The highly anticipated prequel anime film, As One, to Square Enix’s Starwing Paradox arcade game, has released its main trailer, offering a deeper look into its narrative and visuals. The film is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025. This feature-length theatrical release promises to delve into events preceding the game, presenting a new perspective on the established universe.
A Glimpse into the Prequel Story
As One is an original story set 20 years before the events of the Starwing Paradox game. The plot centers around Yō, a high school student struggling with his musical aspirations and a drifting connection with his bandmates. His life takes an unexpected turn when he hears a voice calling for help and is enveloped in a bright light. Simultaneously, on the distant planet Meguriboshi, a robot mechanic named Rako loses consciousness while dealing with space debris and makes contact with Yō. This mysterious connection intertwines their destinies against a backdrop of uneasy truce between two warring countries on Meguriboshi, who are in perpetual conflict over a living energy source called “Hoshinochi” (Star Blood). The film aims to unveil long-hidden truths about the “Realide” system, the origin of “Ae Rial” (the gigantic mechs), and the profound link between Meguriboshi and Earth.
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The film features a compelling cast of characters. JO1 boy group member Ruki Shiroiwa makes his voice acting debut as the protagonist, Yō, and also performs the film’s theme song, “Meguriboshi” (Wandering Star). Joining him are:
- Haruka Shiraishi as Rako, the robot mechanic from Meguriboshi.
- Shunsuke Takeuchi as Vigo, a Pullguard Unit member who Rako regards as an elder brother.
- Yōko Hikasa as Kizana, a researcher vital to the story’s unraveling.
- Ryūhei Maruyama as Rurowa, Rako’s father.
Production Team and Artistic Vision
The creative force behind As One includes several notable names in the anime industry. Kobun Shizuno, known for directing multiple Detective Conan films, is at the helm as director. Character designs are handled by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, celebrated for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion and Nadia – The Secret of Blue Water, who returns from the original game to reimagine the characters for the film. Ippei Gyōbu, recognized for mechanical designs in series like Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, is responsible for the mechanical designs. The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Shatner Nishida, Kana Matsui, and Masaya Honda. Animation production is being handled by Honoo and StudioGOONEYS.
Director Shizuno has expressed that the “heart of the story lies in the melody played by the protagonist, Yo.”
Background of Starwing Paradox
The Starwing Paradox arcade game, developed by Square Enix with animation by Sunrise, launched in Japanese arcades in November 2018. The game was a multiplayer experience where two teams of up to eight players piloted giant humanoid mechs, known as “Ae Rial,” in high-speed battles to control the playing field and assault the opposing team’s base. Its unique cabinet was designed to resemble a cockpit, offering players an immersive, movement-matched experience. The game’s narrative takes place on the planet Meguriboshi, a world far from Earth, split between two warring kingdoms, “Kō Country A Slegga” and “Va Led Sei Kingdom,” both vying for the living energy source “Hoshinochi.”
Despite its innovative gameplay and immersive design, the online services for Starwing Paradox concluded in October 2021, following the discontinuation of game updates and its companion smartphone app in November 2020. The announcement of the As One prequel film, despite the game’s servers being shut down, has generated discussion about the film’s target audience and the broader media mix strategy for the franchise. However, the film aims to provide a deeper understanding of the game’s universe, connecting past events to the game’s established lore.
