History AwesomeMusic / AceCombat

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhmuYkpzA_o "Excalibur"]], the heavy and medieval-esque movement that plays while trying to launch an attack on the superlaser tower that can cut you from miles away.

* From the powerful and HotBlooded [[https://youtu.be/8ABs_Kw_miw?list=PL021FCE912747136A "Fire Youngman"]] to the subdued yet wonderfully catchy [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZmYEKNqhMc "Aerial Hawk".]] Even the song that plays in the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM1s-TVAObU briefing]] portion is awesome.
* [[https://youtu.be/gQScHiG5Co4?list=PL021FCE912747136A "Rising High"]] is amazing. There's also [[https://youtu.be/fFI24HtcCsg?list=PL021FCE912747136A "A Fresh Youngster"]] to guide you in on landing, and finally, [[https://youtu.be/wKRpYbXlhyc?list=PL021FCE912747136A your musical reward]] for completing a mission.

* [[https://youtu.be/gs6yseO7f4w "Linkage"]], the title screen song, puts you in the mood with its catchy electronic bits. It was later remixed to serve as ''Joint Assault'' briefing music.
* [[https://youtu.be/3a-97tjfkYM "Physical Layer"]] mixes classic guitar riffs and drums with an electronic vibe for a pretty badass music. It's used for a ''training mission'' in the US/EU version.
* [[https://youtu.be/jeX4kHPCrCI "Frozen Soul"]], used for the stratospheric battles using the Blackbird II, mixes slow and low-pitched beats to remind you that yes, you're flying higher than commercial planes and yes, you're halfway to space.
* [[https://youtu.be/Qf_bqcO6Wvw "Black Lotus"]], because nothing says "Go bomb hives of rogue nanomachines that will eat your plane if you fly too close to them" better than slow creepy drums.
* [[https://youtu.be/9yHh5a6O59k "Freefall"]] is creepier than Black Lotus with its permanent alarm sound, but for a good reason: you're on a timed mission to shoot down laser weapons in a ''space'' mission, in a plane half-fighter half-space shuttle.

* The explosive and fast paced [[https://youtu.be/ZKQxFzLF_g8 "Invincible Fleet"]] plays as you lay waste to the titular fleet. Made even better if you imagine a ship blowing up with each crescendo.
* [[https://youtu.be/OMiFQrAQ_Nc?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Operation Bunker Shot".]] Just imagine this playing while flying over a 21st Century version of the D-Day landings.
* [[https://youtu.be/0FKEcnxNyAI?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Farbanti".]] Another great track for the given level. In this case, sacking your enemy's capital city, and dogfighting with Yellow 13 in the sunset.
* Though not as famous as ''Zero'' or some of the other tracks from this OST, [[https://youtu.be/haEoo0RHu-Q?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Blockade"]] is unanimously considered one of Keiki Kobayashi's greatest works. The song begins with tense, unsteady string chordioids before exploding into transcendent triumph with long, sustained violin solos and trumpet chords, signifying the forces of the ISAF finally taking the offensive, underlined by an UncommonTime signature and continuous metallophone ostinato that keeps the pulse pounding.
* [[https://youtu.be/T1sIqCQFKVo?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Megalith - Agnus Dei".]] The first track in the series to use OminousLatinChanting was used in the final level where the world was about to end, ''Film/DeepImpact'' style.
** Especially when [[https://youtu.be/6WH3HgnqRBA?list=PL23A635021128F21F the intro]] is included.

* [[https://youtu.be/fsxGOO6BYGU?list=PL23A635021128F21F "ISAF"]] is powerfully rousing stuff.
* Two briefing tracks. [[https://youtu.be/vJjcCGGv4HE?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Operation"]] to start off, and later [[https://youtu.be/e4nMsOMPtVY?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Second Strike"]] after the destruction of the Stonehenge railgun network.

* [[https://youtu.be/Zxh0BvHY6KQ?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Emancipation"]] is quite calming, but when the bell strikes, it invokes a feeling of uncertainty. In later part (about 3:18), it turns into an awesome rousing theme.

* [[https://youtu.be/e9U-qBU8fos?list=PL23A635021128F21F "Stonehenge Attack".]] Made doubly terrifying when you hurry to obey the sudden order to drop altitude, not knowing why it was given, and watch as half your allies get blasted out of the sky above you.

* [[https://youtu.be/MqIzNkRDUQA?list=PL23A635021128F21F Breaking Arrows]] and [[https://youtu.be/ZwEm2Sr4nd8?list=PL23A635021128F21F Breaking Arrows 2]]. The tension instilled by the music as you race against the missiles ''will'' give you the chills. Especially the last [[spoiler: (nuclear)]] one.
* [[https://youtu.be/ESA_b48dH2M?list=PL23A635021128F21F Mobius]]. Get your plane, listen to the base commander give a RousingSpeech, and [[spoiler: go destroy the Megalith]].

