View source for Ace Combat

{{short description|Flight action video game series}}
{{about|the video game series|the first game in the series, titled ''Ace Combat'' in Japan|Air Combat{{!}}''Air Combat''}}
{{use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title                  = Ace Combat
| image                  = [[File:Ace Combat logo.svg|250px|class=skin-invert-image]]
| platforms              = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Mobile phone]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Windows]], [[iOS]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]]
| developer              = {{unbulleted list|[[Namco]]|[[Bandai Namco Studios]]|[[Access Games]]}}
| publisher              = {{unbulleted list|Namco|[[Bandai Namco Entertainment]]}}
| composer               = 
| genre                  = [[Combat flight simulation game|Combat flight shooter]]
| first release version  = ''[[Air Combat]]''
| first release date     = June 30, 1995
| latest release version = ''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]''
| latest release date    = January 18, 2019
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Ace Combat'''''|エースコンバット|Ēsu Konbatto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an [[Arcade video game|arcade]]-style [[Combat flight simulation game|combat flight simulation]] [[video game]] series by Project Aces, an internal development team of [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]], formerly [[Namco]]. Debuting in 1995 with ''[[Air Combat]]'' for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], the series includes eight mainline installments, multiple spin-offs, and other forms of media, such as novels, [[model kits]], and [[soundtrack albums]]. Since 2012, the series has been developed primarily by [[Bandai Namco Studios]] through its internal development group, Project Aces.

The ''Ace Combat'' franchise emphasizes fast-paced action and dramatic, [[anime|anime-styled]] plots with semi-realistic gameplay; for example, aircraft have [[Aircraft flight dynamics|flight dynamics]] controls and can [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]], but are also able to carry dozens of missiles. The series features a range of aircraft including accurate or slightly modified representations of modern military aircraft, prototypes that were never adopted (or even built) in real life, and fictional [[Boss (video games)|boss]]-type [[superweapon]]s. The main series of games is set in "Strangereal", a [[fictional universe]] loosely based on the real world, featuring similar events and entities but with an entirely different history largely centering around advanced technology and the aftermath of an [[asteroid]] [[impact event]] in the 1990s; however, certain games are set in fictional renditions of the real world.

As of 2023, the ''Ace Combat'' franchise has shipped over {{nowrap|20 million}} copies worldwide,{{efn|name=totalsales}} and has established itself as one of the longest running arcade flight action franchises.

==Setting==
{{VG timeline
| 1995 = ''[[Air Combat]]''
| 1997 = ''[[Ace Combat 2]]''
| 1999 = ''[[Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere]]''
| 2001 = ''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies]]''
| 2004 = ''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War]]''
| 2005 = ''[[Ace Combat Advance]]''
| 2006a = ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''
| 2006b = ''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception]]''
| 2007 = ''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]''
| 2009 = ''[[Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion]]''
| 2010a = ''[[Ace Combat: Joint Assault]]''
| 2010b = ''Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Trigger Finger''
| 2011a = ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]''
| 2011b = ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy]]''
| 2011c = ''Ace Combat: Northern Wings''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.namco.com/mobile/ace-combat-northern-wings |title=NAMCO Bandai Games &#124; Ace Combat®: Northern Wings |publisher=Namco.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110083354/http://www.namco.com/mobile/ace-combat-northern-wings |archive-date=January 10, 2012 }}</ref>
| 2014 = ''[[Ace Combat Infinity]]''
| 2015 = ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+''
| 2019 = ''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]''
| 2026 = ''[[Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve]]''
}}
Most installments in the ''Ace Combat'' series are set in "Strangereal", the series' [[fictional universe]]. Strangereal's [[Earth]] features entirely different [[Fictional country|nations]], [[geography]], [[continent]]s, and [[Canon (fiction)|history]] compared to the real world, though some nations, locations, and events are loosely based on those from real life, and most aircraft in the series are real models with few alterations.

