90
A hallmark of excellence. There may be defects, but they are negligible and do not cause much damage. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve does everything well. It features a great cast of characters, a fantastic soundtrack, and iconic gameplay that didn’t require any major changes. The game’s epic narrative unfolds in strange ways, but it still remains one of the most impressive reflections on war that I’ve played in recent years.
From Destructoid on
90
I haven’t been able to check out the special limited-time modes, haven’t spent enough free time running through the ambitious 100-player lobbies, or seeing how the progression systems unfold outside of a controlled environment, and I want to do all of that before coming to a final conclusion. Still, I can easily recommend Wings of Theve due to the strength of the single-player campaign, even if you’re not interested in multiplayer.
From IGN on
92
Arcade flight action and anime melodrama refined to the highest level – a must for aviation fans.
From PCGamer on
85
For all its quirks, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve ultimately delivers exactly the ridiculous aerial spectacle I was hoping for. There are a few rough edges here and the story borders on melodrama at times, but when it all comes together there’s little that compares to the feeling of pulling off a ridiculous high-G maneuver, watching the target explode, and immediately looking for the next enemy to shoot down.
By DayOne on
80
Ace Combat 8 is a phenomenal arcade flight simulation. You’ll feel like a maverick every time you dodge an enemy missile or manage to take out an enemy ace. Where it stumbles is in its story, which drags on and tries to cash dramatic checks that it simply can’t.
From TechRadar on
80
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve made me feel like an idiot for the first few hours, and I’m grateful for that. When I stopped expecting Top Gun and started flying the way the game wanted, it became one of the most immersive flying experiences I’ve ever had, supported by a grounded, surprisingly emotional story about a frightened pilot wearing a dead man’s helmet, and a presentation that comes very close to perfection.
Via Alt/Char
100
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is an improvement in everything that defines Ace Combat. It brings back squadron commands and adds a wealth of different aircraft, new special weapons and more. The cinematic images and deep, twisted narrative immerse the player in the fantasy of being a top pilot in a war between two nations.
By Cubed3 on
90
Between combat, story, soundtrack and pure spectacle, Ace Combat 8 delivers exactly the experience I’ve been waiting for for years. It’s easily one of the best games in the series and I enjoyed almost every moment of it.
From The Outerhaven on
80
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a great action game and one of the best entries in the franchise to date, with the only major downside being the disjointed and impenetrable story told in the 30-hour campaign mode.
By CGM on
80
Although the multiplayer mode favors those with spare cash, Ace Combat 8’s single-player adventure is worth the price of admission alone. The story could have been more intense – more introspective – but it’s still entertaining, and while there are some pacing issues and uneven dynamics in filler missions, much of the game is excellent, offering the series’ signature mix of melodrama, stirring music and thrilling dogfights. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve picks up where Ace Combat 7 left off and underlines that the series is truly back to its best
From GameSpot on