This is an interesting one. Project Wingman was on Humble Choice a while back, which I had a blast playing. Then, I picked up Ace Combat 7 during the summer sale and it’s also an amazing game. These arcade flight simulators have a very interesting storytelling style that relies nearly entirely on mission briefings and combat dialogue.
The games also have some really poor comms security from the enemy.
Unless there’s some sort of open channel that all pilots use for some reason
So, I thought I’d try writing in that style. I’m not sure how video game scripts are formatted (and I also didn’t check), so I threw something together with standard screenplay formatting. It’s probably too wordy for actual gameplay use but oh well.
It looks long, but that’s because there’s a lot of white space. Since gameplay is very repetitive when written down (The player fights the enemy), I’ve marked that section with Relevant Battle Chatter (RBC) and what events trigger it. Hopefully you can follow and infer what is happening based on what is said.
I also had fun worldbuilding – the main character’s country is a feudal society with knights, nobility, freemen, and serfs. Knights are the elite fighter pilots whose planes weigh a few pounds more than normal because of all the paint they use.
Also, the bad guy country is a democracy because you don’t see that often.
INT. MISSION ONE: BORDER PATROL #1#
BRIEFING:
(various chair and table noises as the pilots enter.)
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Ok everybody, settle down. I’ll introduce the new faces after the briefing.
Map of continent appears, then zooms into the coastal area, showing the United Cities around Illinosur’s (UCI) advance through the country of Valhin.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
I don’t know what the news networks are saying, so let’s get you new people on the same page as the rest of us. The UCI’s invasion of Valhin is effectively complete. Our scouts have reported UCI ground forces as close as two miles from our border. We expect a formal surrender within the week.
Map zooms to a region of the border, with potential UCI positions marked. The squadron banner is marked at the airport.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
So, Queen Halnil is-
NGB HALEY “LACE” MARLENA [PATROL 6-4]
The Fifth!
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
(annoyed)
-Queen Halnil the Fifth
(briefing)
Is reinforcing the border patrol squadrons. We need to show strength so that those Democrats don’t get any fancy ideas.
The patrol route appears, following the border.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
So, we’ve got a three point patrol along the border for you. Get close enough so that you show up on any UCI mobile radar in the area. Then head back, passing Patrol Squadron 3 on their way out.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
I don’t expect any trouble, but there will be no causing trouble either. If a UCI unit crosses the border you are not to fire unless fired upon. Queen’s orders. Just get in radio contact and herd them out. They probably got lost.
NGE YORK “EAGLEEYE” VON GLASSEMEYER [PATROL 6-3]
We’ve been running these patrols all month! Are we really not changing anything?
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Aside from increasing the number of planes, no.
(The pilots grumble)
And on that note, some introductions are in order. First, the squadron leader, ACE BARON TOMAS JACKSON, callsign, “CRESCENT”.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
We usually call him “Mentor”, ’cause he’d fall asleep in the cockpit if he wasn’t telling us how to fly.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Fighting a war is not the same as dueling in a tournament.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
The Baron made ace in the Halfsteader Oathbreaking, so I advise listening to him.
The files of the new pilots appear, one at a time.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Now, our new faces, in squadron order. We have Knight Errant Kegan DeLassner, Princess Wisca Worey-
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Hey! Nobility!
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Knight Errant Gavin Gortam III, and...
(MORE)
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
(hostile confusion)
I’m sorry, is this correct?
Name selection screen in the form [Name] of [Location].
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
(incredulous)
A Serf?
The pilots react negatively, save Crescent and Skylight.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
What noble would send a serf to do a Knight’s work? A freeman, maybe. But a serf?
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
You see that unpainted plane? I thought it was a spare, but I guess that’s the serf’s.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Hey, it’s the reign of Queen Halnil the Fifth[[This is a riff on the sayings similar to, “It’s 20XX, Y can happen now”.]]. Serfs can fly now[[They fly now?
They fly now.]].
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
Yeah? What, did they learn on a crop duster?
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Looking at their flight record, yes.
LAUGHTER.
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
Well, no one’s going to be scared of a serf’s plane.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
We’d better put extra missiles on it, then.
More LAUGHTER.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Okay, okay. Settle down. You’ve got a patrol to get to.
(sounds of people leaving)
Serf? You might have good scores in flight school, but that doesn’t mean you can keep up with Knights.
(MORE)
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
It is just a patrol, though. If you don’t mess up, I’ll consider keeping you on.
