New Ar Tonelico III Trailer is Artsy

Ar Tonelico III was announced last week for the PS3, and now, with the launch of the game's official site, a new trailer with (a very small amount of) gameplay has emerged.

Check it out below!

The music and art style remains quite cool, and the graphics seem like they have stepped up even since Atelier Rorona. However, my stark lack of a lolita complex prevents me from really getting hot and bothered about this title. Also, Ar Tonelico II was not much fun, so if this wants to impress me, I hope it takes more cues from the original rather than the sequel.

Either way, we'll know soon enough as Ar Tonelico III: Sekai Shuuen no Intetsu wa Shoujo no Uta ga Hiku will be available for PlayStation 3 in Japan on January 28, 2009.

The First 3 Hours: Magna Carta II

Roughly one full week after the game’s official North American release, I finally got my hands on Namco Bandai’s latest JRPG for the Xbox 360, Magna Carta II.

Now, I say ‘JRPG’ knowing full-well that the game was developed by South Korean developer Softmax, and is about as Made-in-Japan as kimchi. However, in terms of game style, Magna Carta II is JRPG through-and-through. Besides the fact that it was paid for and published by Japanese mega-publisher Namco Bandai.

In terms of story, MCII follows a young amnesiac man named Juto who is torn from his peaceful life when two mainland armies vie for control of a giant, living weapon found on the otherwise neutral Highwind Island. Juto, dragged into the war, finds himself on the side of the Southern Forces, the underdogs in the current civil war, as he searches for revenge and answers about his past.

Don’t feel too bad if this sounds extremely familiar to you, as MCII indeed touches on just about every JRPG cliché known to man. The story also features a beautiful, strong-willed, but secretly insecure princess, a giant warrior of a different race that has limited personality but uses a huge hammer or axe in battle, and a fire mage who acts like a little cocky bitch all of the time, despite the fact that his usefulness on the field is questionable at best. Yes, Magna Carta II, so far, offers no real giant leaps in tried-and-true JRPG storytelling.

Now, despite the myriad clichés present, Magna Carta II has occasional strokes of brilliance in its story. Every once in a while, you will say, ‘wow, that’s pretty cool.’ Unfortunately, those few moments are lessened by the sheer amount of ‘meh’ that the story is sure to provoke. Honestly, certain moments that should have felt Earth-shattering in their impact on the story came off feeling half-done, half-assed, or both.

That’s not to say the story isn’t interesting. It is, and I am enjoying it. But it feels like it just could have been so much better.

Graphically, Magna Carta II does a decent job. For the most part, locales are complex and interesting, and the ability of each of your party members to interact with other environmental objects uniquely is a welcomed addition. Animation is decent if occasionally slightly awkward. Character models, again, are generally pretty good, but nothing that couldn’t have been improved.

The Japanese (or Korean, for that matter) voice-overs are nowhere to be seen on the North American version, so you’ll be stuck with the English cast. This is usually not a big problem, as the English cast typically delivers a good performance, though it’s not without its awkward moments.

The battle system, possibly Magna Carta II’s biggest strength, is a mix of real-time action and turn-based strategy. Each of your characters will attack enemies in real-time, but a sensitive stamina meter prevents any one character from going out on the offensive for too long. This provides for a system that encourages you to switch between characters often in battle to prevent your party from getting too held up on enemies (who don’t seem to have stamina meters). There are other functions of the battle system that allow you to ‘Chain’ attacks with other party members to increase attack power and put off the dreaded ‘Overheat’ status.

Though I initially found this battle system impossibly complex during the Japanese demo, the full game introduces the concept much more gradually, allowing for plenty of time to get comfortable with the controls.

One other thing that I think Magna Carta II does well (so far), is provide alternative methods of experience and gold harvesting. Though, like in most RPGs, you are free to spend as much time as you like beating up random monsters to grind up levels, MCII is chock-full of NPCs who will offer you quests in exchange for experience, money, and (occasionally) rare items. Though quests are nothing new, receiving experience bonuses for doing them is a concept that hasn’t really caught hold in the JRPG genre, and it’s an addition that I would highly recommend bringing in again.

Finally, let me just touch on the soundtrack, which is, in a word, great. The music has a generally nice feel to it, and is reminiscent of lots of great PS1 soundtracks like Legend of Dragoon. There is no pesky battle theme, either, meaning that you can enjoy an area’s background theme without being constantly interrupted by the same battle music over and over again. So great.

