{
  "id": 11285917,
  "title": "If Ace Combat's too pricey, this excellent indie alternative is on sale for just $12.50",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/if-ace-combats-too-pricey-this-excellent-indie-alternative-is-on-sale",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-01T21:18:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PC Gamer",
    "slug": "pc-gamer",
    "url": "https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/if-ace-combats-too-pricey-this-excellent-indie-alternative-is-on-sale-for-just-usd12-50/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For ace combat enthusiasts on a tighter budget, there exists a remarkable alternative worth considering. Project Wingman, an ace combat inspired passion project, is currently on sale for just $12.50 during Steam's Autumn Sale. This game, which began as a portfolio piece and later secured a Kickstarter funding goal exceeding its initial target, is an unabashed homage to the aerial combat found in Ace Combat games. Project Wingman takes this concept to new heights with its roguelike Conquest Mode, where players engage in territorial battles against enemy squadrons and use the earnings from completed missions to build and upgrade their own air fleets. Unlike its more recent counterpart, Ace Combat 8, Project Wingman offers comprehensive support for flight sticks and even boasts native virtual reality compatibility for those seeking an intense aerial combat experience. With an overwhelming majority of its nearly 22,000 reviews being positive, Project Wingman is currently enjoying a stellar rating of 93% on Steam. Despite some critics' desires for a more hardcore flight sim, this affordable entry into jet jousting is hard to beat for fans of the genre. Available now on Steam for $12.50, Project Wingman provides an excellent opportunity to dive into the exciting world of intense aerial combat without breaking the bank.",
  "summary": "And it's got better out-of-the-box HOTAS and VR support, too.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}