Return to Form for a Beloved Franchise | Ace Combat 7 Review

Today, we're checking out a title that I've really been looking forward to playing for a long time. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint.
After recently completing playthroughs of Ace Combats 3, 4, 5, Zero, and 6, I was anxious to see what the latest entry in the series had to offer.
Now, almost exactly five years to the day since its release, it's time to see what a modern Ace Combat game brings to the table.
Will it deliver? Stick around and find out!

[@JarboeGaming]

Hey all, would just like to point out that since I played on PC, I decided to omit discussion of VR gameplay since I couldn't experience it first hand. I'm really trying to consolidate and condense the information I provide and there's tons of other content out there that covers the VR gameplay with actual first hand experience. As always, thank you for your continued support!

[@SA80TAGE]

insane that PC doesn't have VR support for this, guess I'll stick with DCS.

[@user-jh4sx6cl5i]

There is coop in the game but you have to beat the game to unlock the coop.

[@PloopChute]

It's a bummer that it was exclusive to PSVR, it is insanely fun. Since the game launched, I've STILL yet to have more fun in VR. Whether it's been on PC, PSVR, or standalone, nothing has topped it for me. Just the pure adrenaline it provides is absolutely absurd. It makes me genuinely bummed that they didn't offer the entire campaign in VR and for PC as well. It genuinely would've been a landmark title for VR as a whole if they had.

[@surprisedchar2458]

The VR was pretty fun. It did not at all justify my purchase of PSVR though lol

[@therats2270]

I'm pretty sure this is how graphics looked to me as a youth with a PS2

[@starofalltime]

As a guy who's intro to the series was Shattered Skies, I agree with your comment.

[@Swattii]

@@starofalltime Crazy looking back at the older PS2 games now. I could've sworn they actually did look better but I guess I was just so young.

[@whyjnot420]

@@Swattii Think of it the same way you think of a power vacuum. You only notice it when it goes away and highlights just how much bigger the total amount is... Just substitute power for overall general ability of the hardware and games.

[@bradz2451]

All of us man.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Because they Kinda Are in certain aspects.. As everything can be Ace7 is No where near as Good as it gets in graphics and visuals

[@Flippyrock2011]

It's for sure a glorious return to form for the series after like 11-12 year since AC6 especially after all the development trouble the game went through

[@croskerk]

Even with that, it also brought another great game, a new IP off of indie developers A game that makes the sky orange

[@APerson-ni1gb]

Ace Infinity was already a “return to form” as in no dfm? If that’s what y’all are implying

[@Flippyrock2011]

@@APerson-ni1gb Yes infinity is somewhat a return to form but only in gameplay but that's it. The setting is still in the real world not to mention it being a live service multiplayer game as well

[@APerson-ni1gb]

⁠@@Flippyrock2011Soo just because it was based on Earth it was No good ? Bruh Though being Online only is Dumb As Heck to Anyway as Even Ace Combat6 DLCs are all Lost .. tye Devs are still sucking

[@mrjtfang2]

@@croskerk The SKY? you think its just the SKY? YOU *ARE* THE ORANGE.

[@mniakan754]

Ace combat 7 was the game that really brought me into AC game and it was so damn fun, wish the game had a new game plus mode that changed the flight model into a more “realistic” model like AC3 with limited but extremely challenging enemies with fewer missiles on your planes (so each one you fire really matters) to change things up a little for that second play through

[@mrandrossguy9871]

You’re on to something with that “change the flight model”

[@fkauthority]

Ace Combat. There. I spelled it out for you. It wasn't that hard.

[@sztypettto]

*cough* War Thunder

[@godsaveve]

@@sztypettto Its doesnt have a mikhail, ANIME and other stuff plus grind to hell

[@michaeldettore5224]

​@@sztypetttoseriously bro lol war thunder has arcade mode for your ppl who want respawns and less realistic flight models. Realistic mode where only 1 spawn per game and actual flight model characteristics. Really need to play planes to their strengths. The 1 downside is it takes you a minute to get to jets but me personally I like the props better anyway

[@blitzkrieg2142k]

I liked how in 7 i can see the eventual outcome of the world in 3. With the drone tech being early sublimination, and i believe one of the characters from 3 (according to the wiki) being in the game. Im really excited to see if 8 revolves around the actual war that 3 was simulating.

[@koma9sensey]

Ok as a Fan of the OLD AC games and as a Fan of 7 there are some issues. Drones where a cool addition to the game but due to their hitbox I keep missing them with my MG so I wase a mssl.😢 The 2 mission in which you have to identify the tgt where fun on the first run a definetly needed as a rest from the last few missions, but on repeat playtrough they are just a pain to go trough. Stroy while better than 6, realy did suffere from a lack of focus, and was definetly rewriten a dozen of time to get the mishmash of sub stories we got. (If you paid attention during the games development we got a frekenstein game, just proves PA dosent miss)

[@mitchellbarton7915]

I thought the IFF going down was cool the first time, but it got annoying trying to S rank missions while trying to make sure I wasn't killing friendlies. The game feels better when you can freely move and fight.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@mitchellbarton7915it Also Feels better when the FLIGHT MODEL is Detailed

[@TornaitSuperBird]

The MGs in this game are quite nerfed compared to other games in the series.

[@mitchellbarton7915]

@TornaitSuperBird Project aces: *Nerfs MGs* Also project aces: *makes a medal for using only machine guns in the entire campaign* *Everyone hated that*

[@ryuhoshu3303]

Great video as usual, the timing couldn't be more perfect 😜

[@shadowraptorphaseii5103]

I grew up playing Ace Combat, and it's definitely my top 3 gaming franchises. I loved 7 and definitely thought it was a good base to have future ace combat games set upon. My only gripe is that i wished the multiplayer was more fleshed out and had more modes similar to AC ♾️. Sadly, i didn't get to play much of infinity as i never had a ps3. I'm looking forward to AC8 and what Project Aces will bring us next!

