Where should I start this saga?

[Canel1125]

Im interested in the game lore because of the memes and dont know where should I start or if all games are important.

[Devsman]

The stories are more or less independent, except for a few details that are more like bonuses for longtime fans.

So you can start anywhere.

[Rastrelly]

Here (7), at 04 or at 5.
Absolute must-plays: 04, 5, 0, 7, 3 (Nemo)

[Naruto 607]

Originally posted by Rastrelly:

Absolute must-plays: 04, 5, 0, 7, 3 (Nemo)

If you mean in order, I'd go for Zero first, then the rest (04, 5, 7, and then 3).

[Rastrelly]

IMO, 0 works better after 5. Many of its moments are built upon references to 5, and it generally is tougher than 5 gameplay-wise.

[cyäegha]

zero isn't even particularly hard when you detach it from its contemporaries as a point of comparison, and if we're talking about legitimate difficulty - as opposed to zero being easier than 5 by virtue of being less janky, and not in a '5 is full of gimmick missions' way - nothing in zero presents even a mild challenge like, say, 8492

zero is probably the single easiest game of the holy trinity

[Rastrelly]

> mild challenge like, say, 8492
8492 is literally the easiest mission in 5 unless you are trying to beat it by fragging all the 8492 units. You just pull down and follow as low as possible, and that is the intended way to beat it. Even the gimmick missions in 5 are easy as hell. The only mission that can give a newcomer some hard time would be the Fortress, that comes right before 8492 and can get you a failstate quickly if you are not quick enough to take down relevant units. At the same time each named squadron fight in Zero WILL take several tries, especially the late game ones. Final missions are absolutely incomparable, with both tunnel run and bossfight being much harsher in Zero, while in 5 it takes like 3 salvos of multi-target missiles. Zero gets easier when played to death, yes, but to get there one has to beat it first, and it is significantly tougher for a nugget.

[Krakens]

I got AC7 on a random sale last summer, after going through it a few times I went from Air Combat and played through the franchise in release order. I've found it to be a great experience because you can make the connects from Air Combat to Ace Combat 7 instantly.

Most people have different opinions on what is bad/good but I think each game in the franchise brings something unique to the table. Each game has high replay value and I think its worth going to each at least once.

Although I did make sure to play Assault Horizon last. That's its own thing lol

[OneNonconstructiveUser]

Assault Horizon

[Coffee Addict]

Originally posted by Rastrelly:

Here (7), at 04 or at 5.
Absolute must-plays: 04, 5, 0, 7, 3 (Nemo)

you forgot 6

[Sanek ☧]

starting with 4 is best without a doubt emulate it and love it :)

[t(^_^t)]

you can just start wherever you see fit for your taste.
I started in PSP, it was Skies of Deception back then and the other series of Ace Combat which is also playable in PSP. Then from there, thats where I got hooked from this amazing game. I jumped straight to AC7. and it IS WORTH ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!! <3 Hope I helped ya bud.

[Dumah]

Air Combat.

[Devsman]

Originally posted by Annie:

Originally posted by Rastrelly:

Here (7), at 04 or at 5.
Absolute must-plays: 04, 5, 0, 7, 3 (Nemo)

you forgot 6

There is no 6

I mean, there is but

[King Fossil]

Originally posted by Devsman:

There is no 6

I mean, there is but

6 is good.
Don't disrespect 6 or I'll fight you.

[Rastrelly]

6 is fine, but it is so different it's hard to recommend it is an intro game. Plus, TRIANGLES IN THE GROUND