Info about ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE:

Official game description:
Pre-Purchase Offer
==================
Pre-order Bonus includes:  
\- Playable Aircraft: F-14A  
\- ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Steam Version)  
\*Release date, contents and specifications are subject to change without notice.  
\*Bonuses other than ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Steam Version) may be released at a later date.  
\*ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR was also known as ACE COMBAT: THE BELKAN WAR in some regions.  
\*ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Steam Version) Supported Languages: Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Please be aware of potential language differences from ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE when purchasing.  
\*ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR (Steam Version) is available as a DLC executable launched separately from the base game.  
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE must be installed in order to utilize DLCs.
Deluxe Edition
==============
The Deluxe Edition includes:  
\- ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE  
\- Customizable Cosmetic Set  
\- PREMIUM ACE PASS PLUS Voucher  
\- 3-Day Early Access  
\*Early Access is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM (PDT)
About the Game
==============
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 in this game developed by PROJECT ACES, the acclaimed team behind the franchise.  
Campaign Mode showcases stunning visuals with dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes that capture the majesty of living skies. Feel the rush of fast-paced arcade-style gameplay while deploying powerful weapons to dominate the battlefield.  
Beyond the chaos in the air, exhilarating first-person scenes reveal your pilot’s story through breathtaking cinematics. Experience the pressure of command, the weight of decisions, and the bonds forged in battle. Between missions, bond with your squad members, rise to meet adversity, and prove yourself as a true ace.  
ACE COMBAT ONLINE delivers the most expansive multiplayer experience in franchise history. Step into the series’ first online lobby, explore an air base with your custom avatar before diving into multiplayer games. Sortie into online missions with pilots worldwide in a variety of modes including Co-Op and cross platform play.

Release date: Oct 1, 2026

Categories: Arcade Flight Combat, Air Combat, Campaign Mode, Multiplayer, Aircraft Customization, Dogfighting, Cross-Platform Play

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 90; verdict: Predatory / Casino-like Monetization; summary: The audit finds direct, repeated evidence of predatory monetization: paid loot boxes, real-money premium currency, a two-tier battle pass, an in-game store, paywalled aircraft and legacy content, and microtransactions in a single-player game. Preorder and Deluxe DLC complaints are noted but excluded from the MTX score. The confirmed real-money gacha and layered monetization place the game in the predatory/casino range.
- Proton/Linux: score 58; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The reviewed feedback is mixed. Several users report Ace Combat 8 runs out of the box or with zero setup under Proton, and some note stable performance without crashes. However, other Linux users hit crashes or freezes, need multiple Proton version changes, or are blocked from online play by error ST-3200003. The evidence supports a tinkering-required rating rather than a fully broken one, because some Linux users clearly reach gameplay and performance can be stable after adjustments.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken — high friction, frequent crashes and anti-cheat/launch failures; summary: Across the reviewed feedback, Ace Combat 8 shows severe Steam Deck and Linux friction. The dominant issues are constant crashes on Linux/Steam Deck in both single player and multiplayer, online failures tied to anti-cheat (error code ST-3200003), and repeated Proton version experimentation just to launch the game, including some Proton builds that fail outright. Steam Deck owners repeatedly state the game is unplayable at launch, and forced upscaling/RTX add heavy performance and power costs. A small set of users report it works out of the box via Proton, but this is overshadowed by crash, anti-cheat, and launch failures. Per the criteria, the presence of frequent crashes, anti-cheat errors, and won't-launch reports places this firmly in the Broken band.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Performance is uneven across the provided cohorts: mid-range and lower-VRAM systems often report crashes and poor optimization, while higher-VRAM and 32GB+ RAM systems show a mix of smooth play and serious instability.
  - Sample size: 309 (49% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 74 reports): Some users report smooth 1440p play and no crashes, while others report stuttering, memory leaks, crashes, and poor UE5 optimization.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (negative, 72 reports): Performance problems dominate: users report low frame rates, mandatory upscaling, severe mission drops, memory leaks, and frequent crashes.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (mixed, 53 reports): High-VRAM users report playable or smooth performance in some cases, but others with top-tier GPUs still see 4K/60 struggles, stutter, texture-loading issues, and crashes.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (negative, 33 reports): Lower-VRAM users can sometimes play at 1080p low with workarounds, but VRAM crashes, memory leaks, and poor optimization dominate.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM / <16GB RAM (negative, 31 reports): This low-VRAM/low-RAM cohort is largely negative, with frequent crashes, virtual-memory errors, stuttering, and unplayable cutscenes.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (mixed, 30 reports): Many users report solid 60fps+ performance and no stutter, but a notable share still report crashes, memory leaks, and ray-tracing-related performance complaints.