Strangereal is very similar to the real modern world, but with significantly more advanced technology that allows for the development of [[superweapon]]s and theoretical devices such as aerial [[warship]]s, [[laser weapon]]s, [[railgun]]s, [[Submarine aircraft carrier|submarine]] and [[airborne aircraft carrier]]s, [[Space weapon|orbital weapons]], [[mass driver]]s, [[lethal autonomous weapon]]s, nearly-[[Artificial consciousness|sentient]] [[artificial intelligence]], and advanced [[experimental aircraft]]. [[Nuclear weapon]]s exist, but international agreements and [[nuclear terrorism]] are implied to have inhibited their development and use, resulting in a lack of [[Mutual assured destruction|nuclear deterrence]] and a greater focus on [[conventional weapon]]ry in [[arms race]]s. This makes large-scale interstate warfare common, and many nations field large militaries with diverse equipment, develop superweapons, train elite [[special forces]]-esque "[[Flying ace|ace]]" [[Squadron (aviation)|fighter squadrons]], or hire [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] to augment their forces.

Most ''Ace Combat'' games are set after a 1999 [[impact event]] in which the [[asteroid]] "Ulysses 1994XF04", on a collision course with Earth, split into numerous fragments, some of which were destroyed by [[Asteroid impact avoidance|anti-asteroid]] weaponry but others still struck the planet, causing widespread destruction and global crises. The international tensions caused by the Ulysses impact and its aftermath play a large role throughout the series, and some of the games' superweapons are, or originate from, anti-Ulysses devices. Another major event in the series' continuity is the 1995 "[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War|Belkan War]]", a [[World War II]]-esque conflict in which the advanced [[ultranationalist]] nation of Belka attempted to invade neighboring countries during an internal crisis, was repelled by an international [[coalition]], and [[Nuclear warfare|used nuclear weapons]] [[Scorched earth|on their own territory]] to prevent a retaliatory invasion, causing their defeat and earning them global condemnation and scorn; Belkan [[nationalists]] seeking revenge for their defeat play major roles in some of the games.

As shown in ''Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere'', the nations of Strangereal shown in most of the series are eventually superseded by sovereign [[megacorporation]]s. Strangereal was later established as part of Bandai Namco's ''United Galaxy Space Force'' [[shared universe]], representing the earliest period in its timeline, in which the nations of Strangereal unite to form a [[world government]] around 2090.<ref>{{cite web |author=BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc. |title=UGSFシリーズ 公式サイト |url=http://ugsf-series.com/about.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409075123/http://ugsf-series.com/about.html |archive-date=April 9, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref>

''Ace Combat: Joint Assault'', ''Assault Horizon'', and ''Infinity'' are not set in Strangereal, and are instead set in their own fictionalized versions of the real world, albeit with technology similar to Strangereal's.

==Games==
<!-- Please do not add Air Combat (arcade game), Air Combat 22, or Mach Storm to the series timeline or sales chart. Namco does not consider these part of the series proper (see talk page). -->


