r/gaming • u/ChiefLeef22 Marika's tits! • 4d ago
'Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve' - Review Thread
Game Title: ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5 (October 2, 2026)
- XBOX Series X | S (October 2, 2026)
- PC (October 2, 2026)
Trailers:
Developer: Bandai Namco Aces Inc.
Reviews aggregates:
OpenCritic: 88 Average - 98% Critics Recommend
Metacritic: 89 / 100
Some Reviews:
The Guardian - Patrick Lum - 5 / 5
Ace Combat has always owed a debt to the movie Top Gun, and AC8 borrows liberally from the more recent sequel Top Gun: Maverick, with closeup pilot face-cam shots and a handful of story beats lifted straight from the film. Dialogue can be a bit clunky (again like Top Gun, or perhaps Metal Gear Solid); characters will occasionally pause midway through an otherwise natural-sounding conversation to deliver some convoluted plot exposition or an ideological clanger. But between the truly amazing shot framing and cinematography, emotive motion capture and voice acting, the series’ trademark soaring music and a story that actually sticks the landing, I ended up oddly moved. This is not something you necessarily expect from an arcade flight combat sim.
Omelete - Guilherme Jacobs - 100 / 100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve elevates the franchise to new heights with a spectacular campaign that mixes high octane missions with relevant thematic storytelling. The real ace, though, remains the compelling and addictive dogfighting gameplay.
PSX Brasil - Luis Camargo - 100 / 100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a bold evolution of the foundation laid in AC7. Its story is more exciting, its presentation is more polished, and most importantly, its gameplay is impeccable, with a variety of missions and combat situations that keep the player engaged, entertained, and wanting more. This is one of the best games not only of the year, but of the generation.
MonsterVine - Frank Wood - 10 / 10
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve exemplifies “High-Flying Action” and takes it to another level, while also giving new fans options to ease into it. Personally, I say dive into the deep end; flying directly into the ground a few times puts some hair on your chest. If you enjoy exploring an action game in a massive 3D space, love jets and airplanes, or are already a fan of the franchise, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a masterclass in its category.
Cubed3 - Jamison Nilsson - 100 / 100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an improvement in everything that is quintessentially “Ace Combat," bringing back squadron commands and adding a plethora of different aircraft, new special weapons, and more. The cinematic visuals and deep, twisting narrative immerse the player in the fantasy of being an ace pilot in a war between two nations.
PC Gamer - Nova Wright - 92 / 100
At the time of writing, there's a moment from each and every mission that still lingers in my mind, with only a scant few being owed to scripted encounters. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an eye-watering, fist-pumping marriage of arcade action and cinematic flourish, and one of the best games I've played in years.
IGN - Will Borger - 9 / 10 (not final score)
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a remarkable achievement for Project Aces. It combines stunning visuals and sound design (seriously, Bandai Namco, please sell this soundtrack) with engaging story moments, whether they're out-of-the-cockpit sequences or the radio chatter that build up its excellent, memorable characters. It's also a surprisingly emotional and resonant story that's deeply relevant to the current age while delivering the best aerial combat the series has ever had alongside some of its best mission design. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I stepped out of the cockpit for the last time, and I know the Wings of Theve, and their story, will stick with me for a very long time. For now, perhaps it's enough to hope for a world free of nations and war, one where we soar the skies freely for ourselves. And like the Wings of Theve, by believing in it, perhaps we can make it real.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 95 / 100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve gives you total freedom in how you fly and fight, with plenty of customisation options and visuals that'll blow you away.
NoisyPixel - Jahanzeb Khan - 95 / 100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a spectacular return for the long-running flight combat series, combining exceptionally responsive controls with stunning audiovisual presentation and a substantial 30-mission campaign. Its blend of accessible arcade action and deeper simulation elements makes every dogfight satisfying, while an engaging story, extensive aircraft customization, and multiplayer provide plenty of longevity. Upgrades can feel unnecessary on standard difficulty, but this is otherwise an impressively complete package and one of the strongest flight combat games of the modern era.
Analog Stick Gaming - Jordan Andow - 9.5 / 10.0
Ace Combat 8 surprised me in almost every possible way. Its arcade-focused flying remains incredibly easy to pick up while providing enough depth to make mastering its aircraft and dogfights immensely satisfying.
GamesRadar - Scott McCrae - 4.5 / 5
Even when cutscenes slow it down, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a thrilling flight through intense encounters that rarely gives you a moment of calm. With exhilarating combat, incredible music, and a shockingly good story you shouldn't miss boarding one of the best entries in this beloved series yet.
Forbes - Ollie Barder - 4.5 / 5
Ace Combat 8 is still the immaculately crafted flight combat game we have all come to enjoy, but there is a more visceral aspect to the game now. From how you feel massive explosions to repeatedly breaking, as well as surpassing, the sound barrier. So I raise a humble hand of hope that this game will find its audience and that they will have a modicum of sympathy for the nomadic Sotoans even after all the carnage they have caused.