  - Caveats: 309 of 637 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $40.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show that players enjoy the game and consider it worth buying, but they consistently reject the current asking price. One reviewer explicitly says not to buy for $90, while another states that $20 was a worthwhile price. Multiple reviewers advise waiting for a sale or discount, and one says they cannot recommend it at the current price point. This suggests the community's fair base-game price is well below the current price, clustering around $20 to $40.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The only direct session-length report says a player continuously played for three hours. Additional early-play reports describe roughly 1, almost 3, and almost 4 hours of play, supporting a practical initial session length around 3 hours with variability. No review reports completing the campaign, finishing the story, or reaching an endgame/post-game phase, so gameCompletion, storyCompletion, and endgame are left null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players frequently report being hooked within the first hour and enjoying the campaign or game early, despite technical and multiplayer friction. The evidence does not establish a later unlock point for fun.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Multiplayer connection issues and frequent disconnects; Crashes, black screens, and memory leaks; Hand-holdy tutorial and early missions, even when tutorial is skipped; Starter planes feel heavy or unresponsive; Poor HOTAS and mouse/keyboard support, missing FOV/frame generation options; Deluxe edition or multiplayer rewards not delivered
  - Unlock drivers: Unlocking more nimble planes through progression; Getting past the first two hand-holding missions
  - Conditions: Multiplayer stability and lobby functionality; Launch-day bugs and optimization state; Whether the player can avoid crashes on their platform; Whether the player focuses on single-player campaign or multiplayer; Whether the player uses HOTAS or mouse/keyboard; Whether deluxe edition rewards are delivered; Whether the player tolerates early tutorial hand-holding
- Player Archetypes:
  - Ace Combat Series Veteran (sale)
    - Motivation: Continue the series and experience authentic Ace Combat flight feel while receiving legacy content as promised.
    - Playstyle: Campaign-focused, compares controls and flight models to earlier titles, and tracks DLC value.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: veteran
    - Reference games: Ace Combat 7
  - Campaign-First Arcade Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoy a story-driven arcade flight campaign that is easy to pick up.
    - Playstyle: Single-player campaign focus, learning controls, and engaging with the story before trying online modes.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: first time playing Ace Combat
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Online PvP/PvE Pilot (sale)
    - Motivation: Compete in PvP and progress through PvE multiplayer modes.
    - Playstyle: Plays online matches, tracks aircraft balance and meta, and tolerates rough multiplayer infrastructure.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Ace Combat Infinity
  - PC Performance-Sensitive Player (no buy)
    - Motivation: Play a stable, well-optimized PC version without crashes or excessive hardware demands.
    - Playstyle: Attempts campaign and multiplayer but spends time troubleshooting performance, crashes, and compatibility.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Impressive Visuals (weight 0.21): Graphics are consistently praised as beautiful, fantastic, and excellent. Many highlight the gorgeous visuals and impressive graphical quality.
- Refined Ace Combat Combat (weight 0.19): Combat is highly praised, often compared favorably to Ace Combat 7 with refinements, especially in multiplayer. Many consider it the best Ace Combat game yet.
- Excellent Gameplay Experience (weight 0.19): Gameplay is described as amazing, enjoyable, and fun, with some calling it the best in the series. Overall, players find the game very fun to play.
- Top-Notch Soundtrack (weight 0.14): The soundtrack is highly regarded as great, unique, and fitting, with audio and music top notch. It is noted as an improvement over previous games.
- Stable and Crash-Free (weight 0.1): Many players report no crashes, even during heavy explosions, and the game runs smoothly without stutters. Performance is generally stable.
- Great Story So Far (weight 0.07): The story is described as good, interesting, and amazing so far, indicating early positive impressions. Players find the plot engaging.
- Generally Positive Quality (weight 0.06): The game is considered fine, alright, and good overall. While not exceptional, it meets basic expectations.
- Smooth 60 FPS Performance (weight 0.06): The game runs fluidly at 60 FPS on various settings, including 1080p and ultra. Performance is smooth and playable.
