We recently acquired a review build of Namco's Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War and we're quite enamored with it. It's not a revolutionary step forward in the storied combat franchise, but it's definitely a worthy addition to the series that's worth purchasing if you're hungering for death at 32,000 feet.

The most notable feature in this game, based on our limited play time with it, is how the developers have decided to portray the story. Instead of focusing on one particular character, the game contains a myriad of live action cut scenes in which soldiers recount their experiences in the Belkan War.

At first we were taken aback by this because it's been a hell of a long time since we've seen actual people in a combat game. We're talking first generation Resident Evil, circa 1996, or maybe even Krazy Ivan (and other old school games). But the difference between Zero and those games is the quality in Ace Combat is vastly superior, and the cut scenes are well-directed. But beyond their overall visual quality, they give the game an edge that's just not found in its predecessors, and we're definitely intrigued, to say the least.

Aside from the cut scenes, the second most important feature is the graphics, which have always been the pedigree of the Ace Combat franchise, and we're happy to report that they're true to form. However, while the planes as well as the environments have a certain photo realistic quality, the shadow of next generation technology definitely knocks the game down a couple pegs. It looks great, no question, especially during the very first mission, where we delighted in flying above the snowcapped mountains, but we can't help but think what Ace Combat will look like on the PS3, especially since the ground still looks a bit bland up close.

Eye candy aside, it's the gameplay that's really impressed us. Ace Combat Zero fits like a brand new t-shirt. In fact, the game comes with two Ace Combat 5 control configs, so you should feel right at home with it, though there's also the Zero control scheme where you fire missiles with square. That's not a huge departure from the norm, but we welcome variety.

As for the single player campaign, the game comes with about 18 missions, and before you begin you'll have to select your aircraft as well as your missiles/bombs in the game's hangar. Much like the other games, Zero includes a plethora of kick ass aircraft such as the F-1 Attacker, the J35J Draken Fighter, and the F-5E Tiger II, among others. From there, you'll engage the enemy in a myriad of different missions, all of which feature distinct objectives. The very first one tasks you with defending Valais Air Base from attackers, while another throws you into the shit with a tower that fires a devastating laser. Those are definitely a diverse mix of missions, but what's especially troublesome (in a good way) are the Aces, special enemies that feature signature flying patterns and are generally unpleasant to deal with. These guys are expert pilots, capable of outmaneuvering your missiles and taking you out with pinpoint precision. They're certainly not impossible to defeat, but they will force you to rethink your strategies.

We're also very curious about The Ace Style Gauge System, a feature that alters the outcome of the game depending on your style. Not only will it determine which ending you see, but it also affects the radio chatter between allies and enemies, so if you're not all that good, their comments will reflect your lack of skill. Conversely, if you're a feared pilot, then their attitudes will be different. It's definitely an interesting idea, but we need some more time to mess around with it before singing its praises.

In addition to the single player component, there's also a head-to-head dog fighting mode for up to two players. It's not particularly Earth-shattering, but rather a standard mode that we've seen before.

Then there's the audio, and again, Namco has done a marvelous job. The sound of missiles slicing through the air is very convincing, as are the explosions. There doesn't appear to be any music during missions, but that's not necessarily an issue since the lack thereof adds to the game's realism.

Thus far, we're enjoying Ace Combat Zero. It's not a huge evolution of the series, but it's definitely pretty sweet. Expect a detailed review in the very near future.