Ace Combat 8 Is Utterly Absurd–And Better Off For It
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 1, 2026, as the latest entry in the arcade flight action series from developer Project Aces and publisher Bandai Namco, priced at $80 on console and $55 on PC. Early reviews unanimously praise it as the franchise’s most confident and accomplished entry, building on Ace Combat 7’s resurgence.
Reviewers consistently highlight the game’s stunning cloud rendering and atmospheric visuals as a standout achievement. Flying through rain clouds with droplets cascading across the cockpit window and cruising through dramatic cloud formations at various altitudes create memorable moments. The game delivers the series’ signature blend of melodramatic storytelling, stirring orchestral music, and thrilling aerial combat.
Gameplay centers on arcade-style flight action with weighty, physical aircraft controls. Players pilot advanced jets like the F-18C with flight mechanics emphasizing the dramatic tension of dogfighting and close-quarters aerial maneuvers. The campaign features some pacing issues with filler missions and occasional momentum dips, but reviewers consider the overall experience excellent. The narrative builds on Ace Combat 7 but could have been more introspective, though it remains entertaining throughout. The game includes multiplayer options and has not been verified for Steam Deck compatibility.