Whether you want to decimate enemies on the ground via an overpowered aircraft or feel like flying around the open skies with no clear destination or target in mind, the PlayStation 4 offers a number of excellent air combat titles. From big-budget games to off-the-radar indie releases, there’s something on the list for every aircraft lover.
#13 The Falconeer
- Publisher: Wired Productions
- Developer: Tomas Sala
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date: August 5, 2021 (PS4)
The dogfighting genre doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but The Falconeer did its best to bring fans the action they’ve been craving in an entirely new way. Set in a sci-fi nautical world, players take control of a massive warbird, shooting down rival enemies while dodging incoming fire. The game includes a narrative campaign, but players can also freely explore its large open world and take on plenty of side missions. With plenty of weapons to unlock, this one will keep you busy.
#12 EVE: Gunjack VR
- Publisher: CCP Games
- Developer: CCP Games
- Platforms: PSVR
- Release Date: October 13, 2016
There are many games for VR, but some aren’t truly made for it. This isn’t the case with EVE: Gunjack VR, which was designed around the concept of you piloting a mechanized craft in a VR space.
You’re part of a mining crew out in space, but your vessel is constantly the target of pirates and other villains who are trying to blast you or steal your resources. You’ll need to jump into your turret-armed vehicle and do what you can to send them packing.
Be warned–there are waves upon waves of these enemies, so be ready for a slog. With immersive gameplay and a leaderboard to put your score up against others, you’ll find there’s quite a lot to do here alongside the story missions.
#11 Everspace
- Publisher: Rockfish Games
- Developer: Rockfish Games
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Release Date: December 3, 2019
There are plenty of space games out there to test you, but with Everspace, it’s all about the flight and the combat. This first-person sci-fi game gives you a ship and sends you out into the stars to fly around, get into trouble, and then figure out how to get out of it alive!
Everspace relies on your skills to grow and make it through battles safely, so you’ll need to be at the top of your game to beat this title. When you get new materials and resources, you can upgrade your ship and make it so that it can withstand an even greater beating.
Don’t get us started on the beautiful visuals that you’ll experience as you traverse this version of space. You’re in for a treat.
#10 Elite Dangerous
- Publisher: Frontier Developments
- Developer: Frontier Developments
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Release Date: June 27, 2017
If you want a combat game that grows and evolves based on what a player does, grab Elite Dangerous. In this title, you’ll be left in a massive universe with nothing but a ship and some credits, left to craft your own adventure alongside millions of other players.
There are virtually no limits to what you can do in this title. As you take action, the galaxy around you will change. There will be wars won and fought, empires built and destroyed, alliances forged and broken, and so on.
This game has no end because the story keeps on going and growing, so if you’re looking for something to occupy your time for the next decade or so, this is your pick.
#9 War Thunder
- Publisher: Gaijin Entertainment
- Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Release Date: November 1, 2012
For those wanting to try a game before grabbing their wallet, the free-to-play War Thunder is worth a shot. Despite being almost ten years old, the award-winning multiplayer title remains one of the most addicting flying simulation titles out there and has grown to support crossplay across nearly every platform on the market. The game’s Aviation mode is divided between fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and players can choose between many different modes of combat, from more realistic to more over-the-top.
#8 Bomber Crew
- Publisher: Curve Digital
- Developer: Runner Duck
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: October 17, 2017
Players who prefer more strategic gameplay will find tons to enjoy about Bomber Crew. Tasked with managing everything from navigation and weapon selection to defense and repairs, getting the hang of the gameplay can take a little maneuvering. Once you do, however, the rewards are worth the time, with progressively better weapons and planes becoming available. Although Bomber Crew is a single-player experience, it has enough content to keep players occupied for a long while.
