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CRITIK

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Item: Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Simulation, Drama, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableJan 18, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperProject Aces

Overview

Leveraging the trueSKYTM technology and developed utilizing Unreal Engine 4, Ace Combat 7 will astound players with beautifully rendered skies and highly detailed cityscapes but also set the stage for the most engaging aerial battles in the franchise’s storied 20 year history accompanied with an immersive soundtrack. Ace Combat 7 will take the elements that the series is known for to a whole new level! Aces who have proven their combat prowess in Ace Combat 7’s campaign mode can take their dogfighting skills further with furious online multiplayer battles. PlayStation4 players will also be able to get immersed in ACE COMBAT 7’s realism through exclusive features developed specifically for PlayStationVR.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Digitally Downloaded and Multiplayer.it, praised the cinematic and engaging narrative that focuses on global-scale war, loyalty, and redemption. They appreciated the unexpected moments, use of flashbacks, and the Japanese perspective on war, which added depth to the storytelling. Additionally, AusGamers highlighted the fun twists and turns in the plot, especially the focus on drones and unmanned aircraft, making the story engaging and entertaining. On the other hand, several critics, like Critical Hit and Stevivor, criticized the story for being cliched, trite, and filled with awkward dialogue. They found the narrative to be muddled, with cheesy elements and lack of character engagement. Metro GameCentral and Slant Magazine mentioned the lack of depth and character development, as well as unenthusiastic voice acting, which hindered the overall impact of the story. PC Gamer and The Digital Fix also pointed out cringe-worthy dialogue and unengaging cutscenes that failed to immerse players effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the engaging themes, unexpected moments, and immersive narrative presentation, others were critical of the cliched and cheesy elements, lack of character development, and unengaging storytelling aspects. The game seems to offer a compelling war narrative with moments of charm and intrigue, but it also struggles with pacing issues, uninteresting cutscenes, and inconsistent character development. Despite its flaws, Ace Combat 7 manages to deliver an experience that resonates with some players while falling short for others, showcasing a divisive reception among critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown's story divides critics - some praise the engaging global-scale war narrative with unexpected twists and a Japanese perspective, while others criticize it for cliches, cheesy dialogue, and lack of character development. The game offers moments of charm and intrigue but struggles with pacing issues and unengaging cutscenes, leading to a mixed reception among reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine appreciated the superb flying experience, especially the Post Stall Maneuvers that added depth to the controls. Game Informer commended the old-school Ace Combat dogfighting mechanics, describing them as challenging and thrilling. Screen Rant mentioned the intuitive yet complex gameplay, with satisfying combat and a manageable learning curve. Additionally, Gameplanet noted that the multiplayer mode provided a more rewarding experience when engaging with human players, adding another layer of enjoyment to the gameplay. On the other hand, some critics did point out certain negatives related to the gameplay of Ace Combat 7. DarkStation mentioned a lack of depth in the gameplay, particularly in terms of waiting for missile locks and engaging targets. Impulsegamer highlighted an identity problem in the game, stating that it struggled to fully commit to either a simulation or arcade experience, which affected the sense of speed and overall flying feel. PCGamesN described the gameplay as repetitive with simplistic combat, indicating a potential lack of variety in the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans heavily towards the positive side when evaluating the gameplay of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. The game was widely praised for its engaging and thrilling aerial combat, diverse mission structures, and satisfying progression systems. Critics appreciated the balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for experienced players, as highlighted by Digitally Downloaded and Twinfinite. Despite some minor criticisms regarding depth and repetitiveness, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be a standout feature of the game, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly loved Ace Combat 7's gameplay, praising its superb flying experience, challenging dogfight mechanics, and rewarding multiplayer mode. Some critics noted issues like lack of depth, identity problems, and repetitive combat, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game offers engaging aerial combat, diverse missions, and a good balance between accessibility and depth, making it a standout for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine noted that the VR missions were impressive and engaging, while Critical Hit and Digital Chumps lauded the level of detail in the visuals, including realistic cockpit elements and stunning environments. Destructoid and Game Revolution commended the obsessively detailed aircraft models and weather effects, with special attention given to cloud formations and explosions. Impulsegamer and Metro GameCentral specifically mentioned the crystal clear presentation components, impressive rain splatter, and detailed cockpits, enhancing the overall visual experience. On the other hand, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the graphics of Ace Combat 7. Gamers Heroes felt that the environment and terrain lacked detail outside of combat scenarios, while Stevivor mentioned that the visuals were hit and miss, with a lack of resolution and detail when close to the ground. Softpedia and The Overpowered Noobs criticized the game for not fully utilizing the latest generation of graphics hardware, with Softpedia noting disappointing graphics when close to the ground and static environmental elements like trees. