Ace Combat series fans probably found a lot to like with Ace Combat 7. Early in the pandemic, I played through Ace Combat 4, 5, 6, and Zero at the behest of our graphic designer, Connary Fagen. I fell in love with the storytelling, gameplay, and music. I knew I wanted to play through Ace Combat 7 and listened through this six-disc soundtrack release several times before finally doing so, and it is an incredible game and soundtrack.

SuperSweep Records serves up the rock-infused heavy-hitting orchestral soundtrack headed up by series veteran Keiki Kobayashi, alongside DLC and other promotional music to create an expansive and complete package. It comes housed in a study cardboard sleeve with three jewel cases containing booklet text with commentary from each composer in Japanese as well as track and artist breakdowns in English. The design work throughout is impeccable.

And the music? Ace Combat 7 gets a riveting new theme by Kobayashi that is weaved throughout the score in interesting and delightful ways. The album follows the sequence of cutscenes and gameplay with all the ups and downs and drama in tow. Some personal favorites include the twangy guitar and bongo-laden “Dual Wielder,” the driving string stabs, slap bass, and big brass in “Long Day,” my absolute favorite, “Magic Spear I,” with chugging bass, wailing electric guitar, big brass stabs, and rock percussion, the tragically beautiful “Battle for Farbanti,” and epic conclusion, “Lighthouse.” The VR missions are remakes of missions from Ace Combat 4 and the arranged music is incredible, with remixes of “Sitting Duck,” “Tango Line,” and “Blockade,” all of which are a real treat to hear.

The Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Original Soundtrack is still available to import from CD Japan and is an incredible collection of music.