Straight up, one of the most enjoyable flight games out there. My first playthrough was on hard, and it fit right in the sweet spot of being difficult yet not overwhelming. The game is (on this difficulty, as well as mercenary) much more challenging than ace combat, and the harder fought victories yield a grand sense of accomplishment. The last boss is one of my favorite video game fights of all time now, though even the normal AIs seemed significantly more intelligent than they are in other titles. The fact that your AI teammates actually try to win the level as well is refreshing, as it feels less like a solo campaign and more like you're part of an actual flight group.

The game does not look as good as a AAA flight title like ace combat, though it has more than its share of good scenery and interesting lighting. The devs also toned down the orange, which was pretty overpowering in the later levels of the campaign.

The aircraft handling is second to none. As a keyboard and mouse player, comparing this game to anything other than warthunder would see it in a different league. Mouse aim allows you to have full control over the camera and aircraft as the same time, with both being as precise as your hand. The aircraft float a little, but are very predictable and aiming in this mode is remarkably easy and responsive.

TLDR: Tremendously fun aircraft handling, great bosses and fights overall, looks good and is cheap compared to other games of the same quality. Sets out to be a better ace combat, and does it wonderfully. 8.5/10.

Straight up, one of the most enjoyable flight games out there. My first playthrough was on hard, and it fit right in the sweet spot of being difficult yet not overwhelming. The game is (on this difficulty, as well as mercenary) much more challenging than ace combat, and the harder fought victories yield a grand sense of accomplishment. The last boss is one of my favorite video game fights of all time now, though even the normal AIs seemed significantly more intelligent than they are in other titles. The fact that your AI teammates actually try to win the level as well is refreshing, as it feels less like a solo campaign and more like you're part of an actual flight group. The game does not look as good as a AAA flight title like ace combat, though it has more than its share of good scenery and interesting lighting. The devs also toned down the orange, which was pretty overpowering in the later levels of the campaign. The aircraft handling is second to none. As a keyboard and mouse player, comparing this game to anything other than warthunder would see it in a different league. Mouse aim allows you to have full control over the camera and aircraft as the same time, with both being as precise as your hand. The aircraft float a little, but are very predictable and aiming in this mode is remarkably easy and responsive. TLDR: Tremendously fun aircraft handling, great bosses and fights overall, looks good and is cheap compared to other games of the same quality. Sets out to be a better ace combat, and does it wonderfully. 8.5/10.