[@foxhoundms9051]

This game kicks so much ass, felt like an Ace Combat game and all the slight AC3 easter eggs are super cool.

[@DpNemo]

this game brought us SALVATION

[@Mrmemes-dq5dc]

As they walked all over our CRISP WHITE SHEETS🤬🤬

[@snuffystacks1282]

AC7 speedrunner here, it's so great to see newer-ish players taking the dive into the multiplayer which is notoriously diffiuclt for people without 200+ hours in the game and not be detered. kudos to you for that and I hope you enjoyed the game!

[@joekilla801]

I purchased this game on a whim , ultimate edition, due to your review sir. I hope it stacks up!

[@gamernist3050]

While I can't compare AC7 to previous titles, I can only wholeheartedly agree with your Assessment! Truly one of my favourite games.

[@tonkofwisdom3788]

Great video. I like your comment on the aircraft tree. When I initially went through, I went for some Suhkois and western fighters but when I get to mission 15, I could complete it due to me not really having good enough jets to compensate for my skill at the time. Went and got the F-15E and completed the campaign from there but you really do need to plan just so you have some end game jets if you are a new player. Again awesome video 👍

[@definitelypeacock]

recently lost a ton of my data on my PS4, so I got to replay ace combat 7 after like 600 hours of using it.

[@gustavodesramos]

I still remember playing Ace Combat 3 Electrosphere on my Ps1. I loved that game, spent a lot of time with it. And now I'm really enjoying Ace Combat 7 on the PC. Got on a Steam sale wich is even better

[@japzone]

Don't forget to play the unofficial spin-off, Project Wingman. Indie game that keeps the spirit of Ace Combat while doing a few unique things, with additional orange. Also it supports PC VR through the whole campaign. A pretty intense experience.

[@michaelwestmoreland2530]

I swear, the absolute masterpiece that would result inna game with just 50% of a DCS's or BMS's technical depth and bredth, coupled with an AI version of Nemesis System. Realism, AND drama.

[@JarboeGaming]

Yes something like this would be incredible!

[@vijaydizzle]

For me this was GOTY 2019.

[@Denjii_ttv]

i also recently finished the game had never played any ac games in the past but lemme say im hooked im currently going for the platinum on ps5 and i just cant get enough of the game its one of those games i dont wanna finish because ill miss it to much the atmosphere of the game is great the soundtrack is also amazing the games is 9\10 for me

[@tangero3462]

Easily Kobayashi's best score, the thematic consistency across all of the tracks really ties everything together. I find myself humming the main fanfare of Trigger's theme quite often without thinking. Dark Blue was such a phenomenal sendoff for the campaign. I think the game has the perfect amount of variety and makes sure you never feel like you're doing the same thing twice. I wish I could experience my first playthrough again just to relish in it. They really sell you on being Trigger, and I feel like there's a massive missed opportunity for merch with his various tail markings. The DLCs were incredible in both story and bringing us Enchanter, one of my favorite tracks. The two target ID missions are a little tedious, but I think they serve the plot well and don't bog down replay value. The only thing I kinda didn't like is how short your time limit is on some missions, especially compared to 6. You don't really get much flexibility to try new things when most missions run less than 15 minutes. The aircraft tree did bring a lot of replay value to the game though, and the limits on specials kept more or less redundant aircraft relevant. The only complaint I have is having the F16 as your starter means it just gets done dirty on stats and its selection of specials is lacking. I think I've replayed this eight times now? Some missions far more than that. It's just honest fun that isn't afraid of trusting the player's skill and giving you a challenge

[@elkrumb9159]

I personally disagree that it’s kobayashi’s best score that would be Zero

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@elkrumb9159Unsung War

[@Mobius118]

@mrandrossguy9871 Megalith & Agnus Dei

[@CatGoon67]

Ace Combat 7 managed to be as good as it was despite the development hell it went through. Makes me really excited for AC8

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Oh yeah Real good, with DLCs to compensate which weren’t Even Worth it as Modders already had them since launch of PC 💩 And a Pathetic attempt of Nostalgia again with Worthless DLCs Instead of ACTUALLY PATCHING Or UPDATING Missing Traditional Features !?

[@CatGoon67]

@@mrandrossguy9871 The only traditional feature that is actually really that necessary is being able to go on replay mid-mission. And I play mp, so yes the DLCs are very much worth it, and that's ignoring the DLC missions which you'd have to be kidding to yourself if you said they aren't some of the best Ace Combat missions ever made.

[@solitaregames]

The reason of the pleasant surprise at the end with the appearance of 5's badass G, was because there was an expedition to space to explore the solar system and she was on it. And that day was the day the expedition was to return. And I believe one of the reasons of the "war" was to stop the expedition and take control of. Also, there is rumors that the one who trained Trigger to be a pilot was none other than: *Solo Wing Pixy.*

[@theiscariot]

Ace Combat enjoyer here; I really missed the missions from ACI (Ace Combat Infinity) hopefully they make a update that incorperates infinity's diversity (without the p2w)

[@mr.teebee3665]

