Square Enix and Sunrise’s collaborative effort, the prequel anime film As One, is generating buzz with new staff announcements and a confirmed release date. Set to debut in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025, As One expands upon the universe of the arcade game Starwing Paradox, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an immersive experience.
Diving Into the World of As One
As One serves as a prequel, transporting viewers 20 years before the events of Starwing Paradox. This allows for a fresh narrative while still connecting to the original game’s lore. The film centers around Yō, a high school student with musical aspirations, and Rako, a mecha mechanic from the war-torn planet Meguriboshi.
The Story Unfolds
Yō’s passion for music is met with disapproval from his parents, and he feels disconnected from his bandmates. One day, he hears a voice crying out for help and is engulfed in a blinding light. Meanwhile, on Meguriboshi, two nations are on the verge of a ceasefire after years of conflict over energy resources. However, disaster strikes when orbital debris threatens the peace ceremony. Rako, caught in the chaos, falls into a coma and encounters Yō in her consciousness. This connection bridges two worlds and sets the stage for a story about unity and overcoming fate. Music plays a vital role, with Yō’s song acting as a bridge to reveal hidden truths about the Starwing Paradox universe. These truths include the origins of Aerial, the secret of Realide, and the profound relationship between Meguriboshi and Earth.
A Meeting Across Worlds
The film’s title, As One, encapsulates the themes of unity and connection between different worlds. Concept art depicts Yō and Rako meeting in a dreamlike space, hinting at the ethereal connection between the two characters.
The Creative Team Behind As One
The film boasts a talented team of creators.
- Director: Kobun Shizuno, known for his work on various Detective Conan movies.
- Character Designer: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the legendary artist behind Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Sadamoto also designed the characters for the original game, but has completely revamped them for the film.
- Mechanical Designer: Ippei Gyōbu, known for his work on the Gundam series.
- Scriptwriters: Shatner Nishida, Kana Matsui, and Masaya Honda.
- Production Supervisors/Producers: Joe Teng and Takafumi Yūki.
- Animation Studio: Honoo and StudioGOONEYS.
Shizuno expressed his vision for the film, stating that it would captivate both longtime fans and those unfamiliar with the original game, immersing them in a story centered around the melody played by Yō. Sadamoto added that he believes the film will be exciting due to the new creative challenges and his first-time collaboration with the director.
Starwing Paradox: A Brief History
Starwing Paradox is a sci-fi arcade game developed by Square Enix, with animation by Sunrise. The game launched in Japan in November 2018 and ended its service in October 2021. The game featured 8v8 battles where players controlled Air Real mecha in a cockpit-like cabinet. The story takes place on Meguriboshi, a planet far from Earth, divided between the Kō Country A Slegga and the Va Led Sei Kingdom.
What to Expect from As One
As One promises to be an ambitious sci-fi anime film that expands the world of Starwing Paradox. With a focus on music, mecha battles, and a story that transcends time and space, the film aims to offer a unique and engaging experience. The film’s original story, coupled with the talents of the creative team, suggests that As One will be a must-see for anime fans in the summer of 2025. By exploring themes of unity, destiny, and the power of music, As One seeks to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