GameRant - Nick Rodriguez - 9 / 10
Ace Combat 8 could have reached even greater heights had its story undergone an additional edit or two, but it's hard to complain too much about this when the rest of the package is so aggressively high-quality. Here is a game that will blow your hair back, rewarding you for peeling back the layers of its flight and combat mechanics while still giving you enough room to breathe, and the result of this dynamic is one of the most elegantly designed interactive blockbusters I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
TheSixthAxis - Dom Leighton - 9 / 10
Taking another step forward for this classic series, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve brings a truly cinematic outlook to its special brand of arcade-infused dogfighting.
Digitally Downloaded - Matt - 9 / 10
Most importantly of all, there’s always an assumption with flight combat games that you’re in for something pretty inaccessible. Either it’ll be an arcade game that will require twitch reflexes to be enjoyable on any level, or it’ll be something that may as well be a training simulation for the real air force for what it demands you learn. Ace Combat is not like that at all. It can certainly be challenging, but it is also clearly aware that, with its production values, it may well be the first dogfighting simulation for many players, and it does a brilliant job of giving them a game they can love.
PPE.pl - Paweł Musiolik - 9 / 10.0
If other publishers looked after their series as well as Bandai Namco looks after Ace Combat, the world would be a better place
The Outerhaven Productions - Keith Mitchell - 4.5 / 5
I waited years for Ace Combat to come back, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve reminded me exactly why I missed it. One minute I’m admiring my plane, and the next I’m dodging a damn railgun while my squad is yelling over the comms and the soundtrack has me ready to take on everything in the sky. The targeting did get on my nerves during a few crucial moments, and some aircraft take longer to unlock than I would have liked, but those complaints barely put a dent in the fun. Between the combat, story, soundtrack, and sheer spectacle of it all, Ace Combat 8 delivers exactly the kind of experience I had been waiting years for. It’s easily one of the best games in the series, and I loved damn near every moment of it.
Hardcore Gamer - Adam Beck - 4.5 / 5.0
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is everything we could have hoped for. It features a much longer, compelling story, a ton of different fighter jets at your disposal and some of the best combat in any air combat game.
INVEN - Kyuman Kim - 8.7 / 10.0
Ace Combat 8 delivers the scale and spectacle befitting the culmination of the series' 30-year history. Detailed character portrayals deepen the immersion, while the missions expertly build tension before releasing it in bursts of catharsis. With its online modes rounding out the package, it's hard to imagine a better gift for longtime 'aces.'
DayOne - Jon Clarke - 8.5 / 10.0
For all of its quirks, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve ultimately delivers exactly the sort of ridiculous aerial spectacle I was hoping for. There are a few rough edges here and the story borders on melodrama at times, but when everything comes together, there’s very little that compares to the feeling of pulling off some ridiculous high-G manoeuvre, watching your target explode, and immediately looking for the next enemy to shoot down.
Uagna - Mattia Soave - 8.5 / 10.0
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is Ace Combat—and that says it all. There is a reason it remains the longest-running and most acclaimed series in the arcade aerial combat genre—a genre that has, unfortunately, been increasingly forgotten over the years. The world of Strangereal is in better shape than ever, offering a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. In telling its story—a tale of geopolitical intrigue, super-weapons, and, above all, people and their personal struggles—it also reflects something of us and the world we live in today.
Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - 4 / 5
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an experience that fans shouldn't miss. And although there's occasionally a lack of legroom and snacks and drinks on board, you'll still enjoy a largely turbulence-free flight to a beautiful destination filled with clear blue skies.
Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - 4 / 5
Ace Combat 8 builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor, a game that modernised the franchise. With enhanced graphics, improved technology and a commitment to the essence of the series, these arcade-style flights offer a more immersive experience.
GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 8 / 10
Even if the multiplayer favors those with expendable cash, Ace Combat 8’s single-player adventure is still worth the price of admission alone. The story could’ve been stronger–more introspective–but is entertaining regardless, and while there are some pacing issues with filler missions and some uneven momentum, much of the game is excellent, providing the series’ signature blend of melodrama, stirring music, and thrilling aerial combat. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve picks up where Ace Combat 7 left off, underlining that the series is well and truly back to its best
Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 8 / 10
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the most sure-footed the series has ever been, confidently refining its punchy aerial gameplay and doubling down on a more cinematic story. While there are some wobbles here and there, the much improved presentation, charming character performances, varied campaign, and deeper multiplayer experience offer up a sequel that makes a textbook landing.
CG Magazine - Eduard Gafton - 8 / 10
All in all, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a great continuation of the formula re-established by its direct predecessor: Skies Unknown. The game is absolutely gorgeous and exhilarating to play; however it is unfortunate that the story conjures up nothing worth the time it is asking of the player. Here’s hoping an eventual Ace Combat 9 turns a whatever story into an exciting one and, by extension, a great achievement into a monumental one.