{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="3" |Mainline titles
|-
!Title
!Year
!Platform
|-
|''[[Air Combat]]''
|1995
| rowspan="3" |[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 2]]''
|1997
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere]]'' 
|1999
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies]]''
|2001
| rowspan="3" |[[PlayStation 2]]
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War]]'' 
|2004
|-
|''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''
|2006
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]'' 
|2007
|[[Xbox 360]]
|-
|''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]''
|2019
|[[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
|''Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve''
|2026
|Windows, [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X and S]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Spin-off titles
|-
|''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]''
|2011
|Windows, [[PlayStation 3]], Xbox 360
|-
|''[[Ace Combat Infinity]]''
|2014
|PlayStation 3
|-
! colspan="3" |Handheld console titles
|-
|''[[Ace Combat Advance]]''
|2005
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|-
|''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception]]''
|2006
| rowspan="2" |[[PlayStation Portable]]
|-
|''[[Ace Combat: Joint Assault]]''
|2010
|-
|''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy]]''
|2011
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Mobile titles
|-
|''[[Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion]]''
|2009
| rowspan="2" |[[iOS]]
|-
|''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Trigger Finger''
|2010
|-
|''Ace Combat: Northern Wings''
|2011
|[[J2ME]]
|}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible floatright"
! scope="colgroup" colspan="4" style= | ''Ace Combat'' main chronology
|-
| scope="rowgroup" colspan="4" | {{Unbulleted list center
  | ''[[Air Combat]]'' and ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War|Zero: The Belkan War]]'' (1995)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 2|2]]'' and ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy|Assault Horizon Legacy]]'' (1997–1998)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies|04: Shattered Skies]]'' (2004–2005)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War|5: The Unsung War]]'' (2010)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation|6: Fires of Liberation]]'' (2015–2016)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown|7: Skies Unknown]]'' (2019)
  | ''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception|X: Skies of Deception]]'' (2020)
| ''[[Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve|8: Wings of Theve]]'' (2029)
  | ''[[Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere|3: Electrosphere]]'' (2040)
  }}
|}
* '''''[[Air Combat]]''''' (1995) is the debut entry of the series, being released as a launch title for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in North America and titled ''Ace Combat'' in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moriarty |first1=Colin |title=Comparing Two Decades' Worth of PlayStation Launch Lineups |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/25/comparing-two-decades-worth-of-playstation-launch-lineups |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016135539/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/25/comparing-two-decades-worth-of-playstation-launch-lineups |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |date=October 25, 2013}}</ref> Produced by Kazumi Mizuno as a port and successor to a [[Air Combat (arcade game)|1993 arcade game of the same name]], the plot centers around a team of mercenary pilots hired to defeat a terrorist organization that has seized control of the Skully Islands.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elston |first1=Brett |title=Feature: Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ace-combat-6-fires-of-liberation-11/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |accessdate=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804033718/https://www.gamesradar.com/ace-combat-6-fires-of-liberation-11/ |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |date=April 4, 2007}}</ref> ''Air Combat'' introduced the series' arcade-like gameplay, a contrast to most other flight sim games at the time. In 2005, ''Air Combat'' was released for Japanese mobile phones under Namco's game subscription service.<ref>{{cite web |title=ナムコ、BREW対応シューティング「エースコンバット」 |url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0508/25/news112.html |publisher=ITmedia |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804033719/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0508/25/news112.html |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |language=ja |date=August 25, 2005}}</ref>
* '''''[[Ace Combat 2]]''''' (1997) was released for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], and created out of Namco's dissatisfaction with ''Air Combat'' from a technical standpoint.<ref>{{cite news |author1=CVG Staff |title=Exclusive Namco/Ace Combat 2 Interview! |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_190_1997-09_EMAP_Images_GB |access-date=December 22, 2019 |agency=[[Computer and Video Games]] |issue=190 |publisher=[[EMAP Images]] |date=September 1997 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_190_1997-09_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n115 36]-39}}</ref> Designed by Masanori Kato, ''Ace Combat 2'' follows Scarface, a mercenary squadron (the same from ''Air Combat'') who are hired again to defeat a [[coup d'état]] that threatens the continent of Usea. The sequel builds upon its predecessor in several ways, adding new mission types, playable aircraft, and multiple difficulty options. ''Ace Combat 2'' was re-released in 2005 for the [[PlayStation 2]] through ''[[NamCollection]]'', a Japan-exclusive collection of Namco-developed PlayStation games.<ref>{{cite web |author1=GameSpot Staff |title=Namco celebrates 50th birthday with compilation |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/namco-celebrates-50th-birthday-with-compilation/1100-6121031/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324005911/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/namco-celebrates-50th-birthday-with-compilation/1100-6121031/ |archive-date=March 24, 2014 |date=March 24, 2005}}</ref> In 2011, the game was remade for the [[3DS]] as ''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy]]'', featuring new levels, an updated plot, and new game mechanics.
