HOUR ZERO Shows How Three Survivors Leading Back to the First Hour of the War Set the Thrilling Story of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE in Motion
IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 10, 2026 – Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. today announced HOUR ZERO, a live action prequel to the story in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™. Starring Josh Holloway (Lost, Yellowstone), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Tamlyn Tomita (Cobra Kai), the short film will release in four installments, beginning on September 15, 2026, and concluding ahead of the game’s launch on October 2. For more information, visit www.bandainamcoent.com/games/ace-combat-8.
HOUR ZERO, the prequel to ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE, is a short film designed to introduce fans and newcomers to the series and the Ace Combat world view. Three strangers survive the opening days of the Republic of Sotoa’s invasion of the Federation of Central Usea. Josh Holloway stars as a pilot with nowhere to land, Brandon Routh as a doctor who saved his enemy, and Tamlyn Tomita as a news anchor silenced for telling the truth. Told in reverse and grounded in the family lives of its three leads, their stories count down to the moment when their normal lives were shattered and war began. Their story sets the stage for the narrative players will experience in the deep, engaging Campaign Mode in ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE promises to deliver the most cinematic experience yet in the series. The story puts players in the role of an ace pilot in an emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland. Returning to the series’ legendary fictitious setting, Strangereal is now a world at war, with the nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its military shattered. With the prospect of war for survival as the only option, players enter the cockpit under the name Wings of Theve, taking on the role of a legendary ace with their name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and becoming the symbol of hope for every citizen in their imperiled nation. Joined by a squadron of three unique new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against all odds to repel the Republic of Sotoa’s vicious attack and reclaim their lost homeland.
Developed by Bandai Namco Aces Inc., the first mainline entry in ACE COMBAT in seven years promises to elevate the flight shooting franchise to new heights, harnessing the power of Unreal® Engine 5 and proprietary technology to create an ultra-realistic aerial thrill ride. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE will take to the skies with early access available for Deluxe Edition holders on September 29, 2026, and launch for all players on October 2. The game is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam® in Standard and Deluxe Editions.
For press only, static assets are available at the Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. press room at www.bneapressroom.com; a library of video trailers ready for embedding are available on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/BandaiNamcoEntertainmentAmerica.
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About Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., part of the Bandai Namco Group, is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for major video game consoles, PC, online, and mobile platforms. The company is known for creating many of the industry’s beloved classic franchises such as PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®, and publishing the critically acclaimed DARK SOULS™ series and the blockbuster title ELDEN RING™. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is also the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including GUNDAM™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE®. Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com.
ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
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