Taking place 15 years prior to the events of Ace Combat 5, Ace Combat Zero seems to focus on an older series of jets than its predecessors. Real world aircraft will appear in the game, including such favorites as the F-15C Eagle and F/A-18C Hornet. Also known to be in the game are the J 35J Draken and the Typhoon.

Gameplay seems to stay true to previous Ace Combat games, with mission-based stages that let players select a jet prior to taking to the skies.