* '''''[[Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere]]''''' (1999) was published for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], being the last game in the series for the console. While the previous two games carry a modern-day aesthetic, ''Electrosphere'' uses a futuristic aesthetic and setting,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mielke |first1=James |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ace-combat-3-electrosphere-review/1900-2545916/ |title=Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=June 22, 1999 |access-date=December 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106060051/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ace-combat-3-electrosphere-review/1900-2545916/ |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> and follows a conflict between the [[Megacorporation|megacorporations]] Neucom and General Resource, and the [[peacekeeping]] organization UPEO, in a dystopia where corporations have superseded nation states to compete for power.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pezzile |first1=Sebastiano |title=Ace Combat 3: l'Evangelion che nessuno conosce |url=https://www.player.it/speciali/368985-ace-combat-3-evangelion.html |website=Player.it |access-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818175726/https://www.player.it/speciali/368985-ace-combat-3-evangelion.html |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |date=February 1, 2019}}</ref> ''Electrosphere'' is heavily reliant on story, with branching stage paths and anime-style video emails with full voice acting. The international versions of the game cut down much of its story and content to accommodate for financial constraints.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Treese |first1=Tyler |title=Ranking the Ace Combat games from worst to best |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/485695-ranking-the-ace-combat-games |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=Evolve Media |access-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127040714/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/485695-ranking-the-ace-combat-games |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |date=January 26, 2019}}</ref>
* '''''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies]]''''' (2001) was the first game in the series to be developed by Project Aces, then-known as the "AC04 Project". Released for the [[PlayStation 2]] and renamed ''Ace Combat: Distant Thunder'' in Europe, it was the first entry in the series to thoroughly flesh out Strangereal as the main setting. Initially intended as a series reboot, ''Shattered Skies'' returned to the gameplay structure of ''Air Combat'' and ''Ace Combat 2'', with fast-paced action and mission variety in a more linear plot. The game's plot tells the story of Mobius 1, a fighter pilot whose legendary exploits during a continent-wide war become instrumental in stopping the country of Erusea's plans to conquer all of Usea.
* '''''[[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War]]''''' (2004) was released for the [[PlayStation 2]], renamed ''Ace Combat: Squadron Leader'' for Europe. Produced by Kazutoki Kono and Project Aces, ''The Unsung War'' is one of the most expansive titles in the series, with over 50 playable aircraft and 32 campaign missions, along with fully animated cutscenes. The plot follows the members of Wardog Squadron, who uncover a conspiracy fueling a large-scale war between the [[Superpower|global superpowers]] of Osea and Yuktobania. The game also features an arcade mode, following Mobius 1 on a mission to defeat Erusean holdouts. In 2018, [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] rereleased ''The Unsung War'' for the [[PlayStation 4]] as a pre-order bonus for ''Ace Combat 7'', with slight modifications to allow it to run properly on the console's hardware.
* '''''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''''' (2006) was released for the [[PlayStation 2]], renamed ''Ace Combat: The Belkan War'' in Europe. It was the last ''Ace Combat'' game developed by Namco before their assets were folded into [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Games]], who published the game outside Japan, just a week after its launch in Japan. ''The Belkan War'' serves as a prequel to ''The Unsung War'', combining ideas and mechanics from both it and ''Shattered Skies'' and explaining plot details and lore mentioned in ''The Unsung War''<nowiki/>'s story. The plot, told through retrospective narration, recounts the exploits of Galm Team, a pair of mercenary pilots hired to defend the country of Ustio and its allies from an invasion by Belka in 1995.
* '''''[[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception]]''''' (2006) was released for the [[PlayStation Portable]] as the first entry in the series to be released on the PSP. The game features the ability for the player to choose their own route through the campaign, allowing for multiple different mission combinations in each playthrough. Its plot follows a war between the neighboring countries of Aurelia and Leasath, and the actions of Aurelia's Gryphus Squadron in the fight against the invading Leasathean forces.
