Platform(s): PS5 (version reviewed), PC, Xbox Series
Genre: Arcade, Action, Flight Sim, Anime

It is easy to summarise Ace Combat games as “Call of Duty but with planes”. However, that would not only be grossly inaccurate. It would also be undermining the insane gameplay depth, scale and technological marvel being poured into this franchise that’s been consistently delivering bangers – unlike the other franchise which is in an irrecoverable tailspin.

Many would be forgiven for giving the Ace Combat franchise a pass, since military planes going zoom zoom at sub-sonic speeds isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for the sake of novelty and not missing out on one of the definite sleeper hits of 2026, we highly implore you dip your toes – or spread your wings – for a title which may expand your horizons and alter your gaming experience forever. And what better way than with Bandai Namco and its Project Aces division’s latest entry, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve?

Danger Zone

Following the death of the titular character, one Jan Cope, in a pretty intense intro machinima, you assume his role as Joker 1 (and his inner monologue; it’s an anime Ace Combat thing, roll with it). In this storyline, the Wings of Theve is a mythical ace pilot for the FCU navy akin to the real-life Ukraine urban legend which was eventually debunked as military propaganda, The Ghost of Kyiv. Manufactured to raise the morale and spirit of the forces trying to retake their country from a foreign invasion, you participate in sorties with your Joker Flight squad mates.

They include your immediate wingman Baxter, the brooding one-liner guy in Coster, and waifu-designed-for-the-male-gaze former plane acrobat civvie-turned-conscript Anastasia “Tasha” Severskaya. Don’t let their supposed stereotypes fool you as each carry important roles in contextualising your silent protagonist’s position, views and approach in the FCU – Sotoan war. Plus, they’re all charming in their own right as you find out more about each of them throughout the course of all 30 missions. You even have an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) guy named Dealer who talks in nothing but poker terms, hence the card terms littered all over the review.

Unlike Ace Combat 7 where a mix of footage and stills were used – including the infamous Jpeg Dog – to set the story, the war in Ace Combat 8 is told from a first-person view as you experience life between being on an aircraft carrier or on a military airbase between missions, witnessing how war affects military personnel and civilians alike. Bandai Namco expertly wove in an interesting insight on the propaganda machine roided up by 21st-century social media as your exploits exaggerated and failures covered. It is clear as day that the company spared no expense with the cutscenes, cinematics, and overall look, and it shows!

The aforementioned 30 missions are the best I’ve experienced so far in a current generation action-heavy flight sim title, especially in the Ace Combat history context. No two missions are alike, and you’d have fun cherry-picking which ones to replay once the credits roll. A good chunk of these missions also have updating mission objectives, so you’re always on your toes whenever you’re in the air with whatever loadout you choose at the hangar. In one instance, you’re fighting a giant-ass land battleship that needs to be stopped before it reaches a capital, while it’s shooting railgun fire at your general direction. You’re also chasing down drones trying to sabotage a giant-as-heck space elevator in a literal race to the stratosphere. In another, you get bombarded halfway in a seek-and-destroy mission by a squadron of MIGs complete with their own anthem.

Even after you’re done with the thrill ride that is Ace Combat 8, the “game +” mode enables you to carry forward your accumulated progression to the new campaign, allowing ‘what-if’ scenarios such as how would an F-22 Raptor fare in some of the earlier missions. Unlocking the plane skill tree and building the composition of your squadron is a fun mini-game, as you’ll be tasked to balance the mission requirements with the aircraft setups of the rest of the squad. Pick an air-to-air heavy lineup when you will be engaging with multiple surface targets and you’ll get a less than satisfactory response from the rest of Joker team.

You will unlock more aircrafts as you progress depending on your preferences and mission requirements. Or because some of them just look so damn cool. We made a beeline for the F-22 Raptor to only be locked out of it as it isn’t compatible for an aircraft carrier takeoff. You’d be wise to ensure your team and roster of fighters is diverse enough to tackle any kinds of mission thrown at you. Our tip? Get an all-rounder as soon as you can in the form of the F-35 Lightning or any variant of the F-18s.

Ace In The Hole

The story of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve may revolve around Joker Flight, a squadron made up of a four-of-a-kind misfit pilots yet its execution from setting, cinematic, score and most importantly, gameplay ensures the game deserves a distinction befitting of a royal flush. However, to nitpick, I do have some gripes on how your squad functions around you. Yes, you’re supposed to be the Ace and while you can instruct your wingmates to specific tasks and targets, this effect feels, to a degree, insignificant. We do get callouts such as we are being hounded by missiles but in most cases, will have to evade them ourselves instead of having them shot down by our wingmen. As such, a few dogfights and certain escort missions can be a bit overwhelming on your first playthrough.

Another gripe would be the constant requirement of us being the focal point with the rest of the squad – despite being capable pilots themselves – relegated to spectators. You folks have missiles too, you know. Shoot them at the goddamn land battleship! Perhaps this is something fixable in future updates; improved squadmates’ capabilities to undertake less-crucial tasks, being one.

One of the reasons many stayed away from Ace Combat games is due to the core mechanics of it; flying and rotating on all axis which might induce nausea and recall what you just had for breakfast. But fret not as the controls were expertly tuned to accommodate all kinds of flying styles. You won’t need a HOTAS to fully enjoy Ace Combat 8; just a good sense of orientation would serve you well. However we do feel it is a game best experienced with a game controller at the very least. Do not be discouraged by YouTubers twisting and turning their aircraft in dogfights – that’s just for show. In most cases you’ll be doing controlled rolls and turns before gradually attempting the Cobra or even the Kvochur’s Bell maneuver in no time.

It is rare that a game is released aces in key areas of presentation. However in Ace Combat 8, everything from the graphics, storyline, gameplay and even the soundtrack which is stellar. The latter is especially important in doing a lot of the lifting in key mission moments. Imagine having an orchestra behind you reacting to every single action you’re doing on-screen. And when you get to the final objective of that same mission, the band plays an accompanying score to accentuate the feel. Composer Keiki Kobayashi, a longtime Ace Combat music man, still has the touch in sweeping scores and appropriate Oasis-like rock songs in all of the game’s touchstone moments.

It won’t be long before you find yourself humming to the Sotoan Shadow chant whilst doing the most mundane of tasks. Proper earworm, that.

Ace Combat 8 is a rare gem that satisfies its core fanbase yet also can be easily picked up by novice pilots. Of course, newbies will feel the chasm in experience should they choose to jump into the multiplayer lobby so we do recommend finishing the campaign before attempting going toe-to-toe with seasoned pilots out there. Speaking of multiplayer, the standard sorties and modes are out there; either rushing to accumulate the highest score against rival squads in different modes or just try to shoot each other down in the classic deathmatch modes. The choice is yours.

Sky High

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a gem of an action flight sim worth every penny and time spent on it. A complete package, if you will. A new standard bearer not just for Ace Combat games, but those involving aerial combat in general. The genre is truly back and we can’t wait to see more of you get your grubby hands on this. Do not be discouraged by its grand premise, as you’ll find yourself jumping back into the cockpit, gunning for the next sortie to take on the Sotoan forces in no time.

Is it a hard game? Well, it isn’t an easy one for sure but make no qualms that it’ll be one of the most satisfying games you’ll ever complete, enticing you to return for more.

Pros

• Stellar graphics & dynamic cloud system.
• Amazing score.
• 30 awesome missions with variety & scope.
• In-depth plane customization and skill tree to unlock.
• Gripping narrative and endearing cast.

Cons

• Some unnecessarily difficult missions due to wingman AI.

Final Score: 90/100

Review copy provided by publisher.