* [[https://youtu.be/wlPK_53Rrhw?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Dead Ahead".]] Perfect music for hurtling at the speed of sound down a long dark tunnel, and no choice to go forward.
* [[https://youtu.be/cgNGtGI-XbM?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "First Flight".]] Yuktobania launches a massive raid on your base, but the Four Wings of Sand Island launch for the first time, and utterly curbstomp the Yukes. It's also an orchestral arrangement of "Blockade" from ''Ace Combat 4''. It speaks volumes that a series with so much awesome music thought this song was worth reusing.
* [[https://youtu.be/mjY6awCr2_c?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "The Unsung War"]] plays over the FinalBattle. It can actually be a low-action PuzzleBoss, leaving the music to establish the stakes single-handedly: four Razgriz, four [[AcePilot warriors]], four [[DeathFakedForYou ghosts]]... racing to stop a ColonyDrop that will bring about TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt. In those moments, the OminousLatinChanting is not just the legend of the player characters; they are the prayers of ''every person in Strangereal''.

* [[https://youtu.be/pt-UNgLCyGU?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Ice Cage".]] Totally sounds like a YouShallNotPass moment.
* [[https://youtu.be/35y6kw7L7Ms?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Into the Dusk".]] A more somber piano version of "The Unsung War".
* [[https://youtu.be/nQPntHe28O8?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "15 Years Ago".]] Another piano version that you normally hear during Nagase's and Gennette's musings on the Belkan war, but also plays during the final mission if you beat the enemy planes quick enough. This song, along with the ordinarily sappy dialogue, makes those two minutes leading up the [[FinalBoss SOLG]] assault practically into a [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments CMOH]]/TearJerker.

* [[https://youtu.be/wy1b-6e615w?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "The Journey Home".]] A TearJerker, with or without words. If you think this version is powerful, try imagining it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSuMXlkd5jQ being sung by pilots and soldiers from BOTH side of the conflict]] as they join together and rush forward to stop the true mastermind.
* [[https://youtu.be/RWasH1hfrws?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Closure".]] Apparently, it's an easy-to-miss song.
* [[https://youtu.be/hZGAcnAU_ys?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Lit Fuse".]] It gets better with every second. A massive Osean ground assault on a Yuktobanian beach,
* [[https://youtu.be/kP0S3xL2S8U?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Briefing2"]] mixes the main theme with brass movements, making for an engaging briefing session during the second half of the story.

* [[https://youtu.be/ilaZwwVyjm8?list=PLB5A294C912C49005 "Grabacr".]] Similar tracks include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQr7DUYVqus "Mask"]] and the apparently unused [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFKi0CG21x4 "8492,"]] which together form a sort of ad-hoc {{Leitmotif}}.

* [[https://youtu.be/Ndx3NNPQMes?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Diapason".]] A rousing, uplifting piece that plays as the player flies in the skies over the capital city of their homeland, pushing the Belkans and liberating the city.
* [[https://youtu.be/WVTzKbAS1Zo "Glatisant".]] The beat gives it an ominous feel as you enter your enemy's home country.
* [[https://youtu.be/IhmuYkpzA_o?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Excalibur"]], the heavy and medieval-esque movement that plays while trying to launch an attack on the superlaser tower that can cut you from miles away.

* [[https://youtu.be/QlZvB-wFElI?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Merlon"]], or "How to Make Your Guitar Sound Like a Harp."
* [[https://youtu.be/NtDhQGERc6g?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Mayhem"]] is the rocky track that plays during your second foray into Area [=B7R=]; this time, the airspace colloquially known as "Round Table" is turned into an immense furball, and there's no better theme to play than this heavy mix of guitars and percussion.

* [[https://youtu.be/MSckBZczS6c?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "The Round Table".]] If the massive dogfight inside Area B7R (AKA The Round Table) wasn't hectic enough already, a squadron of enemy aces enter the battle to ramp things up even more and try to take you down.

* [[https://youtu.be/XCcTMviUKWY?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Avalon".]] The enemy is preparing to launch nuclear missiles, you have limited time to stop the launch AND you have to fly through a tunnel to stop it. The first part of the song catches the tension of the moment, but the second part gives a heroic feeling.
* [[https://youtu.be/ML4Jx76vSTk?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Zero".]] This is perhaps Keiki Kobayashi's magnum opus. Combining the flamenco motif and the signature orchestral chorus for a perfect mix that's applicable for so many final fights, it is hailed as a masterpiece even by non-''Ace Combat'' fans. A final battle between two former friends and squadronmates on December 31st. As the snow falls, the fate of the world hangs in the balance and it is up to the player to stop the end of civilization.