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. The game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, detailed aircraft models, immersive cockpit views, impressive weather effects, and diverse landscapes. Critics such as DarkStation, GameSpot, and Trusted Reviews all described the game as beautiful, with Game Revolution even mentioning that the visuals showcase the power of Unreal Engine 4. Despite some minor criticisms regarding ground detail and hardware utilization, the general sentiment is that Ace Combat 7 delivers a visually impressive experience that enhances the overall gameplay and immersion for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise the stunning graphics and visual design of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, highlighting impressive details like realistic cockpits, weather effects, and aircraft models. While some critics noted minor drawbacks such as lacking ground detail, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game being lauded for its beautiful visuals that enhance gameplay immersion.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Digital Chumps and Easy Allies specifically commended the fantastic sound design, with Digital Chumps recommending the use of surround-sound headphones for an immersive experience. Game Informer and Screen Rant lauded the intense and dramatic music that heightened the gameplay experience, with Screen Rant mentioning the phenomenal music score adding a sense of importance and drama to every mission. Additionally, critics such as Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis appreciated the excellent soundtrack by Keiki Kobayashi, which added to the overall immersive experience of the game. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Ace Combat 7 was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. COGconnected and DarkStation noted the lack of specific mention of the music in their reviews, indicating a missed opportunity to delve deeper into this aspect of the game. Destructoid mentioned that the voice acting was slightly stiff, which could potentially detract from the overall immersion for some players. GameStar pointed out the limitation of voice acting options, available only in English or Japanese, which might be a downside for players who prefer localized voiceovers in other languages. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown excels in its sound design and music, with the majority of reviewers praising these aspects of the game. The dramatic orchestral score, immersive sound effects, and larger-than-life voices were highlighted as key strengths that enhanced the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms such as limited voice acting options and occasional stiffness in voice acting, the positive reception towards the sound design and music indicates that these elements significantly contribute to the game's immersive and thrilling gameplay. Overall, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is widely regarded as a standout title in terms of its audio presentation, further enhancing the aerial combat experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown wows critics with its top-notch sound design and music, earning praise for its immersive experience. Critics laud the fantastic sound design and dramatic music, with Keiki Kobayashi's excellent soundtrack enhancing gameplay. While some reviewers noted minor flaws like stiff voice acting and limited language options, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Overall, Ace Combat 7 stands out for its audio presentation, adding depth and excitement to the aerial combat experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Impulsegamer and The Digital Fix praised the voice acting, with Impulsegamer noting it as surprisingly stellar for a native Japanese title and The Digital Fix describing it as fairly strong. Softpedia also highlighted the voice-acting positively, mentioning the performance of famous voice actors from anime and video games. Additionally, Press Start Australia appreciated the option to switch to Japanese voice acting, catering to different preferences. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the voice acting in Ace Combat 7. Destructoid described it as slightly stiff, while Slant Magazine criticized it for being unenthusiastic and not contributing to the immersion of the game. The Overpowered Noobs pointed out inconsistencies in voice acting, with some characters feeling stale and limited, particularly in the English version with rough edges and awkward translations. PC Gamer went further to mention the absurd dialogue and lack of characterisation, indicating a disconnect between the voice performances and the depth of the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is varied. While some reviewers like Forbes and GameSpot on multiple platforms appreciated the melodramatic yet endearing nature of the voice acting, others such as Slant Magazine and The Overpowered Noobs found it lacking in enthusiasm and consistency. The positive aspects highlighted by Impulsegamer, The Digital Fix, and Softpedia were countered by the criticisms of Destructoid, PC Gamer, and Slant Magazine. The availability of the Japanese audio with English subtitles, as noted by Press Start Australia, added a layer of versatility to the voice acting experience. Ultimately, the reception of the voice acting in Ace Combat 7 appears to be subjective, with individual preferences playing a significant role in how it is perceived by players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting. Some like Impulsegamer and The Digital Fix praise it for being strong and surprising, while others like Destructoid and Slant Magazine find it stiff and lacking enthusiasm. The availability of Japanese voice acting, noted by Press Start Australia, adds versatility. Overall, opinions vary, with some appreciating the melodrama and others criticizing the lack of enthusiasm and consistency. Individual preferences seem to shape how the voice acting is perceived by players and critics.