Originally launched almost five years later Ace Combat: Infinity and four years after the 3DS release of Assault Horizon Legacy+, 2019’s Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown was the first game in the main series in over a decade and returned the series to Strangereal, the franchise’s fictionalized Earth replacement.
Now, five years later, Bandai Namco brings Skies Unknown to Switch in a Deluxe Edition. Assault Horizon’s 3DS entries introduced Nintendo gamers to the series’ arcade-style flyer combat, but we’re very happy to see this particular entry unexpectedly land on the Switch — and perhaps a little worried about how this port will hold up on the hybrid system. .
We’ll be jumping into the cockpit to work on our review as soon as possible, but in the meantime, we were recently able to ask game producer Ryunosuke Hagiwara a few quick questions about this Switch port…
Nintendo Life: News of a Switch “successor” is on everyone’s radar right now, and it’s been a while since an Ace Combat game was released on a Nintendo platform. We’re very happy it’s coming back, but our first question is: Why greenlight this Switch port at this point?
Ryunosuke Hagiwara, producer: Development of this version of the Switch began in 2022, before any information about its successor was available. When we conducted a survey of Ace Combat users around the world, we found that there were players who were interested in Ace Combat but could not play it because they did not own a game console.
So we decided to release the Switch version of the latest title in the series so that more people can enjoy it.
For Switch players who may not be familiar with the series and its storied history, can you tell us what you think sets Ace Combat apart from other fighting and simulation games?
The Ace Combat series is a series of shooting games in which the player becomes a top pilot, flying freely in 360 degrees in a graphic space that follows a realistic view of the sky. Enjoy the experience of becoming a hero and saving the world by piloting a fighter jet with casual controls that are different from flight simulators.
The Switch is already home to some impressive “impossible ports,” but there are also plenty that fall short. What were the biggest challenges in bringing the full Ace Combat experience to Nintendo hardware?
Real-time rendering of ACE7 in the cloud could not be played on Switch during the verification phase. [However]we managed to reach the quality of the production version after a long period of trial and error to ensure the frame rate without compromising the gameplay.
What framerate are you aiming for on the Switch?
30fps (variable).
Ace Combat 7 was the first game in the series to feature volumetric clouds, real-time condensation, and aircraft icing. Have these features made it to the Switch? If so, were they difficult to implement?
Ace Combat 7 featured realistic cloud and weather renderings that affect gameplay in real time. After much trial and error, we succeeded [in porting] game on the Switch so players can enjoy the same realistic timing and volume that was reproduced in the original version.
It wouldn’t be an Ace Combat game without the deep, complex plot of Strangereal. Can you talk about how you approach story development for a game like this? Also, can we expect a 1:1 single player content experience on Switch compared to the 2019 version?
When considering the story, it’s important to present each product as an independent story so that players who are new to the series can enjoy it even if they haven’t played the previous titles. However, we believe that the appeal of the series lies in the fact that, although independent as a story, each story can be seen as an event in the shared world of “Strangereal” and feel connected to each other.
To achieve this contradictory set-up, we had many conversations with staff members long involved in the development of the series, designed the stage with great precision, and spent a long time crafting the story together with director Sunao Katabuchi, who is in charge of the script.
We noticed that the trailer did not mention the Top Gun: Maverick DLC including the Darkstar prototype. Should Switch owners delete “need for speed” from the pre-flight check? Are all other previously released campaign DLC content included?
Due to the popularity of the Top Gun: Maverick Aircraft set among players around the world, we are pleased to announce that the Top Gun: Maverick Aircraft set will also be available for Switch and will be sold separately. We hope you enjoy the Top Gun experience on Switch.
Online multiplayer was an enjoyable experience with the right group of friends within the original AC7 release. Did it survive the transition, or is the Switch version strictly a one-seater affair?
This Switch version supports the same online multiplayer mode just like the original version. We hope you will compete with other ace pilots from around the world and aim to become the strongest in the world. Online play requires an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, please note that the multiplayer mode does not support cross-platform play.
Is there anything you’d like to add that our questions didn’t touch on?
This Nintendo Switch edition of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown will be a deluxe edition that includes the main game, three original aircraft kits, plus three SP missions and other content. Enjoy the thrilling experience of fighting in the sky on your Nintendo Switch, in the comfort of your room or outside!
Finally, what games have you been enjoying in your free time recently — on Switch or elsewhere?
I’m a member of the Ace Combat team, so I play AAA titles from other companies every day as a gamer, even if I say it’s for reference purposes.
I recently got hooked Rise of Ronin. I enjoyed the thrill of meeting real historical figures in an open world setting from the Bakumatsu period and the thrill of using sword action to cut down enemies, partly because I’m a fan of Bakumatsu.
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity. Our gratitude to Ryunosuke Hagiwara, and Claire at Bastion for setting this up.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition is out today on Switch — we’ll send you a review as soon as we can.
