We’ve already talked about how Ace Combat 7 provided fans of action flight sims with a no-nonsense single-player experience that keeps the microtransactions to a minimum while providing a compelling story and intense action. It’s the Jedi Fallen Order or Last of Us II of arcade flight sims, and that makes it a member of a rare breed of video games.

But once again, we’re reminded that these sorts of single-player experiences still have a place in today’s gaming environment. Bandai Namco recently announced that Ace Combat 7 has surpassed 2 million units shipped in combined digital and physical sales worldwide, making it the third best-selling Ace Combat game in the franchise.

Ace Combat was initially known as Air Combat for the PS1, but since then has gone on to span 18 games across several generations and handheld devices. In fact, Ace Combat just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary since Air Combat released way back in June of 1995.

To mark the occasion, Project Aces did the best they could considering that Japan is still on lockdown thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Ace Combat’s website has indicated that there was going to be a second DLC announcement after the successful release of Ace Combat 7’s first DLC pack last year, but that seems to have been placed on indefinite hold.

“For the things that have been delayed, we will make them better and deliver them to you,” wrote series director Kazutoki Kono in a special message. “For the things that we were not able to do this year, we will make it happen, though it might be at a later date. And finally, above all, we will use this 25th anniversary as a milestone and promise that we will strive to work earnestly for the next anniversary, for the further expansion of the Ace Combat series, and for the fans."

Instead of a new DLC announcement, Project Aces released several spiffy wallpapers that showcase the main characters from Ace Combat 7 as well as aircraft from many of Ace Combat’s most memorable games.

Project Aces has also set up a YouTube channel featuring performances from Ace Combat 7’s musical talent, and fans are organizing an online Ace Combat Olympics event to celebrate Ace Combat’s 25th anniversary.

Source: Bandai Namco