Ace Combat 8 Soars to Series' Second-Highest Metacritic Score

Did you ever think a flight combat game could go toe-to-toe with the year's biggest blockbusters? Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve just proved it can. The reviews are in, and the game has landed an impressive Metacritic score of 87 based on 52 reviews for the PS5 version. That puts it right up there with 2026's heaviest hitters like 007 First Light and Saros.

But here's the kicker: that 87 makes it the tied second-highest rated game in the entire Ace Combat series. It beats out Ace Combat 7's 86, though it still can't quite catch the PS2 classic Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies, which sits at 89. Not bad for a franchise that's been flying since the PlayStation era.

In our own GamesRadar+ review, we gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it "a thrilling flight through intense encounters that rarely gives you a moment of calm." The praise didn't stop there—we highlighted its exhilarating combat, incredible music, and a shockingly good story. If you're a fan of the series, this is one you shouldn't miss.

Looking at the broader Metacritic picture, the game has only two mixed reviews across all platforms, both 7/10s. Meanwhile, six outlets gave it perfect scores, including The Guardian and MonsterVine. That kind of consensus doesn't happen often, especially in a year as packed as 2026.

Oh, and there's a sweet bonus for pre-ordering: you get a new port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. Surprisingly, that port only scored a 75, despite being a fan-favorite. But if you want to experience one of the best boss fight themes of all time, you'll need to secure that pre-order. Plus, you get Ace Combat 8, which is an absolute banger.

It might be too late for Golden Joystick Awards consideration, but that doesn't change the fact that Ace Combat 8 is one of the best games of 2026. So, will you be jumping into the cockpit? Let us know in the comments!