TAKEOFF SEQUENCE
The various planes of Patrol 6 line up in pairs on the taxiway to the main runway. We can see that they are all (save the player[[In New Game +, I guess this would be false but whatever.]]) painted with bright patterns, with intricate coats of arms on the tails. Only the Player has extra pylon mounted missiles.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol squadron 6, approach the runway.
The planes move forward.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Skylight, if you don’t mind, I’ll fly with Eight today.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Of course, sir.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol squadron 6, element 1, you are clear for takeoff.
Crescent and Skylight zoom off.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
If our Mentor is busy watching the Serf, hopefully he’ll leave the rest of us alone.
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
That would be nice.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol squadron 6, element 2, you are clear for takeoff.
Eagleeye and Lace take off.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Form on my banner once you’re in the air.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol squadron 6, element 3, you are clear for takeoff.
Fencer and Aeronaut takeoff. The player and Heavy move onto the runway.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
I haven’t been nervous during takeoff since I was a page. Don’t crash into me, Serf.
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
You practiced formation takeoffs at your flight school, right Serf?
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol squadron 6, element 4, you are cleared for takeoff.
Heavy and the Player take off.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Element 4 is away, no incidents.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
Well, good job Serf.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Somewhat jittery, but an admirable effort, given the circumstances, Eight.
PATROL SECTION
Objective: Patrol the border.
Patrol Squadron 6 flies in formation. You can’t see the border from up here, but black smoke columns rise into the air to the east – that must be Valhin.
[OPTIONAL BASIC TUTORIAL – flight, radar, and hud controls]
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
New signals to the west. Looks like a squadron headed our way.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
Is it another patrol group?
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Scanning IFF...
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
Where’s an AWACS when you need one.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Okay... It’s...
(surprised)
The Queen?!?
The squadron reacts with surprise.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Squadron, tighten the formation. Skylight, I’m back with you.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
What’s Queen Halnil-
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
The fifth.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
-doing out here?
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
Where do we hide the Serf?
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
To my right, Serf. We’re on the far edge.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Clear comms, Her Royal Highness is nearly in radio range.
The formation waits as the Queen and her retinue, six advanced fighter craft, approach.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
The Crescent Baron! How fares the patrol?
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
(quietly)
The Queen knows him?
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
All clear, your Highness. Although I don’t like the look of the highway over there.
The highways he is mentioning have been covertly converted into runways (though none know it yet).
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Good. Valhin has capitulated to the UCI and I need to be sure the patrols are in order. There’s no indication President Jordan’s lust for power is satiated.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
My squadron is ever prepared, your Highness.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
As always. May your skies be clear.
The Queen’s squadron banks south, however, keen (or forewarned) eyes might spot fighter craft taking off from the Valhin highways.
AWACS CASTELLAN
This is AWACS Castellan to all combat aircraft. I’m picking up some radar ghosts on the other side of the border.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
There’s nothing on my radar.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Use your eyes. Assume combat formation.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Those are SG-35s! UCI markings!
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
What are they doing to our radar?
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 4]
They’ve seen us! I knew the jammer wouldn’t work!
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Hurry! Form up!
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Crescent, confirm visual on UCI combat aircraft?
There’s a full UCI squadron, 12 planes, already in the air, with more taking off.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Confirm combat aircraft. Assumed to be UCI. Count 14, increasing.
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
Are we still Return Fire ROE?
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
There’s no way that’s not an invasion flight!
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Hold. Wait for the- orders.
The Queens squadron is now heading for Patrol 6, the UCI planes are as well.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Patrol 6, you are now operating under my direct command.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Confirmed. Squadron moving into formation.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Oh, this is so cool!
The Patrol squadron loops around, forming up as a combined squadron to the Royal squadron’s left.
AWACS CASTELLAN
Patrol 6 integrated into AWACS systems. Welcome to the castle.
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
Castle?
(aside)
Did he write that himself?
BEGIN BATTLE
The UCI craft are crossing the border.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
I am Queen Halnil the Fifth. To all UCI aircraft, you are trespassing upon my lands. You will explain yourselves and remove yourselves forthwith, or be fired upon.
WNG CMDR GALLEON [OBSIDIAN 1]
Queen Halnil, this is Wing Commander Nickolai Rorwist, acting on behalf of the United Cities. This is why we are here.
He FIRES a missile at the Queen’s airplane...
