After a couple of delays Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is set to release next month. The developers at Bandai Namco Entertainment and Project Aces have been preparing the next step in the aerial combat franchise for the last couple of years, using photorealistic visuals and air battles that are immersive to the present day and what pilots could see in the future. For around 20 years, Ace Combat has been offering some of the most lifelike handling of fighter jets through a multitude of simulations and missions.
Skies Unknown is boasting its most visually appealing skies in the series and is also bringing players an “alternative Ace Combat universe,” which will involve real-world events. This universe will make present day and future weapons available for use, but with proper “Ace Combat lore” attached to them. The immersive 360 degree movement controls will be affected by many factors as players fly, which include the weather and other environmental effects. Not only will these affect how the aircraft flies, but they will influence the HUD during dogfights. For even more realism, PlayStation owners will be able to experience the game in VR. Ace Combat’s first shot at VR will be available only for PlayStation VR so that missions can be undertaken as if the player were right in the cockpit. Check out the latest trailer from Bandai:
Players can pre-order the game now and could upgrade to the Aces at War Bundle. This edition includes: the full game, a lore artbook that has detailed illustrations and interviews, and a steelbook case. These will be made in limited quantity for diehard fans of the long running series.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown will release for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on January 18 and will be available on the Steam Store for PC February 1. To read about the game’s original announcement back at E3 2017, check out our previous article here.