Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Review

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Review

Bandai Namco’s Ace Combat occupies a unique place in gaming history. While the gap between some mainline entries has been considerable, such as the 12-year stretch between Ace Combat 6 and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the franchise has never truly faded into obscurity. Supported by several spin-offs and a dedicated community of fans, the series has remained a consistent presence in the hearts of many. Despite arcade-style flight combat being a relatively niche genre, Ace Combat continues to enjoy a loyal and passionate following.

It comes as little surprise, then, that the announcement of a new mainline installment during The Game Awards 2025 was met with widespread excitement. Less than a year after its reveal and seven years since the release of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve finally arrives in 2026. In an industry crowded with blockbuster releases and fiercely competitive experiences, does the series still have what it takes to soar? The answer is an emphatic yes, and it is quite simply one of the best games you can play in 2026.

The Legendary Wings

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve may be the eighth mainline entry in the long-running series, but newcomers will have little trouble jumping in. While the story begins in the midst of an ongoing conflict between the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) and the Republic of Sotoa, the narrative remains largely self-contained. References to previous games are minimal, meaning players won’t need extensive knowledge of the franchise’s history to fully appreciate the experience.

Veteran fans, however, will likely recognize familiar locations, organizations, and names, as the game still takes place within the same fictional world established throughout earlier entries. A glossary or timeline detailing key historical events would have been a welcome addition for those interested in exploring the broader lore. Fortunately, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve can confidently stand on its own, delivering a compelling and thrilling story regardless of one’s familiarity with the series.

As the titular Wings of Theve, you serve as the FCU’s symbol of hope in its struggle to reclaim its homeland from Sotoan occupation. The truth, however, is far less heroic. The title itself is little more than a carefully manufactured propaganda tool designed to bolster public morale, and one that you inherit following the death of the previous Wings of Theve in battle. What follows is a classic underdog story, challenging you to transform a carefully crafted myth into reality as you undertake a series of increasingly demanding missions aimed at ending the war.

What’s particularly impressive is how effectively Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve tells its story despite its relatively restrained presentation. Much of the narrative unfolds through radio chatter, character portraits, cockpit-view conversations, and occasional cutscenes. Even with these limitations, the game succeeds in creating moments that are suspenseful, humorous, intense, and surprisingly emotional. As the human cost of war becomes increasingly apparent, the conflict gains weight and nuance. Although the Republic of Sotoa largely serves the role of antagonist, the writing does enough to humanize certain characters on the opposing side, making it difficult to view the war in purely black-and-white terms. While Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve may not reinvent familiar wartime themes, it tells its story with enough sincerity and heart to keep players invested until the very end.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve‘s narrative impact is further strengthened by a well-developed cast of characters. Rather than serving as mere mission briefers or wingmen, the game’s supporting cast is given distinct personalities that shine through both missions and cutscenes. At first glance, some may appear to fit familiar archetypes, but the writing gradually gives them additional depth that elevates the overall experience.

The members of Joker Flight are memorable enough that it becomes somewhat disappointing when compared to your own protagonist, whose interactions are largely limited to selecting simple “Yes” or “No” responses. At several points, you’ll find yourself wishing the game’s lead character had been allowed a stronger voice and greater presence within the narrative.

Take Tasha, the internet’s pink-haired fan favorite. Beneath her cheerful appearance is a civilian thrust into the realities of war, whose naivety and struggle to reconcile survival with taking lives become compelling aspects of her character. Noise initially comes across as the stereotypical cool and stoic pilot, yet reveals his personality through his passion for music, giving him a unique identity within the squadron. Then there’s Professor, the former wingman of the previous Wings of Theve, who embodies the seasoned veteran archetype while demonstrating unwavering loyalty and genuine concern for the well-being of his teammates.

The same level of care extends to the opposing forces. Rather than serving as one-dimensional villains, enemy commanders in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve are portrayed as cold, calculating individuals driven by an uncompromising desire for victory. Their dedication frequently borders on fanaticism, adding another layer of tension to the conflict. By the time the credits roll, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve‘s cast feels so well realized that it’s easy to imagine them carrying over into a film, anime, or other adaptation. That level of attachment is perhaps one of the strongest compliments that can be paid to the game’s storytelling.

