'Ace Combat 8' was first unveiled at The Game Awards (TGA) 2025, alongside its official subtitle, 'Wings of Theve.' It is the first numbered entry in the series in seven years, following 2019's 'Ace Combat 7,' and serves as a commemorative title for the series' 30th anniversary. As with previous installments, development is led by Bandai Namco Aces (Project Aces), utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary technology.

According to released information, the game is set in the series' signature fictional world, 'Strangereal,' in July 2029. The story begins with the Player, a pilot adrift at sea, being rescued by the aging aircraft carrier 'Endurance.' With the home nation's navy decimated and remaining forces scattered, the protagonist takes on the mantle of the sky's hero: the 'Wings of Theve.'

Ahead of the official launch on October 2, I spent about four hours with the 30th-anniversary title 'Ace Combat 8' and have summarized the changes observed during that time.

From 'Wings of Illusion' to 'Wings of Hope'

The story of Ace Combat 8 is set 10 years after the events of 'Ace Combat 7.' Within the series timeline, it takes place between 'Ace Combat 7' and 'Ace Combat 3.'

Set in the Strangereal world in 2029, the script is once again penned by Sunao Katabuchi, who also wrote the seventh installment. According to the developers, this title will boast the 'largest volume' of story in the 30-year history of the Ace Combat series.

The game's story can be summarized as 'Wings of Illusion.' However, the concept of a hero manufactured by the media is not purely fictional. During the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the legend of the 'Ghost of Kyiv'—a pilot who supposedly shot down dozens of Russian aircraft alone in a MiG-29—spread rapidly.

This hero, who boosted the morale of the public and the military during a desperate situation, was later revealed by the Ukrainian Air Force to be a 'collective image' representing the pilots defending the capital, rather than a single real person. In that it is a hero of the skies created by a nation facing invasion, it shares a striking resemblance to the 'Wings of Theve.'

Returning to the game, the protagonist is a pilot rescued from a life raft by the 'Endurance,' an aircraft carrier belonging to the FCU (Federation of Central Usea), which was retreating from the front lines while carrying refugees.

The FCU was invaded by the Republic of Sotoa, a nation located on the Verusan continent across the Usean Sea. As a relatively loose federation, the FCU lost most of its territory in an instant. Its navy was decimated, leaving only scattered remnants of forces struggling to reclaim their homeland.

The Endurance was one of these retreating remnants, but they possessed a secret weapon: the 'Wings of Theve' (named after the FCU capital), a legendary pilot with the highest number of aerial kills in the war.

With manpower critically low, the captain of the Endurance orders the newly rescued protagonist to follow the 'Wings of Theve' on a patrol mission. Thus, the protagonist boards the back seat of a two-seater Super Hornet as a navigator.

During the flight, the legendary pilot, Jean 'Rex' Korp, reveals a shocking truth: the legend is a lie, and he is just an ordinary pilot who has never shot down a single enemy aircraft. The legend of the 'Wings of Theve' was merely a promotional tool (or a 'battlefield idol') created to reassure citizens and boost the morale of allied forces.

However, the propaganda was so effective that the Republic of Sotoa, having already occupied most of the FCU, dispatched ace pilots specifically to take down the 'Wings of Theve.' 'Shadow 22,' whom the protagonist and Jean 'Rex' Korp encounter during their patrol, is their leader.

Jean 'Rex' Korp tried his best to flee as he always did upon encountering Shadow 22, but Shadow 22 was a seasoned pilot who never let go of his prey. The Super Hornet piloted by the 'Wings of Theve' sank into the sea, and only the protagonist in the back seat survived.

Upon returning to the Endurance, the captain grants the protagonist a new name (callsign). The Player now inherits the callsign 'Rex' and begins flying as the 'Wings of Theve' to inspire hope in their people.

Significantly Increased Character Detail and Cinematic Elements: Enjoying 'Ace Combat' Like a Drama

In 'Ace Combat 6,' players took to the skies under the callsign 'Talisman' to reclaim Emmeria from the Estovakian invasion, while in 'Ace Combat X,' they became 'Gryphus 1,' the sole remaining pilot tasked with liberating their homeland with only their own squadron. The story of becoming an 'ace pilot' to reclaim a lost nation is a recurring theme that fans of the 'Ace Combat' series have encountered time and again.

However, 'Ace Combat 8' is impressive because of how it delivers this story. This title features a massive increase in character modeling for major figures (compared to previous games, where they were virtually non-existent) and a noticeable rise in cinematic direction.

For instance, in the immediate predecessor, 2019's 'Ace Combat 7,' story progression involving major characters was handled entirely by pre-rendered cutscenes. Most of what we saw in-game were 3D models of fighter jets, ground targets, and backgrounds.

Compared to that, 'Ace Combat 8' represents a significant leap forward. From the moment the protagonist is stranded on the life raft, the Player can look around using the R-stick (on PS controllers). Once aboard the Endurance, various interactions are possible (mostly at the level of 'Press X to shake hands').

The Player is no longer just a role viewing objects from the perspective of a fighter jet in the sky. On the ground, you can see the pilot's life, such as eating with fellow pilots or attending briefings.

