It is actually ridiculous they were able to put a full on Ace Combat game on a PSP of all things. Besides the controls naturally, everything here is the same as you would have found on a PS2. But they didn't stop there.

Not only is the story based in a different part of Strangereal, away from the usual locations the series is in. But they actually implemented more into the gameplay, by giving us the old map system from the original and giving us entire new missions depending on what mission we choose.

You could focus on attacking an enemy base, leading to a mission based around destroying it, but because of that, the enemies have used that opportunity to attack your allies which you could have helped out if you chose the other missions.

It's a really cool system and I hope it makes a return one day.

If there's a list of best PSP games, this game should be in it. While not made by Project Aces, (Access Games made this one. The same devs who did Drakengard 3) the quality comes exceptionally close to the PS2 titles despite being a handheld title. I guess it being a PSP is its biggest fault. The story is fine with accompanying artwork albeit less noteworthy, gameplay is the same as 5 which is great although they also reintroduced branching missions, added more fictional aircraft (some from previous games) and introduced aircraft customization and that gives it tons of replayability. It gives a good challenge and a satisfying payoff with its mission variety (though some levels might be BS too especially the gas mission). The soundtrack is a banger as always even though the sound team is entirely different from the previous games (one of the people from the sound team is the composer of the Index anime series). It's also probably best experienced on emulator as there are enhancements and finding a legitimate copy is going to be tough as you can only get this on UMD and this got removed digitally years ago. If you own a modded PSP though, that will also do. The controls on the smaller analog is still pretty good and playing it on the go is still worth it.

I highly recommend this game. Whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer, don't skip it. It is a gem that I hope more people discover.

Skies of Deception hits hard and it's a cool little game. Despite being shackled to an handheld, X is able to give it all with a multi-branch approach to the missions and even if I was defaulting to the F-22 for most sorties (I won't be caught with my pants down during a dogfight), the game offers a lot of customization in terms of parts, camos and difficulties. It's no Ace Combat 7, but it strikes a good balance between being a serviceable passtime and hitting hard with it's voice acting, music and gameplay.

Can be corny, but isn't it charming.

Very fun game, excellent entry into the Ace Combat Series. Wish I played this when the PSP was hot so I could get some multiplayer sessions in with friends in this/Joint Assault.

Music was good, but it was great when it mattered.

The story was lacking compared to the console games and some of the missions were way too easy even on the hardest difficulty, but overall a fun experience.

Don't fall for the Holy trinity meme. AA series is a round table of godly games. If you enjoyed the PS2 games, do yourself a favor and give this a try.
the story itself isn't worth talking, but there are multiple routes you can take which will change the future missions drastically. the missions themselves tend to have much more interesting goals. and there are a huge load of meme planes to pick up.
a side note I might be wrong but I feel like only 1 person voiced more than a 5/6th of the characters