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics praised Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown for running smoothly and providing an enjoyable gameplay experience. Critics like IGN Spain and Metro GameCentral highlighted the smooth gameplay experience on the PS4, with IGN Spain specifically mentioning the use of Unreal Engine 4 contributing to a seamless experience. Additionally, Metro GameCentral appreciated the well-implemented VR mode that enhanced gameplay without causing nausea. The Digital Fix and Push Square also reported no major issues on the PS4, indicating a generally positive technical performance on this platform. However, some critics on the PS4 noted certain drawbacks regarding technical performance. GameSpot, Gamers Heroes, and PlaySense mentioned issues such as sparse checkpointing, occasional pop-up problems, and limited checkpoints in challenging missions, respectively. Gamers Heroes specifically pointed out disappointments with view distance and lack of terrain details loading in real-time. Press Start Australia highlighted framerate issues when trying to enter the multiplayer portion, which led to a frustrating experience with endless error messages. These criticisms indicate that while the overall technical performance on the PS4 was commendable, there were still some areas that could be improved for a more seamless gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown's technical performance across all platforms is mostly positive. The game was praised for running smoothly on both the PS4 and PC, with no major performance issues reported by several reviewers like IGN Italia and PC Gamer. However, the criticism regarding sparse checkpointing, occasional pop-up issues, and framerate problems in multiplayer modes on certain platforms suggests room for improvement in optimizing the technical aspects of the game. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game generally delivered a satisfying and immersive experience, as noted by IGN Italia, Multiplayer.it, and The Digital Fix. The mix of positive feedback and constructive criticism indicates that while Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown excelled in technical performance in many areas, there are still areas that could be refined to enhance the overall gaming experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown received praise for its smooth gameplay experience on the PS4, with critics highlighting the use of Unreal Engine 4 and well-implemented VR mode. While some critics mentioned drawbacks like sparse checkpointing and occasional pop-up issues, overall, the technical performance on the PS4 was positive. Across all platforms, the game was commended for running smoothly, but there were some areas that could be improved, such as framerate issues in multiplayer modes. Despite minor criticisms, the game delivered a satisfying experience, with room for refinement to enhance gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is positively highlighted by several critics who appreciate the various aspects that contribute to replayability. Critics like COGconnected and Digital Chumps commend the game for its robust multiplayer mode, offering countless hours of gameplay and enjoyable experiences that are hard to put down. The ability to unlock new planes, upgrades, and customization options adds depth to the gameplay, as noted by Impulsegamer and Push Square. The inclusion of VR missions, as praised by Critical Hit and Metro GameCentral, also provides an immersive and different experience for players seeking additional content beyond the main campaign. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limitations that affect the replay value of Ace Combat 7. CGMagazine points out the limited multiplayer modes and VR missions as factors holding back the game's replayability. Stevivor criticizes the multiplayer component for being limited to two game modes, potentially lacking longevity for some players. Additionally, Trusted Reviews mentions that the progression system lacks novelty, leading to repetitive gameplay experiences that may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging the diverse elements that contribute to the replay value of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. While some critics like Game Revolution find the game lacking in depth compared to previous installments, others like Screen Rant and Twinfinite appreciate the engaging missions, customization options, and multiplayer modes that enhance replayability. The game's ability to carry progress from the campaign to multiplayer, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, creates a cohesive experience that encourages players to continue exploring the various offerings. Despite some criticisms regarding limited content and repetitive gameplay, the overall sentiment suggests that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown offers a mix of engaging features that cater to different preferences and playstyles, ultimately contributing to its overall replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown receives praise for its high replay value from critics who commend the robust multiplayer mode, diverse customization options, and immersive VR missions. However, concerns are raised about limited content and repetitive gameplay experiences. Overall, critics appreciate the engaging missions, multiplayer modes, and progression system, making it a compelling choice for players seeking varied gameplay experiences.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praised various aspects of the game. CGMagazine highlighted the superb gameplay and well-designed missions, while Game Revolution commended the great campaign and multiplayer experience. The game's return to form for the series, engaging story, beautiful visuals, and emotional depth were consistently lauded by reviewers such as GameSpot and Push Square. The balance between action and realism, as well as the immersive VR mode, were also highlighted by COGconnected and PlaySense, further contributing to the positive reception. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Impulsegamer found the gameplay lacking the thrill of actual air combat, while Gameplanet mentioned that the game may not be the best representative of its genre due to a lack of innovation and evolution over time. Additionally, Gaming Age criticized the drab story presentation and uneven mission difficulty, and GameStar noted technical issues like Flightstick support impacting the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in many areas, there were some aspects that fell short of expectations for a few reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a highly enjoyable and well-crafted addition to the series, with a strong emphasis on engaging aerial combat, impressive visuals, and immersive gameplay experiences. Reviewers such as Game Informer and Multiplayer.it deemed it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike, praising its compelling narrative, intense multiplayer, and impressive presentation. Despite some minor flaws and lack of significant innovation noted by a few critics, the general sentiment leans heavily towards a very positive overall verdict for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. The game successfully delivers on its promise of high-flying fun and thrilling combat, solidifying its position as a standout title in the flight combat genre.

