Ace Combat Too Pricey? Grab Project Wingman for $12.50

Ever wanted to dive into arcade fighter jet combat but balked at Ace Combat 8's $70 price tag? You're not alone. Luckily, there's a fantastic alternative that won't break the bank: Project Wingman, currently just $12.50 in the Steam Autumn Sale.

Project Wingman started as a portfolio piece for its developers, but after a Kickstarter that nearly tripled its funding goal, it launched on Steam in December 2020. It's an unabashed homage to Ace Combat, cranking up the missile-heavy action to near-absurdist levels. But it's more than just a clone—it brings its own twist with a roguelike Conquest Mode, where you battle for territory and use earnings to build your own air fleet.

Unlike Ace Combat 8, which had to apologize for lackluster flight stick support, Project Wingman offers comprehensive HOTAS compatibility. That means if you're a hardcore flight sim fan, you'll feel right at home. Plus, it has native VR support, so you can experience the stomach-churning thrill of high-G turns in virtual reality.

Don't just take our word for it—Project Wingman boasts an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, with 93% of over 22,000 reviews being favorable. Our own review from 2020 was slightly less enthusiastic, wishing for a more hardcore sim experience, but for an affordable entry into jet jousting, you can't do much better.

So if you've been curious about arcade air combat, now's your chance. Project Wingman is available on Steam for $12.50 during the Autumn Sale. Will you be picking it up?