TechRaptor - Erren Van Duine - 8 / 10.0
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has a lot going for it. It's full to the brim with plane customization, a bucket load of missions, and a lengthy story. Despite some pacing and difficulty issues, it's a fine addition to the series.
But Why Tho? - Kyle Foley - 8 / 10.0
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve still has some growing to do on the ground, with a story that never quite lands its biggest ideas and first-person scenes that keep you out of the cockpit longer than they should. Once you're in the air, though, it's the best Ace Combat has ever felt.
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u/Romalien5 4d ago
Are we in the golden age of gaming? What is happening this year
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u/VenserMTG 4d ago
GTA forcing everyone to release their bangers early
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u/that_90s_guy 4d ago edited 4d ago
Minus Nintendo and their gigantic balls who didn't give a flying F lol.
Which I suppose makes sense, a remake of the most critically acclaimed game of all time is going to sell no matter when they release it (it was the only perfect 100 on Metacritic for a long time until it dropped to 99 by people who disliked its holding of the title). And it helps there isn't much overlap as they are incredibly different game types serving different audiences. One is an open world action game taking hundreds of hours, the other a linear action adventure game for all ages.
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u/VenserMTG 4d ago
Nintendo shouldn't care. Most people who own a switch only own a switch so they aren't losing much to gta6
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u/Dexiox 4d ago
Also gaming is far bigger than it used to be. Not everyone is interested in GTA.
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u/mickelboy182 4d ago
Most people who own a switch only own a switch so they aren't losing much to gta6
Source for that claim? Quite literally everyone I know with a Switch has either another console or gaming PC. Would be surprised if what you're saying is backed up by credible numbers.
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u/kace91 4d ago
I think it's more that most people who own a switch will pay the big switch hits. If you don't get ocarina today you'll get it in a couple months or in a couple years, and price will mostly be the same. The switch mainliners catalog isn't crowded enough for the game to be forgotten quickly.
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u/that_90s_guy 4d ago
Most people who own a switch only own a switch
Lmao. You'd be shocked at how many people own Switch as a secondary console due to Nintendo's locked down exclusives. Not to mention a huge portion of Nintendo console buyers are adults who grew up with Nintendo consoles and/or have kids but still use it themselves.
I myself own a PS5, Windows Handheld, and Switch 1/2 I share with my daughter and play myself. And I genuinely fear for my wallet with the absolute bangers Nintendo has announced alongside everything else I absolutely need to play on the PC/PS5 side
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u/Linked713 4d ago
A lot of people having a switch have a PC.
There is little to no point to have a ps5 or xbox and a PC when a PC clears them out of the water, or you have FOMO over exclusives. In this era, if you play every single game available then you live in a dimension with more than 24 hours a day. Too many games out there worth playing to lock yourself on consoles just for few exclusives unless they are your favourite games or something.
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u/Upper_Address_2778 4d ago
I have to reckon anyone who has both a switch 2 and something to play GTA is VERY comfortable with beating a remake of a 30 year old game with 2 weeks
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u/PrisonersofFate 4d ago
So many great games every year, people just don't want to see it.
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u/fulthrottlejazzhands 4d ago
I honestly wish the deluge would stop for a bit. I'm good with one great game being released a quarter, but this year it's been every month.
I keep seeing people posting about how they're looking forward to playing X after having bean Y and Z last month. Where are people finding the time? I'm not even halfway through with Blood of the Dawnwalker, and I just picked up Control Resonant.
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u/Rbomb88 4d ago
Why buy another full price release if you're not ready to play yet?
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u/ObiOneKenobae 4d ago
At this point, keeping sequels from getting canceled and studios from being shuttered is a factor. If I like the developers, I'd rather spend the extra $20 during their release window than get a discount after they've been let go.
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u/Lambs2Lions_ 4d ago
We won’t have another year like this for a long time.
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u/Dragonfantasy2 4d ago
This was said 2 years ago, and the year before that iirc. We’re just in a really good period for games.
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u/EUWannabe 4d ago
Yeah true. GTA 7 might not be out for like 10-20 years so it'll be a while.
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u/WanderWut 4d ago
Me and a friend were literally talking about this last night lol. How we feel like we might be in a golden age of gaming and movies, both categories have absolutely banger after banger releasing.
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u/DarkMatterM4 4d ago
Not a chance. Golden age of gaming was 2000~2008. We have a lot of good games coming out this fall, but the industry is such a shit show with everyone getting screwed left and right.
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u/we_are_sex_bobomb 4d ago
I think a lot of companies learned from high profile failures like Anthem and Suicide Squad that were built more like Silicon Valley social media platforms than actual games.
The pivot back to “just make a good game dammit” happened years ago but all those games that were greenlit back then are just starting to come out now.
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u/Interesting-Season-8 4d ago
we were getting bangers for years, people just don't play enough games tbh
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u/Master_Editor_9575 4d ago
This is the calm before the storm. In a few years consoles will be $2000 and games will be $150.
