Bandai Namco Aces has ignited excitement among fans with the announcement of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE at The Game Awards 2025. Initially hinted at through a leaked actor’s resume suggesting a 2025 release, the game is now officially set to launch next year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X. This new chapter arrives seven years after the last mainline installment, promising thrilling gameplay for enthusiasts of the franchise.
A New Era for ACE COMBAT
Reports suggest that ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will elevate the series with the integration of the powerful Unreal Engine 5 and unique proprietary technology. Players can anticipate a visually stunning and ultra-realistic aerial experience in this new iteration. The game includes an immersive campaign mode that places gamers in the cockpit as ace pilots, exploring an emotional narrative of identity and duty while battling for their homeland’s survival. Players can also engage in high-speed aerial dogfights through the game’s multiplayer modes, challenging friends and foes alike.
Continuing the Legacy
The ACE COMBAT series has always pushed the boundaries of visual excellence and arcade-inspired gameplay within the flight shooting genre. In ACE COMBAT 8, players will pilot real-world fighter jets across various global locations, characterized by breathtaking visual detail and effects. They will navigate through realistic cloud expanses, detailed terrains, and challenging weather conditions. Bandai Namco Aces has also hinted at the inclusion of engaging cinematics, with players having the option to view them from a first-person perspective, enhancing the immersive storytelling experience.
The announcement trailer offers a glimpse into the game’s Campaign Mode, where players assume the role of an ace pilot in Strangereal, a fictional conflict-ridden world. Players will experience the gravity of command, the significance of decisions, and the bonds formed in the heat of battle. With their nation, the Federation of Central Usea (FCU), overrun and its naval forces decimated, players become the legendary ‘Wings of Theve.’ This iconic ace pilot stands as a beacon of hope for the homeland, embarking with three new fighter pilots on a mission to reclaim their nation and eradicate the threats they face, carrying the hopes of the FCU citizens.