Media reviews for Ace Combat 8 have been released. IGN gave the single-player campaign a score of 9/10, excluding the multiplayer rating primarily because the reviewer had insufficient time with the online multiplayer to provide a fair assessment. GameSpot gave an overall score of 8/10. On Metacritic, the PS5 version includes scores from 53 media outlets, currently averaging 87.
IGN Campaign Score: 8/10
Ace Combat 8: Skies Unknown is a stunning achievement for Project Aces. The game blends breathtaking visuals with exceptional sound design (seriously, Bandai Namco, please release this soundtrack), while crafting vivid and memorable characters through cockpit-side cutscenes and interspersed radio communications. Surprisingly, it also delivers an emotionally impactful and resonant story that feels deeply connected to our times; meanwhile, the game offers the best aerial combat experience in the series to date, along with some of its finest level designs.
Since stepping out of the cockpit for the last time, I haven't been able to stop thinking about this journey. I know that Skies Unknown and the story it tells will remain in my memory for a long time. Perhaps now, all we can do is look forward to a world without nations or war, a world where we can soar freely through the skies, flying for ourselves. And as Skies Unknown shows, if we believe such a world exists, perhaps one day we can truly make it a reality.
GameSpot Score: 8/10
Even if the multiplayer mode leans towards players with deeper pockets, Ace Combat 8's single-player adventure is absolutely worth the price. The narrative could have been more profound—more introspective—but even so, it remains engaging. Although there are some pacing issues, such as filler missions and slightly uneven story progression, most of the content is excellent, perfectly blending the series' signature dramatic flair, moving music, and thrilling aerial combat. Ace Combat 8: Skies Unknown continues the story from Ace Combat 7, proving once again that the series is back at its peak.
Pros
Upholds the series' signature absurd style
The soundtrack features diverse styles while consistently maintaining a high standard
New cloud technology and diverse mission objectives make aerial combat more thrilling
An extensive aircraft tree and pre-flight customization options provide plenty of meaningful choices
A variety of multiplayer modes including both PvP and PvE
Cons
Some interesting themes in the story are merely used as decoration
Some missions feel like filler to pad out the runtime, disrupting the game's pacing