Personally, I was disappointed with it. I very much enjoyed it and the time I spent on it with the price, but whether it be nostalgia for 5 and Zero, or just a sign that I’m different now that I’m older, almost every non-technical aspect just felt like it wasn’t as good. It is a good game, it is a good Ace Combat game, and checks all the tropes of the past games, but I feel like it didn’t take enough risks. The music didn’t feel like it had that punch that it did in the past, with the exception of Daredevil. I can listen to the soundtracks and essentially replay the missions in my head of both 5 and Zero, nearly instantly identifying which score corresponds to each mission. The story, although not bad, felt tame. I don’t remember much of the wingmen whatsoever, not a single one had any sort of emotional impact for me. Mihaly is by far the star character, and what they should have done instead of you killing him is you damage him enough for him to respect you and fight by your side against the drones he helped create, possibly sacrificing himself in the finale. “I want to understand the enemy” he says, but with no implication of if he means how they fight, or why they fight. What might be the main contributing factor in the other characters being forgettable is the fact that they’re not fantastical or nonsensical enough. One of the tropes of the characters is saying things that absolutely make no sense. “All prisoners of war will be treated according to international law. We even brought pizza” is a great line because it’s lighthearted and fun in complete contrast to the battle we just waged. We needed more of that, but instead we got “we’ll see how you like that, IN SOLITARY!” Which is just kind of boring. One of the more impactful sequences is being framed for shooting down Harling. However, I believe that should have happened later in the story. 4 missions in is far too soon for some twist betrayal like that. Harling had no impact in previous missions, other than being a name we remember from 5. The Arsenal Bird was disappointing as the super weapon(s) to fight against because it just felt like the Arkbird and XB-0 had a baby. The Arkbird felt magical with how it was talked about by the characters and that it was such a tragedy that it was sabotaged and stolen. What if one had been stolen by the Erusian’s and modified with the laser weapon, and the Osean forces had to escort their own Arsenal Bird and there was a fantastic battle going on with the two of them over Stonehenge? Arsenal Bird felt like they just made Scinfaxi and Hrimfaxi into planes. I love that they had the F-104 in the game, that’s one we rarely see. I’m also glad to see they brought the F/B-22 and F-16XL, but I wish they would have brought more unconventional or modified concept planes to the mix. The JPEG dog was hilarious though. I love it. It wasn’t impactful, but it was visually stunning and a really was a good time, I just wish it was a great time. I really hope they take more risks with the next entry, considering how well 7 sold.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Bruh You had no connection to any of the wingman from Ps2 games but then you say The Arkbird is talked about Magically BY SAID WINGMEN 🗿

[@shen5533]

​He wasn't talking about not having any connection with the wingmen from 5, he was saying that the ones from 7 are the forgettable ones. ​@@mrandrossguy9871

[@surprisedchar2458]

They did Mihaly dirty at the end and I will not forgive them for that.

[@Spaceman20150]

I’m gonna buy this on switch

[@JarboeGaming]

I'm interested to see how it runs on Switch. If they can pull off a locked 60fps I will be THOROUGHLY impressed.

[@Spaceman20150]

@@JarboeGaming 30 fps would be fine for me considering my current gaming situation But ill let the porting wizards at Nintendo do their thing

[@voidofhope6259]

Ace Combat 7 and Project Wingman are imo, the best at what they do

[@crazy4videogames_]

Hey I've seen some of your gundam game reviews, and as a fan of ace combat also, neat to see reviews of them too. I'm actually curious if I ran into you in an AC7 multiplayer game before. Your name rings a bell thinking back on some games I played. If you remember a yellow 13 Su-37 and a Garuda emblem, thats probably me lol.

[@JarboeGaming]

It's a possibility, not to many Jarboes out there 😂😂

[@ShadowVFX]

I really liked the IFF identification gimmick they had for a few missions in the campaign. It varied things up and was a nice departure from the same "lock on to the green box until it's red" mechanic I've been playing since Air Combat on the PS1. I'm all for more variety and diversions from the same old treaded ground. That said, you're not the only one I've seen complain about it. Which is too bad because I suspect it's a game mechanic we won't see return in the next game.

[@MrDoctorCrow]

I was a longtime fan of the series and I adore ACE7. So much so I've got Three Strikes on the side of my motorcycle helmet.

[@TheMoonShepard]

My entry into the series was this, I could not stop playing this game.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

I’m sorry, There are much Better Ace combats

[@TheMoonShepard]

@@mrandrossguy9871 Did I ask you?

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@TheMoonShepardwho axed u ?

[@Mobius118]

I’m glad you’ve been introduced to the franchise! If I may, I suggest Ace Combat 04: Shattered skies, as it’s essentially the best in the franchise. The story is great and the gameplay is fantastic. 6 also has really stellar gameplay.

[@CarbideSix]

Piece of advice from a long time AC7 player. Do NOT use PSM in mutiplayer dogfights. You will be obliterated by either lasers, railguns, or long-range missiles.

[@JarboeGaming]

I shall heed your words of wisdom 🙏

[@deathpunches]

Was gonna say the same thing

[@Simspon96]

7 was the first I bought (got the version which came with 5 so that was technically the first I'd played). Absolutely loved playing 7 went through and got the platinum trophy (hated the file X amount of miles one screw that), can't believe it's been 5 years already 😂😂

[@himwo.]

Please consider reviewing the massively overlooked Ace Combat X for the PSP!

[@JarboeGaming]

Oh yes, we'll be covering it!

[@himwo.]

@@JarboeGaming Blessed! It's the lost sibling of the Holy Trinity...

[@KyMeatRocket]

DUDE. I only started playing ace 7 a couple weeks ago as I thought the series was still a PS exclusive and I'm also a PC gamer who grew on ace 4. I've S ranked the game on hard, working on ace, and just now learning you can perform post stall moves!?

[@JarboeGaming]

Lol yeah I felt the same way when I discovered them!

[@richardwroblewski8458]

For me.. Ace combat 7 does not compete with the ps2 holy 3. The story feels.... ok. The boss battles. Meh. It doesnt feel as intense or Grand. The ps2 bosses felt like you needed skill and taking the right shot to get that one kill. AC7 felt like... SHOOT MORE MISSLES.

[@Warmaker01]

I only played 2 Ace Combat games. The first one for the Playstation in 1995 and AC7 on PC. I really wanted to play AC6 but it was only a XB360 release and I was no longer a console gamer.