* '''''[[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]''''' (2007) was released for the [[Xbox 360]], marking the series' debut on a [[Microsoft]] platform. It was the first ''Ace Combat'' title to implement online multiplayer and downloadable content, which have become staple inclusions since. Alongside a standalone release, Namco Bandai bundled ''Fires of Liberation'' with the Ace Edge, a [[flight stick]] designed by Hori specifically for the game, and a custom Xbox 360 console faceplate. Its story revolves around an invasion of Emmeria by the neighboring country of Estovakia, and the subsequent efforts of Emmerian forces to take back their country, led by the pilots of Garuda Team. In 2018, [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] re-released ''Fires of Liberation'' for the [[Xbox One]] as a pre-order bonus for ''Ace Combat 7'', with slight modifications to allow it to run properly on the console's hardware.
* '''''[[Ace Combat: Joint Assault]]''''' (2010) was released for the [[PlayStation Portable]] as the first game in the series to be set in the real world. The game's campaign features cooperative gameplay for up to four players, and new aerial combat mechanics that simplify dogfights. ''Joint Assault'''s plot follows the pilots of Martinez Security, a [[private military company]] hired to help defeat a heavily armed global terrorist force.
* '''''[[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]''''' (2011) was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], with a later release for [[Microsoft Windows]] in 2013 through [[Steam (software)|Steam]]. ''Assault Horizon'' features significant gameplay differences compared to other entries in the series, such as a "dogfight mode" and "airstrike mode" to simplify gameplay, a "gritty" ''[[Call of Duty]]''-esque art direction, and unique turret sections for [[Military helicopter|helicopters]], [[Gunship|gunships]], and [[Bomber|bombers]], the first time in the series that these types of aircraft are playable. Set in the real world, but in a different universe than ''Joint Assault'', the game's plot follows the 108th Task Force, a joint coalition of U.S. and Russian forces deployed to defeat heavily armed insurgencies and criminal organizations.
* '''''[[Ace Combat Infinity]]''''' (2014) was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] as the series' first [[free-to-play]] entry. The game featured expansive multiplayer modes and a [[freemium]] model. Set in the real world, but in a different universe than ''Joint Assault'' and ''Assault Horizon'', ''Infinity'' follows the aftermath of a real-world Ulysses incident and the rise of a terrorist organization in devastated [[Eurasia]], with the [[United Nations]] enlisting several private military companies to fight back. ''Infinity''<nowiki/>'s services were discontinued in 2018, with its plot left on a cliffhanger.
* '''''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]''''' (2019) was published for the [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Personal computer|PC]] through [[Steam (service)|Steam]], and was the first mainline installment released in twelve years. A [[Nintendo Switch]] port was published in 2024. ''Skies Unknown'' was created based on the commercial success of ''[[Ace Combat Infinity]]'', with its mechanics being borrowed from both it and ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon''. Designed by Project Aces and headed by producer Kazutoki Kono, ''Skies Unknown'' features multiple additions to the series, including multiple game modes, enhancements to the aircraft tuning concept from ''Ace Combat X'', and [[virtual reality]] support through [[PlayStation VR]]. Returning to the series' traditional setting of Strangereal, the game, set during a war between Osea and Erusea over a space elevator, follows the exploits of Trigger, an Osean pilot who is tasked with clearing his name after a false accusation of murder lands him in a [[Penal military unit|penal squadron]]. The game also features three VR missions set five years before the campaign, following Mobius 1's continued fight against the Erusean holdouts seen in ''The Unsung War'''s arcade mode.
* '''''Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve''''' (2026) was confirmed to be in development in August 2021 and had its reveal during the [[The Game Awards 2025|2025 Game Awards]]. It is being developed by Namco and [[ILCA (company)|ILCA]]. The game is set during the invasion of the Federation of Central Usea (FCU) by the country of Sotoa. It follows a veteran FCU squadron known as the "Wings of Theve", led by the legendary ace "Rex". The player character is Rex's co-pilot who inherits his callsign and position after the former's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Sean |date=2021-08-18 |title=Bandai Namco Announces New Ace Combat In Development With ILCA, Additional Ace Combat 7 DLC |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ace-combat-new-game-ilca-dlc/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=2021-08-19 |title=A new Ace Combat game is in development |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-ace-combat-game-is-in-development/ |access-date=2022-07-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/ace-combat-8-wings-of-theve-official-announcement-trailer-the-game-awards-2025 |title=Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve - Official Announcement Trailer {{!}} The Game Awards 2025 - IGN |date=2025-12-12 |language=en |access-date=2025-12-12 |via=www.ign.com}}</ref>

