After three decades of working on the Ace Combat series, brand director Kazutoki Kono has finally had the opportunity to fly in a real fighter jet. This experience, long a desire for Kono and his team, was recently realized and documented in a promotional video for the upcoming Ace Combat 8: Wings of the Ve.
Previously, Kono stated in June that neither he nor anyone on the development team had ever experienced flight in a real jet, despite years of appealing for the chance. "Unfortunately over the last 30 years of my career I've been appealing, saying 'hey, we want to ride in one of these jets!' but we have not yet had the chance," he remarked.
In the new promotional video, Kono described the experience as beautiful and incredible. "I was scared before getting in. But once we were airborne, it turned into one of the most beautiful experiences," he said. "The G-force during turns was noticeable, but what stood out the most was the force pushing me downward into the seat. Being up in the sky inside such a compact cockpit felt incredible. It was a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable space to be in. Compared to a large aircraft, it really made me appreciate the appeal of fighter jets."
Kono also reflected on how the flight reinforced his appreciation for the Ace Combat series itself. "Looking out at the clouds and the sky while flying, I couldn't help but think how Ace Combat is incredibly well-made," he commented.
The promotion of Ace Combat 8 has included various efforts by Bandai Namco, such as a live-action YouTube miniseries. Kono's real-world flight experience is seen as a significant marketing step, capitalizing on the series' long-standing appeal and the director's personal aspirations.