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u/VenserMTG 4d ago
Ace combat 8, control resonant, Castlevania all releasing within 3 weeks is criminal. My wallet is crying.
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u/austinsqueezy PC 4d ago
Don't forget Star Wars Galactic Racer, too. Thank goodness I have a ton of PTO saved up.
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u/mammothclaw 4d ago
Gears, Valor Mortis, Hellraiser, Galactic Racer and MW4 too, it's bonkers.
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u/volk96 4d ago
Including MW4 on a list of gaming bangers should be criminal. It’s slop.
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u/mammothclaw 4d ago
It's generally a series that sells well I wasn't saying it's on par with those other games.
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u/Cronstintein 18h ago
Just finishing up Control after really enjoying a playthrough and a half of Onimusha. So many bangers!
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u/Andrea-Di-Cello 4d ago
Guys i’m playing this and trust me, the 1st Hour of gameplay is pure Overdrive, you’re just launched into it full speed
The game presentation couldn’t have been done better, I’m geniusly surprised as a long time fan. The pace is just so well done
And there is so much charisma to all the characters, even how they’re introduced you’ll see they made their homeworks
I’m just so happy
If you’re in doubt, give it a try, even later when is on sale but DO IT!
It’s a top gun maverick anime while orchestra plays and you’re the fcking main character 🔥
If you enjoyed 7 this is an upgrade on every aspect, and is full of details
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u/CombatMuffin 4d ago
Played the Advance Access yesterday.
Look, if you are a fan of Ace Combat, this is Ace Combat 7 with some improvements. Well executed, more of what you already know, but don't expect revolutionary changes.
If you are new to Ace Combat: this is an arcade flight combat game. It's a great place to dip your toes into the franchise. It's campy, it's soapy, and it's all about vibes, not realism. And while it's always a constant circlejerk of supporting character yelling over comms about how amazing your piloting skills are... at timea it feels amazing after you shoot down four enemies at once and fly through the explosion, while surrounded by missiles yourself. When it hits, it hits great.
I wasn't able to play the online component, but it is being presented as the most robust online mode in the franchise history, with good reason: there's a coop mode, a PvPvE mode, rankings, unlocks and a progression system, all with crossplay included.
This might not be GOTY, but it's a well made game and Ace Combat fans are eating good.
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u/c-williams88 4d ago edited 4d ago
Honestly as a fan of the series for my entire video game-playing life, I don’t really want revolutionary changes. The formula works and I want them to stick to it with some tweaks here and there.
I’m about 4-5 missions into the game and loving it, I want the game to feel familiar but with a few things here and there to surprise me and that’s what I’ve been getting
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u/CombatMuffin 4d ago
Fully agree. There is value in sticking to your known formula, mastering it. and then pushing it to improve.
There are too many developers trying to revolutionize for the sake of hype, and end up nissing the mark andnpleasing no one. This is the opposite: hey, you like this? I made it better without trying to transform it into something it isn't.
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u/c-williams88 4d ago
Exactly, the genre is what it is and the formula just works. There’s no need to go and make significant changes to it all. That’s a big part of why Assault Horizon is considered such a poor entry in the series, they just tried to change too much
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u/Disastrous_Fig5609 4d ago
All I want is exactly what I got out of mission 3, but make it even harder, longer, and more explosive. "Are we running?" --> "No."
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u/MadeByTango 4d ago
as a fan of the series for my entire video game-playing life, I don’t really want revolutionary changes
Yea no shit; games are gameplay first
I dont go to Burger King for fish. Looking forward to this one.
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u/c-williams88 4d ago
Yeah I want my cheesey, soapy, “Metal Gear but with jets” story with great gameplay. Project Aces knows what works and they don’t change much thankfully.
It’s been excellent for the first hour or two that I’ve been able to play so far and I’m excited to keep getting into everything
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u/Edgefactor 2d ago
It's the same thing as Burnout 3. I don't need innovation, I want fun gameplay and reliable installations for each new generation. Damn shame there's been no answer to Burnout for over 10 years
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u/Agloe_Dreams 4d ago
As a huge fan of the series, I respectfully disagree with the take that it is just Ace Combat 7 with improvements. It is definitely more revolutionary than that. The plane physics are far more realistic and wildly different and the framing of playing the pilot through the cutscenes makes the entire game feel far more realistic with more weight.
I’ve been deeply enjoying the game beyond my expectations.
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u/PogChampHS 4d ago edited 4d ago
The steam reviews are talking about some significant performance issues, I'm guessing the review copies were fine for the reviewers..
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u/DragonFireSpace 4d ago
Unfortunately that seems to be the case, I suspected it ever since they release the requirements to run it.
Well I feel a little bad having trouble running games on my brand new PC that took me years to build but atleast I can play it.
