Project Aces has released a new developer diary for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, revealing touching on the game’s use of first-person cutscenes for the first time in the franchise, as well as life as a pilot on board The Endurance aircraft carrier/
Speaking during the video (seen below), Kosuke Itomi, Creative Director on Ace Combat 8, revealed the franchise has typically focussed on “talking about the player from a third-person viewpoint.” However, for this latest entry in the flight combat series, Project Aces has “introduced this new element that allows you to advance the story from a first-person perspective.”
One particular focus of Ace Combat 8 is interacting with your fellow pilots while on board The Endurance aircraft carrier. Itomi-san explains this is a place where you can “come back and feel safe,” noting the pilots refer to it as ‘Mom.’ This, Itomi says, evokes the feeling of “war movies inspired by historical events.”
The game sees players stepping into the role of an elite pilot as they engage the enemy in adrenaline-pumping dogfights, with the campaign offering dynamic multi-layered cloudscapes the capture the majesty of the skies above. Along the way, you’ll bond with your squad, feel the weight of key decisions, and rise through the ranks to prove yourself as a true ace.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is scheduled for release in 2026 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.