ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN
Xbox one
Graphics
This part was harder to judge,while there were parts early on that made this selection more of a 3. The video sequences and the detail in some scenes later on bumped this to a 4.Most in game footage has a blur to it which can drag down the graphics a little. The attention to detail and mixed media in the stationary models and video sequences is where the game truly shines.
Sound
The sound was captured and mixed rather well, Definitely kept in keeping with from what would be expected with an Ace combat game. The Radio chatter and effects of engines and explosions make you feel like you are in a flight combat movie. The score adds to the movie atmosphere with a ethereal and cinematic feeling. The dialogue with the game made me feel like I was watching a movie.
GAMEPLAY
The game play feels like any other Ace combat game. There wasn't anything revolutionary about it.If you have played one you have played them all so to speak. The difference with this one was the incorporation of AI controlled drones you were fighting against.This made the game a bit more challenging since you had at times what seemed like about 20 different enemies. This gave the game more of an action movie aspect. There is a campaign mode and multiplayer mode. While in both modes you can upgrade not only planes, but also parts. This can give you a slight advantage in both modes of your opponents based on what parts or plane you pick. Sadly the only multiplayer missions I was able to see were battle royal (yep,even Ace combat is doing it.) with smaller numbers. You wont find a 99 or 100 man royal map. There was also a Team Death match room that briefly popped up and then disappeared. The battle royal map that I did play felt congested. It felt like all these planes in a small area just turning and shooting the odd missile at anything moved.
OVERALL
If you are a fan of the series, you will most likely continue to be a fan with this latest edition. New comers to the series should also like it.If they are a fan of aerial combat. There is a reason that this series has been going on as long as it has. They know what they are doing. The game play with sound and graphics make this game shine over the story. The campaign story felt somewhat shallow. It did not really carry any continuity from previous games other than the names of the countries involved.The inclusion of some more modern and futuristic planes like drones that were AI controlled was a good way to keep the game from using stale ideas. The campaign and plane customization were the best reasons to play the game. The multiplayer part needs some work as far as options.At this time there were only two modes to play. It would be better for this game to include PVE missions that would either be working together to complete a mission or working together and making it more competitive to see would can get the higher score. Overall it was a fun game to play,however not really worth the $59.99 price tag that it is currently at.I was playing the Xbox one version. It does appear that the PS version does have the capability to play VR missions.