- Thrilling Air Combat (weight 0.06): Air combat is thrilling and enjoyable, with a mix of dogfights and bombing runs. Dogfights are the main appeal.
- Enjoyable Campaign (weight 0.06): The campaign is fun, enjoyable, and excellent so far. Players really like it.
- Fun and Recommended (weight 0.06): The game is fun and comes highly recommended, providing a great experience that matches what players were looking for.
- Good Controller Support (weight 0.06): Controls feel fine with Xbox and PlayStation controllers, and the game plays well with controllers in general. No major control issues are reported.

Common complaints:
- Lack of HOTAS support (weight 0.27): Many players report missing or severely limited HOTAS/HOSAS support, with only specific licensed models working. Control remapping for flight sticks is poor or absent.
- Poor optimization and performance (weight 0.26): Optimization is widely criticized as terrible, with low frame rates, stutters, and frame drops even on high-end hardware. Performance issues occur across various settings and resolutions.
- Frequent crashes during missions (weight 0.21): The game crashes consistently during missions, especially early ones like the prologue or first mission, preventing progress. Crashes often occur at specific points such as cutscenes or mission completion.
- Awful keyboard and mouse controls (weight 0.16): Keyboard and mouse flight controls feel unresponsive, sluggish, and poorly designed, making the game nearly unplayable for those using this input method. Many compare it unfavorably to previous Ace Combat titles.
- Ace Combat Zero as DLC (weight 0.13): Ace Combat Zero is not a standalone game but a DLC for Ace Combat 8, requiring the base game to play and tracking playtime under Ace Combat 8. This contradicts store page implications and prevents separate achievement hunting.
- Crashes during cutscenes (weight 0.13): The game frequently crashes whenever a cutscene plays, often without error messages. This makes it impossible to progress past certain story segments.
- VRAM crashes (weight 0.09): The game crashes due to insufficient VRAM even on low settings and when system requirements are met. This prevents players from launching or progressing through levels.
- Worse than Ace Combat 7 (weight 0.09): The game is seen as a regression from Ace Combat 7 in various aspects, including optimization, controls, and overall feel. Flying feels clunky and less satisfying.
- Missing frame generation (weight 0.09): Frame generation technology is not implemented in the game, which is a notable omission for a modern PC release. Players expect this feature for smoother performance.
- Cutscene performance issues (weight 0.08): Cutscenes often run below 60 FPS with stutters, even on high-end hardware. Frame rates can drop to 30 FPS or lower, affecting the viewing experience.
- General frequent crashes (weight 0.07): The game crashes frequently, sometimes hourly, making it barely playable. Crashes occur randomly and disrupt gameplay sessions.
- Game fails to launch (weight 0.06): Some players cannot open the game at all, as it crashes immediately upon launch. This renders the game completely unplayable for them.
- Aircraft feel too heavy (weight 0.06): The planes handle with excessive weight, making maneuvering feel sluggish and less responsive. This detracts from the arcade flight experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Multiplayer and online modes (weight 0.17): A large share of feedback notes that the game includes online multiplayer alongside single-player content. Reviewers mention both competitive and cooperative online play, and some tie it to the campaign being separate.
- Campaign with missions and story (weight 0.13): Many reviews highlight a story-driven campaign built around individual missions and cutscenes. Players note the presence of a prologue, mission progression, and varied objectives within the narrative.
- Aerial combat core gameplay (weight 0.11): The central gameplay is described as fast-paced aerial combat between allies and enemies. Reviewers say it is framed around a fictional war and functions as an aerial combat sim, with dogfights and bombing runs.
- Heavier flight feel than AC7 (weight 0.1): A recurring observation is that plane flight and handling feel heavier than in Ace Combat 7. Reviewers note a heavier, more realistic feel compared to the previous entry.
- Flight combat game about planes (weight 0.08): Reviewers consistently describe this as a flight combat game focused on planes, dogfights, story, and characters. Several note that controls, story, and visuals are the key pillars of the experience.
- Limited HOTAS and flight-stick support (weight 0.08): Flight-stick support is described as limited to officially licensed, often first-party, entry-level HOTAS models. Some reviewers say HOTAS support is poor or effectively absent, which frustrates sim-oriented players.
- Always-online requirement criticized (weight 0.08): Multiple reviews complain that the game requires a constant online connection, even for some solo functionality. This always-online requirement is a frequent point of criticism.
