Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

The gameplay in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is widely praised for its engaging and exhilarating arcade-style flight mechanics, which blend classic elements from previous titles with new features like weather effects and high-g maneuvers. Players appreciate the smooth controls, diverse mission designs, and the satisfying feeling of aerial combat, although some criticize the repetitive nature of certain missions and the lack of depth in the story. Overall, the game is considered a strong entry in the series, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans with its accessible yet challenging gameplay.

The graphics in "Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown" are widely praised for their stunning visuals, detailed aircraft models, and impressive weather effects, creating an immersive aerial combat experience. Many players note that the game runs smoothly even on lower-end hardware, though some criticize the ground textures and limited graphical options. Overall, the game is considered a visual masterpiece that enhances the gameplay and storytelling, making it a standout title in the series.

The music in "Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown" has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its epic orchestral compositions that enhance the game's cinematic experience. Composed by Keiki Kobayashi, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to evoke strong emotions during gameplay, making each mission feel significant and immersive. While some players feel it may not reach the heights of previous entries in the series, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature, contributing greatly to the game's appeal and replayability.

The replayability of the game is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while the campaign offers some enjoyable challenges and unlockable content, it is relatively short and linear, limiting its overall replay value. Multiplayer mode provides a more extensive replay experience, but its current state is often criticized for being underwhelming. Overall, players who enjoy grinding for achievements and experimenting with different aircraft may find sufficient replayability, while others may feel the game lacks depth after a few playthroughs.

Overall, the optimization of the game has received largely positive feedback, with many users noting that it runs smoothly even on lower-end hardware, including older laptops. Players have reported high frame rates and minimal performance issues, with the game being described as "extremely well optimized" and capable of delivering impressive graphics without significant resource demands. However, some criticisms exist regarding mouse and keyboard controls, suggesting that the game is better suited for console-style input.

The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players finding it excessively tedious and frustrating. Reviewers noted that unlocking new planes and upgrades requires repetitive mission replaying, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some players appreciate the challenge and the satisfaction of progression, the consensus is that the grind feels artificially extended and often leads to boredom rather than engagement.

The humor in the game is a standout feature, characterized by its absurd and over-the-top elements, including poorly translated dialogue and intentionally cringe-worthy voice acting that often results in unintentional comedy. Players appreciate the wild storylines, quirky characters, and hilarious in-game moments, such as comically mismatched aircraft and exaggerated scenarios, which contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience. Overall, the game embraces its silliness, making it a fun and memorable "funny plane game" that doesn't take itself too seriously.

The emotional aspect of the game has been widely praised, with many players expressing that it evoked strong feelings, including tears during key moments and a sense of nostalgia. The well-crafted soundtrack enhances the emotional depth, complementing the story's highs and lows, although some critiques mention a lack of character attachment and depth. Overall, players found the narrative to be a powerful rollercoaster of emotions, making it a memorable experience.

The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes and crashes, particularly during missions or shortly after launching. While some users praise its performance on high-end systems and the Steam Deck, others express frustration over the game's tendency to freeze, making it difficult to progress. Overall, while the game runs well for some, significant stability issues persist for many players, impacting their overall experience.

The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, dynamic weather effects, and an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience. Players appreciate the emotional depth created by the music and in-game dialogue, which effectively complements the intense aerial combat and various mission settings. While some critiques mention disjointed storytelling and shallow character interactions, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is a standout feature, making it a captivating experience for players.

The game has been praised for its lack of microtransactions, allowing players to enjoy the experience without additional costs or pay-to-win mechanics. However, some reviews criticize the monetization strategy surrounding associated hardware and downloadable content, suggesting that it feels exploitative and reminiscent of past practices in other franchises. Overall, while the core game offers a straightforward experience without microtransactions, concerns about additional costs related to peripherals and DLC persist.

Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and the intertwining of multiple character storylines, while others criticize it for being minimal or lacking nuance compared to previous titles in the series. Players noted that while the main characters show some growth, side characters often feel underdeveloped, and the overall pacing can hinder character arcs. Despite these criticisms, there are moments of strong character development that enhance the narrative experience.