Air Combat

Air Combat is a combat flight simulation game developed and published by Namco for the PlayStation, and the first title in what would become the long-running Ace Combat franchise. Cast as a mercenary pilot, players complete a series of missions across global hotspots, earning money to purchase and upgrade aircraft ranging from F-15s to F-22 stealth fighters. The PAL database currently catalogues four variants, covering an original release, a reprint, a Value Series Black Label edition, and a Platinum budget reissue. Releases reached the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Norway, all in English. Original and reprint editions come in the Full Jewel PAL case format, while the Platinum release uses the smaller Mini Jewel Black Bordered PAL case. Hologram presence on the case varies, with the original lacking one and later pressings carrying one. The Namco single-sided thin flyer appears as loose paperwork in documented releases. As the starting point of a beloved franchise, PAL originals attract consistent collector interest.