* [[https://youtu.be/2atlpj7AGXU?list=PLA34334E24E820B75 "Epilogue (Near the Border)".]] In case you forgot how good the flamenco is in this game, you're given one last reminder as the credits roll.

* [[https://youtu.be/6tVfu7qomEA?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "Siege on Silvat"]] greatly emphasizes the race against time to save Emmeria's mainland forces from being overwhelmed by the numerically superior Estovakians.
* [[https://youtu.be/YEoq11C4qd8?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "Selumna Peak".]] A soothing orchestral song for a mission in the snowy mountains.
* [[https://youtu.be/Y_5y-DPusrM?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "Chandelier"]], the final mission's theme. Moody, but still uplifting, being a choir of the children back at Emmeria singing for the hope that the war finally ends.
* [[https://youtu.be/o_pD_QXDcCI?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "Ragno Fortress"]] for the eponymous mission is underlined by frequent use of cellos and percussion, great for an extremely complex siege mission. Fans of the series will also find that they repurposed the main melody of "Glacial Skies".
* [[https://youtu.be/q3wnN_PxUDY?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "A Brand New Day"]], sung by a children choir, is an AwardBaitSong reaching out for hope even amidst the Estovakian occupation, and becomes the rallying song for Emmeria within the story.
* The dreaded [[https://youtu.be/vC1EwijD598?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "Malebolge".]] Just when you thought all threats were grounded after retaking Gracemaria, Pasternak shows up in his CFA-44 Nosferatu and, accompanied by countless UAV drones, provides one of the most intense OneManArmy moments in the series.
* [[https://youtu.be/a7K2Of_IRsU?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "San Loma Assault"]] at first seems run of the mill for ''Ace Combat,'' until the brass comes in and turns the song into a heavy bombardment of tubas; exactly like how you're taking back San Loma with a lot of Emmerian forces involved.
* If you'd already played AC 4 and 5, you probably knew something bad was going to happen the moment they told you your last mission was a peaceful patrol over Gracemeria. When [[https://youtu.be/OL2zQ1F8j20?list=PL82E38BF253DC9251 "City Lights"]] starts playing, those suspicions are confirmed.

%%* [[https://youtu.be/aZg3i9VIOAA "Spiridus".]]

%%* [[https://youtu.be/lbapsli9er8 "Rebirth"]].
* [[https://youtu.be/yNpZ4ZJzBU8?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Beyond the Canal"]], the low-key riff that encourages you to mow down enemies with a gatling gun on a Black Hawk chopper.
* [[https://youtu.be/rKLXFcCsDFg?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Dogfight"]], which is exactly fitting of its name.
* [[https://youtu.be/0jppJmFxgXM?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Release"]], the supremely intense piece played on the final mission, features OminousLatinChanting for starters. After an awesome startup with a rising choir, the frantic tone offers a mere couple of soft moments before diving back into the chaos.
* [[https://youtu.be/p2VVrWS3BRE?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Rush"]], the rocky theme for your trip over Dubai. Slowly opening up with a faint Middle-East woodwind, the song builds up momentum for 50 seconds until it breaks out with OrchestralBombing, angelic choirs and wild guitar riffs.
%%* [[https://youtu.be/OJvfYr9VRmU "Horizon"]].
* The main theme, [[https://youtu.be/tmO5LP-9vlY?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Gotta Stay Fly"]], featured heavily in promotional trailers and making up the overarching melody of many tracks. Unfortunately, it only plays during the ending credits.
* [[https://youtu.be/EjaYF9x_vbw?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Fighter",]] the instrumental version of "Gotta Stay Fly", which picks up once Bishop and his wingmen start turning the tide around during the battle on Miami, interceded with a speech from the President of the United States no less!

