Kazutoki Kono
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After 30 years they finally let Ace Combat's director fly in a real jet, and I'm taking credit
Ace Combat brand director Kazutoki Kono finally experienced flying in a real F-16 jet after 30 years of working on the series. This experience, documented in a promotional video for Ace Combat 8: Wings of the Dawn, was described by Kono as beautiful and incredible, highlighting the G-forces and the intimate cockpit environment. The event is framed as a successful marketing initiative by Bandai Namco, fulfilling a long-held desire for Kono and the development team.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is the Biggest Steam Launch in the Series Despite Various Issues
Despite significant performance issues, crashes, and the unavailability of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a separate title on Steam, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has achieved the franchise's biggest launch on the platform. The game also launched on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, focusing on the conflict between the Republic of Sotoa and the Federation of Central Usea.
Intervju: Ace Combat siktar på 50 år i luften
In an interview, Kazutoki Kono and Manabu Shimomoto of Bandai Namco discuss the development and future of the Ace Combat series, focusing on Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. They highlight the success of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the importance of narrative and sound design, and the expanded online multiplayer in the new title, expressing a desire for the series to reach its 50th anniversary.
Why Ace Combat 8 Could Be One of 2026’s Standout Games
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve aims to deliver a blockbuster aviation experience, focusing on the fantasy of being an ace pilot rather than realistic simulation. Developed by Project Aces using Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary tech, the game promises a photorealistic sky, satisfying aerial combat, and a strong narrative emphasis, enhanced by a live-action prequel series to build awareness and immersion.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review: The weight of the world on your wings
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers a magnificent campaign with compelling characters, exciting missions, and sleek aircraft, making it a high-adrenaline delight. The game features a vast sandbox of skies and detailed aircraft, complemented by an amazing soundtrack and robust multiplayer options. While the voice acting can be occasionally hammy and PvP resource management might be challenging for newcomers, the overall experience is a fantastic flight combat game.
Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve pre-orders have taken flight on Xbox and PS5, and it's your only chance to grab The…
Pre-orders for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve are now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, with a release date set for October 2, 2026. A special pre-order bonus includes a digital copy of the classic Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, which will not be sold separately. The game also features a Deluxe Edition with early access and cosmetic items, and a Joker Flight Pack version with additional physical merchandise.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve – 15 Biggest Details Revealed So Far
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is launching on October 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring a new story set in Strangereal and introducing first-person cutscenes. The game promises the largest campaign content in the series, over 30 aircraft at launch, and enhanced multiplayer modes including PvE and PvP options. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, it also boasts improved cloudscapes and PC system requirements significantly higher than its predecessor.
Ace Combat 8 Dev Says Tasha Was the Game's 'Most Expensive' Character to Design
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Brand Director Kazutoki Kono stated that the character Tasha was the most expensive to design in the game due to the extensive development time dedicated to her. This highlights the detailed effort put into character creation for the upcoming title.
Gamescom 2026, dag 3 – Crazy Taxi, Onimusha och Gamescoms bästa dag
Day three of Gamescom 2026 featured hands-on previews of Crazy Taxi World Tour, 1001 Threads of Mizan, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. The article also highlights impressions of Orbitals for Nintendo Switch 2 and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, alongside interviews with developers from Capcom and Sega.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Took “6, Maybe 7 Years” to Develop, Says Director
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has been in development for six to seven years, according to brand director Kazutoki Kono. The game aims to be a culmination of the franchise's 30-year history, reintroducing lost mechanics and serving as a strong entry point for new players. It is set to launch on October 2nd for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Ace Combat 8's Kazutoki Kono has been burning the midnight oil, and fan support is keeping him going through the late nights
Ace Combat Series Brand Director Kazutoki Kono shared that fan support is his primary motivation during the development of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. He highlighted how player feedback and anticipation for the next installment keep him going through long hours. Kono, who has been with the franchise for over 30 years, emphasized the importance of consistency and learning from past mistakes, citing Ace Combat 7 as a success.