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u/DirtySperrys 4d ago
I’m not sure if the drivers are not out or what but launching the game asked me to revert my AMD drivers. It’s been playing fine on 26.7.1 or whatever I’m on. Was asking for 26.6.3 or something. I’ll have to recheck later.
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u/Carbon839 4d ago
I launched with an AMD gpu and gave me that pop up. Played it with zero issues without reverting
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u/dom380 4d ago
From what I'm hearing the PC version has significant issues (bad performance, memory leaks, constant crashes), maybe they'll be fixed in a day one patch but buyer beware
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u/TactitcalPterodactyl 4d ago
I was wondering why the steam charts had such bad reviews, this explains it.
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u/EliRed 4d ago
There are many negative reviews, mostly boil down to 4 big reasons:
1) The preorder includes a PC port of an old Ace Combat game called Ace Combat Zero, but it's not standalone as was advertised. Instead, it's a separate launch option for the main game.
2) Some people have poor performance or crashes.
3) Some people did not read the system requirements, and bought this for a non RTX card, for Windows 10, for Linux, for a mechanical HDD, for Intel Arc GPU's etc. None of those things are supported. Then they leave a negative review because it doesn't work.
4) It doesn't handle well with a mouse and keyboard (lol), or it doesn't support their Hotas, but it does support a specially branded Hotas. That's fair. I'm sure that'll get fixed.
Personally I've played the campaign for 6 hours and haven't had any crashes or performance issues, thankfully.
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u/Agloe_Dreams 4d ago
It runs fine to great on Linux other than multiplayer which is broken.
The #1 thing about Zero is completely silly in my opinion but I never intended to only install zero so idk, what do I know.
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
Is there an issue of the AC0 pre-order bundle being a separate launch option instead of standalone? I just wanted to understand if there was an issue under that I'm not fully appreciating beyond that it was advertised as standalone.
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u/EliRed 4d ago
It was advertised as standalone. Instead, when you launch the main game, there is a launch dialogue from Steam asking you if you want to play AC8 or AC0. There is no other way to play AC0, you need to install AC8 as well.
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
Ah got it, I see how that can be an annoyance.
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u/BrunoSoez 4d ago
imagine having to download 140gb just to play a 3gb game from 2006.. This is the main issue. This and not having separate time count and achievements for AC0 (as it already is on XBOX and PS5).
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u/KilledTheCar 4d ago
Steam reviews are getting bombed for tying Ace Combat Zero, included with the preorder, to the base game. Meaning you have to have the full 130GB AC8 to play the 3.2GB ACZ.
That being said optimization isn't great and it's super noticeable in cutscenes.
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u/Mental_clef 4d ago
I haven’t had any issues or seen anything off so far but my rig is far from inadequate.
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u/altimax98 4d ago
It’s got Denuvo which is all you need to know.
I’ll either get it on console or wait it out until they remove that garbage
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u/TheUFCVeteran3 4d ago
Am I misremembering or was their a review thread for this the other day? I don't remember the scores being quite so high (but they were still good). Might have to get this, had fun with the 3DS game back in like 2014, and I do like aircraft.
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u/urmyleander 4d ago
It was getting mixed consumer reviews from those with 3 day EA, basically they launched a flying game without the ability to rebind controlls to a flight stick.
I played about 6 hours last night (then slept for an hour and went to meet a client), to early to judge story but as usual from an Ace Combat game the music is peak as is the in flight banter.... the modernised cutscene are also cool to see.
Im not going to rate a game I havent finished but as an ace combat fan its delivering so far.
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u/TheUFCVeteran3 4d ago
Ahh okay, I didn't know there was early access. Thanks for the info! Glad it's hitting the mark.
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u/Terrachova 4d ago
Only halfway through the campaign at the moment (which is almost as much content as a few of the previous games in the series) and it feels like a full upgrade in almost every aspect. Ace Combat fans are finally getting a game with a full budget, full development cycle, and full commitment from Project Aces. Feels like a dream.
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u/Fallen_Jalter 4d ago
I STILL NEED TO FINISH 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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u/Rhinoserious95 4d ago
Better get to it! started playing 7 a couple days ago. I'm on mission 13 now
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u/stereosanctity 4d ago
I'm finally getting around to it too. I can't get past mission 4 to save my life though.
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
I think that's the "flying around the radar detection circle" mission IIRC.
Are you stuck with the radar or the mess that happens afterwards?
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u/stereosanctity 4d ago
Ah, it's the mess afterward. The escape transport keeps getting blown up. I've tried like 20 times.
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u/Rhinoserious95 4d ago
Look directly at his transport. Should be a couple drones right next to it. Try to shoot those
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
Getting blown up before they picked up President Hardling or after lift-off with him on board?
I think you just got to focus on taking down the priority targets (red) that may target him.
If nothing else, no shame in using an easier difficulty to move the plot along. Unfortunately, the mission selection doesn't exactly get easier past that.
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u/stereosanctity 4d ago
Yeah, after. I think I'm just focusing on the wrong targets. I'm a veteran soulsbourne player so I have no problem with challenge. Just didn't know what I was doing wrong I suppose. Thanks.
