Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an action simulation game centered on high-speed aerial combat. Players pilot a range of fighter jets through dogfights, ground strikes, and naval targets in a campaign set across the fictional Strangereal universe.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around fast-paced flight combat with an arcade-style model that prioritizes accessibility over strict realism. Two control schemes are available: a novice option that simplifies handling and an expert mode that supports advanced maneuvers like high-G turns and rolls. Aircraft respond with noticeable momentum, requiring players to manage speed, altitude, and positioning during engagements.
Customization plays a central role. Pilots unlock and purchase planes through an aircraft tree using MRP earned from missions and matches. Each jet supports upgrades to engines, airframes, and weapons, with limits on the number and type of parts that can be equipped at once. Special weapons add variety for targeting air, land, or sea units. Dynamic weather influences visibility, missile locks, and instrument readings, turning storms or cloud cover into tactical factors rather than mere visuals.
Missions mix dogfighting with objectives that include destroying bases, escorting allies, and intercepting bombers. Optional minigames such as in-flight refueling or landings appear in the campaign and can be skipped without penalty, though they grant extra points when completed successfully.
Game Modes
The single-player campaign forms the main experience, consisting of a series of story-driven missions that escalate from routine patrols to large-scale operations against advanced threats. Progress carries over to other modes through shared unlocks.
Multiplayer features two competitive formats. Team Deathmatch pits squads of up to four players against each other in score-based matches. Battle Royale supports up to eight participants in a free-for-all format where the first to reach the point limit or the highest scorer at time expiration wins. Both modes run on maps drawn from the campaign and incorporate the same weather systems.
A separate VR mode exists exclusively on PlayStation VR. It offers standalone missions, an airshow exhibition, and free-flight practice that do not connect to the main campaign or online play.
Aircraft and Progression
Players begin with basic jets and expand their hangar through the tech tree. Real-world inspired models from various nations sit alongside a few fictional designs at the top tiers. Skins and emblems become available through campaign completion and can be applied across modes. The progression system rewards consistent play in both single-player and multiplayer without requiring one to finish the other first.
Is It Worth Playing?
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown delivers a focused aerial combat experience that remains engaging years after release. Its straightforward multiplayer and substantial campaign provide hours of replay value for anyone drawn to jet dogfighting and mission variety. The game continues to attract players, with generally favorable reception highlighting responsive controls and atmospheric presentation. Those who enjoy arcade flight action over pure simulation will find the mechanics rewarding, while the PS4 version adds the unique VR option for extra immersion. It suits fans of the genre looking for a complete package without ongoing seasonal content.
