The standard mission design of previous games in the series remains intact, giving players complete control over their aircraft as they zip around in a fully 3-D environment. There are plenty of fun planes to fly this time around, from agile superfighters to lumbering bombers. Their maneuverability has been toned down from previous games in the series, which makes lining up targets more of a challenge, but it becomes second nature with a little practice.

Don't be intimidated by some of the fancy moves available to thrill-seeking flyers here. After all, what's the worst that can happen when you decide to risk a daring loop and roll? The truth is that Ace Combat 3 is ultimately more about pyrotechnics and fast action than about realistic flight physics. Ace Combat 3 isn't the leap in technology over its predecessor that we expected, but it's still a great way to satisfy your urges to fly the unfriendly skies. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Much-improved graphics
• Plenty of planes and missions to fly

• Linear gameplay isn't quite as compelling or replayable as that in Ace Combat 2