Josh Holloway and Brandon Routh Take Flight in Ace Combat 8
Bandai Namco Entertainment America has announced HOUR ZERO, a live-action prequel to Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, featuring Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh, and Tamlyn Tomita. The short film will arrive in four parts, starting September 15, and will lead directly into the game’s October 2 launch.
HOUR ZERO follows three strangers caught in the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa’s invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Holloway plays a pilot with nowhere to land, while Routh portrays a doctor who saves an enemy soldier. Tomita takes on the role of a news anchor who faces consequences after speaking the truth.
The story unfolds in reverse, gradually revealing how the three characters’ ordinary lives fell apart as war erupted. Their personal struggles will also set the stage for the events players will experience in Ace Combat 8’s Campaign Mode.
The game returns players to the series’ fictional Strangereal setting, where the Federation of Central Usea has fallen under occupation. Players will take control of the legendary ace known as Wings of Theve. And they will join three new fighter pilots in an effort to push back against Sotoa and reclaim their homeland.
Ace Combat 8 aims to deliver the series’ most cinematic experience yet with Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary technology. The game launches on September 29 for Deluxe Edition owners, followed by the full release on October 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
HOUR ZERO looks like an interesting way to build anticipation before players take to the skies themselves.