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STAFF PROFILE

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Co-founder

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Co-founder of Skyward Flight Media. After founding Electrosphere.info, the first English Ace Combat database, he has been involved in creating flight game-related websites, communities, and events since 2005. He continues to explore past and present flight games and simulators with his extensive collection of game consoles and computers.

Bluesky | Twitter | Discord: RibbonBlue#8870 |

WORKS

DCS World Mission Preview: Sabana Strike

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

2 days ago4 min read

DCS World Mission Preview: Sabana Strike

A preview of the second publicly available Skyward Original mission as it nears completion.

Exosky: Imaginative Aerobatics

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 304 min read

Exosky: Imaginative Aerobatics

An unusual aerobatic game backed with a well documented flight model. AI cats, fantastical worlds and risky maneuvers ahead.

Scramble: Battle of Britain Early Access Launch Interview

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Oct 2811 min read

Scramble: Battle of Britain Early Access Launch Interview

Early access launch day interview with Jon Coughlin from Slitherine Games about this new turn-based tactical air combat title.

Tiny Combat Arena: Rebalanced Armor

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Oct 164 min read

Tiny Combat Arena: Rebalanced Armor

Ground forces in this flight sim lite have been revamped thanks to rebalanced armor values, weapon values and more.

Aviassembly: The Pursuit of Payload - An account of our descent into madness

Caio "Hueman" Barreto

Oct 1014 min read

Aviassembly: The Pursuit of Payload - An account of our descent into madness

We tried out Aviassembly's newest demo, here is our descent into madness!

VRChat: F-14A Tomcat Naval Interceptor 1.2.0 Release

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Oct 57 min read

VRChat: F-14A Tomcat Naval Interceptor 1.2.0 Release

Out now! Our thoughts on the new large update for this F-14A Tomcat focused VRChat aviation world.

Interview: Brent with Curious Dog Games; Making "Blue Sky Aces"

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Sep 714 min read

Interview: Brent with Curious Dog Games; Making "Blue Sky Aces"

An extensive interview with Brent from Curious Dog Games about the still in development Blue Sky Aces.

DCS World: Low, Fast, One Pass

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Aug 284 min read

DCS World: Low, Fast, One Pass

Pushing the humble DCS MB-339A into nap of the earth combat sorties during mission testing.

DCS World: ADM-141 TALD Tactics in 2024

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Aug 215 min read

DCS World: ADM-141 TALD Tactics in 2024

Improved surface-to-air missile AI in DCS 2.9.6 means renewed ADM-141 TALD tactics to defeat them.

Nuclear Option: Carrier Duel

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Aug 146 min read

Nuclear Option: Carrier Duel

The 'Carrier Duel' mission in Nuclear Option is a solid introduction to fleet carrier warfare for the game.

At Skies Edge: Reaching Decision Height

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jul 276 min read

At Skies Edge: Reaching Decision Height

At Skies' Edge update 0.09a has pushed the project towards a point where a serious decision must be made about its future.

VRChat Aviation at Virtual Market 2024 Summer

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jul 246 min read

VRChat Aviation at Virtual Market 2024 Summer

Visiting VRChat aviation related booths at VKet Summer 2024; the largest virtual market in the world.

Thunder Helix: Tornado S.A.R!

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jul 104 min read

Thunder Helix: Tornado S.A.R!

A classic example of a developer side project producing an interesting scenario.

Skyward FM Milestone: 400+ Website Releases

Skyward Staff

Jul 63 min read

Skyward FM Milestone: 400+ Website Releases

Taking a moment to reflect on Skyward's latest achievement: over 400 releases on our website.

Renewed Interest in the "Forgotten War": Korea. IL-2 Series

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jun 264 min read

Renewed Interest in the "Forgotten War": Korea. IL-2 Series

Developer 1CGS announces 'Korea.IL-2 Series'. A flight simulator dedicated to the Korean War.

FSExpo 2024 Friday Announcements: A.I. Enhanced Flight!

