Handling the Eagle One is a little complicated, at first. You use all the buttons on the dual shock to pilot the plane, and memorizing the layout is key to winning missions. The Eagle One can toggle between two fly modes with the R1 trigger: Jet Mode and Hover Mode. In Jet Mode, the plane flies like normal, whereas in Hover Mode, the plane holds a stationary position. The Hover Mode can also be used in missions that require the plane to land. The controls are tight and, once you master them, piloting your plane is a no–brainer.

There are a good number of weapons to select from in Eagle One. Players can choose to blow up enemies with their cannon, rockets, air–to–air missiles, or air–to–ground missiles. Throughout the missions, your weapons can be upgraded, and for certain missions you get to use special weapons that cater to your attack plan.

Eagle One doesn’t paint a pretty a picture as much as Ace Combat 3 does, but the graphics are adequate enough to make the missions believable. There isn’t much style to the on–screen layout either, but where the game fails in style, it makes up nicely for in substance.

Air combat should have plenty of combat, and Eagle One doesn’t disappoint. The first mission starts with a dogfight that has players dodging, circling, and finally toasting enemy pilots. The storyline and great music add to the intensity of the game, and the enemy AI is pretty good, providing you with plenty of hits to worry about during game play.

The first few missions were interesting enough. The second mission has players trying to stop enemy jeeps from entering a town. You have to swoop down low and try to fire on several jeeps inching, ever closer, to the town.

Eagle One was a complete (pleasant) surprise. The game play fits nicely with the well designed missions, and there is plenty of combat to go around. While the poor layout of the game might turn some players away, rest–assured that the action doesn’t disappoint.