After completing the game, the player is allowed to play through the storyline again with all the planes and special weapons they purchased in the previous run-through. However, the developers took special care to make sure the storyline would not be skewed by having a better than anticipated fighter at certain points in the game. For example, at the conclusion of the "Lifeline" mission, the Yellow Squadron planes cannot be shot down, as they are invincible.
The game takes place from 2004 to 2005.