Take to the Skies

The Ace Combat series has long been celebrated for delivering exhilarating arcade-style aerial combat, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve proudly continues that tradition. While it features certain simulation-inspired elements, this is far from a hardcore flight simulator. Players won’t need to concern themselves with complex mechanics such as realistic aerodynamics or fuel management. Instead, the game focuses on accessible yet rewarding aerial combat, requiring only a solid grasp of piloting fundamentals, dogfighting techniques, and environmental hazards such as icing when flying through adverse weather conditions.

A welcome feature in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the variety of control options available. Players seeking a more accessible experience can opt for Standard Controls, which handle aircraft movement in a manner similar to driving a vehicle, allowing the plane to turn directly toward the chosen direction. Those looking for a more authentic aviation experience can choose Expert Controls, where maneuvering requires proper rolling and banking before executing turns. Both control schemes are enjoyable and viable throughout the campaign, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferred playstyle, so don’t let the “Expert” moniker fool you.

Aircraft management in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is similarly approachable once you become familiar with the game’s systems. Completing missions rewards players with credits that can be spent within the Aircraft Tree to unlock new aircraft and upgrade parts. The roster offers an impressive variety of planes, each with distinct characteristics such as speed, maneuverability, durability, and air-to-air or air-to-ground specialization. Equally important are Special Weapons, which range from advanced missile systems to powerful bomb payloads, allowing aircraft to excel in different mission scenarios.

Customization in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve extends further through the Parts system, which lets players fine-tune aircraft performance to suit their needs. Certain upgrades improve maneuverability and roll speed, while others enhance missile capacity, target tracking, or resistance to conditions such as icing. Since aircraft have varying slot capacities, players must carefully decide which upgrades best complement their strategies. Choosing the right combination of aircraft and parts often proves crucial to mission success.

This level of preparation becomes especially important in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve due to the campaign’s impressive mission variety. Objectives range from escort and defense operations to large-scale assaults and high-speed flight challenges. Likewise, targets can vary dramatically, with some missions emphasizing air superiority while others focus heavily on ground attacks. Selecting an aircraft suited to the task can make a significant difference. For instance, missions featuring dense concentrations of ground targets are best tackled using aircraft equipped with multi-target bombing or missile systems, while low-altitude sorties through mountainous terrain demand superior maneuverability and handling. Successfully completing later missions often requires thoughtful planning long before takeoff.

The Aircraft Tree itself is extensive, with the most powerful aircraft and advanced parts positioned deep within its progression paths and carrying substantial costs. As a result, resource management becomes an important consideration throughout the campaign. Players must decide whether to prioritize unlocking new aircraft, acquiring better upgrades, or saving for high-end equipment later in the game. Fortunately, completed missions can be replayed for additional credits, providing opportunities to grind for purchases when necessary. An appreciated touch is that once a particular aircraft has been unlocked, additional units of the same aircraft become significantly cheaper to acquire, reflecting the fact that you’re not the only pilot fighting in the war.

As both the legendary Wings of Theve and the leader of Joker Flight, you’ll also be responsible for selecting aircrafts for your squadron. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve assists by providing air-to-air and air-to-ground performance benchmarks for each mission, helping determine whether your team’s loadout is capable of meeting operational requirements. Players pressed for time can allow the game to automatically assign aircraft, though maintaining a diverse hangar remains beneficial. It’s also worth noting that certain operations launch from aircraft carriers, restricting deployment to carrier-capable aircraft and adding another layer of strategic consideration.

Commanding your squadron is equally crucial to mission success. Orders are conveniently mapped to the D-pad, allowing you to direct wingmen to focus fire on your target, spread out and engage independently, cover your rear against pursuing aircraft, or toggle the use of their Special Weapons. What makes the system particularly effective is the competence of your AI-controlled teammates. Squadron members respond intelligently to your orders and consistently perform their assigned roles with impressive efficiency, making it genuinely feel like you’re fighting alongside a skilled and dependable team.

Apart from performance customization, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve offers a healthy amount of cosmetic personalization. Players can outfit aircraft with different skins, color schemes, and visual presets, while favorite loadouts and configurations can be saved for quick access. Surprisingly, however, much of this functionality only becomes fully available after completing the campaign, making it feel like a reward that could have been introduced earlier.