[@shataneekbhattacharya8088]

He is also Belkan - 😐 well that explains a lot

[@kazyman92]

Fighting drones in this game was the worst, it felt like they could stop, stop, and turn in ways that were not just unhuman, but unreal. I still go back and play this game when I need a break from hardcore gaming like DCS.

[@karambiatos]

because they do actually do that, they turn and accelerate beyond physics. They are annoying and unfun to fight against.

[@Keryaken133]

Fighting drones is like killing mosquitos, in some cases a few machine gun burst or 1 or 2 missiles is enough, but geting the missiles and guns to hit is another story.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

And MrEx flys the very same, Almost like a Certain Dfm

[@kls1836]

The penal colony missions in my opnion were underused infact i would argue that they could make for a genuinely good story on its own i hope they come back to this idea.

[@lukehighwalker8932]

I realy love this game but mentally im still fliyng with dision and i feel a need for the electrosphere. Damn i wish they would fresh up ace combat 3.

[@bradz2451]

I haven’t played this since air combat. I didn’t realize they were still making them. I need a PS5 one now!

[@animeturnMMD]

The thing I find the most charming about Ace Combat world is how everyone including your grandma has a jet fighter in her garage, I mean irl a fighter jet, even the most old ones that are still used, are pricey and extremely valuable pieces of gear and only a country like USA is able to field dozens at a time. But in ACE combat each time a war starts, fighther jets of all kinds starts to pop up even under the stones even when little and poor countries are participating in the conflict, it is like if in an African country people instead of Toyotas and Ak -47 uses hundreds of SU-27 and MiGS it is hilarious in a good way.

[@beckcity16]

I loved this game! Are there any other similar games? I can’t find anything like it on Xbox one

[@JarboeGaming]

Check out Project Wingman!

[@MaQuGo119]

Does the Play Station store has all gaes from PS1 trough PS3/4?

[@paulheap1982]

Nope.

[@shoulderoforion115]

I just bought the game hot off the trail of armored core 6. Needed another sortie style game and this did not fail. I havent had so much fun playing a flight game since heros over the pacific on ps2

[@JarboeGaming]

Its a ton of fun, not sure if you got them or not, but I'd highly recommend the DLC missions when they go on sale!

[@Arkdax]

And as of recently, the Deluxe edition is coming to the Switch as well, the first time a mainline AC game has come to Nintendo since AC Advanced

[@JarboeGaming]

Yes I just saw this recently! Really interested to see how it performs on Switch.

[@heardofrvb]

You mean Legacy Plus?

[@mrandrossguy9871]

AC3DS

[@battedbook5811]

I personally didn't really like the Aircraft tree, as it was a bit hard to read, but otherwise i liked AC7. Hoping we get AC8 someday. You mentioned on an other comment that you're doing Project Wingman after Armored core, but are you going to check out the PSP games at some point? Joint Assault wasn't the greatest, but ACX is up there with the holy trinity in gameplay.

[@JarboeGaming]

Yes, we will 100% be covering ACX as well as more AC in the future. Probably 3 or 4 videos out at this point, but we'll get there!

[@Swattii]

I would recommend turning off the hud when you're in the aircraft tree. If you press square or X, it makes it look clearer, to me at least.

[@Z_Berkut]

You should try Ace Combat 7 Skies Restored Mod Pack?

[@JarboeGaming]

Just checked it out... there may be some more AC7 content coming with this!

[@arifxddx144]

I actually have never play any of the previous Ace combat game I bought this game last year because of the Bandai Namco Sale at PlayStation Store. Look at the title and i say "Ace combat?... I think i saw a few Ace combat meme and post in my media social" look at the trailer and a little bit gameplay footage i straight up bought it (and also because it's suprisingly cheap at that time. 8 bucks only) Third mission i already "Holy shit how come i never discovered this game" like i have play hundreds of mainstream franchise game like Metal gear solid, Tekken, Armored core and ect but never know anything about Ace combat And after finish the whole game i just "Man what a game" and for some reason it give me some weird nostalgia feeling.. like i almost cry dude while finishing this game. The character the dialogue the music, it just hits And a few weeks ago i just finished playing all the PS2 Ace combat games. Now this series will forever stuck in my heart

[@TrazynPrime]

They can port 7 but why dont they port the holy trinity to switch as well

[@mrandrossguy9871]

If the Devs don’t start making More Options Like Multiple Flight Models in Settings Like >Novice = aka StarFox Controls >Normal = regular Lame Arcade Weightless flight physics And >Advanced = Ace3/Ace04/AceX/Ace6 style Flight Physics They Should Do that❤ if they totally Ignore that then I will have Lost Faith and The Blame will go to the FANS for not Acknowledging the FLYING part in this FLYING GAME 🗿

[@Mobius118]

This. We desperately need this. Or just stick with the advanced physics imo

[@admiralbizmarckch.8235]

Fun fact about Mr.X, he was the one who trained Yellow 13 to be a pilot. 13 was so good that he impressed Mr.X with his skills back then. I also agree on a comment of yours about the next game should take place in the past. There are still many places and stories that haven been touched in Strange Real

[@Swattii]

At least Mr. X is still alive, he's just bedridden due to the stress on his body.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@Swattiiwhat a Disgrace 😅

[@Swattii]

@@mrandrossguy9871 Don't act like that. We all age and some day, you'll be in the same position as him.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@SwattiiLoL I Mean As a Character, Yellow13 is Infinitely more Cooler and “respectable” than me hi Plus 13 Actually Died for what he believed in ? Mihaly should have Sided with you near the end To fight A Greater Enemy, that’s what I was thinking before playing the damn game 🤷‍♂️ which would have given him a Tad bit of Merit

[@Swattii]

@@mrandrossguy9871 His squadron got to play with you in the last levels at least.

