"The biggest factor in moving forward with a console version of Another Eden was the overwhelming demand from players asking for one" - Studio Prisma on the decision and process of how Another Eden Begins came to life
There are a lot of RPG heavy hitters this September, and among them is Another Eden Begins from the newly formed Studio Prisma. It exists in the same realm as Octopath Traveler 0, in which it's an offline premium game that you purchase and it originally came from a mobile game. In this case, Another Eden Begins comes from the mobile game Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space and adapts the entire first story arc from it.
To celebrate the release of the Another Eden Begins demo on Steam and Switch, I got the chance to speak with Producer Shinnosuke Hirasawa and Director Yasutaka Onaga about the title. We delved into more details about Another Eden Begins including how the title is not only for newcomers, but also a title that Another Eden veterans can appreciate. Learn more about the formation of Studio Prisma, and what the developers hope to achieve both now and in the future.
Another Eden Begins launches on September 17 for PC (Steam), Switch, and Switch 2.
RPG Site: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Hirasawa-san and Onaga-san. When did the first discussions take place to create an offline single player experience for Another Eden? What initially drove this decision, and why now?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa (Producer of Another Eden Begins & Studio Head of Studio Prisma): The mobile game, Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, released in Japan in 2017 and worldwide in 2019. It was developed to deliver a full-fledged, console-quality JRPG experience to mobile.
We had actually been considering a console version for some time, but the biggest factor in moving forward was the overwhelming demand from players asking for one. As internal discussions continued, we became increasingly motivated to bring Another Eden’s story to even more fans in a new form.
As for the release timing, Another Eden celebrates its anniversary in April, so we first wanted to announce the game to our players around that time. From there, we determined the development period needed before launch and decided to release the game in September 2026.
Shinnosuke Hirasawa (Producer of Another Eden Begins & Studio Head of Studio Prisma): The mobile game, Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, released in Japan in 2017 and worldwide in 2019. It was developed to deliver a full-fledged, console-quality JRPG experience to mobile.
We had actually been considering a console version for some time, but the biggest factor in moving forward was the overwhelming demand from players asking for one. As internal discussions continued, we became increasingly motivated to bring Another Eden’s story to even more fans in a new form.
As for the release timing, Another Eden celebrates its anniversary in April, so we first wanted to announce the game to our players around that time. From there, we determined the development period needed before launch and decided to release the game in September 2026.
RPG Site: I’m interested in learning more about the formation of Studio Prisma for Another Eden Begins. The original Another Eden was developed under Wright Flyer Studios, and Studio Prisma is a new studio that was formed that continues to work with WFS.
There seems to be many core members of the Another Eden development team in Studio Prisma. Can you go into further detail about how and why Studio Prisma was formed, and will Studio Prisma be also handling the operations of the Another Eden mobile game?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: Studio Prisma is currently developing Another Eden Begins and also handles operations for the mobile game Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space. As the latter approaches its ninth anniversary, few studios can claim to have spent nearly a decade developing and operating a single JRPG while continuing to expand its story.
Our team, which includes Masato Kato, has unique strengths and creative capabilities. Studio Prisma was established alongside the release of Another Eden Begins to build on that expertise while taking on new challenges.
Moving forward, we want to build Studio Prisma into a studio where fans see a new title and immediately feel confident that it's something they'll enjoy.
There seems to be many core members of the Another Eden development team in Studio Prisma. Can you go into further detail about how and why Studio Prisma was formed, and will Studio Prisma be also handling the operations of the Another Eden mobile game?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: Studio Prisma is currently developing Another Eden Begins and also handles operations for the mobile game Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space. As the latter approaches its ninth anniversary, few studios can claim to have spent nearly a decade developing and operating a single JRPG while continuing to expand its story.
Our team, which includes Masato Kato, has unique strengths and creative capabilities. Studio Prisma was established alongside the release of Another Eden Begins to build on that expertise while taking on new challenges.