- Controller support works well (weight 0.07): Several players report that the game plays well with a standard Xbox controller and a Steam controller. They consider the controls fine for a flight combat title without specialized hardware.
- Arcade flight rather than simulator (weight 0.07): Many reviewers classify the game as an arcade flight combat title rather than a realistic flight simulator. They note it is designed around controller play with online modes rather than simulation fidelity.
- Authentic Ace Combat experience (weight 0.06): Reviewers say the gameplay and story fit what players expect from an Ace Combat title. They describe it as playing like a true Ace Combat game rather than a spin-off.
- Keyboard and mouse flight controls (weight 0.06): Some players confirm that flight controls can be used with a keyboard and mouse. This is presented as an available alternative for those without a gamepad or HOTAS setup.
- Microtransactions present (weight 0.04): Reviewers note that the game includes microtransactions, especially alongside the multiplayer mode. This is mentioned as an expected but still notable monetization element.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes block progression (weight 0.32): Players report that the game crashes consistently, often during cutscenes or missions, making it impossible to progress beyond early sections. This issue occurs across various hardware configurations and is a major blocker.
- Runs well for some (weight 0.24): Despite widespread issues, some players report smooth performance with no crashes or stutters, often on high-end setups. This indicates variability in experience.
- Poor overall performance (weight 0.24): A significant number of players describe the game's performance as poor or terrible, citing low frame rates, stuttering, and heavy optimization issues. This is a common complaint across different systems.
- Cutscene frame rate issues (weight 0.15): Cutscenes often run below 60 FPS, with some dropping to 40 FPS or lower, even on high-end hardware. This affects the cinematic experience.
- UE Error 01 crash (weight 0.12): Many users encounter a specific Unreal Engine crash labeled 'Error 01', often during cutscenes, which prevents them from playing. This error is frequently mentioned and severely impacts the experience.
- No frame generation support (weight 0.09): Multiple users point out the absence of frame generation technology, which is expected in modern games. This limits performance gains on capable hardware.
- High demand on top GPUs (weight 0.06): Even with top-tier GPUs like the RTX 5090, players struggle to maintain high frame rates at 4K or with DLAA enabled. This suggests poor optimization for high-end configurations.
- Worse than Ace Combat 7 (weight 0.04): Some players compare the game unfavorably to Ace Combat 7, noting that it runs significantly worse despite similar visuals. This highlights regression in optimization.

Recommendations:
- Poor PC performance and optimization (weight 0.2): Multiple reviewers report severe crashes, poor optimization, and controller/HOTAS remapping problems on PC. These technical issues make the game unplayable for many and are the main reason for negative recommendations.
- Strong recommendation for Ace Combat fans (weight 0.16): Fans of the Ace Combat series highly praise the game, calling it a must-play and a worthy entry. The arcade flight combat experience resonates strongly with this audience.
- Not recommended until quality of life improves (weight 0.12): Some reviewers cannot recommend the game in its current state, citing a lack of quality of life improvements. They prefer Ace Combat 7 for its higher standard.
- Wait for patches or sales (weight 0.11): Many users advise against buying now, recommending waiting for fixes, patches, or discounts. The consensus is that the game is not worth full price until stability and content improve.
- PC version inferior to console (weight 0.06): Several reviewers explicitly recommend playing on console instead of PC due to stability and performance issues. The PC release is seen as poorly optimized and less reliable.
- Mixed feelings on Ace Combat Zero pre-order (weight 0.06): Some reviewers find Ace Combat Zero a worthwhile pre-order bonus, while others warn against pre-ordering solely for it. The value proposition is debated among fans.
- Pre-order only for Ace Combat Zero (weight 0.06): Some advise caution if pre-ordering mainly for Ace Combat Zero, as the bonus may not justify the purchase alone. The value depends on individual interest.
- Mouse and keyboard poorly supported (weight 0.05): Players using mouse and keyboard report neglected controls compared to Ace Combat 7, making the game less enjoyable. This input method is specifically called out as subpar.
- Consider Ace Combat 7 as alternative (weight 0.05): Reviewers suggest Ace Combat 7 for those on the fence or with lower specs, praising its consistent quality. It serves as a safer, more polished alternative.
- Worth the price for some (weight 0.04): Despite criticisms, some reviewers find the game worth every penny and highly recommend it. Their positive experiences focus on the core gameplay and enjoyment.
