Air Combat 22 (Japan, ACS1 Ver.B)

Take to the skies in Air Combat 22, a thrilling flying shooter released by Namco in 1995. This sequel builds upon its predecessor with enhanced graphics and continues the tradition of intense aerial combat. As a single pilot, you’ll navigate through challenging missions, engaging enemy aircraft and ground installations from a chase-view perspective. The game's title is directly tied to the hardware it runs on: Namco's Super System 22 platform. Players utilize an analog joystick with trigger controls and throttle lever for precise maneuvering during dogfights. Air Combat 22 laid significant groundwork for the later Ace Combat franchise, leaving a lasting impression on its developers who still cite it as influential. A soundtrack album featuring music from the game was released shortly after its debut in Japan. The arcade cabinet itself is a substantial piece of hardware, measuring nearly seven feet tall and weighing over 1090 pounds. It represents a dedicated deluxe setup or an upgrade option for existing Air Combat machines, showcasing Namco’s Super System 22 technology which powered the experience.