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jun 226 min read

FSExpo 2024 Friday Announcements: A.I. Enhanced Flight!

We discuss four artificial intelligence products presented at #FSExpoFriday 2024 that seek to enhance flight simulation.

Flight Journal: Kiowa Scouting for DCS Combined Arms Assets

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jun 195 min read

Flight Journal: Kiowa Scouting for DCS Combined Arms Assets

Our experience using the Polychop Simulations OH-58D Kiowa Warrior as a proper forward scout for DCS Combined Arms artillery.

Scramble: Battle of Britain (Steam Next Fest June 2024 Demo)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jun 127 min read

Scramble: Battle of Britain (Steam Next Fest June 2024 Demo)

Experiencing the Scramble: Battle of Britain Steam Next Fest June 2024 demo. A working example of an improbable concept.

DCS World Mission Editor: Enhanced Land Bases

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jun 110 min read

DCS World Mission Editor: Enhanced Land Bases

The latest DCS World update introduced the M92 Asset Pack. Feeling inspired, we suggest enhanced land bases for renewed ground operations.

Nuclear Option: Meeting Medusa

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

May 157 min read

Nuclear Option: Meeting Medusa

An analysis of the EW-25 Medusa electronic warfare aircraft that brings a new layer of operations to Nuclear Option.

ASF-X Shinden II: One-of-a-Kind Ace Combat Aircraft

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

May 117 min read

ASF-X Shinden II: One-of-a-Kind Ace Combat Aircraft

Designed by Shōji Kawamori of Macross fame, this tailor made aircraft for the Ace Combat series has survived eras of change.

Skyward Marianas Training Range - Bombing Range and Strafe Pit

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Apr 244 min read

Skyward Marianas Training Range - Bombing Range and Strafe Pit

A preview of the next Skyward made mission file for Digital Combat Simulator to be released for public use: Skyward Marianas Training Range.

At Skies' Edge: Soaring Higher

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Apr 176 min read

At Skies' Edge: Soaring Higher

A recent flurry of activity around At Skies' Edge brings us back to see how it is progressing in version 0.008a.

DCS World Mission Editor: SAM Improvements (Part 1)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Apr 106 min read

DCS World Mission Editor: SAM Improvements (Part 1)

Increasing Mission Complexity By Using Realistic Dispersal Tactics I subscribe to the belief that Digital Combat Simulator can be a "jump...

Nuclear Option: Maps and Pre-Planned Attacks

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Apr 34 min read

Nuclear Option: Maps and Pre-Planned Attacks

The map in Nuclear Option is useful for navigation, but also for targeting in pre-planned attacks. We take a moment to appreciate it.

Review: Thunder Helix (Pre-Release)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Mar 2011 min read

Review: Thunder Helix (Pre-Release)

Thunder Helix has been compared to games from the 1990s, but now we see what this nostalgia themed title has to offer on it own merits!

The Mighty Eighth VR Lives!

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Mar 134 min read

The Mighty Eighth VR Lives!

The Mighty Eighth VR posted its first update in years!

Review: The Brew Barons by Lifetap Studios (Launch Day)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Mar 119 min read

Review: The Brew Barons by Lifetap Studios (Launch Day)

The Brew Barons has been released! Our launch day review for this game is one of our most extensive yet.

An Honest-to-Goodness Sky Odyssey

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Feb 215 min read

An Honest-to-Goodness Sky Odyssey

Appreciation a hidden flight gaming gem that describes itself as Indiana Jones adventure with flight simulator physics.

The Most Powerful Aircraft Cannon in Ace Combat

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Feb 145 min read

The Most Powerful Aircraft Cannon in Ace Combat

Is the aircraft cannon in Ace Combat 6 the most powerful in the Ace Combat series?

Blue Sky Aces (Steam Next Fest 2024 Demo)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Feb 76 min read

Blue Sky Aces (Steam Next Fest 2024 Demo)

Stumbling upon a stylized, retro inspired World War 1 indie flight game during Steam Next Fest February 2024.

