The next installment in Bandai Namco’s Ace Combat franchise, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, is set to launch in 2026, promising a blend of authentic air combat elements and arcade-style action. The development team at Project Aces has consulted with former combat pilots to inject realism into the game while ensuring engaging gameplay for players.
Balancing Reality and Gameplay
One key insight from interviews with pilots was the inherent danger of flying through clouds, leading to a surprising design choice: in-game pilots will avoid cloud cover, unlike their real-world counterparts who might fear it. This reflects the series’ long-standing approach of merging serious stakes with arcade-friendly mechanics. For example, the game will simulate cloud physics with a new technology called “Cloudly,” allowing players to track enemy planes by contrails after they emerge from cover.
This isn’t about slavishly recreating flight; it’s about enhancing tactical options. The team has also incorporated realistic visual cues, such as sunlight glinting off enemy cockpits, to make dogfights more immersive. Yet, the developers emphasize that player enjoyment remains the priority.
A Fictional World with Real-World Inspiration
Ace Combat 8 takes place in Strangereal, the series’ fictional world filled with nations loosely inspired by real-world geopolitics. The game’s setting is a key part of the experience, allowing for high-stakes conflicts without the constraints of historical accuracy. The story begins with the player as a nameless pilot rescued from the ocean after a battle, forced to fight alongside the remnants of the defeated Federation of Central Usea against the oppressive Republic of Sotoa.
The development team went deep into world-building, mapping out invasions and political maneuvers, even though only a fraction of this work will be visible in the final game. The fictional backdrop lets them explore themes of war and politics without being bound by real-world events.
The Future of Air Combat
While the real world is shifting towards unmanned aerial vehicles, Project Aces has learned from player feedback that Ace Combat fans enjoy the visceral thrill of man-on-man dogfights. The game will therefore prioritize classic aerial combat over drone warfare, despite its growing prevalence in modern aviation. The developers acknowledge the need to strike a balance between realism and entertainment, ensuring that the game remains fun even as it incorporates authentic elements.
The Ace Combat team is focused on delivering an experience that honors the details of real-world fighter jets – even down to the placement of bolts on the F-18E Super Hornet, a favorite among the developers – while still prioritizing player agency and engaging gameplay.
Ultimately, Ace Combat 8 aims to provide a thrilling, yet grounded, air combat experience that blends realism with the series’ signature over-the-top action.
