Wow just completed this game on Normal and that was hard enough at certain parts then again I'm a glutton for punishment and used the cockpit view but honestly that was truly one hell of an enjoyable game and experience. The amount of action on screen and also the radio chatter between command, the other troops and your wingman really immerses you. The visuals, sounds and controls of the planes is very well done as is the cut scenes in the battle scenes that strangely enough get you ready and willing for the next mission unlike the story scenes themselves which actually take you out of the game somewhat as it shows the war from different perspectives such as yourself, an Emmerian (like yourself) mother and daughter as well as from the other side the Estovakians by way of a General and some Strigon Pilots who incidentally are the best and most frustrating at the same time who will put up one hell of a fight against you.
This is what Ace Combat is all about though, it's an Adventure Flight game not a sim and unfortunately many criticise it for this fact and those who do are honestly missing out on one hell of a game it has to be said. I'm not one usually for flight games, I prefer my tactical and strategy FPS like Rainbow Six, GRAW and Call of Duty as well as driving games like TDU, Gran Turismo, Forza, ToCA etc but this game really had me enthralled from start to finish. You really start to like the characters and hate the enemies and just when you think it's all over and peaceful carnages starts all over.
Play Mass Effect, play Call of Duty 4 but don't miss out on one of the most enjoyable and polished titles that is available for the 360 right now. Honestly if you liked the demo you will love the full game x10 and if you have your volume up while playing it's amazing just what you can hear in all the madness of a dogfight.
Another thing, this is probably one of the only 360 games I haven't taken online yet because the Single Player was so enjoyable and that's kind of rare these days ! :D
If I had to rate this game it would be a a 9/10 easily!