Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an arcade-style aerial combat simulation developed by Project Aces and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on January 18, 2019, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it was later made available for Microsoft Windows on February 1, 2019. A Nintendo Switch port was released on July 11, 2024, marking the game's debut on a Nintendo console. The game is the eighth main installment in the long-running Ace Combat series and is set in the fictional universe of Strangereal.

In Ace Combat 7, players assume the role of an elite fighter pilot known as "Trigger," who is wrongfully imprisoned and assigned to a penal unit during a war between the nations of Osea and Erusea. The game offers a mix of traditional arcade-style dogfighting and realistic flight mechanics, enhanced by photorealistic visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4 and TrueSKY technology. It features a wide array of aircraft, including both real-world and fictional models, and offers a variety of game modes, including a campaign, multiplayer battles, and exclusive VR missions for PlayStation VR.

The game's promotion leveraged its rich visual fidelity and immersive aerial combat experience. Trailers and gameplay demonstrations highlighted the game's stunning skyboxes, detailed aircraft models, and dynamic weather effects. The inclusion of VR missions was a significant selling point, aiming to provide players with an unprecedented level of immersion in aerial combat. Additionally, the game's narrative, set in the expansive Strangereal universe, was emphasized to attract both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

Upon release, Ace Combat 7 received generally favorable reviews from critics and players alike. Review aggregator Metacritic reflects this with an overall positive reception. Notably, Famitsu magazine awarded the game a score of 35 out of 40, praising its engaging gameplay and impressive visuals. Eurogamer's John Linneman lauded it as a "return to form" for the series, commending its gameplay, graphics, music, and VR mode. Forbes' Ollie Barder gave it a 9/10, highlighting its rewarding gameplay while noting the limited scope of the VR content.

The game's commercial performance was strong, with Bandai Namco reporting over 6 million units sold as of January 2025, making it the best-selling title in the Ace Combat series. The Nintendo Switch version, released in 2024, received positive reviews, with critics noting that while the port was ambitious, it delivered a solid aerial combat experience on the platform. The game's ability to balance arcade accessibility with simulation depth contributed to its widespread appeal.

In conclusion, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown successfully revitalized the Ace Combat franchise with its blend of accessible aerial combat, stunning visuals, and engaging narrative. Its strong critical reception and commercial success underscore its position as a standout entry in the series. The game's ongoing support through downloadable content and updates has helped maintain its popularity among fans of the genre.