Introduction

Welcome to the wild blue yonder of dogfights and hair-raising aerial maneuvers! 'Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition' has finally alighted on the Nintendo Switch, and you can swear it’s got its wings clipped just for you. Buckle up, because if you ever dreamed of being a fighter pilot but are perpetually distracted by TikTok, it’s time to step into the cockpit and give your thumbs a workout while trying (and often failing) to keep your jet airborne. Let’s dive into the thrilling sky battles and the not-so-hilarious mess of a tough-as-nails fighter pilot game.

Gameplay

At its core, 'Ace Combat 7' is all about feeling like a total badass while you yell ‘LOCK ON’ at your screen. And boy, do you need to yell! This game introduces multiple control schemes—Novice for those who just want to buzz the tower (like a kid on a scooter at a skateboard park) and Expert for those ready to actually fly the thing (which is basically a graduation into a ‘real pilot’ degree!). Mastering the controls feels like trying to play a guitar while riding a unicycle: possible but best left to the professionals. Players embark on a high-stakes campaign as 'Trigger', the pilot with a penchant for trouble and an enviable skill set that reads like a military brochure. Your missions range from blowing up enemy bases to engaging in dogfights with pilots that are definitely not enjoying their life choices after they’ve crossed paths with you. Also, there are AI wingmen who are helpful when not making you rethink their role in existence. You earn 'Military Result Points' (MRP) for every successful mission, which you can then use to unlock shinier, cooler jets—each fancier than the last. It’s like leveling up your character, except in this case the character is a lethal machine made of metals and dreams. Of course, you also need to learn to utilize the environment—yes, clouds will mess with your jets. They’re not just fluffy obstacles that poof by, but actual impediments that distort your sensors and can make you cry out loud when your laser weapons just... won’t laser because they couldn’t get a grip on reality (they don’t do well in refraction conditions). So you better be ready to not only shoot things down but also dodge the weather in a way you probably never thought would make you feel this panicky since your high school exam the night before graduation. And let’s talk about multiplayer. It’s a glorious mess of chaos where you team up or go solo against real human opponents who have had as little sleep as you. Here, strategy is key, and just knowing where the nearest friendly missile might be isn’t enough—you've got to actually aim and shoot them from the air instead of the ground. Welcome to aerial chess against players who might as well come equipped with an actual pilot badge and a mission to ruin your day. In this mode, the adrenaline rush hits peak levels, making every shoot-down feel like you just got laid off by the boss. The potential to gain MRP and unlock crazy upgrades means you'll spend more time figuring out your jet’s specifications than deciding what toppings to put on your pizza. And yes, you will get flares to spam at anything that looks like it might be out to get you, which is almost as satisfying as a slice of pizza after a rough day. So whether you glide through with style or throw your console across the room in frustration after yet another failed mission, 'Ace Combat 7' has a distinct charm of a frustrating, yet rewarding sense of accomplishment. Tactical prowess is mandatory, reflexes finer than those of a cat with a laser pointer, and let’s not forget, your ability to not rage quit towards the end of a particularly grueling mission.

Graphics

'Ace Combat 7' doesn’t require a fancy shader to look pretty; the Switch Edition does its best to translate the high-fidelity visuals of the original launch while compressing it to fit into your handheld device. Streams of clouds, flashing explosions, and those utterly majestic aerial acrobatics will leave anyone questioning if they’re tearing up over the theatrics or the fact that they just messed up a simple roll maneuver. The environments feel alive, and you might just find yourself forgetting that you’re meant to be destroying your opponents and instead marveling at how gorgeous the clouds look before remembering that you should probably focus on steering your jet and shooting things instead. The visuals enhance the immersion, pulling you into the fictional world of Strangereal, which is undoubtedly prettier and way more at risk than our everyday lives. Plus, the attention to detail on aircraft models tantamount to the delightful toy lines you can’t wait to collect—except this time you’ve got controls and there’s no risk of lost pieces because, hey, it’s digital.

Conclusion

'Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition' on the Switch is an accessible entry that takes you on a rollercoaster of fun, complete with skyrocketing frustration, all while looking stunningly glorious. Whether you soar through the skies or crash into them spectacularly, it’s sure to have enough challenges to keep you coming back for more. It’s a mix of high-octane entertainment and serious strategic decisions. So grab that controller, give your best impersonation of a top-gun pilot or just let your jets do the talking while you navigate through this addictive and challenging flight simulator. For an immersive experience packed with action, this one gets a solid 9 out of 10, suitable for newcomers and armored veterans alike willing to take to the skies!

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