[@nicolasillarnizzi]

Awesome review 😀 I love AC7. Now you review Project Wingman 😀👍 a awesome game made by a AC fan. 3 people did it and one is the composer and 1 one the producer. So 90% of the game was made by 1 dude! Yet it rocks and the soundtrack is legendary! I would loooove to watch your review. Available one ps5 and PC and in VR on PC 🎉👍

[@JarboeGaming]

Project Wingman is coming after Armored Core 6, which is next ❤️

[@nicolasillarnizzi]

@@JarboeGaming yes!! 😀 awesome thank you!. I want to buy Armored core 6 also 😂 but I wait for sales. Ps great reviews off all the AC. I have been playing them since PS1 as a 12 year old boy. Love this channel! Btw have you by any chance played the EDF series ?

[@JarboeGaming]

@@nicolasillarnizzi I've seen it but never played any of it, would you recommend? How's the gameplay?

[@nicolasillarnizzi]

@@JarboeGaming ok it looks cheap. Like a PS2 game. But, it is so fun, satisfying, addictive, epic and over the top. I love it. It is a bit clunky sometimes ok but there is nothing like it. The gamefeel of weapons as you mow down hundreds of giant bug sending them flying as blood splatter and destroying entire building is pure bliss 😂. There is also so much variety of missions enemy, weapons and classes. It is so generous. And you need to adapt your loadout to the mission or you will fail. I discovered the series with 4.1. and immediately purchased the 5 on PS4. I recently upgraded to PS5 and bought the "cubed" version. I can't stop playing. It is so fun alone and even more in coop with a friend. Online or split-screen.

[@nicolasillarnizzi]

@@JarboeGaming in short : I strongly recommend it to everyone (everyone? EVERYONE!!) To your 7 year old little brother to your Grand parents.

[@treytucker7404]

His game was such a blsst that I've replayed the campaign at least 13 times at this point just kinda wish they added co op and team destruction missions to multiplayer just like the ones in AC Infinity Team dogfight just gets old after awhile.

[@williamk1060]

I wasn’t a huge fan of 7. I’ve been playing ace combat since AC04 right when it came out, and have played every game since. My least favorite part about 7 is just how incompetent your allies are including your awacs. Obviously you’re always the hero of every game, but in the older games, the dialogue made me feel that I was fighting on a team with people who knew what they were doing. The old games made me feel like a real fighter pilot, flying with other fighter pilots. Of course, I’m not a huge fan of the whole penal squadron thing either. I find myself not caring about any of my teammates besides wiseman kinda. I do like the cutscenes, scrap queen and the fan service sprinkled in, I just feel the story was a little rushed and lackluster.

[@Mobius118]

I’ve been playing since 04 too and can essentially say I feel the exact same about it. Also games like 04 had radio chatter nailed down. They feel professional and real (as you mentioned) whereas the characters from 7 seem kinda … forced? Childish? They’re incredibly unprofessional and almost a bit distracting. I found myself booting up 04 a couple weeks ago and it was a night to day difference. Absolutely incredible

[@shen5533]

​@@Mobius118 agree, in 7 nobody would ever shut up, there's always got to have some wacky and snarky bantering in the middle of missions, with the Spare squadron I would get that, they're criminals who don't care about orders, they just to it due to being obligated to, but the rest...

[@Mobius118]

@@shen5533 Criminally underrated points, more people need to hear this.

[@admiraltopaz49]

Damn, that looks fun

[@APerson-ni1gb]

LOOKS fun but plays like 💩 or if you like Cheap knockoffs

[@ninovalenzuela1019]

Hope you take on ace combat x the hidden brother of the PS2 trilogy Or Project wingman the love letter to ace combat by its fans

[@nopifan99]

Did you play Ace Combat Assault Horizons

[@JarboeGaming]

Not yet, but we'll get to it in the future

[@Echo1608.]

I really, REALLY like AC7, it's such a fun entertaining ride, how the clouds and weather effects the gameplay is so interesting and fun. And well....god damn that music. Glad to see it enjoyed by more and more players!

[@heardofrvb]

Coincidence that this video is made a few days after the Switch version's announcement?

[@JarboeGaming]

Pretty much, I knew about the 5 year anniversary, but no idea about the Switch version coming.

[@jamesharris4695]

Next year we might get ace combat 8

[@JarboeGaming]

Hopefully we'll learn something this year!

[@treytucker7404]

This game was such a blsst that I've replayed the campaign at least 13 times at this point just kinda wish they added co op and team destruction missions to multiplayer just like the ones in AC Infinity Team dogfight just gets old after awhile.

[@LordsMobile_H_Warrior]

name of starting music plz

[@JarboeGaming]

Siren's Song from the AC7 soundtrack

[@danielluque2682]

Nintendo just announced a switch version

[@benjaminw6985]

I always felt like ace combat games didn’t have enough yaw sensitivity for my liking, especially compared to, surprisingly, Battlefield. Battlefield had yaw control tied to a stick separate from pitch and roll. Yaw control in Ace Combat always felt slow which essentially forced all your maneuvers to doing loops over and over.

[@Mobius118]

I much prefer that as in real jets, yaw is never really used for actual turning, but rather to king up shots on straying runs, help on takeoff, or perform coordinated turns

[@Keryaken133]

Ah, War Crime 7 oh w ait i mean Ace Combat 7, such a great game where the story is compelling and my god the soundtrack audio is amazing, probably the best ps game i've purchased. I think the id target for friendly gameplay is kinda neat, before that you just blindly lock and shoot but now having to slow down and analyse the target makes it more challenging and ultimately fit the games final mission where all enemies are now your allies, i had a feeling of relieve during that mission. I think the one thing the story heaviy lack is character development and story, yes we have Count with pretty decent development, but with 3 WHOLE squadrons we've been in, we've pretty much barely had any character development or understanding, most of the characters are pretty much straight and lack deep emotions and are pretty much all discarded at the end and never mentioned again, I hope Ace Combat 8 would focus a bit more on the story, especially the character development, i personally feel that the gameplay mechanic is pretty amazing now, and bring back the old tech tree, i like to save money to buy the planes i want, not having to choose 1 tech tree and pretty much impossible to buy other tech tree in the story mode without heavy grinding.

