A new sci-fi anime film, AS ONE, was officially announced today, with a scheduled release in Japan during the summer of 2025. The film’s official website and social media page have launched, showcasing early concept art and two image visuals.
AS ONE is based on Square Enix’s arcade game Starwing Paradox, which debuted in Japan in November 2018. The movie will act as a prequel to the game, taking place 20 years before its events.
The film will be directed by Kobun Shizuno, known for his work on the Case Closed (Detective Conan) film series. Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, famous for his character designs in Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, is responsible for the new character designs. These characters will be entirely revamped compared to their game counterparts.
“This film is a prequel leading into the epic story of the original game,” said Shizuno. “It will immerse both long-time fans of the arcade game and those unfamiliar with it. The plot follows the protagonist, Yoh, whose voice transcends time and space to reach Meguriboshi, a distant planet. As the story unfolds, it will reveal many mysteries not explored in the original game, including the secret of Rearide, the untold origins of Aerial, and the deep connection between Meguriboshi and Earth. Fans who remember the game from the arcade will experience a mix of nostalgia and new discoveries, while newcomers will witness the beginning of an extraordinary journey. We invite you to immerse yourself in the music of the characters and enjoy an epic story that spans time and space.”
Sadamoto also shared his excitement, saying, “It’s been a while since I’ve worked on a theatrical film. This collaboration with a director I’ve never worked with before and the new challenges ahead make this an exciting project. I hope everyone is as eager for the film as I am.”
