Key information
GamingTrend published a review for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, based on a retail PC copy provided by Bandai Namco. The reviewer notes that the game represents over three decades of arcade air superiority and earns its title as this generation's ace.
The campaign features 30 unique missions. Players can earn money to spend on an upgrade tree for 30 unlockable planes, categorized into blue for air-to-air, red for air-to-ground, purple for both, and green for electronic support. Each plane supports gear slots for enhancements like faster acceleration, high-G turns, and missile range improvements.
The reviewer experienced a dense, difficult narrative start featuring unfamiliar nations and terms, alongside cheesy story beats that prompted eye rolls. However, the tale eventually hooked the reviewer emotionally and drove them to see the credits roll. Defensively, players get limited chaff and flares, relying heavily on hard banking, braking, and squad assistance.
Beyond the campaign, Ace Combat Online includes Co-op Assault, Co-op Warfare, and 4v4 Team Deathmatch modes, letting players earn XP, pilot ranks, skins, and emblems. The reviewer concluded that the title is one of the best modern arcade flight experiences available.
