Plenty of Japanese series have become major hits in the US, justifying longtime fans' adoration. Yakuza became a household name thanks to Yakuza 0. Armored Core rised to stardom with the launch of Armored Core 6, and in 2019, Ace Combat 7 sold like hotcakes, critically acclaimed both in Japan and the US.
Despite the gangbusters 7 sold, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has broken franchise records, hitting the 1 million copies sold threshold faster than any other game in the series. The game has received critical and consumer adoration, with many claiming it to be the best of the shockingly heartfelt arcade flight sim.
A Heart on Its Wing
Despite the hiccups the rest of the industry is facing, Bandai Namco has had a few heavier hitters that don't seem to be letting up. Armored Core, Tekken, and most outstandingly, Ace Combat. The series is proud of its particular niche, providing pulse-pounding piloting action alongside deeply earnest stories about war and the people who fight it.
The series doesn't sugarcoat the trauma of civilians or soldiers, while still allowing players to feel like an absolute maverick, often painting your squad as the final make or break between...
