Bandai Namco has revealed more gameplay details for Ace Combat 8: Skies Unknown. The game offers Standard and Expert control schemes, and players can choose from various difficulty levels, including Elite, which requires quick situational awareness and strategic target prioritization.
Standard Controls are more intuitive, with logic similar to common first- and third-person games. Pushing the left stick causes the aircraft to turn directly left or right, without requiring an additional roll maneuver.
Expert Controls further simulate aircraft flight dynamics. Pushing the same stick left or right will roll the plane, after which players need to pitch the nose up or down to complete turns. The controls are more complex but allow for a wider range of maneuvers.
Bandai Namco hasn't specified all the rules for Elite difficulty, only stating that victory or defeat at this level may hinge on split-second decisions. Players must fully grasp the battlefield situation and efficiently prioritize targets to complete missions and survive.
Ace Combat 8: Skies Unknown will be released on October 2 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.