Bandai Namco Entertainment America has announced HOUR ZERO, a four-part live action prequel to Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. The short film stars Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh and Tamlyn Tomita, with the first installment scheduled to premiere on September 15, ahead of the game’s October 2 launch.
Ace Combat 8 HOUR ZERO follows three survivors whose lives are transformed by the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa’s invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Holloway plays a pilot with no safe place to land, Routh portrays a doctor who saves an enemy soldier, while Tomita takes the role of a news anchor who is silenced after attempting to report the truth.
The story will be told in reverse, gradually moving toward the beginning of the war. The narratives are also tied to the family lives of the three central characters, showing the events leading up to the moment their ordinary lives are destroyed by the conflict.
HOUR ZERO will be released in four installments, with the final episode arriving before Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches. Bandai Namco describes the project as an introduction to the Ace Combat universe for both existing fans and newcomers, while its events are intended to establish the setting for the game’s Campaign Mode.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is set in the series’ fictional Strangereal world, where the Federation of Central Usea has been occupied and its military forces have been devastated. Players take on the role of a legendary ace pilot known as Wings of Theve, whose name is connected to Theve, the FCU’s capital city.
The protagonist joins three new fighter pilots as they attempt to push back the Republic of Sotoa and reclaim their homeland. The campaign focuses on themes of identity and duty as the characters fight for the survival of their nation.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is built using Unreal Engine 5 alongside the developer’s proprietary technology. The game is positioned as the first mainline Ace Combat release in seven years and aims to deliver a more cinematic aerial combat experience.
The game will launch on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC through Steam. Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition can begin playing through early access on September 29. Standard and Deluxe Editions are currently available for preorder.
