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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.
WORKS
Nuclear Option Mission: Sand Castle
Our first mission for Nuclear Option by Shockfront Studios is out now!
Skyward Staff
3 days ago3 min read
Pre-Release Interview: Exosky (2025)
A pre-release interview with the indie developer of Exosky shortly before its release on March 7th, 2025.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 2617 min read
Ita-Planes: Flying Devotion (2025)
An insightful article about one of the most unusual traditions of virtual and real world aviation. 2025 update.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 1510 min read
Couch CO-OP Flight: Mirage, A Biplane Adventure
Thanks to an offer from its developer, two Skyward writers try Mirage: A Biplane Adventure during Steam Couch CO-OP Fest February 2025.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 127 min read
Review: Paper Planes (Early Access Release)
"The squirrels are now fully targetable, as intended."
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jan 119 min read
Nuclear Option: Tactical Tarantula
Our introduction to the quad proprotor VTOL tactical airlifter you did not know Nuclear Option needed.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jan 45 min read
DCS World Mission Preview: Sabana Strike
A preview of the second publicly available Skyward Original mission as it nears completion.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Dec 14, 20244 min read
Exosky: Imaginative Aerobatics
An unusual aerobatic game backed with a well documented flight model. AI cats, fantastical worlds and risky maneuvers ahead.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 30, 20244 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Oct 29, 202411 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Oct 16, 20244 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!
Caio "Hueman" Barreto
Oct 10, 202414 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Oct 5, 20247 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Sep 7, 202414 min read
DCS World: Low, Fast, One Pass
Pushing the humble DCS MB-339A into nap of the earth combat sorties during mission testing.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Aug 28, 20244 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Aug 21, 20246 min read
Nuclear Option: Carrier Duel
The 'Carrier Duel' mission in Nuclear Option is a solid introduction to fleet carrier warfare for the game.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Aug 14, 20246 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jul 27, 20246 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jul 24, 20246 min read
Thunder Helix: Tornado S.A.R!
A classic example of a developer side project producing an interesting scenario.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jul 10, 20244 min read
Skyward FM Milestone: 400+ Website Releases
Taking a moment to reflect on Skyward's latest achievement: over 400 releases on our website.
Skyward Staff
Jul 6, 20243 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jun 26, 20244 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jun 22, 20246 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jun 19, 20245 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jun 12, 20247 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jun 1, 202410 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
May 15, 20247 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
May 11, 20247 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Apr 24, 20244 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Apr 17, 20246 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...
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Apr 10, 20246 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Apr 3, 20244 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!
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Mar 20, 202411 min read
The Mighty Eighth VR Lives!
The Mighty Eighth VR posted its first update in years!
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Mar 13, 20244 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Mar 1, 202419 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 21, 20245 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?
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 14, 20245 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 7, 20246 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Feb 3, 202414 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jan 24, 20246 min read
GroundFall: Head Tracking Appreciation
A brief appreciation for the freedom of vision during flight in GroundFall.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jan 17, 20243 min read
Review: DCS December 2023 Event
A review of our December 2023 event. Lessons learned, ideas reaffirmed and looking towards future events.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Jan 6, 20247 min read
Tiny Combat Arena: Trying Out Mods
Entering the modding scene of Tiny Combat Arena with game balancing concerns.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Dec 13, 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Dec 9, 20235 min read
Flight Sim Expo 2024 : Early Details!
Begin planning early for next year's Flight Sim Expo; the community driven flight simulation expo.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 29, 20233 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 22, 202310 min read
The Brew Barons: Thoughts on the Beta Flight Model
Feeling out the flight model in the Kickstarter Backer beta test.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 15, 20236 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!
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 4, 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.
Aaron "Ribbon-Blue" Mendoza
Nov 1, 20235 min read
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