Looks like I've made up my mind; Ace Combat is still THE best!

H.A.W.X lacks in animation,storyline and characterisation.

It could do better if the missions weren't so straightforward(shoot this,shoot that).

And better A.I.

The planes are great,but even the SR-71 handles better than it normally would...they all feel the same.

But the game shines in the maps...the buildings look realistic,and the locations are real (unlike Ace Combat's).

Ace Combat still owns the crown for best flight-simulator I've played.