Ace Combat Director Finally Flies in a Real Jet After 30 Years

Ever wondered what it's like to barrel roll at 30,000 feet? Ace Combat's brand director, Kazutoki Kono, just found out. After 30 years of working on the series, he finally got to fly in a real jet, and the story is as heartwarming as it gets.

Back in June, Kono told us he'd been asking for a ride in a fighter jet for his entire career. "Unfortunately over the last 30 years of my career I've been appealing, saying 'hey, we want to ride in one of these jets!' but we have not yet had the chance," he said. "Neither myself, or anyone on the team." Fast forward a few months, and Bandai Namco made it happen. In a promotional video released alongside Ace Combat 8, we see Kono climbing into the cockpit and living the dream.

"I was scared before getting in. But once we were airborne, it turned into one of the most beautiful experiences," Kono said in the video. "The G-force during turns was noticeable, but what stood out the most was the force pushing me downward into the seat. Being up in the sky inside such a compact cockpit felt incredible. It was a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable space to be in. Compared to a large aircraft, it really made me appreciate the appeal of fighter jets."

Of course, this could be seen as a savvy marketing move for a series that Bandai Namco is clearly investing in more than ever, what with the live-action YouTube miniseries and all. But let's be real: after our interview, the internet (well, at least one comment on pcgamer.com) demanded Kono get his flight. And clearly, the powers that be listened. Whatever it took, it was worth it just to see that post-flight glow.

Even after experiencing the wonder of flight, Kono remained ever the brand director. "Looking out at the clouds and the sky while flying, I couldn't help but think how Ace Combat is incredibly well-made," he said. And honestly, he's not wrong. The series has always captured the thrill of aerial combat, and now its director has lived a piece of it.

So, what do you think? Does this make you more excited for Ace Combat 8? Will you be picking it up when it launches? Let us know in the comments!