TL;DR

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown soars as a top-notch aerial combat game, earning praise for its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive VR mode. Critics laud its return to form for the series, gripping story, and thrilling multiplayer experience. While some reviewers noted drawbacks like lack of innovation and technical issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game hailed as a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

CRITIK

Reviews

159 reviews found

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Mar 24, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is one of the reviewer's favorite games and highly recommends it to both long-standing fans of Ace Combat and newcomers.

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Video Chums

PlayStation 4

Jan 17, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a top-notch flight combat game with stunning visuals, tight gameplay, and an impressive VR mode. It is a must-have game for fans of the genre.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 4

Feb 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, we’re very, very happy with Ace Combat 7. It’s exactly what you’d want from a current gen entry in the series and while it might be a bit tricky for some, the satisfaction you get from beating the missions is genuinely rewarding.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Jan 17, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a score of 9/10 and praises its action, visuals, narrative, and VR mode. It mentions some repetition in missions and difficulty spikes as downsides, as well as the potential for motion sickness in VR.

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Forbes

PlayStation 4

Jan 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is demanding but rewarding, delivering on all counts for fans of flight combat.

Twinfinite

PlayStation 4

Jan 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown fulfills expectations, bringing the series back to its roots in a masterful way, with a score of 4.5/5.

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GameSpace

Xbox One

Apr 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its improved combat, intriguing story, and enhanced graphics, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

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Softpedia

Feb 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an awesome game and a must-have for any Ace Combat fan, as well as a great game for players who enjoy fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thrill rides in short doses.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 4

Jan 17, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is another fantastic entry in the series, bringing it into the current generation with a lot of style. The combat looks and feels great, with tons of replayability. However, there have been technical issues with the multiplayer portion.

The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Jan 21, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an excellent package with a great campaign structure, intense multiplayer, and a VR mode.