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.

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.