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Bandai Namco, a renowned Japanese game developer and publisher, is often associated with vibrant JRPGs like Tales of and God Eater, anime-style fighting games like Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm and Dragon Ball FighterZ, and genre-defining titles such as Tekken and Dark Souls. However, fewer gamers may recall Bandai Namco’s long-standing legacy in the flight simulation genre with the Ace Combat series, a franchise as old as Final Fantasy itself, which once captivated players with each new release.

After a lengthy 13-year hiatus since Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation and the misstep of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown marks a triumphant return to the fictional world of Strangereal, bringing back the core values and exhilarating free-flying gameplay that defined the series. Let’s explore Strangereal’s skies and rediscover the essence of this nearly forgotten franchise.

Soaring Through Strangereal’s Skies

The first aspect that grabs any gamer’s attention is the graphics, and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown doesn’t disappoint. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game immerses players in a stunningly realistic and vibrant Strangereal. Every detail, from the individual aircraft components to the missiles launched, is meticulously rendered. Clouds drift realistically, and the ground below is richly detailed, creating a truly immersive experience. Players feel like skilled pilots soaring through vast blue skies, engaged in thrilling aerial combat.

Ace Combat falls under the flight simulation genre, which can be broadly categorized into two subgenres: ultra-realistic simulations like Flight Simulator X and X-Plane, and “arcade-style” simulations that prioritize exciting gameplay over strict realism. Ace Combat firmly belongs to the latter, offering players the freedom to perform breathtaking maneuvers and explore the vastness of Strangereal without being constrained by overly complex mechanics. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown stays true to this tradition, offering both “Standard” and “Expert” control schemes. Standard controls cater to casual players, while Expert controls allow for more complex maneuvers, rewarding skilled players with the ability to execute impressive aerial acrobatics.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Engaging Aerial Combat

While free-flying exploration is a key element, the heart of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown lies in its thrilling, arcade-style combat. Piloting aircraft inspired by modern fighter jets, players engage in intense dogfights, execute near-miss escapes, and showcase masterful aerial skills. With an arsenal of up to 100 missiles, along with a variety of special weapons ranging from super lasers to smart bombs, combat is both exhilarating and rewarding.

The game features 20 diverse missions, from eliminating all airborne targets to protecting key objectives and identifying hostile aircraft. One memorable mission requires navigating a narrow canyon while avoiding searchlights and maintaining a specific altitude. Completing missions earns players MRP (in-game currency) to unlock new aircraft and accessories, incentivizing replayability and experimentation with different loadouts. The combination of a large aircraft roster and varied missions ensures long-lasting engagement.

Dynamic Weather System

A notable addition to Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the dynamic weather system. Clouds are no longer mere visual elements; they impact gameplay by muffling sound, obscuring targeting systems, and even causing engine failure if flown through for extended periods. However, clouds can also be used tactically to evade pursuers or deflect incoming missiles. Missions featuring thunderstorms add another layer of challenge, as lightning strikes can temporarily disable aircraft controls and disrupt radar, forcing players to rely on visual targeting. Sandstorms, on the other hand, severely reduce visibility, demanding increased focus and skill. These weather effects add dynamism and variety to the gameplay, enhancing the realism and intensity of aerial combat.

A Fragmented Narrative

While the story of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is not inherently bad – exploring themes of patriotism, betrayal, and the complexities of right and wrong against the backdrop of a war between the Kingdom of Erusea and the Osean Federation – the narrative delivery is unfortunately fragmented. Cutscenes interspersed between missions are presented from the perspectives of various characters, often without sufficient context or background information, leaving players struggling to follow the plot. Furthermore, crucial story elements are relayed via radio transmissions during missions, easily missed amidst the chaos of combat. This disjointed storytelling makes it difficult for players to fully grasp the narrative and appreciate its nuances.

Conclusion: A Triumphant Return, with Caveats

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown marks a successful return to form for the franchise, offering stunning visuals, exhilarating combat, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The dynamic weather system adds a new layer of depth and realism, while the diverse missions and extensive aircraft roster provide ample replayability. However, the fragmented narrative holds the game back from achieving its full potential. Despite this flaw, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown delivers a compelling aerial combat experience that will satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike. If you’re looking for a thrilling and visually impressive flight simulation experience, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is definitely worth checking out.