Ace Combat 8 is the upcoming installment in the long-running air combat simulation game. It was announced in an article about a new company called Bandai Namco Aces, which was created to develop a new Ace Combat game.
The article discusses why the company was formed and what kind of people they are looking to hire. The people who created Ace Combat want to make the best and most cutting-edge flight combat game possible. They are looking for people who are passionate about making games and who have new ideas.
The good news for gamers is that the game is entering the development stage, but the release date is not yet finalized.
Ace Combat 8 Release Date
On July 18, 2023, an announcement was made about the creation of a new company called Bandai Namco Aces, which will be dedicated to developing new titles in the Ace Combat series.
“We are looking for a development team as a studio that pursues photorealistic expressions.”
The game will use Unreal Engine 5 for photorealistic graphics and immersive flight combat. The previous game in the series, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, was released in January 2019, after being announced in December 2015. Assuming a similar development cycle, Ace Combat 8 could be released sometime in 2025 or 2026.
However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual release date could be affected by various factors, such as the availability of resources, the scope of the game, feedback from fans, and market conditions. Therefore, I suggest you keep an eye on the official announcements from Bandai Namco Entertainment for more accurate information.
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Trailer
The official trailer for the game is not yet out but we can see some fan-made clips online.
Gameplay Sepucalton
The gameplay of the next game in the series is still a mystery, and we should keep in mind that the gameplay is only a hope and expectation from the upcoming sequel.
New Jets
Ace Combat 8 will feature over 100 aircraft, including real-life models and fictional ones. The game will include some of the latest and most advanced jets, such as the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57, and the J-20.
The game will also feature some of the iconic and legendary jets from the series, such as the F-15 Eagle, the Su-27 Flanker, and the X-02 Wyvern. The game will allow the player to upgrade and customize their jets, and to unlock new jets by completing missions and challenges.
VR Support
Ace Combat 8 will support virtual reality, which will immerse the player in the cockpit of their jet. The game will use the PlayStation VR headset for PlayStation 5 and will support various VR headsets for PC, such as the Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, and the Valve Index.
The game will have a dedicated VR mode, where players can experience the story and missions from a first-person perspective. The game will also have a VR-free flight mode, where players can explore the world and fly free.
Story
Ace Combat 8 will follow the events of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown and will focus on the aftermath of the Lighthouse War, which ended with the destruction of the Arsenal Bird, a massive aerial fortress.
The game will feature a new protagonist, codenamed Phoenix, who is a former member of the Korean Air Defense Force. Phoenix will join a mercenary group called the Firebirds, who are hired by various countries to fight in the post-war chaos. The game will also feature the return of some familiar faces, such as Trigger, Count, and Avril.
Weapons
Ace Combat 8 will offer a wide range of weapons for the player to choose from, such as missiles, rockets, bombs, guns, and lasers.
The game will also introduce new weapons, such as drones, railguns, and electromagnetic pulses. The game will allow players to customize their weapons and loadouts, and to unlock new weapons by completing missions and challenges.
Multiplayer
Ace Combat 8 will have a robust multiplayer mode, where the player can compete or cooperate with other players online. The game will support crossplay between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one of its release.
The game will have various multiplayer modes, such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag, and co-op missions. The game will also have a ranking system, where players can earn points and rewards by winning matches and completing objectives.
Graphics
Ace Combat 8 will use Unreal Engine 5, which promises to deliver stunning visuals and realistic physics. The game will showcase detailed landscapes, dynamic weather, and spectacular explosions.
The game will also support ray tracing, which will enhance the lighting and reflections of the environments and the aircraft. The game will run at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S and will offer various graphics options for PC players.
Expanded World
Ace Combat 8 will take place in Strangereal, the fictional world of the series, which is similar to Earth but with different geography, history, and politics. The game will feature a variety of locations, such as mountains, deserts, oceans, and cities.
The game will also explore the lore and the conflicts of the world and will introduce new factions and characters. The game will have a branching storyline, where the player’s choices and actions will affect the outcome of the missions and the war.
Ace Combat 7 News
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has also released several downloadable content (DLC) packs that add new missions, aircraft, skins, and emblems to the base game. The latest DLC pack is the TOP GUN: Maverick Aircraft Set, which is a collaboration with the movie Top Gun: Maverick, featuring six aircraft (including originals), as well as nicknames and emblems. This DLC pack was released on May 25, 2022.
Other DLC packs include the Cutting-edge Aircraft Series Set, the Experimental Aircraft Series Set, the Original Aircraft Series Set, and the Season Pass. You can find more details and purchase options for these DLC packs on Steam.
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Final Thoughts
Ace Combat 8 is the next game in the popular flight combat series that has been in development since 2023. The game is being made by a new company called Bandai Namco Aces, which consists of the original creators of the series and some new talents.
The game aims to deliver the most realistic and immersive flight combat experience ever, using Unreal Engine 5 and the latest technology. The game is expected to be released in 2025 or 2026, but the exact date is still unknown. Fans of the series should stay tuned for more updates from the developer.
Fans can still enjoy the Ace Combat 7 DLC available on Steam.