Moving forward, we want to build Studio Prisma into a studio where fans see a new title and immediately feel confident that it's something they'll enjoy.
RPG Site: We’re starting to see more console game conversions from titles that originally began as mobile games in the market. Of course, it’s not a simple process to simply convert the mobile game version into a console game experience.
When developing Another Eden Begins, what were some aspects of its development that you expected to be easy - yet turned out to be more difficult than you expected? And vice versa, what were some aspects that you expected to be difficult - yet turned out to be easier than you thought?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: We initially started by directly porting the mobile version's assets and systems. However, we quickly realized that the graphics, systems, and usability all needed to be tailored specifically for console.
For example, the mobile version has a "gacha system" for encountering characters, whereas in this title, characters are designed to be encountered along the course of the adventure, gradually growing your party.
It isn't a matter of one approach being better than the other. Because factors like user experience and play environment differ significantly, adapting the game to suit the platform was extremely challenging.
On the other hand, we selected core members from the team that had already been operating the game for many years. This made it relatively easy to establish the project's major goals, such as defining its concept and setting the quality bar.
When developing Another Eden Begins, what were some aspects of its development that you expected to be easy - yet turned out to be more difficult than you expected? And vice versa, what were some aspects that you expected to be difficult - yet turned out to be easier than you thought?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: We initially started by directly porting the mobile version's assets and systems. However, we quickly realized that the graphics, systems, and usability all needed to be tailored specifically for console.
For example, the mobile version has a "gacha system" for encountering characters, whereas in this title, characters are designed to be encountered along the course of the adventure, gradually growing your party.
It isn't a matter of one approach being better than the other. Because factors like user experience and play environment differ significantly, adapting the game to suit the platform was extremely challenging.
On the other hand, we selected core members from the team that had already been operating the game for many years. This made it relatively easy to establish the project's major goals, such as defining its concept and setting the quality bar.
RPG Site: Another Eden Begins adapts the first major arc of the story. I remember playing the entirety of it in the mobile game and thinking “wow, this felt like a complete RPG” already. Since the mobile game has been pushing on into many new story arcs, I imagine it’s been awhile since the development team has revisited the starting areas and the earlier boss fights.
What have been your favorite areas, characters, story moments, and/or fights to revisit during the development of Another Eden Begins, and why?
Yasutaka Onaga (Director of Another Eden Begins): Thank you for playing through part 1! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I love it too!
For Another Eden Begins, we've significantly revamped the field visuals from the mobile version, so even players who are familiar with the world can experience it from a fresh perspective. It's hard to pick a favorite location, but I particularly like the use of lighting in the Spacetime Rift.
We've added voices to many quests, and even from a developer's perspective, they add tremendous impact and make it easier to become immersed in the story. The scene where Aldo's secret is revealed shocked me when I first played it on mobile, and I found it particularly immersive this time around as well.
As for memorable battles, the Galliard fight is one of my favorites. I've loved the music from the Galliard fight since the mobile version, and we've added a new arrangement to the original track this time. I think it will really resonate with fans who enjoyed Galliard's side story in the mobile game.
What have been your favorite areas, characters, story moments, and/or fights to revisit during the development of Another Eden Begins, and why?
Yasutaka Onaga (Director of Another Eden Begins): Thank you for playing through part 1! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I love it too!
For Another Eden Begins, we've significantly revamped the field visuals from the mobile version, so even players who are familiar with the world can experience it from a fresh perspective. It's hard to pick a favorite location, but I particularly like the use of lighting in the Spacetime Rift.
We've added voices to many quests, and even from a developer's perspective, they add tremendous impact and make it easier to become immersed in the story. The scene where Aldo's secret is revealed shocked me when I first played it on mobile, and I found it particularly immersive this time around as well.
As for memorable battles, the Galliard fight is one of my favorites. I've loved the music from the Galliard fight since the mobile version, and we've added a new arrangement to the original track this time. I think it will really resonate with fans who enjoyed Galliard's side story in the mobile game.