My only gripe with the soundtrack is the disappointing (though predictable) exclusion of the game’s Jpop theme song from GLAY, replaced instead by an orchestrated, no lyrics version. Namdai’s MO, I know, but disappointing nonetheless.

Overall, Magna Carta II is a good JRPG, with occasional strokes of ‘great,’ but bogged down by its own unrealized potential. If you have been holding your breath for a new HD JRPG since SO4, then feel free to pick this one up, as it will scratch that JRPG itch. But if you are holding out for the next genre-redefining JRPG, I’m afraid this just isn’t that game.

At least, not after my first three hours with it.

Ar Tonelico III Teaser has Pretty Music, Not Much Else

Ar Tonelico III is coming to PlayStation 3. It marks Gust's second PS3 title, and Namco Bandai's first RPG to start on PS3 instead of 360.

The game was revealed via the latest issue of Famitsu, but Namdai has followed up with a debut teaser today, which you can watch below. (Just don't anticipate much.)

Underwhelmed? Don't say I didn't warn you. At least the music sounds like it will once again be awesome.

If you are needing a better fix of the game, you can check out Famitsu.com's article on it, which features a few in-game screens. Beyond that, you'll have to wait for the game's official site to go live, which the teaser promises will happen on Monday (October 19).

I just hope it's better than Ar Tonelico II, which was far from a worthy successor in my books.

Ar Tonelico III: Sekai Shuuen no Intetsu wa Shoujo no Uta ga Hiku will be available for PlayStation 3 on January 28, 2010.

Dust Off Your Japanese XBL Account, Magna Carta II JP Demo This Weekend

Korean developer Softmax and Namco Bandai publishing label Banpresto are teaming up for the third Magna Carta title, Magna Carta II for the Xbox 360. Though its North American date is still the unhelpfully vague "Fall 2009," the Japanese version is almost upon us.

But wait, you say, Tears of Blood on the PS2 had a confusing/frustrating/difficult battle system, and the original Magna Carta never saw an English release. How will I know if I like this game enough to buy it?

Fear not, indecisive gamer, for Namdai will be releasing a Japanese demo of the game this upcoming Sunday in Japan (July 26, 2009). For most North American gamers, this translates into sometime late afternoon/early evening tomorrow. Bonus!

The demo will reportedly feature an outline of the beginning of the game, a battle tutorial, and will end with the very first boss encounter: the Werewolf.

This demo is only available for Japanese Xbox Live accounts right now, but, y'know, you don't have to actually be Japanese to have a Japanese Xbox Live account, if you catch my drift. ;)

Magna Carta II will be available for Xbox 360 on August 6, 2009 in Japan, and sometime this Fall in North America.

I'm hoping that I have enough time to give the demo a spin sometime this weekend so I can tell you all about it next week. :)

[Dengeki]
[Magna Carta II Official Japanese Site]

Trailer Catch-Up Round 289

There are six new trailers below. You should watch them if you like watching RPG trailers.

Divinity II: Ego Draconis
PC, Xbox 360
Larian Studios, dtp Entertainment
TBA 2009 (North America & Europe)





Magna Carta II
Xbox 360
Softmax, Banpresto (Namco Bandai)
August 6, 2009 (Japan), Fall 2009 (North America)





Ragnarok Online DS
Nintendo DS
GungHo, XSEED
Winter 2009 (North America)



Ys 7
PSP
Falcom
September 17, 2009 (Japan)

Trailer Tuesday: Watch New Magna Carta II and End of Eternity Trailers

News is always a little slow during the summer months for RPGs. Not always sure why, but what can you do, right?

In an attempt to satiate your need for new RPG developments, Sega and Namco Bandai have each released new gameplay-heavy trailers for their respective upcoming RPGs, End of Eternity and Mangna Carta II (developed by tri-Ace and Softmax respectively). Take a watch below.

End of Eternity


Magna Carta II


Hm, both are looking promising. Anyone have a favorite?

End of Eternity will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 sometime this Winter in Japan. It will be available as Resonance of Fate in North America sometime next Spring.

Magna Carta II will be available for Xbox 360 on August 6, 2009 in Japan, and sometime during the third quarter of 2009 in North America.

Meet the Magna Carta II Cast (Part 1)

As per request, here is the beginning of some translations from the absolutely-full-to-overflowing Magna Carta II official Japanese site.