While the shift in how these stories are told does not fundamentally alter the core gameplay of the 'Ace Combat' series, the experience feels deeper and more detailed. We still go through the familiar loop of watching cutscenes, receiving briefings, and taking to the skies to annihilate enemies, but the experience has evolved. It is no longer just about playing back pre-recorded cutscenes; it is about the change in experience created by interacting with characters rendered in real-time, in-game graphics.

Cumulonimbus Clouds, Reflected Light, and More Detailed Fighter Jets

In fact, while playing the previous title, 'Ace Combat 7,' I often wondered if the skies could possibly look any more spectacular. Because of this, when I heard the news about the eighth installment, I assumed it would be difficult for the graphics to see any significant improvement. To my surprise, 'Ace Combat 8' has succeeded once again in capturing an even brighter, more vivid sky.

The 'cloud' effects, which were highly praised in the previous game, are even more detailed in the eighth installment, adding new depth to the battlefield. Features like layered cumulus clouds and the distinct contrails left behind by massive enemy aircraft are elements we haven't seen before. Furthermore, the addition of sunlight reflecting off the canopy from the cockpit perspective creates visuals that can only be described as 'dazzling.' And, as has been the case throughout the series, the fighter jet designs remain flawless.

Beyond visuals, there are also gameplay elements to note. Starting with this title, the Player can equip two types of special weapons. While previous games required alternating between basic missiles and a single special weapon, it is now possible to use SP1 and SP2 weapons in addition to basic missiles.

We have all had the experience of bringing air-to-ground bombs to a briefing-mandated mission, only to be overwhelmed by enemy fighter jets. With two special weapons, it is now possible to respond more flexibly to such situations.

Of course, players accustomed to switching between basic and special weapons with a single button might struggle at first, as you now have to press the button an extra time to cycle through. Given the genre's nature, where rapid switching is often required, this can lead to wasted special weapons or missed opportunities. I believe this will be mitigated as players adapt.

One more thing: a 'chain destruction' effect between enemy aircraft has been added. If you are lucky, the wreckage of a downed enemy can destroy other enemies passing beneath it.

This phenomenon is primarily visible when dealing with large targets like bombers or transport planes, but for smaller fighters, it is possible to trigger chain destruction with machine gun fire instead of missiles.

As if to highlight this effect, early missions in 'Ace Combat 8' frequently feature target aircraft flying at different altitudes. Combined with the cumulonimbus clouds and aircraft at varying heights, the battlefield feels much more three-dimensional.

What happens when reliable comrades join the dogfight?

The 'Squadron Command System,' where you issue orders to comrades during combat, was first attempted in the 2004 title 'Ace Combat 5.' The 'Razgriz Squadron' in that game also relied on the bond with comrades as a key story element, and it was the first title to feature 3D models of fellow pilots.

The revival of this command system plays a crucial role in 'Ace Combat 8.' The presence of real-time rendered models for comrades shows that they hold significant weight in the story of the 'Wings of Theve,' and this extends into the gameplay mechanics.

Before heading into battle, the Player can select the aircraft for each comrade in the hangar. However, if you only own one of a specific aircraft, the Player cannot assign it to a comrade if they are using it themselves. This can be resolved by purchasing additional units of the same aircraft in the upgrade tree.

While the Player's aircraft allows for special weapon selection and part upgrades, these choices are not needed for comrades. Since their special weapons are determined by the aircraft type, it is important to assign the right plane based on the mission briefing.

In the bottom right of the hangar menu, there is a gauge indicating the air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities required for the current mission. You can use this as a reference to assign appropriate aircraft—such as fighters, attackers, or multi-role jets—to your comrades.

Electronic warfare aircraft have become a unique class. They act as a type of supporter, using special weapons to provide buffs to nearby allies, such as improved lock-on capabilities or missile power. Assigning a comrade to this aircraft allows you to fight with buffs when powerful enemies appear.

Using the D-pad on a DualSense controller, you can command the squadron. There are four total commands, such as ordering them to disperse to eliminate enemies or focusing attacks on the target the Player is currently aiming at.

Pressing down on the D-pad issues a support command to escort the Player. When ordered, comrade aircraft fly at the Player's 6 o'clock position, protecting them from enemy attacks. Because they deploy chaff in response to enemy missiles, it becomes easier to approach target aircraft more aggressively.

Comrade aircraft are also equipped with special weapons, and the Player decides when to use them. Once authorized, comrades begin using their SP weapons, and they frequently report their remaining ammunition via radio.

Based on the demo, the comrades' special weapons felt like they ran out faster than expected. Therefore, it was necessary to use them strategically when facing giant enemy weapons or elite pilots.

'Ace Combat 8' Officially Launches October 2

Although the demo was a short four-hour session, it was enough time to get a good look at many of the features being prepared for 'Ace Combat 8' in celebration of the series' 30th anniversary.

From the sky, which is rendered even more beautifully than in the seventh game, to the real-time rendering and interactions on the ground, and the distinct personalities of the allies—I couldn't help but feel that many of the shortcomings I had felt in previous 'Ace Combat' titles have been addressed.

The story of becoming an ace of the skies for a invaded homeland and eventually reclaiming a lost country is always stirring. Moreover, in this title, the protagonist is merely a hero 'manufactured' by the media. What kind of events will unfold for the protagonist's squadron.

The end of that story will be revealed with the official launch of 'Ace Combat 8' on October 2.