Introduction

So, you want to pilot jet fighters in a pretend war while sitting on your couch eating snacks? You're in luck! Welcome to Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, where the skies are not only blue but also filled with your enemies, shooting down everything in sight... including your hopes of landing without crashing. Let's take off into the thrilling world of aerial combat without ever leaving our comfy seats.

Gameplay

Ace Combat 7 is like that one friend who insists that air combat can be enjoyed by anyone, including those who can barely tell the difference between a high five and a dogfight. With two control settings (Novice for those who think 'turning on the console' is a challenge, and Expert for those brave enough to go full flight school), you can seamlessly transition from 'Wait, where's the throttle?' to 'I'm in the zone!' Realism is rather dodgy here; you'll rarely find a flight sim that is less about 'real' and more about exhilarating fast-paced battles. You get to pilot 28 aircraft, including some fictional ones (because who wouldn't want to fly an imaginary jet-ever seen a unicorn fly?). In single-player mode, you engage in various missions, with a tech tree more complex than your school's math curriculum where you earn points to spend on upgrades and new aircraft. It's economic warfare without the navy!

Graphics

Buckle up because the visuals will have you saying, 'wow' more times than your grandmother when she finally got Facebook. With Unreal Engine 4 powering this beauty, the game's clouds feel like pillows (not sure if they are soft, but they sure look fluffy). You've got realistic weather interactions that will momentarily confuse your dogfighting strategy as you plow through clouds. Pro tip: clouds can make you lose your targeting. So, uh, avoid those while in pursuit of bad guys, unless you want to join them in a 'crash and burn' club.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a stellar flight sim that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a refreshing take for a game where you're typically dodging missiles and shooting down enemy jets. The combination of fast-paced gameplay, stunning visuals, and a somewhat coherent plot (if we squint really hard) makes this a must-try, especially if you've ever wanted to feel like a fighter pilot without the scary risk of actual aerial warfare. With a score of 8 out of 10, I'd say it's a worthy wingman for your gaming library. Just remember to keep a fire extinguisher handy; you never know when you might need it after a particularly rough landing!

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