[@JarboeGaming]

I can't comment enough on how good the soundtrack is! Absolutely incredible. If 8 can deliver a story on the same level as 4, 5, or Zero, combined with even more refined gameplay and incredible visuals, we're in for a real treat.

[@OOZ662]

Being a veteran who's played all of the Strangereal games upon release all the way back to the first title (except Infinity and the Japanese AC3, obviously; I only played that one a couple years ago thanks to the fan translation), the only features I'm missing in AC7 are, hilariously, the only good features of AC6. I loved the Allied Assault and Defensive system, although I think it could use tweaking to be a player aid rather than a "delete everything in that direction for me" button. Tied into that, I miss the wingman command system: 5's squadron command was the most fun, but the wingman command from Zero and 6 are acceptable. However, the biggest missing feature is 6's battle zone system: not only did it allow for relatively gigantic battles to be focused down by the player in chunks and contribute to player choice, but it also allowed for deeper connection with allied assets. To this day _Snake Pit_ will always have a place on my high 6 o'clock, I'd happily jump off a bridge for Commander Ford of the _Marigold_ and the punching-up tenacity of _Quox_ Battalion lives on in my heart. It's harder to feel a connection with some blue squares playing out a radio drama while they fire a single missile every couple minutes than it is for characters you regularly rescue, provide support for, and receive support from. That said, whoever came up with the "Go dance with the angels" line is going off that bridge ahead of me along with some concrete. EDIT: Thinking a bit more on it, mission path splitting like AC2 or ACX had would be neat, though that potentially puts more constraints on what can be done with the overarching plot. A system like Japan's AC3 is the gold standard, but...I don't expect to ever see that again.

[@livingreverie5951]

Youre not wrong with the friend or foe targeting control mechanic in homeward and such is bad. It's a fuckign Pain In the Ass for how much you need to hold it. its based on where the nose of your plane is, so if youre straight on its faster compared to flying right past it and Hoping it locks.

[@CatGoon67]

It should be based on where the camera is pointing. If you hold the camera lock to target button it will ID them fine

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Why Ace7 doesn’t have Canopies open in Hanger when picking you plane so you can see how the parts move ? Ace6 has you Able to move Parts Though not Canopy But you were able to be IN THE COCKPIT In the hanger 🤷‍♂️ Why Ace7 doesn’t have Insta Replay in pause menu or Even after you Fail ? Why can’t you PAN 360° IN REPLAY VIEWER like Ace6 did!? EVEN ASSAULT HORIZON HAS BETTER QUALITY in that regard smh Why is ONLY The SU-30M2 in the ENTIRE GAME the Only plane which has ANY Weight or Driftyness to it !? You can Control Stall in Ace6 as doing a High Alpha (High AOA) due to the Detailed Flight Model Also It’s FUN And Can Come in Handy. Ace7 does Not have that Detail or Sophistication and It DOES Affect gameplay as well as Fun factor . Face it Ace7 is not as Graceful of a Comeback as you all praise it to be As the “troubled development” it had and It Shows ! At this point personally I’d want a Remake of Ace7 as To make up for all that Teasing, But also as it still had SO MUCH POTENTIAL !

[@Mobius118]

Man, your points on this are usually rock solid. I have to agree!

[@shen5533]

Womp womp

[@TrazynPrime]

The only “unknown enemy” mission i hated was the “protect the general one” that one was the only one i hated tyler island was better,

[@spartanchief1785]

Please, for the love of God, play Project Wingman next! It's an amazing experience, with AC7-smooth gameplay, beautiful graphics, a banger OST, and FULL VR THROUGHOUT! It's 100% worth getting

[@JarboeGaming]

I lierally just finished it ❤️ video is in the works

[@spartanchief1785]

@@JarboeGaming Def turning on post notifs!

[@spartanchief1785]

@@JarboeGaming I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the soundtrack! PW (and its OST) are what got me into the Ace Combat franchise in the first place lol. Bizzarely enough, I've been pretty much playing through the franchise in reverse order! Started with 7, then 6, then Zero, and currently working on 5. It's wild lol

[@scottl.1568]

Well, obviously...

[@lesslighter]

and then you have another AC6 with a fires of subtitle.... somewhat a "return to form with a few twists" I just wished you have wingmen thats equivalent to Emmeria's finest in Rubicon.... harsh reality

[@HYDRAdude]

7's story is a complete mess because of the development hell it went through, resulting in entire scenarios getting dropped or rewritten. It got so bad that at one point NAMCO wanted to outright cancel the game. The DLC's story really helps to redeem the story of the base game at least.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

If you only “play” for Story ? 🤓

[@frylucas]

I don't see it, I personally think the story itself is fine, definitely among the best of the franchise IMO. The game is short though, but that I'm certain that was caused by the development changes.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Honestly I kinda Wish the game had gotten Cancelled as now it’s Turned ALL the Said Fanbase into a Massive joke let alone the Game Only sold Highest just due to Multiplatform and desperate fAns and ignorant noobs thinking it’s Da Best one

[@user-jh4sx6cl5i]

There is coop, but you have to beat the game to unlock it.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Bro shush and stop spamming

[@AHappyCub]

Bought the game a month ago on PC and the control is shit, PW got better controls than this, so i decided to be a big boy and recently ordered an entry level flight stick, should arrive in 1-2 days, cant wait for the fun to happen

[@JarboeGaming]

I'm really looking forward to PW, will be the next flight game we cover!

