Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is back - As a Free Pre-order Bonus for Ace Combat 8

Bandai Namco is celebrating the upcoming return of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War with a commemorative video. The PS2 classic will be included with pre-orders of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve and will be easily playable via Steam.

With a commemorative trailer, Bandai Namco is sending the dogfight community back to the Belkan War. This comes following the announcement that Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War will be included as an exclusive pre-order bonus for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.

Ace Combat Zero was originally released in 2006 for the PS2 and is still considered one of the most popular entries in the series. As a prequel to Ace Combat 5, you take on the role of the mercenary pilot “Cipher” and get caught up in the fictional Belkan War of 1995—complete with a unique morality system that rates your playstyle as either a hero or a feared ace.

What's different about the “new” version of Ace Combat Zero?

The version just announced is a port of the PS2 original to Steam. There is no official, detailed information yet about this year's AC Zero release. However, The Belkan War is expected to feature at least a higher resolution than the original, and the frame rate is also said to be optimized for modern systems. According to rumors, a complete remaster is unlikely, as this would also require re-licensing the aircraft models.

Anyone who pre-orders Ace Combat 8 from Gamesplanet—whether the Standard or Deluxe Edition—will receive Ace Combat Zero for free, in addition to the playable F-14A Tomcat jet. Buyers of the Deluxe Edition will also receive 3 days of early access (Advanced Access). A great opportunity for anyone who wants to catch up on the Strangereal War from the very beginning.