* [[https://youtu.be/2BLx6Xf0vwc?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Keep Alive".]] A near-perfect blend of militaristic drums, electric guitar and electronic music samples, creating one of the most amazing songs ever conceived for a 21st century aerial battle.
* [[https://youtu.be/387XQtOGnGM?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Shall Defend".]] Starts with an almost tragic set of piano keys, but quickly hits you with a rolling thunderhead of tense strings, powerful riffs, and a snare drum that simply will not quit.
* [[https://youtu.be/5wby3KeTh04?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Decisive Battle"]], the brief motif that flares when Bishop goes face-to-face with Markov over Miami in a cinematic joust.
* [[https://youtu.be/JuXxfI1lric?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "White Devil",]] an intense combination of orchestra and rock for an intense battle in the snow, defending an airbase from ground attack and protecting transport planes from swarms of enemy fighters.
* [[https://youtu.be/zNHXNptuxGg?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "DEJA-VU",]] a watered-down version of Markov's theme without the actual lyrics and with frequent rock bouts. A truly chilling piece of music.
* [[https://youtu.be/xUVwAaoc3xs?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Naval Warfare"]] is an unrelenting maelstrom of metal, sounding as though each instrument is going every which way doing its own thing. It's rather fitting for the one level where you get to use the Attacker planes and blow an entire naval fleet.
* [[https://youtu.be/6Fqul0rSX_s?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Launch"]], the theme that plays during Razor's bombing run in the eponymous mission, making heavy use of percussion that echo the unrelenting series of nighttime explosions Janice leaves in her wake.
* [[https://youtu.be/mSIaA_tmj2k?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Eyes"]], where the orchestra slowly replaces the percussion heard in "Launch" and makes way for the game's main motif as Bishop rushes to shoot down an ICBM before it flies out of range.
* [[https://youtu.be/pau0zGMsZjY?list=PLD30A557FB18E9EB3 "Mrs. Krista Yoslav"]], the FinalBoss's theme, is Markov's dirge for [[spoiler:his titular wife's death]], sung in Russian. It mourns his inability to cope with it, and how he wishes it was all a dream; ''[[TragicVillain how everything should have been a dream]]''. Bonus points for playing over the game's most intense dogfight sequence as a case of SoundtrackDissonance.

** [[https://youtu.be/PhRnKDR6KrE "Comona Remix",]] played during Mission 2 of the campaign. Though less rocky than the original track of ''Ace Combat 04'', it still gets the job done with a dubstep rhythm.
** [[https://youtu.be/jZtf6NzLsaY "Stonehenge Remix",]] played during the Entirety of Mission 4, and has also been used during all the Multiplayer runs against Stonehenge and the Second and Third Multiplayer runs against Moby Dick/Agaion. Unlike the original "Stonehenge", this remix incorporates tense guitar riffs.
** [[https://youtu.be/h1dy49qGPKU "Invincible Fleet Remix",]] played during the first third of Mission 5, is a throwback to ''Ace Combat 04''[='=]s similarly named track, except this one builds on the melody with intense strings and brass.
** [[https://youtu.be/v1VtuBzUUso "Blue Skies (INFINITY Remix)",]]a brillant rendition of ''Ace Combat 04''[='=]s own ending credits song, more heroic and dynamic than ever. Played on the second part of Operation Bunkershot as to give you and your allies a HeroicSecondWind as you tear apart the [=USEAn=] forces even when they previously had you cornered [[spoiler:with the helps of OLDS]].

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQEFDGsGD2A "Charge Assault"]] is a song that fits well for the first mission, especially what fans could argue as Ace Combat's return to form, and the Strangereal setting. Whether you are a newcomer to the series, or a veteran ready to spread your wings once more, [[https://youtu.be/lQEFDGsGD2A?t=103 the drop at 1:43]] will blow you away. It also, true to form, introduces the {{Leitmotif}} for the Lighthouse War, which is reprised a number of times throughout this soundtrack.

** [[https://youtu.be/WfVTGwyCfiU "ADFX-10"]], the theme of the titular aircraft [[spoiler: that ambushes Trigger and Count at Bulgurdarest]], features an oppressive drum beat with an electronic undercurrent that sets the mood of the frantic dogfight against one of the fastest opponents in the game. [[spoiler: Quite fitting for the predecessor of Hugin and Munin and the next evolution of the Zone of Endless project]].

** [[https://youtu.be/RUw6S1fJrSQ "Lost Kingdom"]] is an appropriately somber piece considering the mission objective of raiding a small country for food and supplies. Combined with the enemy soldiers’ cries for help as you bomb them, it will leave you feeling like a complete bastard.

** [[https://youtu.be/olEcFRm6L-0 "Sighthound"]] is an extremely intense soundtrack that charges out of nowhere when Captain Torres engages the ''Alicorn'' in "Unexpected Visitor", and his first act is to immediately launch four planes with a WMD cruise missile on a suicide mission to kill one million people. Trigger is forced to abandon all other missions and immediately engage in a frantic chase to shoot down all four planes, while Captain Torres announces his manifesto to kill one million to save ten million. This single track immediately establishes Torres as an extremely dangerous figure, and shows just how mad he and his men have become.

*** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ACrTk75qy4 "Awakening"]] blends OminousLatinChanting, fast drumwork, an orchestral rock arrangement and a continuously escalating melody that evokes ''Ace Combat 04'' memories; there is palpable uncertainty in the melody as you're searching for the ''Alicorn'' in the middle of nowhere while having to protect several patrol aircraft from a variety of drones and fanatical SACS pilots.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FswZTECtVNA "Shall Defend".]] Starts with an almost tragic set of piano keys, but quickly hits you with a rolling thunderhead of tense strings, powerful riffs, and a snare drum that simply will not quit.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT_hU53aZUM "Decisive Battle"]], the brief motif that flares when Bishop goes face-to-face with Markov over Miami in a cinematic joust.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLqhF2wswYk "White Devil",]] an intense combination of orchestra and rock for an intense battle in the snow, defending an airbase from ground attack and protecting transport planes from swarms of enemy fighters.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_43kQsOFY "DEJA-VU",]] a watered-down version of Markov's theme without the actual lyrics and with frequent rock bouts. A truly chilling piece of music.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M64vOJcy8g "Naval Warfare"]] is an unrelenting maelstrom of metal, sounding as though each instrument is going every which way doing its own thing. It's rather fitting for the one level where you get to use the Attacker planes and blow an entire naval fleet.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50LTbvgmgGU "Launch"]], the theme that plays during Razor's bombing run in the eponymous mission, making heavy use of percussion that echo the unrelenting series of nighttime explosions Janice leaves in her wake.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsSthL7W91M "Eyes"]], where the orchestra slowly replaces the percussion heard in "Launch" and makes way for the game's main motif as Bishop rushes to shoot down an ICBM before it flies out of range.
* [[https://youtu.be/JQ89B2kxdyw "Mrs. Krista Yoslav"]], the FinalBoss's theme, is Markov's dirge for [[spoiler:his titular wife's death]], sung in Russian. It mourns his inability to cope with it, and how he wishes it was all a dream; ''[[TragicVillain how everything should have been a dream]]''. Bonus points for playing over the game's most intense dogfight sequence as a case of SoundtrackDissonance.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydrhzs-BmSs "A Brand New Day"]], sung by a children choir, is an AwardBaitSong reaching out for hope even amidst the Estovakian occupation, and becomes the rallying song for Emmeria within the story.
* The dreaded [[https://youtu.be/mIjNvR9rq2w "Malebolge".]] Just when you thought all threats were grounded after retaking Gracemaria, Pasternak shows up in his CFA-44 Nosferatu and, accompanied by countless UAV drones, provides one of the most intense OneManArmy moments in the series.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcQ6qD3xTkY "San Loma Assault"]] at first seems run of the mill for ''Ace Combat,'' until the brass comes in and turns the song into a heavy bombardment of tubas; exactly like how you're taking back San Loma with a lot of Emmerian forces involved.
* If you'd already played AC 4 and 5, you probably knew something bad was going to happen the moment they told you your last mission was a peaceful patrol over Gracemeria. When [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhgpDOY0xNM "City Lights"]] starts playing, those suspicions are confirmed.

* [[https://youtu.be/WIbXhQ5pUco "Beyond the Canal"]], the low-key riff that encourages you to mow down enemies with a gatling gun on a Black Hawk chopper.
* [[https://youtu.be/iUUchxqHIpM "Dogfight"]], which is exactly fitting of its name.
* [[https://youtu.be/o2nRsXeTTho "Release"]], the supremely intense piece played on the final mission, features OminousLatinChanting for starters. After an awesome startup with a rising choir, the frantic tone offers a mere couple of soft moments before diving back into the chaos.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=092r3PNG4JU "Rush"]], the rocky theme for your trip over Dubai. Slowly opening up with a faint Middle-East woodwind, the song builds up momentum for 50 seconds until it breaks out with OrchestralBombing, angelic choirs and wild guitar riffs.

* The main theme, [[https://youtu.be/PVx1kq0B38U "Gotta Stay Fly"]], featured heavily in promotional trailers and making up the overarching melody of many tracks. Unfortunately, it only plays during the ending credits.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGWiIYsqtco "Fighter",]] the instrumental version of "Gotta Stay Fly", which picks up once Bishop and his wingmen start turning the tide around during the battle on Miami, interceded with a speech from the President of the United States no less!

