Ace Combat 8 PS5 version earns 87 from critics

Bandai Namco’s Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, due Oct. 2, 2026, holds an 87/100 critic score on a review aggregator for the PlayStation 5 based on more than 50 critic reviews. The Xbox and PC versions show scores of 90 and 86, respectively, but have fewer reviews to date.

Reviewers highlighted the single-player campaign and the dogfighting mechanics. They noted missions and aerial combat emphasize speed and precision. Several reviews described the core flying experience as tightly tuned and satisfying in both one-on-one engagements and larger encounters.

Bandai Namco’s official overview reads: “Step into the cockpit and take flight as an elite pilot across stunning skies. Enter intense dogfights, eliminate threats, and rise through gripping missions to earn your wings. Campaign Mode showcases stunning visuals with dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that capture the majesty of living skies.”

Preorders are live on the PlayStation Store. The standard edition is listed at $69.99 and the deluxe edition at $89.99. Preordering any edition includes a playable F-14A aircraft and the PS5 version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.

Ace Combat 8 will release on PS5, with Xbox and PC versions planned. Early critical commentary focuses on the campaign and the fidelity of the dogfighting systems. Comments about technical performance and additional modes are limited pending full reviews and player reports after launch.