonderful FMVs, and a good storyline for this game.
  15. AbelM.
    Oct 25, 2004
    10
    This game makes an outstanding attempt to put together a story line with high-flying action and looks great doing it. If you are a fan of the previous Ace Combat games and even if you are new to the genre you should give this one a go.
  16. WhiteWarrior
    Jan 14, 2005
    10
    It's not very often that I give a game a perfect 10, but this game most definitely deserves it. The graphics are absolutely phenomenal, the game play and controller response is superb, the storyline is intriguing and keeps you immersed in the game, and it surprises me that no one else in this review has mentioned the intensely realistic sound effects. From the jet wash, (I play with a 5.1 digital surround sound system and with the sub woofer turned up it sounds like the U.S.A.F. is doing flyby's over my house) to the explosions from long distances. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase the flight stick that was included with this game as a limited edition and this game is as close to flying the real thing as it gets. A no-brainer for anyone interested in flying the unfriendly skies.… Expand
  17. KurtisC.
    Mar 31, 2005
    10
    Best flight game i ever played.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. GamerFeed
    80
    The lack of multiplayer or online play does hurt the title a bit, especially when multiplayer has been included in previous Ace Combat titles.
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    80
    For veterans, it'll feel like the same gameplay found in all previous Ace Combat games--and that's not necessarily a bad thing considering this is a shooter that's still worthy of sitting in first class.
    Read full review
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    The trouble is, all this story is presented with some of the most god-awful writing and voice work I've ever heard. [Dec 2004, p.112]
See all critic reviews »