AWACS CASTELLAN
Missile! Activate ECM!
...it swerves away, EXPLODING harmlessly in the air.
The Patrol pilots show excitement [background chatter]
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
And this is my answer.
She FIRES a missile right back!
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Weapons free! The UCI is not welcome here!
Objective: Repel the invasion force.
The UCI planes push forward, firing missiles...
The Queen’s wing breaks into their elements.
AWACS CASTELLAN
Patrol 6, simultaneous lock detected! Evade!
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Ha! Here we go!
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
For the Queen!
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
Don’t leave me hanging, Serf.
--RBC
– Early on
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Remember! This is a battle, not a tournament. Keep each other safe.
(beat)
Eight, try your best to stick with Heavy. You don’t have anything to prove, so- Lace! You’re drawing too much fire!
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Don’t- Not while I’m defending!
– Early UCI chatter
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 2]
Watch out for the Knights! They’ve got the fancy paintjobs.
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 4]
I think there’s only one plane with no paint.
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 7]
Just our luck. Who sends knights to patrol a border?
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 6]
Doesn’t matter! Go for the Queen!
UCI PILOT [ OBSIDIAN 2]
Don’t go head to head with the knights! That’s what they do in their tournaments.
– Early Kingdom chatter
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
They’re trying to swarm the Queen!
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Take advantage. Strike while their attention is elsewhere.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Come on! Let me line up a shot!
– First player kill
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
What? AWACS, did you see that?
AWACS CASTELLAN
Confirm, Patrol 6-8 has downed an enemy aircraft.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
(stunned silence)
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Good job, Eight. Keep it up.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
The Serf got a kill before I did?
– First Crescent kill
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 9]
I’m hit! Ejecting!
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 2]
Look at that banner[[I’m debating whether the banner is paint or actually a literal banner]]! It’s the Crescent Ace!
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 2]
Intel said the Queen doesn’t have any aces in her retinue. Is this new?
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 3]
The Queen is an ace, remember?
UCI AWACS
Tracking says the Crescent Ace is the leader of the patrol squadron.
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 4]
The Kingdoms have 14 aces and they use one to patrol a border?
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Flight 1, Flight 4, change priority target to the Crescent Ace. Keep him occupied.
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 7]
(aside)
The Kingdom has more aces than any other country. What do you expect from a country that calls their standing pilots ‘Knights’
– Mission one third complete
AWACS CASTELLAN
No response from Silverstone. Long range comms may be jammed.
MAGE [ROYAL 4]
Are the UCI sending reinforcements?
AWACS CASTELLAN
Long range radar is unreliable at this moment. Detecting multiple sensor returns that may be reinforcing squadrons.
MAGE [ROYAL 4]
We might not have the munitions to defeat the UCI forces present, to say nothing of reinforcements.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Someone must leave the battle and alert Silverstone and the nearby airbases.
ROGUE [ROYAL 5]
I volunteer!
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
I disagree- respectfully, send one of mine.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Crescent is correct. Your place is with me. Baron, choose one of your flight.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Not me!
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Heavy, I believe you are the correct choice.
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
Yes sir. Disengaging.
Optional objective: Protect Heavy
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 6]
One of them is running!
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Shoot it down! Don’t let them call for reinforcements!
– Player shoots down pursuing fighter
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
(reluctant)
Thanks, but I wasn’t in that much danger.
– Player shoots down all pursuing fighters
HEAVY [PATROL 6-7]
I suppose... You’re not that bad, Serf.
– Heavy escapes
AWACS CASTELLAN
Friendly aircraft has exited operational area.
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
We don’t have much time left! Take down the Queen!
– Lace is hit
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
(grunt)
That was close!
AWACS CASTELLAN
Patrol 6-4, status?
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Fine, just fine.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Lace, your plane is damaged. Avoid employing maneuvers that rely on yaw-
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
I said I’m fine!
– Mission two thirds complete
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 3]
Hit! Yes!
UCI PILOT (CONT’D)
What? I hit her! I know I did!
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
You’ll have to do better than that.
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 3]
Aaaaaahhh! I gotta eject!
MAGE [ROYAL 4]
My Queen, your ammunition and RCS levels are critical. Disengaging against this many will be difficult.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
I don’t need to single handedly shoot down the enemy. I will not quit the field while we have a chance.
MAGE [ROYAL 4]
I estimate the rest of us are nearing critical as well.