RPG Site: I noticed that Another Eden Begins implemented several new features in its battle system. I recognize the familiar Another Force mechanic from the mobile game, but there were several other new elements as well, such as slotting in Chain Skills and swapping between parties seamlessly with Valor Change. Please tell me more about these battle system mechanics in Another Eden Begins.
Yasutaka Onaga: Another Eden Begins introduces two new battle features: "Chain skills" and "Valor Change."
Chain skills are skills that automatically trigger at the end of a character's turn when they have enough Chain Points (CP). CP is earned by performing certain actions in battle or when allies' chain skills are triggered. For example, Aldo gains CP by attacking an enemy's elemental weakness. These skills can be triggered fairly regularly, so learning how to use them effectively will be an important part of your battle strategy.
With "Valor Change," a Valor Charge gauge fills with every turn. Once it's filled up to a certain point, you can swap your current party with an “Another Party,” providing a powerful way to turn the tide of battle by recovering with a fresh party or exploiting a favorable elemental matchup.
And of course, there's "Another Force," the special ability carried over from the mobile version that allows you to temporarily stop time and attack enemies while they're unable to fight back. We've optimized the UI for controller controls, bringing an exhilarating new experience to a familiar battle feature.
Yasutaka Onaga: Another Eden Begins introduces two new battle features: "Chain skills" and "Valor Change."
Chain skills are skills that automatically trigger at the end of a character's turn when they have enough Chain Points (CP). CP is earned by performing certain actions in battle or when allies' chain skills are triggered. For example, Aldo gains CP by attacking an enemy's elemental weakness. These skills can be triggered fairly regularly, so learning how to use them effectively will be an important part of your battle strategy.
With "Valor Change," a Valor Charge gauge fills with every turn. Once it's filled up to a certain point, you can swap your current party with an “Another Party,” providing a powerful way to turn the tide of battle by recovering with a fresh party or exploiting a favorable elemental matchup.
And of course, there's "Another Force," the special ability carried over from the mobile version that allows you to temporarily stop time and attack enemies while they're unable to fight back. We've optimized the UI for controller controls, bringing an exhilarating new experience to a familiar battle feature.
RPG Site: In Another Eden Begins, it seems like each character will have two ability trees that players can allocate points into. The original Another Eden mobile game utilized an Ability Board system that granted characters new skills and additional stats.
How does the system in Another Eden Begins differ from the mobile game’s Ability Board, and how do the two ability trees in Another Eden Begins change the function of a character in battle?
Yasutaka Onaga: The mobile version of Another Eden has a large roster and is designed to encourage players to utilize a variety of characters. That's why the ability boards use a single progression path, making it easy to identify each character's strengths.
Another Eden Begins has a smaller roster, which allows for more flexible development. The two ability trees let you tailor each character to fit your party. For example, you can choose to specialize Aldo in fire or non-elemental sword attacks depending on your desired party composition.
How does the system in Another Eden Begins differ from the mobile game’s Ability Board, and how do the two ability trees in Another Eden Begins change the function of a character in battle?
Yasutaka Onaga: The mobile version of Another Eden has a large roster and is designed to encourage players to utilize a variety of characters. That's why the ability boards use a single progression path, making it easy to identify each character's strengths.
Another Eden Begins has a smaller roster, which allows for more flexible development. The two ability trees let you tailor each character to fit your party. For example, you can choose to specialize Aldo in fire or non-elemental sword attacks depending on your desired party composition.
RPG Site: One of the major features you’ve been emphasizing with Another Eden Begins is its New Game+ because it’ll have over 10 different endings. Can you explain how players will utilize this function?
Will they need to play the entire game from the beginning to the end again and again to see each new ending? Are all of the endings new to Another Eden Begins, or have some of them been explored in the mobile game?
Yasutaka Onaga: Once you complete the game and have a cleared save file, you'll be able to choose New Game+ when starting a new game.
