Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a well-regarded arcade-style flight-combat game built around exhilarating dogfights, cinematic presentation and memorable missions. Metacritic’s displayed critic aggregate is 80/100, but reviews also flag uneven storytelling, mission and checkpoint design, and a dated interface. Its praised VR mode is specific to PlayStation VR, not a feature to assume on every platform.
What do reviews say about Ace Combat 7?
Metacritic lists an 80 Metascore from 69 critic reviews and classifies the reception as “Generally Favorable.” Its displayed critic-review distribution is 81% positive, 19% mixed and 0% negative. These are Metacritic’s figures as accessed October 7, 2026, and the aggregate may change; it is not a universal verdict. The site separately displays a user score of 7.9 from 541 ratings, which should not be confused with the critic score. Metacritic’s review page
![PS4 ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN (US) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510WZEHzcJL._SL160_.jpg)
![PS4 - Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51NiuwP3PcL._SL160_.jpg)
The favorable case centers on the sensation of flight and the pace of combat. Reviewers praised tight, fast dogfights, dramatic skies and weather, and an action-game presentation that balances accessibility with some simulation flavor. Video Chums called it a “top-notch flight combat game,” while Digitally Downloaded described it as “Neither pure arcade, nor hardcore simulation.” Selected critic reviews reproduced by Metacritic
What do critics praise?
Dogfights and the feel of flight
The combat is the central draw: aircraft maneuver through fast engagements that feel more immediate and cinematic than a strict flight simulation. Digitally Downloaded highlighted the combination of a convincing sense of flight with rapid dogfight action. M3 also praised the improved flight feel. These are review impressions, not a claim that the game models aircraft behavior as a simulator would. Selected critic reviews reproduced by Metacritic
#1 Best Overall
- Innovation in the Sky: Breathtaking clouds coupled with highly detailed aircraft and photorealistic scenery makes this the most engaging Ace Combat to date.
- Return to Strangereal: The alternative Ace Combat universe composed of real-world current and near-future weapons, but with a history steeped in Ace Combat lore.
- All new arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons and formidable enemies.
Sky, weather and sound
Critics singled out the visual and audio presentation, including striking weather effects and dramatic aerial scenery. That polish helps give missions a blockbuster quality and makes the view from the cockpit part of the appeal. Video Chums praised the game’s sights and sounds, and M3 highlighted its aircraft and weather presentation. Selected critic reviews reproduced by Metacritic
Mission variety and cinematic action
Video Chums praised mission variety and tight gameplay, while Digitally Downloaded noted the cinematic story. The most enthusiastic reviews present the campaign as more than a sequence of interchangeable air battles: its set pieces and objectives help create memorable moments, even if not every mission lands equally well.
What are the main criticisms?
The reservations in the reviews are about consistency and presentation rather than a rejection of the core flying. Some critics found the story less cohesive than its cinematic framing suggests. M3 wanted more memorable missions and a stronger checkpoint system; other excerpted criticism on Metacritic points to the interface and HUD feeling dated. These are individual critical judgments, not defects that every player will experience in the same way. Selected critic reviews reproduced by Metacritic
- Story: The narrative may not feel as coherent as the action’s presentation.
- Missions and checkpoints: Reviewers did not find every mission equally memorable, and checkpoint design drew criticism.
- Interface: Some review excerpts describe the HUD or user interface as dated.
Does Ace Combat 7 have VR?
Reviews praised a PlayStation VR experience, but that praise applies to the PS4 VR mode, not to the game across all platforms. VR comfort is personal: TheSixthAxis praised the action and weather effects but reported discomfort while playing in VR. If VR comfort matters to you, treat that report as one reviewer’s experience rather than a universal outcome. Selected critic reviews reproduced by Metacritic
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- DISCOVER 50 AIRCRAFT ACROSS ALL GAME MODES
- FLY WITH FREEDOM IN BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL BUT HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
- CUSTOMISE YOUR PLANE AND WEAPON LOADOUTS
- BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY ONLINE WITH UP TO 8 PLAYERS. ENGAGE THE ENEMY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF POWERFUL WEAPONRY AND TACTICS
- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WEATHER AND YOUR SURROUNDINGS TO GET THE UPPER HAND
Which platforms and editions are listed?
Bandai Namco’s official information lists the original game for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via Steam. The publisher also presents a Nintendo Switch Deluxe Edition with physical and digital purchase options. These listings establish platform and edition availability, but do not establish comparative resolution, frame rate or performance. Store availability and contents can vary by territory. Bandai Namco’s official game page · Bandai Namco’s Switch Deluxe Edition announcement
What is included in the Switch Deluxe Edition?
Bandai Namco says the Switch Deluxe Edition includes the base game and six DLC packs, along with additional aircraft, skins, emblems and Music Player Mode. The publisher separately lists other DLC outside this bundle, so Deluxe should not be read as including every add-on.
| Included content | Items listed by Bandai Namco |
|---|---|
| Base game | Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown story game |
| Six DLC packs | ADF-11F Raven Set; ADF-01 FALKEN Set; ADFX-01 Morgan Set; Unexpected Visitor; Anchorhead Raid; Ten Million Relief Plan |
| Additional aircraft | F-104C -Avril-; F-4E Phantom II |
| Other extras | Music Player Mode; three aircraft skins; eight emblems |
Source: Bandai Namco’s Switch Deluxe Edition announcement and official game page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Ace Combat 7 worth playing?
For players looking for accessible, high-energy air combat with a cinematic look, the critical reception points to a strong fit. The game’s most consistently praised qualities are the dogfights, aerial presentation and action-game feel. It is a less certain match if cohesive storytelling, consistently memorable missions or a modern-feeling interface are your priorities. The 80 Metascore is useful context, not a substitute for deciding which of those strengths and caveats matter most to you.
Quick Recap
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