AWACS CASTELLAN
Mage is right. Ammunition levels are low for the entire flight except Patrol 6-8. Only Royal 3 has countermeasures remaining.
EAGLEEYE [PATROL 6-3]
What are you doing, Serf?
AWACS CASTELLAN
Patrol 6-8’s rate of expenditure is comparable to the rest of the squadron; they are the only plane equipped with special weapons.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
That was my idea!
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
We just need to hold out until the squadrons in Silverstone arrive.
– Late UCI Chatter
UCI PILOT [SPINEL 1]
Someone dropped the ball on this one. How are we supposed to fight two aces?
UCI PILOT [GALENA 3]
And the rest of them aren’t pushovers either.
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 5]
I guess ‘Knight’ isn’t just a fancy title.
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 8]
The Queen’s plane doesn’t even look damaged. I thought we got some hits?
UCI AWACS
Radar confirmed hits, unknown at this time why they had no effect on target.
UCI PILOT [SPINEL 1]
Something’s gotta get through!
– UCI taking casualties
UCI PILOT [GALENA 5]
Drain, eject!
UCI PILOT [GALENA 1]
They’re picking us off! This isn’t good!
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 4]
I saw a hit! We’re getting through!
UCI PILOT [PAINITE 1]
Just hold on! Not much longer!
– Mission complete
UCI AWACS
New radar contacts. Kingdom reinforcements from Silverstone base.
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Ugh. All forces, begin fallback procedures.
UCI PILOT [OBSIDIAN 2]
So much for a quick decapitation strike.
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Flight 10 and 11, cover while the remaining flights disengage.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
They’re leaving!
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Do not pursue. They’ll draw you into an AA killzone.
FENCER [PATROL 6-5]
Yeah! That’s right! Run, you voting... vote...ers...
UCI WING COMMANDER [OBSIDIAN 1]
Flights 10 and 11, disengage as able.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Squadron, form on my banner.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
The Queen is okay.
AWACS CASTELLAN
You have an AWACS now, Patrol 6-2.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Sorry.
AWACS CASTELLAN
UCI forces are retreating and the Queen is unscathed. That’s a job well done, everyone.
QUEEN HALNIL THE FIFTH [ROYAL 1]
Yes. I extend my personal thanks to you, Patrol squadron 6.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
You honor us, My Queen.
AWACS CASTELLAN
The Silverstone squadrons will hold the border. We need to get you all back to base. Patrol 6, you are detached from the Queen’s Personal Taskforce.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
You heard him. RTB.
BEGIN LANDING
Patrol 6 is in loose formation as they approach the airbase. They pass Patrol 3, fully loaded and heading to the border.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
There goes Patrol 3. I bet they’ll see some action.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Yes. I’m surprised we aren’t under attack right now.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
They must have tasked everything in the area against the Queen.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol 6, begin landing sequence. Make it quick, we need the runway clear.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Patrol 6, element 4, you are clear to land. Uh, did you lose one?
The player lands.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Negative, Heavy was dispatched to Silverstone base.
MAGIBUR BASE CONTROL TOWER
Good. I’d hate for us to have the first casualty of the war.
CRESCENT [PATROL 6-1]
Unfortunately, I believe that would be Lace.
LACE [PATROL 6-4]
Shut up! It’s not that bad!
It’s that bad.
BEGIN DEBRIEFING
The pilots enter the briefing room.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
The Queen has landed at Silverstone. I’m told her plane suffered only superficial damage, so that’s a job well done to everyone! That is why we are knights! The skies are our domain!
CHEER from the pilots.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Keep that energy close, because you’re not going to be heading back to your nobles yet.
The briefing screen shows the border, where multiple UCI force icons are moving into Kingdom lands.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
The attack on the Queen wasn’t opportunistic. The border marches are under coordinated attack by multiple UCI task forces.
SKYLIGHT [PATROL 6-2]
Why didn’t we see this coming?
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
The UCI has deployed some sort of radar jammer.
(MORE)
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
It’s effective at long range and has hidden most of their movements. Also, my own opinion is that this operation has been in planning for a long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if they could have wrapped up Valhin weeks ago if they weren’t setting this invasion up.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN (CONT’D)
So get some rest while you still can. I expect you’ll be going back up today.
The pilots start to leave.
NGT CMDR GAGALLAN
Oh, and uh, Serf. You... Did good out there. We’re going to need all the pilots we can get, so, I’ll let you stay in the squadron for now. Dismissed.
END DEBRIEFING