Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown was a highly anticipated release in 2019, marking the return of the series to Strangereal, the franchise’s fictional Earth counterpart. Now, five years later, Bandai Namco has surprised fans by bringing Ace Combat 7 to the Nintendo Switch in Deluxe Edition form. This move is exciting for Nintendo players who may not have had the chance to experience the game on other platforms.
In a recent interview with the game’s producer, Ryunosuke Hagiwara, he shed light on the decision to greenlight the Switch port. The development of this version began in 2022, before information about the Switch’s successor was available. Through a global survey of Ace Combat users, it was evident that there was a demand for the game on the Switch, opening up the series to a wider audience.
Ace Combat sets itself apart from other flight-sim games with its arcade-style combat and the freedom it offers players to become ace pilots in intense aerial battles. The series aims to provide a realistic yet accessible flying experience, allowing players to save the world in thrilling dogfights.
One of the major challenges in bringing Ace Combat 7 to the Switch was replicating the game’s realistic cloud rendering on the less powerful hardware. However, after much effort and optimization, the team was able to maintain the game’s quality while ensuring a smooth gameplay experience.
The Switch version targets a frame rate of 30fps, with variable performance based on the game’s demands. Despite the hardware limitations, the game successfully retains features like volumetric clouds, real-time weather effects, and intricate plane details, providing players with a visually immersive experience.
The storyline in Ace Combat 7 is a crucial aspect of the game, with each installment offering a unique narrative while contributing to the overarching world of Strangereal. The team behind the game carefully crafts each story to be engaging for both new and longtime fans, maintaining a sense of continuity in the game world.
Additionally, the Deluxe Edition of Ace Combat 7 on Switch includes the main game, three original aircraft sets, three SP missions, and other bonus content, enhancing the player’s experience. Players can also look forward to experiencing the Top Gun: Maverick DLC on the Switch, offering an exciting new aircraft set for fans to enjoy.
Online multiplayer, a popular feature in the original release, remains intact in the Switch version, allowing players to compete against ace pilots worldwide. However, cross-platform play is not supported in the multiplayer mode.
Overall, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition on the Switch promises to deliver an exhilarating aerial combat experience for players on the go or at home. With its accessible gameplay and engaging storylines, the game is sure to captivate both new and returning fans of the series. So, buckle up and get ready to take to the skies in this thrilling dogfight adventure on your Nintendo Switch!