- High recommendation for arcade flight combat (weight 0.04): Fans of arcade military flight sims highly recommend the game for its genre. The gameplay appeals to those who enjoy accessible aerial combat.
- Avoid the game entirely (weight 0.03): A subset of reviewers strongly advises against purchasing the game under any circumstances. Their feedback is unequivocal and often based on severe technical problems.
- Caution advised for low-end PCs (weight 0.03): Players with lower-end hardware are warned about poor optimization, with the game not running well below recommended specs. This limits accessibility for some users.
- Buyers should exercise caution (weight 0.03): General warnings advise buyers to beware due to technical and content issues. This reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the game's launch state.
- General recommendation amid mixed feedback (weight 0.03): A few reviewers give a straightforward recommendation without elaborating, indicating a positive but non-specific experience. These contrast with the more detailed negative reviews.

Other player notes:
- Ace Combat Zero sold as DLC (weight 0.35): Many reviewers note that Ace Combat Zero is included as downloadable content rather than a standalone game, often tied to a pre-order bonus or deluxe edition. This contrasts with store descriptions that advertise it as a standalone application, leading to disappointment and confusion.
- Frequent comparisons to Ace Combat 7 (weight 0.16): Reviewers consistently compare this game to Ace Combat 7, discussing similarities in plane handling, visuals, and overall experience. Some see it as an upgraded version, while others note little difference.
- Large installation size of 130GB (weight 0.12): Multiple reviews mention the game's substantial storage requirement, typically around 130-150GB, especially when Ace Combat Zero DLC is installed. This is a significant consideration for players with limited disk space.
- Use of Denuvo anti-tamper (weight 0.08): Several reviewers point out that the game employs Denuvo copy protection and sometimes EAC anti-cheat. This can be a concern for players who dislike DRM or experience performance issues.
- Early access availability (weight 0.08): The game offers early access, particularly through pre-orders and deluxe editions, with some versions granting 3-day early access. This is a common marketing strategy but may frustrate those who wait.
- Built on Unreal Engine 5 (weight 0.07): The game is noted to use Unreal Engine 5, which is mentioned as a technical detail. This indicates a modern engine that may affect performance and visual fidelity.
- Presence of microtransactions (weight 0.06): Several reviews note the inclusion of microtransactions and an in-game store. This may be a point of contention for players who prefer complete games without additional purchases.
- First Ace Combat experience for some (weight 0.05): Some reviewers mention that this is their first Ace Combat game, providing a fresh perspective. This highlights the game's potential to attract new players to the series.
- Flight stick support issues (weight 0.05): Reviewers report inadequate support for flight sticks and joysticks, with limited customization options. Some suggest workarounds via third-party solutions, but native support is lacking.
- Compared to other Ace Combat titles (weight 0.05): Beyond Ace Combat 7, reviewers also compare the game to Ace Combat 6 and Ace Combat 5, often citing them as favorites or benchmarks. These comparisons reflect the game's standing within the franchise.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.28): The dominant source of frustration is severe technical instability: constant crashes (frequently Unreal Engine 'Error 01'), memory leaks, VRAM errors, and driver incompatibilities that block campaign progress or prevent the game from launching at all. This is compounded by poor optimization, low frame rates even on high-end hardware, long shader compilation, and missing features like frame generation. Players are also frustrated by the lack of HOTAS/HOSAS support and poor keyboard/mouse controls, plus multiplayer disconnects and matchmaking errors.
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): Disappointment stems from a rough, unoptimized PC launch with crashes, low performance on high-end hardware, and a flight model that feels stiffer and less satisfying than Ace Combat 7. A major recurring grievance is that Ace Combat Zero is delivered as DLC rather than the advertised standalone game, affecting refunds and achievements. Missing HOTAS support, lack of frame generation, forced ray tracing, and the game feeling like a downgrade further dashed expectations.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction comes from a polished and stable experience for many players: smooth performance at high settings, strong 60 FPS results, and no crashes or stutters. The campaign flow, weighty and realistic aircraft handling, soundtrack, audio design, and visuals are widely praised. Many describe it as a peak Ace Combat title and an improvement over Ace Combat 7.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement is driven by the thrilling return of the Ace Combat series with new flight mechanics, spectacular prologue presentation, and cinematic storytelling. Players are hooked by the campaign's twists, amazing sound design, and immersive first-person cutscenes. The prospect of flying with others in multiplayer also generates enthusiasm.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment arises from fun, smooth gameplay that rewards positioning and momentum, with weighty aircraft feel and a strong sense of aerial dogfighting. The campaign, character interactions, graphics, and music are frequently highlighted as highlights. Many find it more fun than Ace Combat 7, especially from mission 6 onward.
