Ace Combat has officially hit a new milestone: 30 years of sky-soaring drama, high-octane dogfights, and unforgettable mission briefings. First launched as Air Combat on the original PlayStation in 1995, the franchise has since sold over 20 million units worldwide. Today, Bandai Namco is kicking off its year-long celebration with a new trailer, anniversary message, soundtrack collection, and revamped website for fans old and new.
A new commemorative trailer honors the series’ long history—from early polygonal skirmishes to the stunning clouds of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown—highlighting why the series has endured for three decades.
A Personal Message from Kazutoki Kono
Series brand director Kazutoki Kono, who’s been with the franchise since the beginning, shared a heartfelt letter with fans that reflects on the journey so far. “To deliver emotionally resonant, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations… is how we build a bond of trust with our players,” he writes. “That bond is the truest expression of our gratitude.”
Kono credits the series’ longevity to its ability to evolve while staying true to its core—a mix of grounded military fiction and over-the-top aerial spectacle. He also teases that the future is already in motion: “Everything is in place. It’s time to take flight once again—toward even greater heights.”
Anniversary Perks for Pilots
The Ace Combat team has launched several initiatives to mark the 30th anniversary:
- ACES WEB Relaunch: The official site has been updated with global language support and is live at acecombat.jp.
- Original Soundtrack Streaming: A curated collection of 19 iconic tracks from across the series is now streaming on all major platforms, thanks to Bandai Namco Game Music.
- Anniversary Wallpapers & Social Revamp: The team plans to roll out digital goodies and new content across refreshed social channels throughout the year.
The latest title, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, is still flying high and available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