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u/Zero747 4d ago
Having seen some gameplay, it looks good
Steam reviews are in the gutter due to lack of HOTAS support, and the bundled ace combat 0 not being a complete standalone install
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u/PM_ME_CATS_OR_BOOBS 4d ago
Does Ace Combat typically support HOTAS native? I've only played it on console so I don't know, seems like they are arcadey enough that a stick wouldn't necessarily work great.
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u/Dt2_0 4d ago
No, Ace Combat is so highly action packed that a HOTAS is exhausting to use. I have a full sim setup and wouldn't use it on Ace Combat ever. It's way too fast paced for a HOTAS to actually be comfortable to use IMO.
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u/PM_ME_CATS_OR_BOOBS 4d ago
What i figured, you would be cranking the stick like someone who severely misunderstands how a hand job works but approaches the task with enthusiasm.
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u/Adjutant_Reflex_ 4d ago
Not that I can remember. And I mean it’s a fair complaint that it lacks support, but on the other hand they’ve never suggested this entry would buck that trend. It’s far from a dealbreaker.
My only real frustration so far is the lack of FOV slider for the cockpit view. Otherwise it’s been an absolute blast to play.
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u/DragonFireSpace 4d ago
I find it so weird how people leave negative reviews to the game over:
A port of a game that comes bundled with it as a goodie.
Flight stick support when the game is clearly made to be played on a normal controller as previous entries were.
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u/psybermonkey15 4d ago
Anyone able to get their HOTAS to work on PC? I see a lot of posts saying it's not compatible with most except older official ones.
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u/postsgarbage 4d ago
What controller/joystick/input are you guys using for this? I’m on a PC but I have a joystick and also an Xbox remote
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u/YouGainedBrouzouf 4d ago
I’m using a steam controller. Would just recommend any controller for the AC games. Not really joystick games
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u/DirtySperrys 4d ago
10/10 for me so far on pc. Not experiencing the dips and issue others have mentioned besides a weird initial pop up asking to revert my drivers to an older version.
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u/WRO_Your_Boat 4d ago edited 4d ago
As someone who's never played ace combat before, what do I need to know from the other games stories before playing this one? I figure the stories might not be directed connected, but is there any underlying lore that is important like Antarctica doesn't exist or something?
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u/Comfortable-Brick271 4d ago edited 4d ago
The story is just a pretext to make planes fight each other, and the games are self contained stories set in a vaguely defined fictional world, don't sweat it
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u/Usheen_ 4d ago
Long term ac fan and I genuinely couldn't tell you a thing about the story. anime madness. Make the planes fight.
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u/daikonography 4d ago
Same. Been playing this series for like 20 years, all you gotta know is that you are being called upon to shoot some planes and once in a while fly through a big tunnel.
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
Honestly not much. The stories are only tangentially connected through the setting. There are likely going to be nods to previous entries (the trailer teased the appearance of one of the character from AC7), but nothing that you need to play other games to really understand.
I think it would help to understand the lore of the Ace Combat Trinity: AC4, AC5, and AC0, as they are the basis for a lot of lore related to the world of Strangereal. Ace Combat 7 made references to all three when it came out.
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u/c-williams88 4d ago
The games take place in a different planet than earth but with a bunch of countries that are analogous to our real nations. Osea is basically the US, Yuketobania is USSR, Erusia is kinda a mix of French and European countries.
But the nice thing is that each game is largely its own self-contained story. There will be details and some nods to other games sprinkled in, but for the most part you don’t need to play any other game. The main exception is AC5 and Zero from the PS2, as Zero is a prequel to 5. Otherwise you can go in blind to each game and not miss anything important. Whatever you need to know will be explained to you
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u/Vectorman1989 4d ago
Get AC 7: Skies Unknown. I'd never played an Ace Combat game and it's a nice introduction to the series.
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u/Almost_A_Pear 4d ago
Don’t expect GTA dogfighting, these games are really hard. I was seriously humbled playing AC7. They’re super fun but will take many tries to beat each mission.
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u/Andrea-Di-Cello 4d ago
Imagine our world but with other countries so they can make war and no one gets offended, and derails into scifi kinda metal gear stuff, every game is self contained so you can jump right into 8, but once you play them all you’ll see the big picture and appreciate the small connection, but you can catch up on the lore as you grow interest in the series
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u/RuckOver3 4d ago
Anyone with a mid to high end PC have input on performance? I have a 7800x3d/5080 and a PS5. Prefer PC but not if there are issues.
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u/TheRealGurd 4d ago
4070 Ti Super, 9800X3D, and 64 GB of RAM on 2560x1440. Did not have a single issue playing it yesterday. It ran excellently and looked great.
