Pros: Simple gameplay, great graphics, a lot of planes
Cons: Some tough, frustrating missions, not always able to save
The bottom line: I would recommend this game to people who enjoy planes and combat simulators. If you're looking to try it out, go for a rental.
So I just finished this game the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it. For those who don't know, the Ace Combat series ARE NOT flight simulators, they are combat simulators - so there are some things that are very unrealistic (some of moves, amount of missiles, etc). They also take place on different Earth's, not ours (but similar to ours).

In Ace Combat 5 you are a rookie pilot thrust into a war You quickly become the squad leader and are even able to give minor orders. As you fight, you keep finding more and more things about this war which aren't right (about mid-way through the game). As with these types of games, you become the heroes and of course, save the day.

As the game progresses, you earn points which in turn are used to purchase better airplanes (you start out with an old favorite of mine the F-5E Tiger II). The more advanced planes include the F/A-22 and F-35. Various plane makers have endorsed this series. Unlike AC4, you no longer buy weapon packages - each plane has the general all purpose missiles and 1 special weapon (and gun). BUT, some of the planes do get upgrades (so you can purchase an F-20 Tigershark after building up "experience" with the F-5).

I did enjoy having the squad mates, they do come in handy as they can actually carry out what you ask (covering you, attacking, etc).

The two main modes of play are the campaign and then the "arcade" mode. What is enjoyable about the arcade mode is that it continues the story from Ace Combat 4.

Overall, very good game. Lovely graphics, simple game play, large selection of planes, and it actually has an excellent story.