Ace Combat 8 Steam Reviews Hit by Backlash Over Pre-Order Bonus Packaging

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While the core flight experience and production values have received praise, the PC version on Steam is facing backlash from players regarding how Bandai Namco packaged its pre-order bonus. Specifically, players who purchased the standard edition receive a copy of the 2006 entry Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War. However, rather than arriving as a separate app, the classic title is distributed as downloadable content executable that launches separately from the base game.

This packaging decision has drawn nearly 1,000 negative reviews on Steam, dragging the game review average down into Mixed territory. Reviewers have pointed out that installing the classic 3GB game requires downloading the full 140GB data footprint of Ace Combat 8. Additionally, the Steam version lacks separate cloud saves and a distinct achievements list, which are present on console versions. Players on Valve's portable Steam Deck platform note that separate cloud saves would have been particularly useful for the older title.

Developers previously explained during a livestream that the modern port cannot be sold separately due to fighter jet licenses expiring, meaning it is distributed exclusively as a pre-order bonus. While some fans hope for a separate listing in the future similar to how other unlisted titles are handled on Steam, the current requirement to keep the main game installed remains a primary pain point for early adopters alongside other reported issues like multiplayer connectivity and flight physics.