Ace Combat Returns After Seven-Year Hiatus, Ready for Action

The thrill of soaring through expansive skies is a desire that resonates universally, transcending borders and cultures. This sentiment was echoed by Kazutoki Kono, the brand director of Ace Combat, when I asked him about the series’ lasting allure. After experiencing the latest installment, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, ahead of its October 2 launch, I can certainly relate. Games often serve as a canvas for our wildest fantasies, and this one is no exception.

While many titles claim to be “immersive,” few truly deliver on that promise. I’m talking about experiences that pull you in so deeply that you feel every moment in your bones—maybe even in your gut. It’s that heart-pounding, breath-stealing sensation that only a handful of games have managed to evoke for me, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has just earned a top spot on that exclusive list.

In just an hour, I transformed from an Ace Combat newcomer—someone who had always been aware of the series but never played it—into a high-flying ace, a guardian of the skies, and a harbinger of doom for my foes. The developers even likened my experience to that of Tom Cruise in his aerial escapades.

The adventure kicked off with the clouds. Ace Combat 8’s depiction of clouds is nothing short of spectacular. Anyone who has flown through turbulent weather knows the mix of fear and excitement that comes from peering out at a wall of white. In the cockpit, that feeling is amplified; anything could be lurking just beyond the clouds, even if most of the time, it’s just empty air.

But in Ace Combat, there’s always the thrill of imminent dogfights and aerial supremacy. After a brief introduction, I dove into a dense cloud formation and emerged ready for action. What followed was a familiar yet exhilarating experience for veterans of the series: a frantic chase as I locked onto my target, the satisfying beeps of the lock-on system, and the rush of taking down an enemy fighter jet.

Minutes later, I was thrust into the game’s fourth mission, touted as the first “real” mission. The initial three levels served as an extended tutorial, designed to make Ace Combat 8 the most accessible entry in the series yet. Embracing the first-person perspective, I stepped into the shoes of a legendary pilot who had fallen in battle, determined to earn my wings.

This mission was packed with action. An extensive briefing highlighted that Ace Combat is both a dogfighting simulator and a tactical warfare game. My guide, producer Manabu Shimomoto, explained how these openings allow players to strategize their approach, which ties into the customization options available at the start of each level. Players can select everything from jets to weapons, tailoring their experience to their liking. For my demo, I flew a jet chosen by the producer, outfitted with air-to-surface missiles to take out naval targets.

What followed was a whirlwind of excitement. As I maneuvered through the sky, my body instinctively reacted to the game’s movements. When my jet banked to line up with a target, I found myself leaning into the turns. A miscalculated loop sent me crashing into the ocean, and I physically jolted in my seat. Surrounded by PR handlers and developers, I felt a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration, completely absorbed in the action. The close calls as I skimmed the water, the satisfaction of sinking two ships, and the thrill of chasing another jet into the sun all contributed to an unforgettable experience.

I couldn’t help but question why I had waited so long to dive into this exhilarating ride. As a member of the press, I usually maintain a level of professionalism, but I couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across my face. They had truly hooked me.

However, my time with Wings of Theve left me wanting more information about the new features being introduced in this installment. While the gameplay I experienced felt familiar and comforting for long-time fans, I was eager to learn about the fresh ambitions the team has in store.

For instance, the developers hinted at a first-person perspective in a hub area where players will interact more directly with characters and the environment, likely set on a base or aircraft carrier.

Moreover, Wings of Theve is being positioned as the studio’s most ambitious multiplayer experience yet. With plans for hundred-player lobbies, co-op missions, and a variety of multiplayer modes, the game aims to offer a diverse online experience. The 100-player mode sounds like a chaotic free-for-all where players start as low-level mercenaries and work their way up, but the cooperative missions, where players can take on different roles in a squadron, are what truly excite me. This return to co-op gameplay will surely be welcomed by fans who missed it in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

While Ace Combat 7 laid a solid foundation, the expansion of multiplayer features in this sequel raises questions about the sustainability of live-service models, especially in a gaming landscape that has seen its share of studio closures. Ace Combat 8 will feature seasonal content updates and a battle pass system, which, while beneficial for ongoing development, also brings concerns about the volatility of such projects.

At its heart, Ace Combat 8 seems designed for its dedicated community. Kazutoki acknowledged the series’ fluctuating popularity over the years, admitting that growth hasn’t always been consistent. However, by focusing on its most passionate fans, the team has managed to revive a franchise that was once stagnant and is now thriving.

If Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve takes flight as it appears poised to do, Kazutoki may be onto something: the skies could very well belong to all of us.