Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers an immersive flying experience that draws players into high-stakes dogfights and aerial combat. Kotaku's hands-on session with the game found a title that generates visceral, full-body engagement. The reviewer went from Ace Combat novice to experienced pilot in roughly an hour, executing dogfights, pursuing targets, and completing bombing runs against naval targets.
The game opens with three tutorial missions designed to make Ace Combat more accessible than previous entries. Producer Manabu Shimomoto confirmed this is a deliberate effort. Players then move into the campaign proper, where they step into the role of a protagonist inheriting the identity of a famous, deceased pilot. The opening mission structure combines briefings with tactical planning options and jet customization before combat begins.
Ace Combat 8 positions itself as two games in one: a dogfighting sim and a wartime tactics game. Players can customize aircraft, weapons, and squadron loadouts. The game features a first-person cockpit perspective and dynamic cloud effects that create moments of genuine tension and disorientation.
The multiplayer overhaul represents the studio's most ambitious online offering. Wings of Theve supports 100-player lobbies, co-op missions where squadmates take on distinct roles, and traditional PvP modes. The game will run seasons of content every two months and include a battle pass system. Kotaku noted this live-service structure raises concerns given industry layoffs tied to declining returns from such models.
The reviewer did not experience announced new features, including a first-person hub area where players interact with characters and environment, likely aboard a carrier or base. The campaign takes roughly 25 hours.