The highly anticipated prequel anime film, As One, to Square Enix’s Starwing Paradox arcade game has unveiled its full trailer and key visual, offering a first listen to its stirring theme song, “Meguriboshi” (Wandering Star). The film is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025, promising a deep dive into the universe of the mecha combat game.
A New Chapter in the Starwing Paradox Universe
As One is a feature-length theatrical anime that serves as a prequel, unfolding an entirely original narrative set two decades prior to the events of the popular Starwing Paradox arcade game. While the arcade game, launched in 2018 and concluded service in 2021, immersed players in high-speed 8v8 mecha battles on the planet Meguriboshi, the film ventures into the origins of this sci-fi world. The original game pitted two kingdoms on Meguriboshi against each other in a struggle for “Hoshinochi” (Star Blood), a vital energy source, featuring massive mechs known as Ae Rial, activated by a unique pairing of human pilots (AZ-One) and alien co-pilots from Earth.
The Story: A Fateful Connection Across Worlds
The film centers on Yō, a high school student from present-day Earth grappling with parental disapproval of his musical aspirations and growing discord with his bandmates. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he hears a mysterious cry for help and is enveloped in a bright light, transporting him to Meguriboshi. Concurrently, on the war-torn planet, Rako, a skilled robot mechanic, loses consciousness while dealing with a critical piece of space debris and, in her comatose state, establishes a mental link with Yō. This fateful encounter between Yō and Rako, living on different planets and across different times, promises to unveil secrets about the origins of the Ae Rial, Realide, and the profound connection between Meguriboshi and Earth, previously untold in the original game. The tagline, “When his song resonates, their ‘destiny’ is starting to move,” hints at the central role of music and the intertwined destinies of the protagonists.
Talent Behind the Animation
The production of As One boasts an impressive roster of anime industry veterans. Kobun Shizuno, renowned for his work on numerous Detective Conan films, directs the project. Character designs are handled by the legendary Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, known for his iconic contributions to Neon Genesis Evangelion and Summer Wars, who returns from his role in the original game’s character designs. Ippei Gyōbu, recognized for his mechanical designs in titles like Gundam: Reconguista in G, is responsible for the film’s mecha aesthetics. The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Shatner Nishida, Kana Matsui, and Masaya Honda. Animation duties are undertaken by Honoo and Studio GOONEYS.
Star-Studded Cast and Theme Song Reveal
The film features Ruki Shiroiwa, a member of the popular boy group JO1, in his voice acting debut as the main protagonist, Yō. Adding to his contributions, Shiroiwa also performs the film’s theme song, “Meguriboshi,” under his solo artist name, RUKI. He is credited with writing, composing, and self-producing the song, further intertwining his talent with the film’s narrative.
Joining Shiroiwa in the voice cast are Haruka Shiraishi as Rako, the robot mechanic from Meguriboshi; Shunsuke Takeuchi as Vigo, a member of the Pullguard Unit whom Rako views as an older brother; Yōko Hikasa as Kizana, a mysterious researcher crucial to the plot; and Ryūhei Maruyama as Rurowa, Rako’s father. The unveiling of the theme song in the new trailer has generated considerable excitement among fans, hinting at the compelling blend of music, mecha action, and emotional storytelling that As One is set to deliver.
