Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Review Roundup: What the Critics Say

Ace Combat 8 reviews put Wings of Theve among the best-reviewed games of 2026. It holds a Metascore of 87 on PS5 and PC (88 on Xbox Series X) and an OpenCritic Top Critic Average of 87, with 99% of 103 critics recommending it. It launched on 1 October 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and Bandai Namco says it became a million seller faster than any other game in the series' 30-year history.

This is a review roundup: we've gathered the scores and the main praise and complaints from the biggest outlets, plus what Steam players and Bandai Namco itself are saying about the launch.

Ace Combat 8 at a glance

Scores checked on 11 October 2026. Aggregate scores move as more reviews arrive.

What is Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve about?

Ace Combat 8 is the latest arcade flight-combat game from Project Aces, the team behind the series, set once again in the fictional world of Strangereal. You fly as an elite pilot through a story-driven campaign, with first-person cinematic scenes between missions where you bond with your squad and face hard choices. The skies use dynamic, multi-layered clouds, and the aircraft roster is large.

Alongside the campaign, Ace Combat Online is the most expansive multiplayer in the series' history, with the first online lobby (an air base you explore with your own avatar), online co-op missions, PvP and cross-platform play.

Ace Combat 8 review scores

What do critics like about Ace Combat 8?

• The flying. PC Gamer called it arcade flight action refined to the highest level and a must-play for aviation fans, and Push Square said it's the most sure-footed the series has ever been.
• Back to its best. GameSpot said it picks up where Ace Combat 7 left off and shows the series is well and truly back to its best. GameRant called it one of the most thrilling, sharply designed action games in years.
• Story and aircraft. Hardcore Gamer praised a much longer, compelling story and a big roster of fighter jets, and TheSixthAxis liked its more cinematic approach.
• Good for newcomers. TheGamer found it one of the strongest entry points for new players while still a treat for long-time fans.
• Online. Several reviewers, including Shacknews, expect to keep flying multiplayer sorties long after finishing the campaign.

Image: Bandai Namco

What do critics dislike about Ace Combat 8?

• Time out of the cockpit. But Why Tho? felt the first-person story scenes keep you out of the cockpit for too long, and that the story never quite lands its biggest ideas.
• Series knowledge. CBR found the story bogged down by assumed knowledge of the world, though its cast of characters makes it worth following.
• Playing it safe. GamersGlobal and PCMag Middle East both felt it refines what already works rather than trying anything really new.
• A learning curve. AltChar admitted the first few hours were humbling until it stopped expecting Top Gun and learned to fly the game's way.

What are Steam players saying about Ace Combat 8?

Steam players rate it Very Positive (82% of more than 17,700 reviews), a little cooler than critics. Most of the complaints are about the launch rather than the game itself, and Bandai Namco has acknowledged them in its own Steam posts:

• PC crashes. On 2 October it opened a crash report thread and said it's actively working on the crashes some PC players are seeing.
• Online matchmaking. On 9 October it confirmed that mission matchmaking can be harder to establish than intended in some environments, partly when players connect from PCs below the system requirements. An update with fixes and gameplay adjustments is being prepared, with no date yet.
• Flight sticks. Some configuration options for HOTAS and flight sticks available in Ace Combat 7 aren't in Ace Combat 8 yet. Bandai Namco has apologised and says it's working to bring the experience closer to Ace Combat 7.
• The Ace Combat Zero bonus. On Steam, the pre-order bonus Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is played inside Ace Combat 8 rather than as a separate game, because of licensing restrictions. Bandai Namco apologised for not making that clear and is looking at options.

Ace Combat 8 PC requirements

The PC version is demanding: it needs a graphics card with hardware ray tracing, DirectX 12 with Shader Model 6.6, Windows 11 and an SSD with 150GB free. Bandai Namco's own estimate is 1080p (upscaled) at 30fps on Low settings at minimum, and 60fps on Medium at recommended.

Watch the Ace Combat 8 launch trailer

Is Ace Combat 8 worth it?

Based on the reviews, yes, especially if you enjoyed Ace Combat 7 or like arcade flying: critics almost unanimously recommend it, and it's one of the highest-rated games of the year. The main things to weigh are a story some found melodramatic, cutscenes that keep you on the ground, and a cautious approach that refines rather than reinvents. On PC, check that your graphics card supports ray tracing, and if you fly with a HOTAS or rely on online play, it may be worth waiting for the first big update.

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Ace Combat 8 FAQ