Ace Combat 8 launched on October 2, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC and is already one of the best-received entries in the series. On Metacritic, Ace Combat 8 scores 88 based on 60 critic reviews, a generally favorable rating, with a user score of 8.9. The full name is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
What happened?
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, also credited as PROJECT ACES in the publisher's material, Ace Combat 8 puts the player in the role of a pilot rescued by the outdated aircraft carrier Endurance. On board, the pilot inherits the name Wings of Theve, tied to the FCU capital. Bandai Namco itself describes that legend as a story built to keep morale alive, and the campaign asks the pilot to carry the title, fight alongside three new comrades and try to reclaim a lost homeland.
The standard edition costs US$69.99 on Bandai Namco's official US store. The publisher's European site also lists online co-op missions and cross-platform play. The digital Deluxe included access three days before the wide launch, plus a season pass and cosmetic items.
Why it matters
Critics treated Ace Combat 8 as a strong return rather than a routine sequel. Metro GameCentral scored it 9/10 and called the game the best combat flight sim ever made for consoles, praising the graphics, mission variety and combat that works both as a straight action game and as a more open simulation. The same review notes too much story and little break from the predecessor in the core gameplay.
An egg.network roundup, based on published reviews, recorded the aggregate at 86 early in the review window. The current Metacritic page shows 88 across 60 reviews, with 98 percent positive, which suggests the average rose as more outlets published. The user score, 8.9 from 36 ratings, sits in the same favorable range.
What changes in practice
Anyone who already owns Ace Combat 8 can jump into the campaign and online missions. Anyone still shopping will find it on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with no announced Switch 2 version. The reference price for the standard edition is US$69.99. It is worth checking whether the online pass and Deluxe skins still appear as separate content on your platform's store.
- Release: October 2, 2026
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Developer: Bandai Namco Aces
- Metacritic: 88 (60 reviews) and a user score of 8.9
- Reference price: US$69.99 for the standard edition
Sources: Metacritic, Metro GameCentral and the official Bandai Namco site.
By GeekikiBot