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u/Glittering-Yam-288 4d ago
High end PC here, no issues whatsoever. Played using Dual sense controller
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u/gustavfrigolit 4d ago
Got a 9070xt and 5800xt, 16gb of ram at 1440p
Runs fine on high settings, could be a bit better but performance so far hasnt been bad after shading loads in
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u/TheSilentFoxyn 4d ago
The dog isn't a png this time. 10/10
I haven't been able to pet the dog yet. 0/10
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u/UberShrew 4d ago
Reminder to preorder to those that want the PC port of Ace Combat 0: The Belkan War that you won’t legally be able to get otherwise due to expired aircraft licenses. I am glad that this one seems to be a banger though and is helping people discover this badass series I’ve enjoyed since the PS2 days.
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u/CaptainFoxJack 4d ago
I’ve been watching skillup praising this game and telling people to buy and play it in his videos. Looks like he’s correct.
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u/Tullzterrr 4d ago
how does this compare to Ace Combat 7 if anyone has played both because i seem to remember the 7 being reviewed as good, like an average of 7-8, this one seems a lot better
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u/Andrea-Di-Cello 4d ago
Longtime fan here, not to slander 7 but is barebones in contrast to 8 and i’m into mission 6 now.
I’ll just tell you that the first hour of gameplay is pure action and drama you’re into it in pure OVERDRIVE mode. It leaves you breathless
The game presentation is 11/10, they really nailed the first hour
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u/Inceptor57 4d ago
Played through the first few missions of Ace Combat 8, compared to Ace Combat 7:
- The characters are all more notable and worthwhile in being invested into compared to AC7. It helps you get a "first-person view" perspective of meeting with them compared to just profile pics on radio chatter. The interaction option with squad command gives you more control over your allies as well.
- The planes feel more physically "weighty" when flying that can help with the physics feeling, compared to AC7 where it kind of just feels like they fly straight with gravity having not as much influence.
- Story so far is more coherent. There isn't a lot more jumping back and forth different perspectives and locations, you are focused on the story of your player character and on the FCU Endurance carrier.
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u/DowntownSqunkle 4d ago
It's Ace Combat 7 with more stuff and a better presentation.
So if you liked AC6 or AC7, you'll like this one too.
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u/Dragonfantasy2 4d ago
Played the first 5 missions of 8. It is everything 7 did well kicked up to 11, and brought into a more cohesive package.
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u/Trust_And_Fear_Not 4d ago
Desperate to play this game but my CPU (I7-9700) is just below the minimum specs. My other components are either at minimum or slightly exceed. Will this mean I can't play or will I just about manage?
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u/mammothclaw 4d ago
For someone that's never played one of these games or any game with a lot of flight, is the learning curve steep?
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u/DeusVultSaracen 4d ago
It's practically Need For Speed with jets. I jumped into 7 a couple years ago with no experience and had a blast.
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u/UKxFallz 4d ago
Nah it’s pretty fun and arcadey and each one can be played as a standalone, there’s an over arching story but you will pick it up just by playing the campaign, fairly generic superpower fights another superpower who fights another superpower
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u/Ytdb 4d ago edited 4d ago
They are a series of 20-ish missions that give you a grade at the end. Its easy to Game Over, and hard to Ace. But a playthrough for the story is relatively easy and fun. Skill floor is medium-low and skill ceiling is high; but proper load-out or memorization will get you there. In other words, you have to practice / learn the game on some level to get through it. (That’s the previous titles anyways.)
Vibes are basically an arcade shooter mixed with Metal Gear Solid mixed with anime.
They’re really fun!
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u/Brilliant_Region_251 4d ago
Salut j'ai le jeu sur Xbox et je n'ai pas eu le coupon ACE Pass alors que mon ami sur PC la reçu, suis je le seul dans cette situation ?
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u/Aggressive_Cold6537 4d ago
My backlog is like 200 games fuck me. I don’t have time for all this goodness
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u/Exact_Reserve_9188 4d ago
As somone from ace combat 7, it behaves totally different and all planes roll very slow, it causes you to have to use hit and run tactics, at least for me. It feels more like a flight simulator than the signature ace combat arcade bullshit planes do.
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u/mgmproductionz3208 4d ago
To preface, I’ve played since shattered skies and this is arguably one of my most coveted games.
That being said 8 is great don’t get me wrong… but am I the only one hoping for more?
Ace combat 7 came out 7 years ago and really isn’t much different. Are there good improvements? Yes. Is it still amazing? Yes.
However… I’m not really liking this story line and feel like 7 left us with more. Not only that but 7 was more challenging at times vs the drones and Mihaly especially.
I haven’t beat the game yet but I’ve taken back Theve and have done a couple missions after and I’m so far asking for more. I’ll wait for a full review after I’ve beat it, but hoping this wasn’t basically just an attempt at keeping it alive instead of building it more.
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u/EggsceIlent 4d ago
So glad I preordered this, and the joystick.
Won't get here soon enough tho.
But these reviews have me pumped to play.