[@illmaticTKD]

Wow no mention of xbox controller with a controller keypad? best way to go if you want to be meta in pvp

[@leniekotze9697]

it you like Ace Combat you my want to look in to ,,,,, airforce delta strike,,,,deadly skies 3 this game make you feel like your in robotech only if want the game have 9 to 10 endings per character

[@JarboeGaming]

Project Wingman also seems promising!

[@leniekotze9697]

so how was mission 20 having only a 1min to shoot the UAV and guns on the wall plus getting hit from nothing plus force damage plus how fast missions fail if do not play like it a call of duty game ( by the book) look i can do it and did but this game put a bitter taste in my mouth so the only thing that this game have going for it is graphics

[@mr.ilikespam6081]

I wish i could fight real pilots instead of drones. theme of 2010s and beyond in any flying fiction

[@DavidCruz-px8nt]

can it be first person??

[@JarboeGaming]

Yes you can have an in cockpit view

[@McLeod917]

I really enjoyed the game. but i feel the variety of missions hurt one aspect of the game. there is no comona or operation battle axe moment. one massive air battle where the tide begins to turn. the penultimate mission is close to that but you cant really enjoy the dog fight knowing a large boss battle will cap off the mission. i loved and 100% the game and dlc, thats just my one nitpick aside from what you said, no co-op. coming off of ace combat infinity thats the feature i miss most.

[@Robert53area]

Ehh, the multi-player could have been better. You get death ball or free for all death ball. Mission multi-player would have been a great option

[@ilickplanes]

Dude this review is better than IGN's lol

[@JarboeGaming]

Appreciate the kind words ❤️

[@wit435]

I also don't like the ''wait for Identification'' type mission. the Identification requirement is not consisten at all, it took too long to Identify. by the time they finish Identification my VIP convoy is most of time dead.

[@thaprezidnt1]

Where is AC8?!?!

[@shira_yone]

In my mind, I don't hold 7 in high regard; the story is somewhat of a mess in execution, the flight model is on-rails ala AC5 and that's kind of disappointing after seeing what they did in 6 with all the drifty planes (most extreme in the infamous idolm@ster A-10), almost half of the plane list is filled with Flanker derivatives, the devs wasted so much time trying to incorporate weather effects into the core gameplay loop but ends up relegating most of them into gimmicks, the multiplayer is barebones, the DLCs are overpriced beyond believe, etc. It just couldn't compete with it's predecessors in any aspect. There are many things I can whine about when it comes to this game, but I still love it to bits. The missions are just so fun to replay (well, most of them) and since it's release it has become one of my most played game on Steam, even more than Project Wingman which undeniably have the stronger core gameplay mechanics. Because the game is so easy, I can freely use the older planes that I much prefer without hindering my ability to clear missions; this also allows the transition from being challenged by the game's difficulty into "making your own challenges" smoother, as part of the fun is experimentation and optimization of your tactics in missions. The music is one of, if not the best the series has got so far (overall). The DLC missions gave me hope knowing that they still had it in them, so I'm cautiously optimistic for their next game.

[@seantaylor2683]

There are mods that add drift to AC7. Makes a world of difference to the gameplay

[@shira_yone]

@@seantaylor2683 I know. Installed it, it's fine.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

You lost me after you said you still love it to bits 🤢 I Would MAYBE still even play it IF it had Freaking Insta-Replay like in PAUSE MENU, ..You Know so I could Actually ENJOY Watching how I flew in different angles (even though Ace7 replay angles and animations suck ass)

[@shira_yone]

@@mrandrossguy9871 I can love garbage and still acknowledge it's garbage, nothing wrong with that. Manual PSM is fun, what can you do?

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@shira_yoneyeah well except y’all ruin it for the Rest of us that like it Differently, And guess what Y’ALL are the majority ? Which makes the Dumb Scummy Devs Only Tend to the Majority instead of Listen to ALL The Players And INCORPORATE Features 🤷‍♂️

[@mrhoneybadger5539]

you can just use cheats and unlock all the jets you want, its not really worth grinding them

[@sayorisione8868]

I love the video. Do I have some slight disagreements and I believe that there is much more about this game being connections to all the other games the video is fantastic. If I gave my own review I’m upset the princess has less of a role then she did. I would much prefer much longer cutscenes or different cutscenes that happen at random making you want to replay the campaign for more details and searching. Also The DLC I’m my opinion is better then all of AC7

[@Ranzoe813]

Funny that everybody says that about the dlc..but imo, it felt tacked on and unimportant to the actual story mode. Kicker about that is those missions would fit neatly within the singleplayer campaign but tacked on in a completely separate menu. This made the missions somewhat ambiguous as to when they are actually occurring during the campaign that i had to sorta back track to find where in they fit. The torres character was one dimensional and also uninspired antagonist i had a hard time relating and justify his reasoning. Also playing the twins in another sub boss fight was pretty crappy. Ive owned the dlc for over a year now...and still haven't completed it..and no its not better then the actual main game you have to be viewing that from the aerial dogfight overload high you got from the second mission...the sub is also a pretty bad wonder weapon to fight being it could been a massive aircraft instead but thats a bit nitpicky i guess. Honestly if the option to have the dlc included in the main playthrough and count towards progression and actually mattered to finish it would make it slightly better i guess. As is its so bad that just three mission feel more like a chore then something i actually want to finish for fun, something that im super doubtful ill do, on top i paid extra for those missions that i care less to complete😬..the dlc sucks bro...

