Set to premiere in Summer 2025, “As One” takes you 20 years before Starwing Paradox’s events through the story of Yō, a musically-inclined student whose dreams clash with parental expectations. The film, directed by Detective Conan’s Kobun Shizuno, introduces Rako, a robot mechanic from Meguriboshi who shares a telepathic bond with Yō. Square Enix and Sunrise’s collaboration promises to expand the franchise’s lore while blending slice-of-life elements with sci-fi drama. This prequel’s fresh perspective might just redefine everything you thought you knew about the universe.
While anime prequels often struggle to captivate audiences beyond their established fanbase, Square Enix and Sunrise‘s upcoming film “As One” looks poised to break that mold. Set to premiere in Japan during summer 2025, this feature-length prequel to “Starwing Paradox” brings together an impressive creative team, with “Detective Conan” veteran Kobun Shizuno directing and “Evangelion” legend Yoshiyuki Sadamoto crafting the character designs.
With talent from Detective Conan and Evangelion at the helm, As One aims to redefine anime prequels in 2025.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a story that takes place 20 years before the game’s events, following Yō, a high school student whose musical dreams clash with parental expectations – because who hasn’t been there, right?
But here’s where things get interesting: Yō’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he forms a telepathic connection with Rako, a robot mechanic from another world called Meguriboshi, where two nations maintain an uneasy peace in their quest for energy resources. The decision to make Rako a female mechanic specialist reflects anime’s long-standing tradition of featuring women in diverse technical roles.
The collaboration between Square Enix and Sunrise isn’t just another corporate handshake – it’s a calculated move to breathe new life into the “Starwing Paradox” franchise. You’re getting more than just supplementary content; this prequel promises to flesh out the universe’s lore while potentially setting up future developments in the series. It’s like getting the director’s cut of a story you didn’t even know you were missing.
What makes “As One” particularly intriguing is how it’s positioning itself to appeal beyond the game’s existing fanbase. By blending slice-of-life elements with sci-fi spectacle, the film’s creating a perfect entry point for newcomers while giving veterans the backstory they’ve been craving.
The marketing strategy’s already generating buzz across social media platforms, and you can bet those Sadamoto character designs will look absolutely stunning in motion. Whether you’re a die-hard “Starwing Paradox” fan or just someone who enjoys well-crafted anime, this prequel’s shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated releases.
