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Bandai Namco has released a short teaser revealing a line-up of classic Namco coin-ops that will be playable within its upcoming dogfighter Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
Similar to the setup in Capcom's Street Fighter 6, Wings of Theve will feature socialised online lobbies, where digital skyflyers can not only gather for matchmaking purposes, but also enjoy training options, listen to their favourite themes from the Ace Combat series, or hang out and chat with one another, no doubt sharing their omnipresent desire to feel the necessity for some type of acceleration.
Additionally, the Ace Combat 8 lobbies will feature a range of arcade cabinets, containing playable editions of classic games from Namco's storied past. The titles launching with Wings of Theve's first season will be Pac-Man (1980), Rally-X (1980), Galaga (1981), and Dragon Spirit (1987)... One of these games is doing its own thing.
Ace Combat director Kazutoki Kono later tweeted that Dragon Spirit was included after the team became hooked during development, with nobody apparently able to clear the vertically-scrolling shmup's third stage. Completed it, mate.
It's safe to assume these arcade games will be rotated with each new season, so hopefully classics such as Dig Dug (1982), Rolling Thunder (1986), and Pole Position (1982) will take their turn in the spotlight. Curiously, the news was also received with glee by WWE star, Ace Combat fan, former Nintendo employee, and home arcade owner Asuka - who was quick to note that she had already pre-ordered her copy.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches October 2 on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series.