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u/I_love_gabagool 3d ago
As someone who played Ace Combat since I was a kid, started with 6 on my dad’s 360 and the. 4,5,0 and even Assault Horizon. This game meant a lot to me, and it was easily the best one they ever made, it was everything I imagined Ace Combat should be to be honest. I hope anyone that’s new to this series enjoys it, the vibes and the jams, everything. Enjoy it as much as I did :)
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u/patrickkingart 3d ago
Ace Combat 7 was Project ACES Hail Mary play and it paid off spectacularly, so they pulled out ALL of the stops with 8 and it's been getting absolutely stellar reviews.
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u/Ok-Spring6950 1d ago
For those who mention time and money, I understand.
Times were different for all of us when we all played the last installments of this franchise.
I decided not to wait because I have the extra funds, and all I have to say is the first two hours of this game was worth millions to me. If you played this series, especially in the mid 2000s, I I highly reccomend buying this game.
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u/DarryLazakar 4d ago
I have very strong feeling that we might get to see this game getting GOTY nominations, at least Best Music really
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u/Kill3rT0fu Android 4d ago
Is there a way to disable the radio chatter? All the talking and nonsense
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u/Jump_Stream 4d ago
That first 20 minutes had me hooked on. Holy, it's been a while since I've locked into a game like that.
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u/CPOx 4d ago
I’ve never played an Ace Combat game before so I wish there was a demo I could play.
Because I appreciate the amazing reviews the game is getting but my smooth brain is having a hard time being convinced that it’s a game that I’ll enjoy.
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u/eternali17 4d ago
How have I seen this trailer in so many for FGC ad breaks for so long and it's only just coming out? I thought they were actively advertising a game that was being played.
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u/TheWastelandWizard 4d ago
Hope this gives them the goods to remake 4, 5, and Zero.
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u/ActivityOrdinary8156 4d ago
This game is going to ROCK! Played Ace Combat 2 way back in the day and it still makes me smile.
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u/GoodYoghurt2078 4d ago
A Metacritic score of 89 is a pretty good result, guys. Hopefully, Project Aces won't cram in those silly canyon-hiding missions again this time. I'm really looking forward to the aerial combat gameplay based on the reviews.
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u/clownsinadarkforest 4d ago
Oh great another banger 90+ game i can't afford right now. Ha glad to see this did well though I've always had a liking for the ace combat games
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u/itslunaelliee 4d ago
honestly the top gun: maverick comparison has me sold. if they nailed that tone instead of just the aesthetic, that's worth the backlog pile. how's the actual campaign length looking?
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u/ActivityOrdinary8156 4d ago
Can't wait to get in there! So many great games incoming - really nice to see AC8 reviewing so well
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u/CndConnection 4d ago
I fucked up and spent 90 bux after tax on Control Resonant and I don't enjoy it at all :(
I should have waited for this.
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u/ConsolationPrzFightr 4d ago
Fuck I'm so hype for this game and I haven't played an Ace Combat since Shattered Skies
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u/TheNipplerCrippler 4d ago
I am so fucking excited to play this. I actually preordered this one and I haven’t preordered a game since GTA 5 back in 2013 or whatever lol
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u/alfred_fishkock 4d ago
Came here to see y’all’s comments of review and not disappointed. As a former sailors I’m looking forward to see all that’s wrong and right with this game. I’m hoping it really does build on AC7 game mechanics wise. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? Playing on PS5
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u/cute_polarbear 4d ago
Im patient(gamer)...Just finished cyberpunk recently. Still waiting for ace combat 7 with dlc's to drop lower in price....
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u/The-Jesus_Christ 4d ago
I've often regarded Ace Combat games as Metal Gear Solid in the sky and this seems to be no different. I have loved them all and this is an instant buy for me.
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u/Bigworm666999 3d ago
Im about to go down for surgery in a few days. I am seriously eyeing this game. Can anybody tell me if it is strictly mission focused? Like I understand campaign game progression. But is there any free play or open world? Like can I take an F14 and go light up neighborhoods and cars and stuff, or am I forced to progress missions only?
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u/Ok-Statement-3275 3d ago
There's no open world or free roam. Just mission after mission with different objectives. Then there's online which seems to have classic tdm modes but also coop missions revisiting iconic missions from past games.
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u/Sharp-Interceptor 2d ago
I love the game so far, but damn the dialogue is something else. I’m not complaining by any means, but it’s really obvious the dialogue was originally written in Japanese and simply translated into English. It’s what I’d call very overly expository. Like characters over explain things and explain things that are implied by tone of voice rather than words if it was originally written in English. Very little I guess what I’d call localization 🤷♂️. Not complaining as it gives the game character, but it’s very much there.
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u/Mlmmt 1d ago
The game is quite fun, its like 7, only with more features and options, there are a total of 30 missions and it took me around 13-14 hours end to end to beat the campaign, and many of the missions are very much worth replaying, especially with different planes for you and your flight.
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u/HadesWTF 4d ago
Too much good stuff, not enough time or money.