Ace Combat's director has been saying 'hey, we want to ride in one of these jets' for 30 years, but…
Ace Combat series brand director Kazutoki Kono has expressed a 30-year desire for his development team to experience flying in the fighter jets they meticulously recreate. Despite working on the series since Ace Combat 2, neither he nor his team have had the opportunity to fly in a real jet. For Ace Combat 8, developers are relying on technical data rather than personal experience to convey the sensation of high-speed flight.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Preview – Will it take your breath away?
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is set to be the most cinematic entry in the long-running flight combat series, featuring a new first-person narrative perspective and enhanced visuals for current-generation hardware. Developers at Project Aces, including Kazutoki Kono and Manabu Shimomoto, emphasize the game's arcade-like feel balanced with realistic flight mechanics, promising thrilling aerial combat and engaging set pieces.
Hands-on report — Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve places players in a desperate war as a fighter pilot for the Federation of Central Usea. The game introduces a new first-person cinematic perspective and utilizes the PlayStation 5 Dual Sense controller for enhanced immersion. Players will embody the legendary "Wings of Theve" to inspire hope while engaging in fast-paced aerial combat against overwhelming forces.
Ace Combat 8 channels Top Gun Maverick's jet-powered thrills, and after flying a few missions I can't wait to…
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve aims to elevate the series with a focus on squad-based aerial combat and a more character-driven narrative, inspired by Top Gun: Maverick. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game promises enhanced visual fidelity and engaging dogfights. Brand director Kazutoki Kono highlighted improvements to the tutorial and player onboarding, as well as a greater emphasis on building camaraderie with squad members.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Hands-On Preview: A "Photorealistic Sky and the Sense of Freedom"
Bandai Namco hosted an exclusive hands-on preview event for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, the latest installment in the long-running aerial combat franchise. The preview showcased early campaign missions, highlighting the game's rich storyline, customizable aircraft, and fast-paced missions. Developers emphasized the franchise's core pillars: a photorealistic sky, the satisfaction of dogfighting, and the feeling of becoming an ace pilot, with graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5 and Bandai Namco's Cloudly Engine.
Ace Combat director says 'I've been doing this for 30 years, so I know exactly how hard we're going'—and after playing it, I can confirm Ace Combat 8 goes extremely hard
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve continues the series' tradition of over-the-top aerial combat with a focus on dramatic storytelling and engaging missions. The preview highlights improved sound design, a more involved upgrade system, and enhanced first-person cutscenes using Unreal Engine 5. Series brand director Kazutoki Kono emphasizes the game's commitment to delivering an intense experience for both new and veteran players.
From Clouds To Ketchup Bottles, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Is Pushing The Series To New Heights
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is introducing several new features, including a first-person perspective for its entire story and advanced cloud rendering technology within Unreal Engine. Director Kazutoki Kono discussed the game's focus on immersion, the influence of Top Gun: Maverick, and the meticulous detail in creating both real and fictional aircraft.
Ace Combat 8 hands-on preview and interview: ‘it became real-life quite quickly'
Ace Combat 8 is set to deliver a modern take on aerial combat, building on the success of Ace Combat 7 which sold 7.5 million copies. The game features a complex backstory in the fictional Strangereal world, stunning graphics enhanced by a new 'Cloudy' engine, and a focus on action gameplay with realistic elements. Developers Kazutoki Kono and Manabu Shimomoto discussed the game's themes of information manipulation and its grounded approach to near-future technology.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve devs detail first-person aerial combat and world of Strangereal
Project Aces has released a developer diary for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, detailing innovations such as a first-person perspective during story scenes and advancements in its proprietary "Cloudly" engine and "Lumen" lighting system. The game, set in the world of Strangereal, will feature an emotional story and enhanced flight combat mechanics, aiming for immersion and accessibility for both new and veteran players. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 this year.