Review: Yawman Arrow (2024 Release Version)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Feb 314 min read

Review: Yawman Arrow (2024 Release Version)

A long review with a critical eye about one of the most unique handheld flight controllers we have ever seen.

DCS World Mission Editor: Uncontrolled AI (Intro)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jan 246 min read

DCS World Mission Editor: Uncontrolled AI (Intro)

An introduction to Uncontrolled AI units in DCS World. Make opposing force aircraft come to life with Uncontrolled AI.

GroundFall: Head Tracking Appreciation

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jan 173 min read

GroundFall: Head Tracking Appreciation

A brief appreciation for the freedom of vision during flight in GroundFall.

Review: DCS December 2023 Event

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Jan 67 min read

Review: DCS December 2023 Event

A review of our December 2023 event. Lessons learned, ideas reaffirmed and looking towards future events.

Tiny Combat Arena: Trying Out Mods

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Dec 13, 20235 min read

Tiny Combat Arena: Trying Out Mods

Entering the modding scene of Tiny Combat Arena with game balancing concerns.

Trail of Wings: A Game Representing Project ICKX Interests

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Dec 9, 20235 min read

Trail of Wings: A Game Representing Project ICKX Interests

Trail of Wings is a game that represents what Project ICKX represents as a developer and publisher.

Flight Sim Expo 2024 : Early Details!

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 29, 20233 min read

Flight Sim Expo 2024 : Early Details!

Begin planning early for next year's Flight Sim Expo; the community driven flight simulation expo.

Interview: Mackerel Sky, Developer of At Skies' Edge

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 22, 202310 min read

Interview: Mackerel Sky, Developer of At Skies' Edge

Discussing the origin and inner workings of At Skies' Edge with a very interesting fish.

The Brew Barons: Thoughts on the Beta Flight Model

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 15, 20236 min read

The Brew Barons: Thoughts on the Beta Flight Model

Feeling out the flight model in the Kickstarter Backer beta test.

DCS F-14A/B Tomcat: TCS for CCRP Bombing

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 4, 20235 min read

DCS F-14A/B Tomcat: TCS for CCRP Bombing

The Heatblur F-14A/B Tomcat has a unique advantage when CCRP bombing: the Television Camera System!

Warplanes: WW1 Fighters: Interactive Cockpit

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Nov 1, 20235 min read

Warplanes: WW1 Fighters: Interactive Cockpit

Let's discuss the interactive cockpit of Warplanes: WW1 Fighters. It offers unique abilities few of its peers do.

First Impression: Nuclear Option (Early Access)

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Oct 18, 20238 min read

First Impression: Nuclear Option (Early Access)

Our week one first impression of Nuclear Option shortly after its early access release.

Warplanes: WW1 Fighters: Flying in Blind

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Oct 11, 20235 min read

Warplanes: WW1 Fighters: Flying in Blind

Blindly jumping into my first WW1 VR experience. Could this be the beginning of a new interest?

VRChat: September Showcase 2023 in Review

Skyward Staff

Oct 4, 20235 min read

VRChat: September Showcase 2023 in Review

Our dual perspectives as both world creators and pilots for the Black Aces during their Showcase September event in VRChat!

GroundFall: 1st Anniversary Revisit

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Sep 27, 20236 min read

GroundFall: 1st Anniversary Revisit

It has been one year since GroundFall has released in early access. We dive back in and see how it is doing.

Aegis Ashore: Ace Combat 7 Air Defense Boss

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Sep 20, 20234 min read

Aegis Ashore: Ace Combat 7 Air Defense Boss

A relatively unknown bastion of air defense, as seen in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

PUD-J5A: PS2 VR Headset for Flight Gaming

Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza

Sep 13, 20233 min read

PUD-J5A: PS2 VR Headset for Flight Gaming

Remembering and wishing for a retro 21-year-old VR headset for PS2!

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