Ace Combat 7 Nintendo Switch review - Top Gun at home, but better

Ace Combat 7 was the last game I thought would get ported to the Nintendo Switch, but here we are. After playing it for over 40 hours, I believe this probably is the best Switch port that's graced Nintendo's hybrid console since Alien Isolation. The transition does have some minor issues, but they are just minor.

This isn't my first time playing Ace Combat 7, I previously played it on both PlayStation 4 and PC. In fact, I've sunk in no less than 200 or some hours on the PS4 version, and the news of AC7 getting a Switch port genuinely got me hyped but also a bit skeptical since it's an Unreal Engine 4 title.

I'm not a fan of Bandai Namco's suggested pricing of the Switch version or the way certain DLCs were stripped from the game, despite calling it the "Deluxe Edition." But overall impressions are very positive. That's not to say I don't have much to complain about besides the "DLCs and pricing," though.

Note: This review is solely based on the author's opinions.

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Ace Combat 7 Nintendo Switch: An excellent port, of an equally amazing action game

Visuals, presentation, and audio

Let's be real, the Nintendo Switch isn't particularly capable, especially when it comes to playing third-party games. While the first-party titles might work on the hybrid console, most third-party ones either have to make significant cutbacks or end up being a borderline unplayable experience, a la Mortal Kombat 1.

Despite being a Switch port, AC7 can often look breathtaking, especially in Handheld Mode (Image via Bandai Namco)

Knowing Ace Combat 7's use of Unreal Engine 4, I was genuinely wary of how the game would perform on the Switch. However, Bandai Namco translated AC7 to Nintendo's console without any major cutbacks, apart from the resolution. That's both surprising and impressive.

Even the volumetric effects are left intact in the Switch version, which is quite surprising. Ace Combat 7 sure looks quite dated compared to the likes of Microsoft Flight Simulator and Armored Core 6. However, it can still look quite impressive at times, thanks to the game's impeccable use of volumetrics as well as texture work on the jets.

The Switch version looks identical to the other console versions of the game, albeit with a much lower render resolution. However, if you're playing in Handheld Mode, you won't notice the reduced resolution all that much. I'm honestly quite impressed with the visuals and presentation aspect of the port.

The jaw-dropping spectacle of flying close to the edge of the world (Image via Bandai Namco)

However, audio seems to remain somewhat of a mixed bag. While the pre-rendered cutscene audio is perfectly fine, gameplay audio seems to be affected by a lack of balance. Despite tinkering with the in-game settings, most of the audio during gameplay sounds muffled, making it hard to focus on the dialog.

Gameplay and controls

Ace Combat 7's basic gameplay premise is quite similar to its previous entries. However, given it's the first title in the series to be ported to the Switch, likely, many who will pick it up won't have previous experience with the Ace Combat franchise. And for those players, the best comparison I can make for AC7 is Armored Core 6.

Partaking in aerial dogfights has never been more fun (Image via Bandai Namco)

The basic structure of Ace Combat is quite similar to that of Armored Core: you're given a set of missions that you sort into. Before you head out on a mission, you're given the choice of aircraft as well as the upgrades and equipment you want to carry.

Completing a mission rewards you with "Military Result Points (MRP)," which are credits you can use to purchase new parts and upgrades for your aircraft. Additionally, after completing certain missions, you can use your MRP to purchase an entirely new aircraft. There's also a tech tree that adds a layer of strategy to customization.

Just like in Armored Core, you can customize your aircraft. You can choose different parts for your aircraft, and depending on the mission, you can swap between different parts to increase your chances of success. Additionally, there's a robust decal and emblem customization system.

There's also the option to use the "Cockpit View" for increased immersion (Image via Bandai Namco)

Gameplay in AC7 primarily involves dogfights where you're let loose into a vast sandbox with multiple objectives, which usually involve neutralizing enemy aircraft and securing an area. There are also missions where you and your AI-controlled crew are pitted against war machines, which pretty much are boss fights.