[@sayorisione8868]

@@Ranzoe813 I wish you single player talked more about tores and the navy. And set up the dlc more. Like during the farbanti brief the player is told about how their destruction of the Eurasian navy has lead to a great deal. The player would assume it’s from striders top not the dlc missions.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@Ranzoe813Ace7 SUCKs Bro ! And it really hurts and Sucks that it sucks 😂😢🤬 I’d say it could go for a Reboot or Remake ! Especially crappy and Insulting writing by killing off the President in a Pathetic way after 15 Years IRL

[@FuraFaolox]

i don't understand why people hate the story of this game so much they say it's convoluted and doesn't make sense, but i say they just don't pay attention. it's not convoluted at all

[@joelmulder]

Fun arcade game, but now try DCS.

[@JarboeGaming]

I've actually spent hundreds of hours in DCS! Have considered making some content for it in the future. Fantastic game. Excited to see a full fidelity Fulcrum coming.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@joelmulder Get rotated

[@mrandrossguy9871]

A Half-assed “cumback” that Still never received Worthy Updates like insta-Replay In Pause menu, tweaking or upgrading the Replay Angles, as well as SUPERWEAPONS Etc. And of course Any review of this “Return to form” Will be a Boot licking, Over Praising, Simping one 😪

[@JarboeGaming]

Well I agree the game isn't perfect and the story leaves something to be desired, overall, I think its a solid package of what 95% of Ace Combat fans enjoy. Yes, instant replay isn't in, which blows. Honestly in this day and age, not only should there be instant replay, there should be an option to save replays locally on your device too. The gameplay is smooth and crisp, music is 🔥🔥, and Mihaly is a huge step up from Pasternak.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@JarboeGamingwell I feel sorry for ranting on reviewers but I just had to vent 😅 Even so, it’s Those 5% “Fans” if that’s what you call us; like Myself that have Very Strong opinions and feelings But Also Knowledge of what this Franchise Has And Can be ! And I think it’s Not that Fair to just throw random Statistics like 95% of the entire Fanbase that thinks Ass7 Development Unknown is the Pinnacle of what this franchise is so far ? FAR From it ! Any way thanks for Reviewing these games at all 🤙 Also Ace6 has ALL the eye candy imo the pinnacle of Visuals Even Better than Dcs or Still on par with The Best Photorealistic Cgi Films Of TODAY ! Ace7 just looks like a Hi-def fancy video game with troubled development that really shows 🤷‍♂️

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@JarboeGamingsaying Mihaly is a Huge step up from pasterhack is sort of unfair but also Silly as 1: Ace6 was Literally a One Random Ace boss fight with a Super plane .. While ace7 was Scripted to hell in Not a Fun Way, with 180° turns in like a Second is BULL and breaks the immersion It’s practically the same as Akula just without the LOCKED IN dfm; it’s still dfm especially the stupid psm gimmick 😩 Also ANTARISSS Suljimani

[@1210alpha]

Loved how you skipped assault horizon without a doubt :D

[@JarboeGaming]

LOL yeah, one day ill play it, but that games a hot mess

[@mrandrossguy9871]

@@JarboeGaminglike this one

[@karambiatos]

The characters are a tragedy and forcing the player to bear with them throughout the game turns the into a tragedy story. They didn't kill any of them other than one person because the players would be whooping and hollering in support of the antagonist. Actually they kill off the only interesting one off screen or something, it's not very clear because you have to dodge 50 trillion infinitely re spawning drones while that's happening.

[@JarboeGaming]

I honestly would like to see 8 bring us back in time rather than forward. I don't want to fight advanced AI, I'd rather fight pilots.

[@karambiatos]

@@JarboeGaming theyve thrown themselves a bit in a corner with all these wars happening between the biggest countries all the time, especially OSEA and it always winning, they need to do something they are probably too afraid to otherwise they'll have to retcon things.

[@karambiatos]

@@JarboeGaming youre fighting AI either way haha, the issue is that the drones are just not very fun to fight against the way they were made.

[@OkaNieba]

Got me the game after watching the video, for a hefty discount too. I agree its nearly as good as the old games! I really enjoy it. But by the gods the story is dumb.....

[@JarboeGaming]

Yeah the story isn't anything like the PS2 titles, but the gameplay is fun. Highly recommend the DLC if you can get it at a discount.

[@Outerwebs]

Aside from the fact that it got a PC release, AC7 was a big disappointment for me that doesn't hold a candle to the PS2 titles. Really doesn't leave me with much confidence in the series' future; it's the only AC I've played, that I gave up on before having beaten every difficulty / ace / unlocking everything (I didn't play any of the PS3/Xbox360 era games, FWIW). Starting on a positive note, the visual and technical elements were all good. That's it for positives... The disjointed story has the player lurching from flying with one group to another, failing to establish any of the supporting pilot cast or have the player actually engage with any of them. Having most of the supporting characters verbally abusing you for a large part of the game seems like a terrible decision, and a 'Penal Squadron' is ridiculous even by AC standards. The weather effects are wildly over-exaggerated and universally unenjoyable: Magic EMP lightning? Magically RADAR absorbent clouds? 1400 miles per hours winds pushing your aircraft backwards? No thanks. Probably worst design decision of all though - drones are such annoying and unsatisfying enemies to fly against. The squirrely guns, a forgettable soundtrack, even the different approach to AAA (less damage/much greater accuracy)... my list of gripes rolls on and on. Ironically, for all my complaining, the visual ID'ing of targets never bothered me...

[@mrandrossguy9871]

THANK YOU We need more CRITICISM for this Monstrosity And Less “YES MEN” Hypocritical Gatekeepers !

[@madcat4563]

Jpeg dog

[@releasedmike]

Is it cross platform

[@JarboeGaming]

Nope, which is unfortunate

[@releasedmike]

@@JarboeGaming just started playing dcs world steam edition now that’s a hard game to

[@JarboeGaming]

@@releasedmike Yes, VERY different games. I've spent a ton of time in DCS. One is a true sim, the other is fun to kick back and play from the couch