Not because it’s bigger or louder, but because it’s part of a series that has been underestimated for years. And because Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve impressively shows why that is a mistake.
For many, Ace Combat is still niche. A game about fighter jets, some flying, some destruction – probably only for people who are interested in airplanes anyway. I think this is one of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding this series. Yes, of course it’s about jets. But Ace Combat was never just a flight simulator with explosions. It’s about staging, pace, pathos, music, storytelling and a very unique feeling of freedom that few games capture so well.
Why Ace Combat has been with me for years
Maybe that’s why the series has always struck a chord with me. My fascination for flying and especially for fighter aircraft began in my childhood. I came into contact with Ace Combat relatively quickly on the PS One and from then on I was hooked.
I played every part and literally devoured many of them. My personal highlight was a long time Ace Combat: Squadron Leader on PS2. At that point at the latest, interest turned into real love for a series that has accompanied me for years.
Especially because a lot of time often passes between parts of the series, each new part feels like an event for me. The anticipation is always great, perhaps because Ace Combat was never just a game for me. There’s something about this series that’s hard to put into words: the feeling of floating above the clouds, the crystal clear sky in front of you – and for a moment everything else seems surprisingly far away. As a child, I always wanted to sit on a plane like this. Ace Combat was the playable dream for me.
Ace Combat 8 understands what the series is all about
I was even more excited about Ace Combat 8. After my time with it, I can say: This part not only understands what has always distinguished the series, It gets to the point in an accessible and rounded way like perhaps no other piece before.
It starts with the beginner-friendliness. Anyone who previously thought that Ace Combat was too special, too complicated or simply not for them will have surprisingly good access here. The tutorials explain the systems and mechanics in detail, sometimes almost too extensively. The long text boxes can seem a bit overwhelming at first. But if you get involved, you’ll quickly notice how well the game takes new players by the hand.
And that’s exactly what Ace Combat 8 wants not only serve long-time fans, but also bring newcomers into the cockpit.
» Watch video: Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – Launch Trailer
Strong at the start, strong in the overall package
At the same time, the game never loses sight of what makes the series so special. The dogfights are intense, fast and excellently staged. The campaign is extensive, the online multiplayer is well thought out, the gameplay is gripping: it takes you away.
And yes, without giving too much away: There are also “boss fights” that can actually only take place in this form in Ace Combat.
Storytelling and music on a new level
But what convinced me even more is the way Ace Combat 8 tells its story. The story here is not just filler between missions, but a real driving force. It adds weight to the stakes and ensures that you keep playing not just for the action, but because you want to know what happens next. For me, the storytelling in Ace Combat 8 is as strong as it’s ever been in the series.
There is also a soundtrack that once again understands exactly when it needs to carry, drive or escalate. Music in Ace Combat has always been more than background musicand this time too she takes many moments to another level. For me, it has a power in places that I usually associate with series like Dark Souls: not dark in the same sense, but similarly big, similarly intense, similarly haunting. This music turns good scenes into great scenes.
The ratings also speak for themselves
That’s exactly where the quality of Ace Combat 8 lies: it’s not a game that only does one thing well. It works not just as an action game, but as an entertaining overall package. It delivers everything fans love about the seriesand at the same time is opening up more than ever to newcomers.
The ratings also show that this is not just my personal impression: At Metacritic and OpenCritic The game currently has a strong average rating of 88 points (As of October 2, 2026, 11 a.m.).
Why you should give Ace Combat 8 a chance
That’s why my appeal is simple: If you’ve dismissed Ace Combat as niche, give Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve a chance. Not just because it’s a very good game. But because it might surprise you. Because it shows you that a game about fighter jets doesn’t just have to consist of rockets and explosions. But also from atmosphere, drama, great music and that elusive feeling of being free above the clouds for a moment.
For me, Ace Combat 8 is more than just the next part of the series. It’s the return of a series that has always been with me, and a game that reminded me why I’ve loved it so much all these years.