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muaIrJtifDw "Keep Alive".]] A near-perfect blend of militaristic drums, electric guitar and electronic music samples, creating one of the most amazing songs ever conceived for a 21st century aerial battle.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FimHbIyAks "Diapason".]] A rousing, uplifting piece that plays as the player flies in the skies over the capital city of their homeland, pushing the Belkans and liberating the city.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYlyVerAwSc "Excalibur"]], the heavy and medieval-esque movement that plays while trying to launch an attack on the superlaser tower that can cut you from miles away.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtzcbUEXB_Q "Merlon"]], or "How to Make Your Guitar Sound Like a Harp."
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3KOHpEn9ko "Mayhem"]] is the rocky track that plays during your second foray into Area [=B7R=]; this time, the airspace colloquially known as "Round Table" is turned into an immense furball, and there's no better theme to play than this heavy mix of guitars and percussion.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl2C28hMN2U "The Round Table".]] If the massive dogfight inside Area B7R (AKA The Round Table) wasn't hectic enough already, a squadron of enemy aces enter the battle to ramp things up even more and try to take you down.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDlc4r69R38 "Avalon".]] The enemy is preparing to launch nuclear missiles, you have limited time to stop the launch AND you have to fly through a tunnel to stop it. The first part of the song catches the tension of the moment, but the second part gives a heroic feeling.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGjwXI0n5-I "Zero".]] This is perhaps Keiki Kobayashi's magnum opus. Combining the flamenco motif and the signature orchestral chorus for a perfect mix that's applicable for so many final fights, it is hailed as a masterpiece even by non-''Ace Combat'' fans. A final battle between two former friends and squadronmates on December 31st. As the snow falls, the fate of the world hangs in the balance and it is up to the player to stop the end of civilization.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYyknN7iRos "Epilogue (Near the Border)".]] In case you forgot how good the flamenco is in this game, you're given one last reminder as the credits roll.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKsnJqMKBDA "Siege on Silvat"]] greatly emphasizes the race against time to save Emmeria's mainland forces from being overwhelmed by the numerically superior Estovakians.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0KZlp9m1U8 "Selumna Peak".]] A soothing orchestral song for a mission in the snowy mountains.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEuAflISyg8 "To All Things"]], the final mission's theme. Moody, but still uplifting, being a choir of the children back at Emmeria singing for the hope that the war finally ends.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UioDpyCG8sw "Ragno Fortress"]] for the eponymous mission is underlined by frequent use of cellos and percussion, great for an extremely complex siege mission. Fans of the series will also find that they repurposed the main melody of "Glacial Skies".

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWXxc8Nt2zQ "Closure".]] Apparently, it's an easy-to-miss song.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqb6CLhwnSM "Lit Fuse".]] It gets better with every second. A massive Osean ground assault on a Yuktobanian beach,
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JANarGLRPbw "Briefing2"]] mixes the main theme with brass movements, making for an engaging briefing session during the second half of the story.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkO6J8ABXhM "Grabacr".]] Similar tracks include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQr7DUYVqus "Mask"]] and the apparently unused [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFKi0CG21x4 "8492,"]] which together form a sort of ad-hoc {{Leitmotif}}.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xC-_P3Ly5E "Dead Ahead".]] Perfect music for hurtling at the speed of sound down a long dark tunnel, and no choice to go forward.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsvf9IbuS6s "First Flight".]] Yuktobania launches a massive raid on your base, but the Four Wings of Sand Island launch for the first time, and utterly curbstomp the Yukes. It's also an orchestral arrangement of "Blockade" from ''Ace Combat 4''. It speaks volumes that a series with so much awesome music thought this song was worth reusing.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Qkzj5bStU "The Unsung War"]] plays over the FinalBattle. It can actually be a low-action PuzzleBoss, leaving the music to establish the stakes single-handedly: four Razgriz, four [[AcePilot warriors]], four [[DeathFakedForYou ghosts]]... racing to stop a ColonyDrop that will bring about TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt. In those moments, the OminousLatinChanting is not just the legend of the player characters; they are the prayers of ''every person in Strangereal''.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJyy_SKpTI "Ice Cage".]] Totally sounds like a YouShallNotPass moment.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuaQflZr3Fo "Into the Dusk".]] A more somber piano version of "The Unsung War".
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWZuLtCTZPU "15 Years Ago".]] Another piano version that you normally hear during Nagase's and Gennette's musings on the Belkan war, but also plays during the final mission if you beat the enemy planes quick enough. This song, along with the ordinarily sappy dialogue, makes those two minutes leading up the [[FinalBoss SOLG]] assault practically into a [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments CMOH]]/TearJerker.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjiG3iW01BQ "The Journey Home".]] A TearJerker, with or without words. If you think this version is powerful, try imagining it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSuMXlkd5jQ being sung by pilots and soldiers from BOTH side of the conflict]] as they join together and rush forward to stop the true mastermind.

