Ace Combat 7 Skies Unknown Switch Review
Initial release date: January 18, 2019
Nintendo Switch Release Date: July 11, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Keiki Kobayashi
Genres: Shooter game, Combat flight simulation game, Adventure game, Vehicle simulation game, Simulation Game
Designer: Shinya Hirota
Developers: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Project Aces, BANDAI NAMCO Studios
“Review copy provided by Bandai-Namco”
After its debut five years ago on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Ace Combat 7 has finally navigated its way to the Nintendo Switch. As someone who holds this title as a favorite within the series, my expectations were high for this version. Initially, the gameplay footage of the Switch port appeared impressively faithful to my recollections of the original game, and having now played it, it certainly stands out as one of the finest ports to the platform.
In Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the game skillfully balances elements of rigorous flight simulation with engaging arcade-style action. From the beginning, players can select from novice or expert control settings. The novice mode simplifies flying by combining pitch and yaw controls onto the left analog stick, akin to the all-range mode from Star Fox 64, creating a more straightforward, arcade-like feel. On the other hand, the expert mode mimics actual flight dynamics, requiring the pilot to actively tilt the plane for maneuvers, offering a higher level of precision preferred by those acquainted with flight simulations.
Gameplay revolves around a series of mission types where players must attack specified targets, protect points of interest, or simply cause extensive damage to surpass a score limit. The gameplay deepens with the strategic customization of aircraft, using points from completed missions to purchase new components, weapons, or entirely new jets, each tailored for specific kinds of missions.
A distinctive feature introduced in this installment is the tactical use of clouds. These are not just visual elements but are complex, volumetric forms that interact with the aircraft and weaponry, affecting visibility and the accuracy of missile systems. Cloud cover offers strategic advantages and hazards; staying hidden in them too long can lead to ice buildup on the wings, while flying too low may obscure upcoming terrain, increasing the risk of collision.
The Switch port of Ace Combat 7 impresses with its fidelity to these complex gameplay mechanics. Despite the inherent challenges in porting a detailed flight combat game, critical features such as the 3D cloud volumes and detailed terrain are preserved remarkably well. There are some necessary trade-offs in visual quality, such as lower shadow resolution and occasional graphical pop-ins, and the game operates at 720p resolution when docked—consistent with the original Xbox One release—and 540p in handheld mode. The frame rate is reduced to 30fps, a compromise from the original 60fps, yet it aligns with the performance seen on other consoles at launch and remains stable during gameplay, with noticeable drops mostly occurring during replays.
This port successfully translates Ace Combat 7‘s captivating flight combat experience to the Switch, maintaining the game’s core mechanics beautifully alongside an engaging story and robust soundtrack. Though the mission structure may feel a bit repetitive in the later stages, the variety of unlockable content keeps the experience fresh throughout. This game provides an excellent entry point for Nintendo users new to the series and is a top recommendation for those looking to add a stellar adaptation to their Switch collection.
