If you were in doubt that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is being positioned as the biggest game in the series so far, this new overview trailer of the flight shooter's multiplayer suite says it loud and clear.

Of course, Bandai Namco's series has featured online multiplayer before, but Ace Combat Online, as it's called here, looks far more elaborate in Wings of Theve.

Check out the video below:

The two core modes of Ace Combat Online are Co-Op Assault and Co-Op Warfare.

Co-Op Assault is a PvE mode in which two squadrons compete for the highest score, taking down computer-controlled enemies. These may be ground, sea, or air-based targets, so you'll need to bear that in mind when choosing your aircraft.

Co-Op Warfare is effectively a Team Deathmatch mode. It features two squadrons again, only your targets are the opposing team. There are CPU enemy forces on either side as well, but this is primarily a PvP mode.

As you score points, you'll become more notorious, earning up to three stars. This makes you a target, though, as the higher your ranking, the more points you afford the opponent if they shoot you down.

Between matches, you'll find yourself in an air base, which acts as a hub. There, you can create a customisable avatar and hang out with other players in groups of up to 100.

Sometimes, when you return from a mission, you may encounter limited-time events such as Scramble or Emergency Sortie.

In Scramble, a team of four goes up against a tough CPU squadron. Emergency Sortie is very cool — eight players work together to take down one of the massive super weapons introduced throughout the series.

For example, the video shows Chandelier from Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation and the Arsenal Bird from Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

You might also encounter limited-time PvP events including Team or Free-for-All Deathmatch; these may come with some restrictions, forcing you to fly particular types of planes for example.

As you'd expect, you can unlock more planes, upgrades, cosmetics, and more as you rank up in Ace Combat Online.

The hub includes an arcade where you can play Bandai Namco classics such as Pac-Man, because why not? There are also loot boxes to open, a jukebox where you can play various tracks from throughout the series, a training mode and tutorial, and more.

There's also a battle pass system, here called the Ace Pass. There's a free tier and a premium tier, of course, with the latter containing more rewards for those who pay up. The video says that any aircraft made available via the premium Ace Pass will become available for separate purchase as DLC.

Bandai Namco is packing a lot into AC8's multiplayer — more than ever. It really does feel like the publisher is going above and beyond with this entry.

Are you planning on playing Wings of Theve online? Tell us in the comments section below.