Today I'll be starting with the first six characters that were introduced (4 allies, 2 villains), with plans to follow-up with more characters in coming weeks.

Juto
Juto is a young man living on Kazemijima. He was found by Melissa wandering around a battlefield with no memories of his past. Melissa brought him to Kazemijima and the two have lived together as brother and sister since.

Juto treasures a pendant that he received from his adopted sister, which is the same as the pendant that Melissa carries. The name “Juto” was also given to him by Melissa.

Juto is a relaxed, if occasionally lazy young man, and wishes for nothing more than a quiet, peaceful life. He has no confidence or interest in joining the war raging on the mainland. His memory loss occasionally worries him, but since it doesn’t interfere with his daily life, he doesn’t think about it much.

Juto fights with swords.

Zephie
Rzephillda Grena Berlinette, or ‘Zephie’ for short, is the Princess of the Kingdom of Lantzheim, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Southern Armed Forces Anti-Sentinel Corps, and a skilled
Wind Magus.

Zephie, the daughter of Queen Evaline of Lantzheim and a noble father (who she has not met), was raised without want. Though something of a tomboy in her childhood, Zephie has matured into compassionate and honest young princess, very much resembling her beloved mother, though she is still not as strong-willed as her mother was.

After her mother was assassinated by Schauenzeit, her happy and peaceful life was shattered instantaneously. Her carefree and boisterous personality were tempered into a much calmer, more reserved attitude, and she developed a strong sense of justice along with a desire to end the war for the people who are suffering. She still carries a fierce hatred for Schauenzeit.

Zephie fights with rods and fans.

Melissa
Melissa Tiss is the Captain of Kazemijima’s militia and Juto’s adopted older sister. She possesses masterful skill with the sword which she learned from her father, and sword training is one of her favourite pastimes.

Melissa’s mother died giving birth to her, and was raised by her father, an ex-mercenary from the mainland who settled down in Kazemijima after marrying Melissa’s mother. The strongest swordsman in town, Melissa’s father took the position of Militia Captain during the day, and taught swordplay to Melissa in the evenings. One of her most prized possessions is the sword her father bought for her in Abajet on the mainland. Unfortunately, during a voyage to the mainland, her father’s ship was caught in a storm and went missing. This loss caused Melissa great pain, and she was said to have forgotten how to smile for half a year after the incident.

A determined and strong-willed woman, Melissa hates the war, but vows to protect Juto and the island with her life. Though others see her as having no weaknesses, she secretly has many fears and insecurities. Her normally collected and formal attitude changes only around Juto or when she speaks about her father.

Melissa fights with swords.

Argo
A soldier in the Royal Southern Armed Forces Anti-Sentinel Corps, Argo Kindu is a powerful warrior of the Torewa Tribe from the desert village of Blue Moon, which was destroyed by Schauenzeit.

Though Argo’s fierce appearance startles many humans, he is typically calm, cool, and collected, analyzing situations thoroughly and making informed, level-headed decisions. He is usually quiet, careful not to interfere in other’s personal matters. Though he is more knowledgeable than most Torewa due his various travels throughout Lantzheim, he is very humble, and is sure to take the time to listen to the opinions of others.

The Torewa Tribe are a powerful people with immense physical strength and high endurance for extreme heat and intense cold, allowing Argo the ability to travel quickly across deserts and snow fields with little effort. Argo’s father was the chieftain of the Blue Moon village, and a famous warrior among the Torewa, with his mother being a warrior of comparable strength and ability. After the destruction of his village, he joined Princess Rzephillda’s forces, and dreams of one day returning to his village to rebuild once the war is over.

Argo fights with axes and hammers.

Schauenzeit
Originally the Prime Minister of Lantzheim, Schauenzeit Baren murdered Queen Evaline to usurp the throne, plunging the country into civil war.

Schauenzeit is cool-headed, compassionate, and deals with situations with a sense of humor. Though he interacts with people with elegance, he gives off a relaxed aura and occasionally even throws in a joke. Despite this, most people who interact with him are intimidated by his charisma and are typically unable to reflect his relaxed attitude. During his time as the Prime Minister, Schauenzeit was even friendlier than he is currently, and was very popular with the people.

Schauenzeit fights with swords, but is also skilled with magic.

Elga
An assassin and leader in the Northern Army, little is known about Elga’s true identity.
He himself seems to have no personal interests or hobbies, and spends all of his time either on the battlefield or training.

