Phew! How many hands will I need?
Two will suffice - it feels really natural after a short while and you'll be looping the loop in no time.

Is it actually much better than the first two?
In every way. The graphics are fantastic and seem to use the same engine as Ridge Racer Type 4 - you can even add a blur effect to the replays. There are loads of real and futuristic aircraft on offer and the flight model is spot on. A vast and varied selection of missions ensures that you won't get bored quickly, especially with the twisty-turny plot.

Plot? In a flight-sim-cum-shoot-'em-up?
Indeed. It all revolves around two giant corporations (Sony and Sega/Nintendo anyone?) and the plot changes depending on your performance. The relationship between you and your wingmen plays an important role too, with betrayal a keyword. There's loads of dialogue between missions, giving a slight role-playing feel to proceedings. These cut-scenes look great too, with Manga-inspired characters chatting via the Net Phone. 'Slick' would be the perfect word to describe the overall presentation, as we've come to expect from Namco of late.