Project Aces debuted a new gameplay walkthrough for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, starting with a mission in the Rocky Island airspace. Joker squadron would essentially fly under radar and then ambush the enemy over the ocean. As it turns out, the encounter is more perilous than usual due to a superweapon.
Superweapons are essentially massive craft with multiple targeting boxes that must be taken down, which is easier said than done. Thankfully, you have wingmen who can attack and offer cover whenever needed. Wings of Theve also makes some much-welcome gameplay changes, such as when fighting superweapons – they’ll now take damage outside of their target boxes, making it less punishing if you miss.
Any destroyed enemy aircraft will now damage nearby targets, lending a more tactical air to combat. Of course, not all superweapons are the same. Later in the walkthrough, the squad faces a giant destroyer that can seemingly only be stopped by dropping skyscrapers in its path.
Of course, there are some familiar systems, such as the aircraft tree and unlocking new fighter jets using MRP and in-game currency from missions. You can customize them extensively, swapping out parts and different special weapons as the mission dictates.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches on October 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Those who pre-order will receive a port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War for free alongside the F-14A.
