Countries and Inspirations in Ace Combat 7: A Guide to Strangereal’s Fictional Nations

Unpacking Strangereal: The Real-World Inspirations Behind Ace Combat’s Fictional Nations

Have you ever jumped into Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown? If so, did everything feel familiar yet absurd? You are correct. Strangereal isn’t random land. It is a mix of our Earth’s nations, conflicts, and history. Let’s explore this fictional universe.

Fictional Countries and Their Inspirations: A Whirlwind Tour

Strangereal’s nations are more than map labels; they’re geopolitical stand-ins. Each has distinct flavors. Imagine it as a funhouse mirror reflecting our world’s complexities.

Osea: America, But Make It Anime

First is Osea. Osea flexes military might like no other. With a population over 518 million, it has a strong economy and military. It’s basically the United States of America. The scale, influence, and heavy military presence, feel familiar. Not to mention, “Defense Force” resembles Israel and Japan’s military terms.

The name isn’t just cool; OSEA stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere. These are the “core elements” for Osea’s inspiration. Sure, that sounds whimsical.

Erusea: Ciao Italia, Bonjour EU

Then there is Erusea. This country mixes influences, but Italy is prominent. The name reflects pasta and beautiful scenery. Erusea also hints at the European Union. During the coalition mission in Ace Combat Zero, an Italian accent hints strongly at Erusea’s culture.

Belka: Echoes of a Dark Past

Now, Belka is heavy. This country has historical weight, especially linked to Nazi Germany. A nation in crisis mirrors Germany’s hyperinflation after World War I. Belka suffers an economic crisis due to resource issues and separations like Ustio breaking away.

This background allows a fascist government to emerge. In the Belkan War, the military detonated nuclear weapons on their land to repel foes. This act killed over 12,000 civilians. It’s dark, even for a game.

Yuktobania: Red Star Rising…Again?

Yuktobania is simple: it stands in for the former USSR. Think of a powerful and industrial nation with chilly international relations. The parallels are evident in the name and geopolitical stance.

Estovakia: Yugoslavia 2.0 (The Reboot)

Estovakia takes a unique angle on history. Imagine Yugoslavia that didn’t break apart during the Yugoslav Wars but reformed instead. Estovakia represents a nation trying to unify conflict’s remnants into a whole again.

Ustio: Neutrality with a Side of Edge

Picture Ustio as Switzerland: neutral, mountainous, known for chocolate and banking. Still, Ustio has a twist. It is less neutral than Switzerland. It’s like Switzerland that sometimes gets into bar fights. More peaceful? Yes, but with a bit more drama.

Liberl: A Taste of Southeast Asia and the Alps

Lastly, we reach Liberl. Kondo, from the Trails series, states it combines Thailand and Austria. Think Southeast Asia’s warmth with Alpine charm. A unique mix makes Liberl different in Strangereal.

Conflicts and Wars: History Repeating Itself (with Jets)

Strangereal’s essence is not just pretty countries; it’s the wars shaping them. Wars play pivotal roles in Ace Combat’s narrative:

Lighthouse War: Trigger’s Baptism by Fire

The Lighthouse War forms the backdrop of Ace Combat 7. You pilot Trigger, an Osean Air Defense Force member, amidst the chaos against Erusea. This war tests loyalties and pushes limits while showcasing incredible aerial stunts.

Belkan War: When Things Went Nuclear (Literally)

We’ve talked about grim moments in the Belkan War. The military detonations to stop enemies highlight intensity and terrible fallout of war. The stakes are real, even in a world of pretend nations and fighter jets.

Characters and Allegiances: Pilots with Personalities (and Long Names)

Wars have people fighting them, or in Ace Combat’s case, skilled pilots. Let’s meet two key characters:

Trigger: The Silent Protagonist with a Loud Impact

Trigger is your avatar in the Lighthouse War. He is an Osean pilot hurled into conflict. Your actions in battle eclipse any words. Trigger silently racks up kills and shifts the war’s tide with each sortie.

Mihaly A. Shilage: The Enigmatic Mister X

Mihaly Dumitru Margareta Corneliu Leopold Blanca Karol Aeon Ignatius Raphael Maria Niketas A. Shilage has a long name. This ace pilot works for Erusean forces, known as Archange or “Mister X.” Mihaly is fierce and mysterious; a true master requires half a paragraph for an introduction.

Other Locations: Familiar Cities in a Strange World

Strangereal’s landscapes mirror real-world locales, adding familiarity to the fictional setting.

Farbanti: D.C. in Disguise

Farbanti resembles Washington, D.C., blending various architectural styles. Expect grand monuments and vast avenues evoking national pride. It’s like visiting the US capital but with fighter jets overhead.

Usea: The Stage is Set

Finally, Usea serves as the main battleground in Ace Combat 7). Here, the Lighthouse War takes place, showcasing battles between Osea and Erusea. Usea isn’t just terrain; it’s where Strangereal’s stories unfold and legends are forged.

So next time you fly through Strangereal’s skies, know you’re not just in a fictional realm. You are navigating through reflections of our own world, both familiar and fantastical. You might just recognize the depth in crafting this intriguing universe.