* Two briefing tracks. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCsWzUz31Lc "Operation"]] to start off, and later [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnYB-rqw6E "Second Strike"]] after the destruction of the Stonehenge railgun network.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23exxWmTpzo "Emancipation"]] is quite calming, but when the bell strikes, it invokes a feeling of uncertainty. In later part (about 3:18), it turns into an awesome rousing theme.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEW2JhDIDHs "Stonehenge Attack".]] Made doubly terrifying when you hurry to obey the sudden order to drop altitude, not knowing why it was given, and watch as half your allies get blasted out of the sky above you.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uEBX1vhy20 Breaking Arrows]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVwj1lPh2ao Breaking Arrows 2]]. The tension instilled by the music as you race against the missiles ''will'' give you the chills. Especially the last [[spoiler: (nuclear)]] one.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9_j8EOjV8 Mobius]]. Get your plane, listen to the base commander give a RousingSpeech, and [[spoiler: go destroy the Megalith]].

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TtQvdZdcyQ "ISAF"]] is powerfully rousing stuff.

** Especially when [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEGYMeGEqs the intro]] is included.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ6ABV_Q9qU "Megalith - Agnus Dei".]] The first track in the series to use OminousLatinChanting was used in the final level where the world was about to end, ''Film/DeepImpact'' style.

* Though not as famous as ''Zero'' or some of the other tracks from this OST, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvdEq6bDt9U "Blockade"]] is unanimously considered one of Keiki Kobayashi's greatest works. The song begins with tense, unsteady string chordioids before exploding into transcendent triumph with long, sustained violin solos and trumpet chords, signifying the forces of the ISAF finally taking the offensive, underlined by an UncommonTime signature and continuous metallophone ostinato that keeps the pulse pounding.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkKwJN9SJiY "Farbanti".]] Another great track for the given level. In this case, sacking your enemy's capital city, and dogfighting with Yellow 13 in the sunset.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBh942pS_yk "Operation Bunker Shot".]] Just imagine this playing while flying over a 21st Century version of the D-Day landings.

* [[https://youtu.be/gQScHiG5Co4?list=PL021FCE912747136A "Rising High"]] is amazing. There's also [[https://youtu.be/fFI24HtcCsg?list=PL021FCE912747136A "A Fresh Youngster"]] to guide you in on landing, and finally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqh_SEVa2k0 your musical reward]] for completing a mission.

* [[https://youtu.be/gQScHiG5Co4?list=PL021FCE912747136A "Rising High"]] is amazing. There's also [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52S6HTtOGBI "A Fresh Youngster"]] to guide you in on landing, and finally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqh_SEVa2k0 your musical reward]] for completing a mission.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIMDOdi1fME "Rising High"]] is amazing. There's also [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52S6HTtOGBI "A Fresh Youngster"]] to guide you in on landing, and finally, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqh_SEVa2k0 your musical reward]] for completing a mission.

* From the powerful and HotBlooded [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRWOq-y3jOE&list=PLLrug9JZTq61orhMe5q-aWFE9w4bZJgmr&index=14&t=0s "Fire Youngman"]] to the subdued yet wonderfully catchy [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZmYEKNqhMc "Aerial Hawk".]] Even the song that plays in the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM1s-TVAObU briefing]] portion is awesome.

* From the powerful and HotBlooded [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEeB2R-outc "Fire Youngman"]] to the subdued yet wonderfully catchy [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZmYEKNqhMc "Aerial Hawk".]] Even the song that plays in the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM1s-TVAObU briefing]] portion is awesome.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5daOm9uHc "Friendly Fire"]], a DarkReprise of ''[=AC5=]''[='=]s signature {{Leitmotif}} closing off a '''huge''' TearJerker WhamEpisode guaranteed to leave a first-time player who played the previous games neck-deep in a mixture of [[OhCrap shock]] and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone horror]] with just a single WhamLine: [[spoiler:''"Oh my god! Mother Goose One has been shot down!"'']] It also happens to be a slower-paced version of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8svFJbfu9G4 PSX 2015 reveal trailer's track.]] There, the reprisal at the start is replaced with only a meager few piano notes of ''The Unsung War'', but still declares one thing: ''Ace Combat'' is back in Strangereal.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5daOm9uHc "Friendly Fire"]], a DarkReprise of ''[=AC5=]''[='=]s signature {{Leitmotif}} closing off a '''huge''' TearJerker WhamEpisode guaranteed to leave a first-time player who played the previous games neck-deep in a mixture of [[OhCrap shock]] and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone horror]] with just a single WhamLine: [[spoiler:''"Oh my god! Mother Goose One has been shot down!"'']] It also happens to be a slower-paced version of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8svFJbfu9G4 E3 2015 reveal trailer's track.]] There, the reprisal at the start is replaced with only a meager few piano notes of ''The Unsung War'', but still declares one thing: ''Ace Combat'' is back in Strangereal.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5daOm9uHc "Friendly Fire"]], a DarkReprise of ''[=AC5=]''[='=]s signature {{Leitmotif}} closing off a '''huge''' TearJerker WhamEpisode guaranteed to leave a first-time player who played the previous games neck-deep in a mixture of [[OhCrap shock]] and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone horror]] with just a single WhamLine: [[spoiler:''"Oh my god! Mother Goose One has been shot down!"'']] It also happens to be a slower-paced version of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8svFJbfu9G4 E3 2015 reveal trailer's track,]] the reprisal at the start replaced with only a meager few piano notes of ''The Unsung War'', but still declaring one thing: ''Ace Combat'' is back in Strangereal.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5daOm9uHc "Friendly Fire"]], a DarkReprise of ''[=AC5=]''[='=]s signature {{Leitmotif}} closing off a '''huge''' TearJerker WhamEpisode guaranteed to leave a first-time player who played the previous games neck-deep in a mixture of [[OhCrap shock]] and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone horror]] with just a single WhamLine: [[spoiler:''"Oh my god! Mother Goose One has been shot down!"'']] It also happens to be a earlier and slow-paced version of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8svFJbfu9G4 E3 2015 reveal trailer's track,]] the reprisal at the start replaced with only a meager few piano notes of ''The Unsung War'', but still declaring one thing: ''Ace Combat'' is back in Strangereal.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5daOm9uHc "Friendly Fire"]], a DarkReprise of ''[=AC5=]''[='=]s signature {{Leitmotif}} closing off a '''huge''' TearJerker WhamEpisode guaranteed to leave a first-time player who played the previous games neck-deep in a mixture of [[OhCrap shock]] and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone horror]] with just a single WhamLine: [[spoiler:''"Oh my god! Mother Goose One has been shot down!"'']]

