Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Reviews
While the story drags in places and fumbles some heavy themes, that bumpy runway still doesn’t prevent Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve from taking to the skies.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the most polished and confident release in the series
Review in Greek | Read full review
Ace Combat 8 understands that fighter jets are cool. This is probably why it connected with me as much as it did.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve marks a glorious return for the franchise after seven years, one that feels better to play and is more intense than ever before.
Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve was one of my most anticipated games of 2026 and it delivered beyond even my lofty hopes and dreams for this game. It’s great story and fantastic characters help compliment the ace of this game, the aerial combat. Flying a fighter jet has never felt more satisfying. Some small pet peeves aside, Ace Combat 8 is one of the years best.
With Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, Project Aces has produced a particularly comprehensive instalment, driven by an excellent campaign and flying mechanics that are as impressive as ever.
Review in French | Read full review
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve really impressed me. Although some of the missions were duds, and the multiplayer is a little light on modes, this is air combat at its best. Fluid controls, incredible visuals, and one hell of a campaign make this a game I can easily recommend. If you’ve been clamouring for something in the air combat genre, then you need look no further! With all that said, I’ll be giving Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an almost perfect game. The developers have done an outstanding job of implementing new technical features while preserving the series signature atmosphere. As a result, both veterans and newcomers will have a fantastic time playing it.
Review in Polish | Read full review
If you are in the mood to be an ace pilot and want to see what Bandai Namco does best, Ace Combat is where you need to look. When it comes to the series, Wings of Theve is one of the best entries yet, showing that the Aces team isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Instead, it is continuing to push the limits that the series has to offer to new heights.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers thrilling, accessible aerial combat with an interesting story, near-photorealistic visuals at its best and around 30 missions, a great new chapter despite minor stutters and weak ground textures.
Review in German | Read full review
From the high-level plot to gameplay that embraces both newcomers and veterans, to an exceptional technical department on PC, Ace Combat 8 represents a huge step forward. For the first time in the series, war isn't told only as a succession of military missions; it also makes room for the psychological consequences of the conflict, the weight of collective expectations, and the construction of heroes. All in all, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is without the slightest doubt the best entry in the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
This is the best installment in the series to date. Project Aces has managed to create a massive, varied, and spectacular campaign that shines not only for its aerial combat but also for a surprisingly deep story, full of meaningful messages and characters that ultimately leave a lasting impression.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve reaffirms why the franchise continues to lead the aerial combat genre. It is a polished, visually stunning, and immensely entertaining experience that no fan of action and aviation games should miss. It is well worth experiencing.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ace Combat 8 is absolutely stunning. Even knowing the franchise's history and how talented the team at Project Aces is when it comes to making flight combat games, I don't think anyone expected something THIS good. Responsive controls, masterful mission design, flawless audiovisual presentation, and a multiplayer mode that feels like a complete game in its own right. Wings of Theve tells the legendary story of an ace pilot who single-handedly carries an entire nation on his shoulders, but the truth is, Bandai Namco is the one carrying the entire aerial combat genre on its shoulders. This tradition began back on the original PlayStation, and it's wonderful to see that it's still alive and thriving to this day.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve: Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve delivers excellent aerial combat, varied missions, intense dogfights and spectacular boss encounters, while its improved presentation and outstanding soundtrack further strengthen the overall experience. The story and some of its characters have their weaknesses, but it is difficult not to get caught up in the action when you are in the middle of a massive aerial battle trying to outmaneuver an enemy ace. Project Aces has delivered one of the strongest arcade flight shooters in the series and a very successful return after a long wait. – NikolaOtasevic
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers an immersive aerial combat experience with spectacular visuals, accessible controls, and a varied campaign of around 30 missions. Its cinematic first-person sequences and intense dogfights make the conflict feel more personal, while the expanded multiplayer offers plenty of content to keep players engaged. Although the story can be predictable and some missions and dialogue slow the pace, it’s a strong return for the franchise that successfully balances accessibility and excitement.
Review in French | Read full review
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers a surprisingly gripping narrative about propaganda and war legends without sacrificing its signature, spectacular flight combat. With the great balance of controls that cater to both new players and veterans, Wings of Theve offers some of the best dogfighting in franchise history. Dynamic weather and hefty flight physics push the adrenaline to entirely new heights.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is a must-have title because when you find yourself soaring through its skies, flying through clouds as you search for your next target, or listening to your squadron over the radio, the game manages to convey exactly that feeling of being an elite pilot. The campaign, the variety of aircraft, the progression, and spectacular audiovisuals come together to form a very solid package. Yes, ACE COMBAT is back, and it maintains an outstanding standard.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A strong campaign and exhilarating combat help Wings of Theve rise above its turbulence. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers the thrilling dogfights, rewarding progression and cinematic spectacle the series is known for, backed by impressive visuals, strong audio design and excellent performance. While a steep learning curve, occasional mission frustrations and an underdeveloped multiplayer component hold it back from reaching greater heights, fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers willing to learn its systems will discover an exciting aerial adventure.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivered one of the best aerial combat experiences in the series, thanks to enjoyable gameplay, diverse missions, and a weather system that adds real depth to the battles. However, it fails to fully utilize its story ideas and characters the way they deserve. Despite the clear improvement in gameplay and missions, it remains a strong and enjoyable experience for military flight fans, proving that the series is still capable of delivering unforgettable aerial dogfights.
Review in Arabic | Read full review