The controls are quite easy to understand, especially if you're experienced with third-person shooters. However, the game can be quite challenging, even on the "Normal" preset. Thankfully, for novices, there are plenty of options to change the default controls and multiple difficulty modes, with one specifically built for new players.

Story and progression

At first glance, you won't think Ace Combat 7 would feature any story, let alone one that might grab your attention through the game's runtime. But I assure you that if you're looking for a grounded military-themed narrative-driven, single-player experience, you'll find that in Ace Combat 7, and a pretty good one at that.

Certain chapters conclude with a spectacular boss fight (Image via Bandai Namco)

Like Armored Core 6, much of the story in Ace Combat is told via audio logs and pre-mission briefing. However, that's not to say it doesn't have those cinematic cutscenes players often associate with narrative-driven games. As you complete each chapter, you'll find yourself embroiled in a tale of camaraderie and sacrifice.

The story here isn't anything special, but it's effective and engaging enough to keep you hooked to the single-player missions for the 30 or so hours of its runtime. If you're a fan of the Top Gun or G.I. Joe movies, I think you'll get your money's worth out of the story of Ace Combat 7. It's probably the closest you can get to a "Top Gun" video game.

As for the game's progression, it's tied to the missions and how well you perform in them. Just like how you're scored at the end of each mission in Armored Core 6, you're similarly judged on your performance in Ace Combat 7, with your post-mission payout (Military Results Points) reflecting your efficiency in the mission.

You can customize and upgrade your aircraft within the hangar (Image via Bandai Namco)

Lastly, there's the multiplayer, which while not the best when it comes to netcode and connectivity on the Switch, can be quite fun between friends. Unfortunately, couldn't extensively test the multiplayer, but it can be quite a lot of fun if the connectivity issues with the mode are ironed out.

Pricing and DLCs

Throughout the review, I mostly gushed about how much I enjoyed playing Ace Combat 7 on the Nintendo Switch. However, I do want to make it clear, that while I did enjoy the game a lot, I don't really like Bandai Namco's handling of the release of such a niche, yet beloved title on a new platform, particularly when it comes to its pricing.

While the game's pricing is questionable, it's worth paying $60 if you're looking for a top-tier action game for the Switch (Image via Bandai Namco)

On the Switch, the Ace Combat 7 is priced at $60, which I don't think is a fair price for what is essentially a half-decade-old title. On top of that, a host of DLCs should've been part of the package to begin with. While yes, the Switch version, by default, comes with the "Deluxe Pack," it's still missing a good chunk of add-on content.

I, at least, expected Bandai Namco to package the Top Gun Maverick bundle with the game's base edition. But nope, it's a separate DLC, which would've been fine if the base game wasn't priced at $60. Thankfully, none of the DLCs here are particularly expensive and can be bought in bundles.

However, I still think Bandai Namco could've simply skipped releasing chunks of the game's content as DLC. Despite the issues I have with the pricing, Ace Combat 7's Switch version is an excellent showcase of what a good Nintendo Switch port should look and feel like.

In conclusion

Ace Combat 7 feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch, not only due to its arcade-like gameplay but also its quality. While the game's pricing and DLCs do feel a tad underwhelming, it's nothing but a small blemish on the face of what is otherwise probably the best third-party Nintendo Switch port since 2019's Alien Isolation.

Ace Combat 7 is the best example of how to port a game to Nintendo's hybrid console (Image via Bandai Namco)

Getting used to the game's controls and gameplay loop does take a while. But once it does get its hooks into you, be it with its cinematic story or with its action-packed gameplay, you'll easily drift away into the retro-militaristic setting for hours on end, shooting down waves of rogue aircraft.

While we're yet to get an official Top Gun video game adaptation, Ace Combat 7 comes quite close to delivering just that, albeit with a story that admittedly, is much more engaging, thought provoking, and well, better. If you're a fan of military shooters, mech games, or action games, you wouldn't want to miss out on this one.