From Namco Bandai: A prequel to Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, Ace Combat Zero takes players 15 years into the past and enmeshes them in the turbulent events that led to the Belkan War. Players assume the role of a mercenary pilot hired to fly for Ustio, a small country invaded by its militaristic neighbor Belka. Flying authentic licensed aircrafts such as the F-15 Eagle or F/A-18 Hornet, players fly through 18 realistic missions as they face off against combat-hardened pilots.