Author: scharfschutze
Type: PC Game
- The Royal Flying Corps of WWI did not say "Beware the Hun in the sun" for nothing. Keep your eyes pealed all around you - radar can't tell you everything
- Flying low is an effective means of preventing engagement, but it can be dangerous if you aren't careful.
- Speed is key - except at low altitudes. There, it can be a killer if you aren't VERY careful.
- Never be afraid to work your opponent until you get a firing opportunity. It can save you ammunition and (in the long run) time.
Aircraft Tips- Although the F-4E (in AC4) and the F-5E (in AC5) are the "basic" aircraft, do not underestimate their capabilities. The Phantom is a more than capable attack plane, and the Tiger II is light, manoeuvrable, and more than useful in a dogfight.
- Resist the temptation to go with the flashiest, most famous aircraft available. The F-14A or F-15C may be flashy and fast, but missions often call for a simple and direct approach. If the mission is a strike mission, the fastest fighter in the world is useless; take a bomber instead. The A-10A, for example, is one of the best ground-attack aircraft around, and you can count on it in a low-level battle.
- Always remember that ground attack planes are just that. Don't try and play air-to-air in the A-10 or F-117. Many attack planes can handle the occasional fighter if it gets in their way, but don't try to throw yourself into a major air-to-air battle in these planes.
- Do not neglect the capabilities of ex-Soviet aircraft. They may not be as popularized as the F-15 or F-18, but they are more than capable weapons. The MiG-31 (AC5) is the fastest aircraft around, while the MiG-29 (AC4/5) is the single most manoeuvrable aircraft available to you.
- The unlockable aircraft (X-02 in both games, Falken in AC5) are exceptional aircraft (if you can get them), but remember that they aren't the absolute best aircraft for every mission. The Falken, for example, is too fast and responsive for low-level operations; you'd be far better off at low level with a Tornado or an A-10.
Weapon Tips- NEVER neglect your machine-gun. Although it can't do as much damage as a missile, it carries far more ammo, and can often save you valuable bombs or missiles when used against slow or fixed targets.
- Ripple-firing (firing two missiles almost simultaneously) is an excellent way to make the most of a single firing opportunity, especially with the "basic" heat-seeking missiles.
- Unguided bombs are more effective than you might think. Although they don't have the same accuracy potential, they're far easier to drop in the middle of a high-energy battle, and you can drop them straight in the middle of a group of enemies instead of having to target a specific tank.
- If a weapon has a long targeting range, then by all means USE AT LONG RANGE. The further you can stay from the "threat envelope" (the area within which a target can shoot back) increases the chances of NOT getting shot down.
- Long-range air-to-air missiles have great range, but are not very manoeuvrable. They're not very good to fire at an enemy in the midst of high-speed manoeuvres.
- If worst comes to worst, rocket pods can make excellent last-ditch air-to-air weapons, especially against big targets.
Read the full review of Ace Combat 4/5.