Following is a list of unlockables and secrets in Air Combat.
Loading Screen Cheats[]
Secret loading screen with all cheats enabled
The secret loading screen can be activated by holding R1 and Circle buttons each time before entering loading screen. When entered correctly, the loading screen will appear as a black screen with bouncing discs instead of the usual Phoenix logo.
During this screen, a key combination can be entered to enable a cheat function. Once the key is successfully entered, an icon from Namco's classic games will appear to the bottom left corner of the screen to represent its effect. Bear in mind when using this cheat, you have a limited amount of time to input the codes. The amount of time remaining is proportional to the amount of CDs on screen; The fewer CDs on screen, the less time you have.
| Effect | Input | Icon |
|---|---|---|
| 999,999,000 credits | Down, Circle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, then Circle + Triangle simultaneously | Pooka from DigDug |
| Enemy color for player aircraft | Up, Down, Left, Right, Up, Down, Left, Right, R1 | SHIP (STANDARD TYPE) from Gaplus |
| Enemy color for wingmen aircraft | Start ten times then R1 | ZAKO from Gaplus |
| Selectable enemy color in 2 Player Mode | Left, Right, Left, Right, Down, Up, Down, Up, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle | CAP from Gaplus |
| Secret mini-game | Up, Left, Down, Right | Fygar from DigDug |
Secret Mini-Game[]
Bonus mini-game in action
The secret mini-game will replace next loading screen after its cheat input has been entered until the player enters secret loading screen cheat to revert to secret loading screen. In this mini-game the player must destroy as many bombers and missiles using a Phoenix logo before the little chick at the bottom walks from left to the rightmost corner of the screen. Enemy spawn direction is randomly assigned each time the mini-game is started. The missile rarely spawns, but has more points than a bomber.
The Phoenix can be controlled using either Left or L2 to move left/counter-clockwise, and Circle or R2 to move right/clockwise, its control method (circular or diagonal) can be changed by pressing R1. Should the player managed to reach end score of 4.70 points/second or higher, a congratulatory message will appear at the end of the mini-game, and the player will be awarded with free aircraft purchase cost and wingman hiring cost.[1]
Unlock all Aircraft[]
Complete the game on Easy difficulty. Allow the credits to finish after the boss is defeated. The phrase "Extra (010)" or "OMAKE (010)" in Japanese version will appear on the top right corner of the title screen after it reappears. Start a new game to unlock all aircraft.
Unlock all Wingmen[]
Complete the game on Normal difficulty. Allow the credits to finish after the boss is defeated. The phrase "Extra (110)" or "OMAKE (110)" in Japanese version will appear on the top right corner of the title screen after it reappears. Start a new game to and reach mission 04 to unlock all wingmen.
Stage Select[]
Complete the game on Hard difficulty. Allow the credits to finish after the boss is defeated. The phrase "Extra (111)" or "OMAKE (111)" in Japanese version will appear on the top right corner of the title screen after it reappears. Start a new game to unlock all missions.
Skip Mission Overview[]
Press Triangle + Start during the Mission Overview to skip it.
Remove Subtitles (Japanese version only)[]
Pause the game, and press L1 or R1, and resume the game. The Japanese text on the right side of the screen will disappear. Simply repeat the action to turn the subtitles back on.