Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War

 PlayStation 2
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

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  • Summary: (Also known as "Ace Combat 5: Squadron Leader") With more than 50 different licensed planes and an intense storyline extending over 30 missions, players will be put to the ultimate test, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground fighting, air-to-sea assaults, rescue, recon and much more.(Also known as "Ace Combat 5: Squadron Leader") With more than 50 different licensed planes and an intense storyline extending over 30 missions, players will be put to the ultimate test, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground fighting, air-to-sea assaults, rescue, recon and much more. Incorporating ultra-realistic beautifully rendered in-game graphics and cinematics along with unparalleled game play; ACE COMBAT 5 goes a step beyond the traditional air combat gaming experience. One of the exciting new features to the sequel includes Wingman Command, where players can issue directives to their wingmen mid-mission to carry out coordinated group attacks. Additionally, the in-game radio communications with the squadron and enemies adds to the realism and intensity of the dynamic battle sequences. In the game's premise, it is September 23, 2010 on distant Sand Island, a small island in the Ceres Ocean that divides the two superpowers, Osea and Yuktobania. An entire military base is on red alert--the 108th Tactical Fighter Squadron intercepted an unidentified aircraft and the entire squadron was decimated. You are a fighter pilot, part of the new squadron that's been called into action to protect your nation of Osea. Now, the story begins to unfold. [Namco]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Game Chronicles
    97
    Heavy on action and heavier on story, Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War is without a doubt the finest flight combat game on the PS2.
  2. Play Magazine
    91
    What's important here is the execution and level of player involvement, not that we haven't done all this before, because we have. And believe me, I was involved. [Dec 2004, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. AceGamez
    90
    The intensity the radio chatter brings, matched with amazing music, exciting missions and fantastic storytelling makes one game that every gamer looking for a great action game should not miss, despite the short nature of the main story.
    All this publication's reviews
  4. netjak
    85
    It's EXCELLENT fun with the flight stick, but it's also $130 plus tax for that bundle...it had better be that good. (Add a +1 onto the gameplay, replay, and overall score for the scores with the Flight Stick.)
    All this publication's reviews
  5. GMR Magazine
    80
    Boasts ideal handling and control, near photo-realistic graphics, and digital surround sound. Where the game staggers is in its defiantly single-player focus. [Jan 2005, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. NTSC-uk
    80
    AC5 ups the ante once again for console dogfight games, combining the tight, exciting gameplay and gorgeous visuals and atmosphere of AC04 with added challenge and a superb story tied together by some brilliant cinematic cutscenes.
  7. Times Online
    60
    It’s a shame, too, that the levels aren’t more exciting and spontaneous. Such predictability stops this game from being any more than an enjoyable flight simulator.

See all 57 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. 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, 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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.… Expand
  4. 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 thatThis 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
  5. 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, 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
  6. homer4president
    Mar 25, 2015
    10
    This game is nearly perfect- but with 1 major flaw. It lacks multiplayer capability. In an age where games are not only multiplayer, butThis game is nearly perfect- but with 1 major flaw. It lacks multiplayer capability. In an age where games are not only multiplayer, but online capable, a great game such as this made only for 1 person is a HUGE letdown. I would've liked to see 2-4 player campaigns, maybe an arcade where you can fight allied or against each other, let alone some online action. I was really looking forward to this since Ace Combat 4's less-than-satisfying multiplayer mode. However, if you are able to look passed this major flaw, this game is in all aspects PERFECT… Expand
  7. Grabacr
    Jan 7, 2014
    10
    As you might have guessed from my username this is one of my all-time favorite games. Everything about it is perfect, with the possibleAs you might have guessed from my username this is one of my all-time favorite games. Everything about it is perfect, with the possible exception of Nagase's voice actor (in the English version), whom I was not a huge fan of. Two thumbs up without a doubt.… Expand
  8. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    4
    No me llego ha gustarme cuando lo tuve hace tiempo . Hay gente que seguro que le gusto o le gustara , pero para mi no dio la talla . MeNo me llego ha gustarme cuando lo tuve hace tiempo . Hay gente que seguro que le gusto o le gustara , pero para mi no dio la talla . Me decepciono , por suerte lo tenia pirata y no me gaste nada por el… Expand

See all 31 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS2 Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
18
#18 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004