Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review: soaring combat, snoreworthy story

Ace Combat 8, the latest entry in the popular arcade flight sim series, has arrived. This game boasts a stunning visual overhaul, but its narrative is overly heavy-handed. The game launches you into Rex's cockpit, a pilot serving the Federation of Central Usea (FCU). Sotoa, a nation modeled after the Mongols, is on the rise and the FCU is already under its control.

The story begins with Rex surviving a helicopter crash and continuing his journey as Rex's navigator, Jan Cope. Cope's death forces you to take over his role, becoming the protagonist of the game. The narrative revolves around propaganda and social media in modern warfare, as Rex must lead a squadron of pilots known as the Joker Flight unit.

The game offers an extensive range of missions, including dogfights, close air support, and attacks on enemy ships. Each mission is filled with thrilling aerial maneuvers, such as breaking the sound barrier and diving towards enemies. The game's Cloudly software creates lifelike clouds, enhancing the overall experience. Ace Combat 8 retains the series' signature exhilaration, with balanced difficulty and engaging missions.

However, the game's story lacks depth and the cutscenes often feel lengthy and unengaging. Despite this, the game offers a true flight simulation experience, allowing players to feel like an ace pilot.