The game Ace Combat X – Skies of Deception is set in the year 2020. After years of civil war and internal suffering, the Democratic Republic of Leasath, led by Diego Gaspar Navarro, launches a massive invasion of its peaceful neighbor, the Republic of Aurelia, thanks to its deadly weapon, the Gleipnir aircraft. Within just ten days, Leasath manages to overrun most of Aurelia’s territory. However, what remains of the Aurelian military regroups at Cape Aubrey Air Base and secures a hard-fought victory by taking down a squadron of Leasath bombers. In response, the Gleipnir unleashes devastating destruction, wiping out most of Aurelia’s fighter jets. One skilled pilot, Gryphus, survives this massacre and becomes the spearhead of Aurelia’s counteroffensive.
The battles continue, and aerial strikes tear through enemy forces, but behind the front lines, more complex threads begin to unravel. Why did Leasath attack so swiftly, and what are they truly after in Aurelia? A dark secret lies hidden behind the veil of war, one that will make Gryphus face more than just enemy aircraft. If you think flying in the skies is just a joyride, you haven’t played this game. Every sortie is a challenge in itself, where being fast is not enough—you must be smarter and bolder. The game blends arcade action with flight simulation, making it semi-realistic. There are two control modes: the beginner mode, which is easy to learn and gives the game an arcade-like feel, and the normal mode, which offers more complex controls using both the analog stick and the directional pad, providing a more flight-simulation-like experience. You can choose your preferred mode and immediately start your own adventure.
The game also gives you the freedom to choose from a variety of combat aircraft, each with unique abilities, ranging from highly maneuverable light jets to heavily armed fighters equipped with missiles capable of turning the tide of battle. Customization is a key element, allowing you to modify weapons, change engines, and even upgrade armor to match your combat style. The battles are not just conventional dogfights but diverse missions requiring strategy and intelligence. You may find yourself attacking fortified military installations or engaging in intense dogfights against enemy squadrons. Every mission presents a new challenge where success requires more than just pulling the trigger—you must think, plan, and decide when to strike and when to retreat because the skies do not forgive mistakes.
The campaign mode features branching mission paths that influence the course of events. Certain points in the game allow missions to diverge into multiple routes, where your choices impact upcoming battles. For example, some decisions may reduce available time due to fuel shortages or help you avoid encountering certain enemies. Additional missions can also be unlocked by following specific campaign paths. But if you think the challenge ends there, wait until you enter multiplayer mode. Here, the battles become an intense battlefield between you and your friends, where there is no room for mistakes. Either you prove yourself as the ultimate air force commander, or you crash amidst the chaos of war.
If you are a fan of the series, you will immediately notice how Skies of Deception has taken the experience to a new level. Despite being the first game in the series released on PSP, the graphics are more detailed, the performance is smoother, and the aircraft customization system is deeper than ever. Unlike previous installments that followed a linear storyline, this game grants you the freedom to choose your campaign path, where your battlefield decisions influence future missions, making every playthrough unique. Additionally, improvements in artificial intelligence make battles more challenging—enemies are no longer just flying targets but adaptive opponents who study your movements, adjust to your tactics, and do everything possible to outmaneuver you.
In the end, this game is not just another entry in the series but an exceptional aerial combat experience, combining tactical dogfights, an engaging story, and complete freedom in the skies. If you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled combat experience, get ready for takeoff—the sky awaits, but it does not belong to you alone.