=== Title differences ===
Some ''Ace Combat'' games have differences in their title, depending on the region ([[NTSC]] or [[PAL]]) the game was sold in:

* The Japanese ''Ace Combat'' was renamed ''Air Combat'' in the North American and European releases of the original game. The second game was initially set to be released as ''Air Combat 2'' in the U.S., but by the time of release the game (and series) switched to using ''Ace Combat'' internationally.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Oops|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=98|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1997|page=132}}</ref>
* In NTSC territories, the fourth installment of the series is known as ''Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies'', while in PAL territories the game is known as ''Ace Combat: Distant Thunder''. The Spanish version of the game is known as ''Ace Combat: Trueno de Acero'', which can be translated as ''Ace Combat: Steel Thunder''.
* The NTSC version of the fifth installment of the game is known as ''Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War'', while the PAL release was renamed ''Ace Combat: Squadron Leader''.
* In PAL territories, the word "Zero" in ''Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War'' was removed, making it the first game since the series introduction to not have a significant name change in PAL territories.
* ''Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy'' in English-speaking territories was originally titled ''Ace Combat 3D: Cross Rumble'' in Japan.

==Printed media==
With the release of ''Assault Horizon'' in 2011, Project Aces created ''Aces at War: A History'', a special artbook detailing the content from ''Ace Combat 04'', ''5'', and ''Zero'' from an in-universe perspective, as well as production commentary. This was packaged with the special editions of ''Assault Horizon'' released in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ameblo.jp/project-nagase/entry-10974213812.html |title=エースコンバット アサルト・ホライゾンの国内限定版！？ |trans-title=A domestic limited edition of Ace Combat: Assault Horizon?! |language=ja |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 3, 2011 |publisher=[[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Games]] |access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ameblo.jp/project-nagase/entry-10994929745.html |title=ララビットマーケットACAH限定版の最新情報を入手！ |trans-title=Get the latest information on the Lalabit Market limited edition of ACAH! |language=ja |author=<!--Not stated--> |newspaper=ナガセ、「エースコンバット アサルト・ホライゾン」を奪取します。 |date=August 23, 2011 |publisher=[[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Bandai Namco Games]] |access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref> ''Aces at War: A History'' would later be updated and rereleased as part of a special edition of ''Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/11/09/-ace-combat-7-gets-special-aces-at-war-bundle/ |title='Ace Combat 7' Gets Special 'Aces at War' Bundle |language=en |first=Robert |last=Workman |date=November 8, 2018 |publisher=ComicBook.com}}</ref>

In March 2012, ASCII Media Works released ''Ace Combat: Ikaros in the Sky''. A tie-in novel for ''Assault Horizon'', ''Ikaros'' tells a story of series character Kei Nagase as she participates in the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force|JASDF]]'s ASF-X Shinden II fighter program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ah.acecombat.jp/book3/|title=エースコンバット イカロス・イン・ザ・スカイ｜エースコンバット アサルト・ホライゾン|website=ah.acecombat.jp|access-date=May 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150503102455/http://ah.acecombat.jp/book3/|archive-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| sales  = yes

| game1 = [[Air Combat]]
| sales1 = 2.23 million shipped<ref name="Web Sales">{{cite web |last1=Ichinoya |first1=Hiroyuki |title="『エースコンバット』シリーズ全世界累計1,000万本突破！" |url=https://www.acecombat.jp/ace6/news080130.html |website=Ace Combat Web |publisher=[[Namco Bandai Games]] |access-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311231912/https://www.acecombat.jp/ace6/news080130.html |archive-date=March 11, 2020 |language=ja |date=January 30, 2008}}</ref>
| mc1 = —
| oc1 = —

| game2 = [[Ace Combat 2]]
| sales2 = 1.092 million shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc2 = 83/100<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Combat 2 for PlayStation Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=December 22, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103071745/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/ace-combat-2 |archive-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref>
| oc2 = —

| game3 = [[Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere]]
| sales3 = 1.164 million shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc3 = —
| oc3 = —

| game4 = [[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies]]
| sales4 = 2.64 million shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc4 = 89/100<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies for PlayStation 2 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-04-shattered-skies/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 10, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607201837/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/ace-combat-04-shattered-skies |archive-date=June 7, 2020}}</ref>
| oc4 = —

| game5 = [[Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War]]
| sales5 = 1.802 million shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc5 = 84/100<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War for PlayStation 2 Reviews |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/acecombat5theunsungwar |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=September 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917122755/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/acecombat5theunsungwar |archive-date=September 17, 2008}}</ref>
| oc5 = —

| game6 = [[Ace Combat Advance]]
| sales6 = 100,000 shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc6 = 56/100<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Combat Advance for Game Boy Advance Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-advance/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 10, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227094628/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/ace-combat-advance |archive-date=December 27, 2018}}</ref>
| oc6 = —