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kVdCaczLE8 "Daredevil"]], which has been used in several trailers, including the Gamescom 2018 Reveal Date trailer. It starts out with an oppressive feel, as if the enemy is itself imposing its will on the music. Then, the game's main theme is sung through a serene OneWomanWail, offering some respite before it too is buried under the oppression, building up a cascade of emotions that stops altogether at 3:13, with the music purposely holding its breath there. A single second of pause is all it takes for the main theme to rally and counterattack with the OneWomanWail, this time backed up by a chorus and soaring to unprecedented heights. That particular moment is deliberately put to triumphant use once [[spoiler:Rosa Cosette shuts down the Arsenal Bird's shields permanently,]] becoming one of the most beloved climactic sequences in the franchise, right up there with "Agnus Dei" and "Zero". According to an interview with Kazutoki Kono regarding the game's development (translated in English [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TQ3yHTQ3NnggQiWwoKHkm4DBw-VnF4FxA4K-F7ueXzc/edit here]] for convenience), the song was added long after the mission itself was fully fleshed out, mainly because the director in charge of radio comm lines wanted to sync the dialogue, drama and music into an explosive climax. Using that particular moment as a wedge, the dev team decided to gradually rework the final direction of the story and its soundtrack to give more goosebumps to it. Fittingly, such a risky endeavor earned the track its "Daredevil" namesake. In short, they rushed like madmen to make this masterpiece a reality.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFIf3MjJYX8 "Anchorhead Raid"]], composed by newcomer Yusuke Yamauchi, is the engaging theme that plays as you conduct an all-out fleet destruction over two separate harbors in the second SP mission. Combining electronics with successive solo setpieces from the orchestra, this track easily hammers in the intensity of the carnage over Anchor Bay and Dakiouk Bay. Within the game, the ''Alicorn'' abruptly interrupts the music with guided railgun projectiles, shortly before the track resumes with the latter part of its melody as Wiseman reminds everyone that a 100% survival rate is necessary, strengthening Strider Squadron's bonds.

*** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ACrTk75qy4 "Sideshow"]] blends OminousLatinChanting, fast drumwork, an orchestral rock arrangement and a continuously escalating melody that evokes ''Ace Combat 04'' memories; there is palpable uncertainty in the melody as you're searching for the ''Alicorn'' in the middle of nowhere while having to protect several patrol aircraft from a variety of drones and fanatical SACS pilots.

*** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ACrTk75qy4 "Ten Million Relief Plan I"]] blends OminousLatinChanting, fast drumwork, an orchestral rock arrangement and a continuously escalating melody that evokes ''Ace Combat 04'' memories; there is palpable uncertainty in the melody as you're searching for the ''Alicorn'' in the middle of nowhere while having to protect several patrol aircraft from a variety of drones and fanatical SACS pilots.
*** Once you force the submarine into surfacing for the first time, the soundtrack ups the ante with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZbWHIPMjqM "Ten Million Relief Plan II"]], the choir and orchestra coalescing into a solemn military march that heralds the terrifying menace as it prepares to engage Osean forces.