Ever since the inception of the Ace Combat franchise, players have reveled in the adrenaline-pumping excitement of arcade-style flight combat gameplay. Three decades later, this exhilarating franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The most recent addition, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, is approaching a new sales milestone with a nearly 5 million units sold, but it seems Bandai Namco is already looking towards the skies of the next installment.
Following the enormous success of Ace Combat 7, Bandai Namco has set their sights on creating a successor worthy of its legacy, announcing the development of Ace Combat 8.
With a franchise so steeped in history, the anticipation and expectations for the next title are undoubtedly high. Thus, the establishment of Project Aces and subsequently, the Bandai Namco Aces studio, is a testament to the publisher’s commitment to the series.
This recent development isn’t merely another office space with a snazzy title; it’s an endeavor to push the boundaries of flight simulation gaming. As conveyed by Bandai Namco Aces’ President Takuya Iwasaki, the team is zealously looking for developers who can imbue the game with “photorealistic expressions.”
Photorealistic is a term that carries with it a certain weight, especially in the gaming world. It implies not only high-end graphics but a level of immersion that fools the eye, blurring the lines between game and reality. The decision to switch over and leverage the capabilities of the Unreal Engine 5 for the next Ace Combat title is a significant move. Known for its superior graphical prowess, the engine’s capabilities will undoubtedly bring the team’s photorealistic aspirations closer to fruition.
However, high-quality visuals are just a slice of the immersive pie. The true magic of the Ace Combat series has been its ability to balance narrative depth with gameplay precision. For instance, in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the players find themselves thrust into the Strangereal universe, chronicling the trials and tribulations of a top-tier fighter pilot embroiled in the chaos of a war between Osea and Erusea.
Unfortunately, innovation and dedication take time. While the eagerness surrounding Ace Combat 8 is evident, talks of its release hover between 2025 and 2028, possibly as an entry during the later stages of the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle. After all, there was a whopping 12-year gap between Ace Combat 6 and its successor.
Yet, this isn’t a sign of procrastination; it’s a testament to Project Aces’ commitment to excellence. They are not a team to release redundant games with the same formula. They emphasize story integration, novel superweapons, evocative musical scores, and introducing fresh mechanics with each release. They strive for a game that isn’t just about flight but about the soul of flying.
While the franchise, with a few exceptions, has largely stuck to its winning formula, there’s always room for innovation. Some fans express desires for a divergence from the usual art style and narrative themes. The hope is that Ace Combat 8 will harness the full potential of new-age gaming hardware, providing a more enriching and diverse experience.
In the wake of all these developments and the buzz surrounding potential trailers and announcements, perhaps we’re going to see the game at the Tokyo Game Show on September 21.
Ultimately, what remains clear is that while the dedicated community eagerly waits, they’ll do so with the implicit trust that Bandai Namco and Project Aces will deliver a title that respects the franchise’s rich history while pushing the boundaries of what flight combat simulation can achieve.
Until then, enthusiasts may find solace in the masterful skies of Ace Combat 7, or perhaps venture into alternative flight simulations, like Microsoft Flight Simulator.