- Anger (weight 0.05): Anger is fueled by high VRAM usage, error code 01, and constant crashes that make the game unplayable even on capable hardware like a 4060 Ti. Players feel misled by false advertising around Ace Combat Zero not being standalone, the always-online requirement for single-player, and Denuvo. Additional anger comes from microtransactions, the battle pass, and feeling treated like a paid beta tester for a broken product.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by stiffer flight controls, terrible mouse acceleration, and a locked third-person camera without a horizon indicator. Monetization and a cash-grab online store on a full-priced game are irritating, as are the large install size and Ace Combat Zero being tied to the AC8 download. Stuttering, high RAM usage, excessive hand-holding, and long menus add to the irritation.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is generated by fun multiplayer sessions with friends, fantastic gameplay, and an overall excellent experience. The music, ordnance sounds, and sonic booms are specifically enjoyed, and the game meets high personal expectations. Many describe it as peak Ace Combat and pure bliss.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love is expressed for the combat, flying, characters, voice acting, graphics, and worldbuilding. The soundtrack is considered top-notch and unique, with deep characters and a heavier flight model that enhances the sense of speed. Longtime fans who fell in love with aerial combat simulators through this series show strong affection.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration centers on the beautiful presentation, stellar sound, and stunning visuals that demonstrate Project Aces' experience. The weighty, realistic aircraft handling is praised as superior to Ace Combat 7, and the music is described as divine. Many consider it the best Ace Combat to date.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction comes from a rough launch with poor optimization, low frame rates, and performance far inferior to the previous title. Keyboard, mouse, and HOTAS controls still feel bad, planes handle too heavily, and servers perform poorly. Even on an RTX 5090, reaching 120Hz at DLAA is not possible, and there is no frame generation.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation is directed at the developers for evolving the franchise and delivering a creative, different narrative approach. The heartwarming main cast, beautiful visuals, great performance, and DualSense haptics support are specifically valued. The interesting story adds to the positive reception.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief comes from getting the game to run smoothly on Linux via Proton, and from resolving crashes or performance issues after adjusting drivers and settings. Players are glad to achieve playable 1080p low settings despite initial concerns about EAC support. The resolution of crash issues allows them to finally enjoy the game.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is raised by high PC requirements that stress the system, ray tracing that cannot be turned off, and large optimization issues. Ace Combat Zero being advertised as standalone but not launching independently is worrying, especially regarding refund windows. Unusually high RAM usage and monetization that may become more aggressive also cause apprehension.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from watching people jump and run in the multiplayer lobby, and from seeing others struggle with mouse and keyboard controls. Negative reviews complaining about keyboard and mouse controls are found funny, as is the large amount of dialogue from a voice actor. People who buy expensive flight sticks but cannot configure them also provide amusement.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is driven by the game being phenomenal, with smooth flight mechanics and amazing combat that runs well. The significantly improved online mode makes players want to engage more, and many call it a polished masterpiece and the best Ace Combat ever. Overall, the game is seen as amazing.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope persists that a quick patch will fix the memory leak and that the online experience will improve soon. Players believe the story is extremely good despite not finishing the third mission, and that quality-of-life changes could make it the best Ace Combat. There is an expectation that the issues will be resolved.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from a controller not being recognized in Ace Combat Zero, and from the narrative killing off the FCU despite it being protected for over 20 years. It is puzzling that a 4GB port is included as a DLC launch option for a 135GB game, and that the launcher prompts to start Ace Combat Zero without a separate application. The cause of slow performance is also unclear.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness comes from only one specific HOTAS brand being supported, forcing players to write negative reviews for a game they anticipated. Repeated crashes, especially on the first mission with an Intel GPU after high excitement, are heartbreaking. Having to leave a negative review for a favorite franchise is particularly painful.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement is sparked by extremely good graphics and the combination of combat and storytelling. Playing the first mission delivers a strong sense of wonder. The visual fidelity and narrative impact leave a powerful impression.}