| game7 = [[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]
| sales7 = 792,000 shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc7 = 75/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-zero-the-belkan-war/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title = Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War|website = [[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
| oc7 = —

| game8 = [[Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception]]
| sales8 = 476,000 shipped<ref name="Web Sales"/>
| mc8 = 75/100<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception for PSP Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-x-skies-of-deception/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 10, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507061043/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/ace-combat-x-skies-of-deception |archive-date=May 7, 2019}}</ref>
| oc8 = —

| game9 = [[Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation]]
| sales9 = 700,000<ref name="Dark Souls">{{cite web |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |title=Dark Souls sells 1.19 million |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dark-souls-sells-119-million/1100-6375675/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222151941/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dark-souls-sells-119-million/1100-6375675/ |archive-date=February 22, 2019 |date=May 8, 2012}}</ref>
| mc9 = 80/100<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for Xbox 360 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-6-fires-of-liberation/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 10, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416071612/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ace-combat-6-fires-of-liberation |archive-date=April 16, 2019}}</ref>
| oc9 = —

| game10 = [[Ace Combat: Assault Horizon]]
| sales10 = 1.07 million<ref name="Dark Souls"/>
| mc10 = 78/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-assault-horizon/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title = Ace Combat: Assault Horizon|website = [[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
| oc10 = —

| game11 = [[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]
| sales11 = {{nowrap|6 million}}<ref name="ac7sales">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2025-01-16 |title=Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown sales top six million |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/01/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown-sales-top-six-million |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Gematsu}}</ref>
| mc11 = 80/100 (PS4)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown for PlayStation 4 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624075608/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown |archive-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>
| oc11 = 79% recommend<ref>{{cite web|url=https://opencritic.com/game/7116/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown|title=''Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown''|date=January 18, 2019 |publisher=[[OpenCritic]]|access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>

}}
''Ace Combat'' has been a consistent commercial success, with most mainline installments reaching over one million units shipped. ''[[Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown]]'' is the most successful title with over {{nowrap|6 million}} copies shipped by 2025,<ref name="ac7sales"/> followed by ''[[Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies]]'' and ''[[Air Combat]]''.<ref name="Web Sales"/> The games have sold well predominantly in North America and Japan, where over 75% of all revenue was generated from the series by 2008.<ref name="Web Sales"/> In total, the ''Ace Combat'' franchise has shipped over {{nowrap|20 million}} copies.{{efn|name=totalsales|Over 14 million copies shipped by 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=Tokyo Game Show 2018 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Booth Highlights|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/pdfs/%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8FHP_%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E7%89%88_2018%E5%B9%B4%E5%BA%A6TGS%E8%A6%8B%E3%81%A9%E3%81%93%E3%82%8D%E3%83%AA%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9_0920.pdf |publisher=[[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] |access-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827134518/https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/pdfs/%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8FHP_%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E%E7%89%88_2018%E5%B9%B4%E5%BA%A6TGS%E8%A6%8B%E3%81%A9%E3%81%93%E3%82%8D%E3%83%AA%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9_0920.pdf |archive-date=August 27, 2020}}</ref> plus over {{nowrap|6 million}} copies sold of ''Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown'' after its release in 2019.<ref name="ac7sales"/>}}<ref>{{cite web |author1=IGN Staff |title=Ace Combat Series Surpasses 10 Million Units Sold Worldwide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/17/ace-combat-series-surpasses-10-million-units-sold-worldwide |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009113233/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/17/ace-combat-series-surpasses-10-million-units-sold-worldwide |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |date=April 17, 2008}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Video games}}
* ''[[Air Combat 22]]''
* ''[[Project Wingman]]''
* ''[[Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X]]''
* ''[[The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces]]'', a spiritual spin-off released exclusively on the [[Wii]] as a tie-in for the film ''[[The Sky Crawlers (film)|The Sky Crawlers]]''

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
*[http://www.acecombat.jp/ Ace Combat official website]

{{Ace Combat series}}
{{Franchises owned by Bandai Namco Holdings}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ace Combat| ]]
[[Category:Bandai Namco Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Fiction about aerial warfare]]
[[Category:Combat flight simulators]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1995]]