Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Review - Mostly Ace, Lots Of Combat

First Released October 2, 2026

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Published Sep 25, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

The Ace Combat series has been on ice for nearly a decade, but now Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is back to try and claim the crown.

My first experience with Ace Combat was the very first game in 1995. I came across it at a Blockbuster, and the "Namco" label was enough for me to check it out. 30 years later, I'm still keeping up with the series when I can, and it remains one of the most memorable flight simulator games to date.

Part of the reason why Ace Combat has endured so long is its focus on accessibility. A handful of great simulators aim to recreate the feeling of flight, but Ace Combat stays in its arcade-like lane while building a unique universe of its own and drawing on real-life inspirations.

Those decades of effort continue in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, which feels like a proper modern incarnation of this classic franchise.

The Sky Is Gorgeous

One of the first things I did after taking off for the first time in Ace Combat 8 was fly into the clouds, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a gorgeous game, and as condensation wicked off my HUD, I knew I was in for a good time. The draw distance in Ace Combat 8 is impressive, and a huge reason why Ace Combat has historically been great at showing off the wonder of flying.

That wonder comes with risks, too. Your engine can stall out if you're in cold weather too long or push your ship too hard, which makes Ace Combat 8 feel like a cohesive game fully committed tothe fantasy of flight.

Simple controls will get you going with no problem, but you can also use the more advanced expert controls, which some hardcore fans will want to pair with a flight stick and rig. It's a genius formula Bandai Namco has used for ages, as it lets anyone learn the basics with a low skill floor while still offering a high ceiling.

If you are invested in the Ace Combat universe, the game does take place after Ace Combat 7, but it's easy to get caught up in inferred dialogue. Plus, the game's made-up universe introduces plenty of new characters, countries, and conflicts, so you'll get up to speed shortly after the first few missions.

You play someone in the Federation of Central Usea who is literally getting their bearings during the intro of the campaign. It's a fast onboarding sequence that feels fun to play, like you're joining a small ragtag squad in the moment and meeting all your partners in combat.

Ace Combat 8's Campaign Gets The Job Done

The key to the campaign is that it offers up a lot of tension. Commanding a squad, in particular, is one of the most fun aspects of the campaign, as you can have them fly freely, focus on a particular target, or cover you. There's also the option to "enable" special weapons clearance (so they don't waste them in an encounter against cannon fodder).

It's a small extra, but it connects you with your squad in an interesting way, especially if you're living through a desperate and tense moment where you need to unload everything you have on a target, lest you fail a mission.

Having a fallen pilot do the narration is a nice touch, and although it doesn't always work (especially with the forced crew moments that can feel like a miss sometimes), it does make Wings of Theve stand out from a lot of other games. Professor Baxter, Coster, and Tasha have personalities of their own, and kind of roll with the punches outside of missions, while listening to your orders in combat.

While the story does falter at times (and the character designs/personalities don't sing in some cases), it is enough, as it sets up a ton of organic moments in missions where you feel like you're having the time of your life.

Feedback Helps You Become A Better Pilot

Lots of feedback details can inspire you to get better at the game. There's a replay feature after missions (even in the campaign), plus a full map simulator afterward that shows you and your squad's flight paths.

Stats are plentiful, so you can min-max if you want, and most importantly, it leaves plenty of room to experiment with new planes and loadouts.

If you're a long-time Ace Combat fan, you'll find a lot to love in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, especially if you stick with it and start exploring its systems. If you're new to the series, you'll likely find plenty to latch onto in the first few hours, and you'll discover why Ace Combat has lasted this long in this industry.