The game also does an excellent job of recognizing player accomplishments. In addition to platform achievements and trophies, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve features its own collection of in-game medals that encourage mastery of various challenges. Replays can also be saved and reviewed, allowing players to relive their most impressive missions, analyze their performance, and showcase particularly memorable aerial maneuvers. These additions give dedicated pilots even more reasons to keep returning to the skies long after the credits roll.

Never Fly Without the Tunes

Simply put, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a visual spectacle. Whether you’re flying beneath bright, sunlit skies or navigating through stormy darkness, the game consistently delivers stunning aerial vistas. Cloud formations are rendered with remarkable detail, not only serving as visual highlights but also affecting visibility in a believable way. Flying through dense cloud cover can temporarily obscure your surroundings, while icing effects add an extra layer of immersion as moisture gradually accumulates on your canopy. The daytime missions are particularly striking, surrounding players with endless blue horizons and towering cloudscapes that make every flight feel cinematic.

Character models in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve are equally impressive. While they may not quite reach the photorealistic standards achieved by other titles, they are nonetheless highly detailed and expressive. Much of the game’s narrative unfolds through cutscenes presented from the perspective of the silent protagonist, helping maintain player immersion throughout the campaign.

One aspect that feels slightly out of place is the inclusion of occasional quick-time events. These moments typically involve simple actions such as shaking someone’s hand, standing up, or looking in a particular direction. While they are harmless, they rarely add meaningful engagement and often leave players wondering why a QTE was necessary in the first place.

The audio presentation in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is every bit as impressive as the visuals. From the roar of jet engines to the thunderous impact of missile strikes and explosions, every sound effect contributes to the sensation of taking part in a high-stakes aerial conflict. Dogfights feel exhilarating thanks to the convincing soundscape, whether you’re launching a volley of missiles or weaving through enemy fire at breakneck speeds.

The voice acting in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve deserves equal praise. Characters deliver their performances with conviction and emotional weight, helping elevate key story moments throughout the campaign. The dramatic exchanges, tense confrontations, and heartfelt conversations all contribute to a narrative that remains engaging from start to finish. Yet, as with any Ace Combat title, it would be impossible to discuss the presentation without mentioning the soundtrack.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve’s soundtrack is nothing short of phenomenal. Blending sweeping orchestral arrangements with powerful rock compositions, the music consistently enhances the mood of each mission and story sequence. Many tracks are memorable enough to linger long after the credits roll, which is a glowing testament to the soundtrack’s quality. The main theme captures a sense of triumph, freedom, and heroism that perfectly complements soaring through the skies, while the haunting chants accompanying the arrival of Sotoa’s elite Shadows squadron immediately signal that the stakes have risen and danger is approaching.

As the legendary Wings of Theve, the pressure to succeed is a constant presence throughout the campaign, and the music plays a major role in reinforcing that feeling. Certain tracks inspire confidence and determination as you engage overwhelming odds, while others evoke a powerful sense of hope during the story’s darkest moments. At times, the soundtrack is so effective that it transforms already emotional scenes into genuinely memorable experiences.

In fact, the music is so consistently excellent that the inclusion of an in-game music player feels like a blessing. It’s the kind of soundtrack you’ll want to revisit long after your final sortie, serving as one last reminder of the incredible journey Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve takes you on through its skies.

Verdict: Editor’s Choice

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a triumphant return for one of gaming’s most enduring aerial combat franchises, delivering an exceptional package that excels across nearly every category. Longtime fans will simply relish this moment, and newcomers stepping into the cockpit for the first time are in for a hell of a ride. Its heartfelt war story, memorable cast of characters, exhilarating arcade-style flight mechanics, deep aircraft customization, and varied mission design come together to create an experience that is both accessible and rewarding. More importantly, it never loses sight of what has made Ace Combat special for decades: the thrill of taking to the skies and emerging victorious against overwhelming odds.

Complementing Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve‘s outstanding gameplay is a presentation package that ranks among the series’ finest. Stunning visuals bring every sortie to life, immersive sound design captures the intensity of aerial warfare, and a phenomenal soundtrack elevates both the action and emotional weight of the campaign. Combined with strong voice performances and thoughtful world-building, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve soars far above expectations and reaffirms why the franchise remains the gold standard for arcade aerial combat. Seven years after Skies Unknown, the game proves that the series has lost none of its altitude, delivering a thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable flight from takeoff to landing.

*Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.