#7 Marvel’s Iron Man VR
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Developer: Camoflaj
- Platforms: PlayStation 4 (PSVR)
- Release Date: July 3, 2020
Marvel fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to become Iron Man. Sony’s virtual reality shooter tells the story of Iron Man’s conflict with a mysterious computer hacker and terrorist named Ghost, who seeks revenge on Tony Stark for the deaths caused by the weapons made by Stark Industries. Players must navigate the game world by flying in the legendary Iron Man armor, taking on enemies in aerial combat. Plenty of armor upgrades are available and tons of characters from the franchise make an appearance.
#6 Eagle Flight
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 (VR Only)
- Release Date: November 8, 2016
Maybe planes aren’t your thing. Ubisoft’s Eagle Flight utilizes VR technology to pull players into a post-apocalyptic version of Paris. While controlling an eagle, players must travel around the deserted city and defeat rival animals to build a nest on five different landmarks. To control the eagle’s movement, players must tilt their heads in the correct direction while using sonar waves to defeat their flying goes. The game also features a six-player coop Capture the Flag-styled mode, and it is possible to explore the city without interruption in Free Flight mode.
#5 InnerSpace
- Publisher: Aspyr
- Developer: PolyKnight Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: January 16, 2018
InnerSpace is a true Kickstarter success story. The magical title invites players to embark on an ethereal pilgrimage through a mysterious place called the ‘inverse.’ Direction doesn’t exist–there is no horizon to tell you whether you are up or down. As a Cartographer, players will help the Archaeologist to recover priceless relics, all of which can be found amongst the ruins of extinct civilizations. While the inverse is dying, the demigods found within it are still alive. Players may find a way to use their abilities if they fly carefully enough.
#4 Air Conflicts: Secret Wars
- Publisher: bitComposer
- Developer: Games Farm
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox 360
- Release Date: September 30, 2011
Set during World War I and World War II, Air Conflicts: Secret Wars puts players into the shoes of a female pilot named Dorothy Derbec. Nicknamed DeeDee, the fighter pilot embarks on an adventure to find out who killed her father. Along with her close friends, she travels the world, engaging in 49 different missions. The game’s stealth missions are a high point, and a dogfighting mode allows for more free exploration. Capture the Flag and Team Deathmatch invite players to drag their best buddies into the fray.
#3 Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut
- Publisher: Born Ready
- Developer: Born Ready
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android
- Release Date: April 4, 2014
If flying an airplane is a little too pedestrian for you, why not take to outer space? Strike Suit Zero was inspired by the space shooters found in arcades during the 1990s, adding more tactical gameplay. Players will need to decide how best to take down their enemies while using weapons with very limited ammunition. Four unique types of spacecraft are available, and the game’s art style shines. Anime fans might recognize the name Junji Okubo, known for his work on Appleseed: Ex Machina and No Guns Life. Yes, he was in charge of the ship designs.
#2 SkyDrift Infinity
- Publisher: HandyGames
- Developers: Digital Reality, THQ Nordic
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: July 28, 2021
A classic arcade-style racing game, SkyDrift Infinity is an upgraded version of the 2011 title SkyDrift. With slick controls, tricky turns, and plenty of weapon and shield pick-ups, it’s an easy title to pick up whenever you have a little extra time. Those looking for a challenge will be thrilled with this title, which is available to play solo, with four friends in local mode, or with eight players in online mode. Choose from Power Races or Speed Races, the latter without power-ups, to really test your skills.
#1 Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
- Publisher: Namco
- Developers: Namco, Bandai Namco Studios, Access Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: January 18, 2019
Anyone with a passion for flight has likely played one or more of the Ace Combat games. The seventh installment sits at the top of the list for good reason, with incredibly realistic graphics and a thrilling story to keep players engaged. With VR support, flight enthusiasts can feel as though they’ve truly stepped into the cockpit as they control one of 28 different aircraft. An additional nine have been added as DLC content. The game supports multiplayer with both Team Deathmatch and Battle Royale modes. If you’re looking for realism, award-winning sound design, and high-speed action, look no further.