With New Game+, you can restart your adventure with most of the items and equipment you've acquired, as well as the characters you've encountered and developed. Enemy strength and item availability will differ from your previous playthrough.
Depending on the choices you make, you'll also be able to discover previously unseen endings. We don't want to spoil anything so we can't go into the details, but you won't need to replay the entire game over and over to see them all. You'll be able to resume from a point before an ending or return later to discover endings from different branches of the story.
All the endings added from the second playthrough onward are new, so we hope you'll experience as many of them as possible.
New Game+ also introduces a new character named Ramiu. We hope you look forward to seeing how she fits into the story.
Will they need to play the entire game from the beginning to the end again and again to see each new ending? Are all of the endings new to Another Eden Begins, or have some of them been explored in the mobile game?
Yasutaka Onaga: Once you complete the game and have a cleared save file, you'll be able to choose New Game+ when starting a new game.
With New Game+, you can restart your adventure with most of the items and equipment you've acquired, as well as the characters you've encountered and developed. Enemy strength and item availability will differ from your previous playthrough.
Depending on the choices you make, you'll also be able to discover previously unseen endings. We don't want to spoil anything so we can't go into the details, but you won't need to replay the entire game over and over to see them all. You'll be able to resume from a point before an ending or return later to discover endings from different branches of the story.
All the endings added from the second playthrough onward are new, so we hope you'll experience as many of them as possible.
New Game+ also introduces a new character named Ramiu. We hope you look forward to seeing how she fits into the story.
RPG Site: One of the things that stood out immediately to Another Eden players is that Aldo and Feinne look different in Another Eden Begins. Aldo has a new outfit, while Feinne exhibits a new look. Why were they both changed for Another Eden Begins?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: The changes to the character designs certainly give the game a fresh and distinctive feel, but they're about more than just aesthetics.
In fact, these design changes are directly tied to what Another Eden Begins represents within the Another Eden series. We hope you'll play the game and experience for yourself what these changes signify.
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: The changes to the character designs certainly give the game a fresh and distinctive feel, but they're about more than just aesthetics.
In fact, these design changes are directly tied to what Another Eden Begins represents within the Another Eden series. We hope you'll play the game and experience for yourself what these changes signify.
RPG Site: If Another Eden Begins proves to be successful, will Studio Prisma consider adapting future Another Eden story arcs into console experiences as well?
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: We're happy to have already received requests from fans around the world. As mentioned earlier, Another Eden features many stories beyond the first part of the main story, as well as numerous side stories.
We want to do our best to meet those expectations, and as a first step, we'd be delighted for Another Eden Begins to reach as many people as possible.
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: We're happy to have already received requests from fans around the world. As mentioned earlier, Another Eden features many stories beyond the first part of the main story, as well as numerous side stories.
We want to do our best to meet those expectations, and as a first step, we'd be delighted for Another Eden Begins to reach as many people as possible.
RPG Site: Thank you so much for your time, Onaga-san and Hirasawa-san. Please give a final message to everyone in the world awaiting the release of Another Eden Begins.
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: Another Eden Begins is a nostalgic yet fresh RPG that we're proud to deliver, so we hope you'll give it a try. It's also Studio Prisma's first console title, built on nearly a decade of RPG development experience together with Kato-san. Your support would mean a great deal to us!
Yasutaka Onaga: I believe Another Eden Begins is a game that both longtime Another Eden fans and newcomers will enjoy. We hope you'll pick it up and give it a try!
Shinnosuke Hirasawa: Another Eden Begins is a nostalgic yet fresh RPG that we're proud to deliver, so we hope you'll give it a try. It's also Studio Prisma's first console title, built on nearly a decade of RPG development experience together with Kato-san. Your support would mean a great deal to us!
Yasutaka Onaga: I believe Another Eden Begins is a game that both longtime Another Eden fans and newcomers will enjoy. We hope you'll pick it up and give it a try!