First announced at the PlayStation Experience event way back in December 2015, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has become one of the most highly anticipated virtual reality (VR) compatible titles coming from a AAA publisher. The PlayStation VR exclusive gameplay mode was expected to be part of Bandai Namco Games’ Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) showcase next month, but according to a representative of the publisher, the videogame won’t be making an appearance.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has featured in Bandai Namco Games’ line-up for many events in the two-and-half years since it’s unveiling, including last year’s E3. The videogame is the next title in the hugely popular Ace Combat series that began back in 1992 as an arcade series, with a console debut on the original PlayStation in 1995. Since then, Ace Combat (occasionally known as Air Combat) has enjoyed more than 15 subsequent editions.
VRFocus got hands-on with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown at last year’s E3, stating in a preview: “In its present state Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown promises high octane flying action for PlayStation VR players that’s sure to encourage legions of fans to try the VR compatibility. As long as Bandai Namco manage to provide enough content to satisfy then PlayStation VR is likely to have another killer exclusive title when the videogame finally arrives next year.”
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is still expected to launch later this year, including the said PlayStation VR compatibility, with pre-orders already available via Amazon. However, no specific release date has yet been announced and the lack of a demonstrable version at E3 may cause fears that the title could slip again.
The news that Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown won’t be part of Bandai Namco Games’ E3 showcase is obviously going to be a significant disappointment to many. There remains a chance that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) themselves may feature the title in some capacity, but that looks unlikely at this point in time. VRFocus will of course keep you updated with all the latest details on Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown and other forthcoming PlayStation VR titles.