Cold-hearted, cruel, and brutal, he relishes in the fear of others, and talks down to everyone he meets. He has only respect of Schauenzeit, and does everything he is commanded without question in hopes of earning Schauenzeit’s approval.

Elga fights with swords.

That wraps up part 1 (going through all the info on the website was much more work than I anticipated - there's a LOT there!). I hope to have part 2 up very soon.

Magna Carta II will be available for Xbox 360 on August 6, 2009 in Japan, and sometime this Summer in North America.

Rather Sizable Update on Magna Carta II

Famitsu recently published some new info on Softmax and Namco Bandai's upcoming Xbox 360 action-RPG, Magna Carta II, including new character bios, story background, and battle system details.

The scan that surfaced on the internet is not exactly what I would call legible (you can check it out below), but thankfully, all the info is already available on the game's official Japanese website! Meaning that if you'd like a translation, I have a very easily-readable source to work with! Hooray!

Interested parties may also be interested in checking out a new video on the site that shows the battle system in motion HERE. It certainly looks like a huge improvement over Tears of Blood. (phew)

Magna Carta II will be available for Xbox 360 on August 6, 2009 in Japan, and sometime this Summer in North America.

Atlus Announces Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier

Well, I think it's about safe to say that Amazon leak is mostly right on the money, as Atlus has just dropped word that they will indeed be localizing Super Robot Taisen OG for North America.

Endless Frontier, unlike the majority of the Super Robot Taisen series, is a regular turn-based RPG that allows for timed button-presses during combat to involve the player more.

It is developed by Monolith Soft (Xenosaga, Namco x Capcom), and thus features crossover cameos from those games, most notable of which is Xenosaga's KOS-MOS.

The first print of Endless Frontier will be available in a premium boxset that will include a select soundtrack from the game.

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier will be available on Nintendo DS on April 28, 2009 in North America. It is already available in Japan.

RUMOR: Magna Carta 2 to be Published by Namco Bandai

This is kind of a case of Captain Obvious Strikes Again for me, but apparently not for anyone else, so I figured I'd report it.

According to games blog videogaming247, Korean developer Softmax has contacted them to let them know that their upcoming(?) Xbox 360 RPG, Magna Carta: Crimson Stigma, will be published by Namco Bandai.

I thought this was kind of "no duh" since Banpresto has published the other Magna Carta titles (except the first game which was on PC and apparently only released in Korea by Softmax themselves). Since Banpresto was acquired completely by Namco Bandai in 2006, all of their titles have (obviously) been published by Namco Bandai (though the Banpresto label still remains to a certain degree).

If you didn't know the whole Banpresto/Namco Bandai thing before, just pretend like you do now. ;)

In any case, Softmax allegedly told videogaming247 that all official news regarding the game (including a release date) would have to come from Namco Bandai.

Again, since I can't substantiate any of this info myself, I have to label it a rumor for the time being.

RUMOR: Magna Carta 2 Still Alive, Gets New Name

According to French gaming blog, Widgamer, Softmax and Banpresto (Namco Bandai) RPG, Magna Carta 2, is still in development for Xbox 360, and has been renamed to Magna Carta: Crimson Stigma.

According to what I understand from the post (my French is terrible), the game's development is still underway, but the developer will not be announcing a tentative release date until they are happy with the game's development course (implying that there have been some bumps in development up to now). The developer also alledgedly released the two screens below from the game.



Announced back in 2005 as one of the first RPGs for the Xbox 360, Magna Carta 2 has been silent for so long I had assumed that the game was epically canceled. Guess not.

As a note, I can't confirm where this blog got its info from, so I have to label it as a RUMOR for the time being. If it's true, I hope the battle system is much better than the PS2 Magna Carta...

Atlus has Eternal Poison for You

File this in the "PlayStation 2 refuses to die" file, right in front of Persona 4 and Ar Tonelico II.

Atlus USA has announced that they will be bringing Flight Plan's latest PS2 SRPG, Poison Pink, to North America under the new title of Eternal Poison.

For those who don't follow Flight Plan closely, they are the developers behind the Summon Night games (which have seen very few North American releases), and are usually published by Namco Bandai's Banpresto label in Japan. They mainly develop SRPGs, and their main series are Summon Night (the SN games that have come over here have been action RPGs, and the exceptions in the series) and Black Matrix. Poison Pink is their latest (and probably last) PS2 game, having been released this last February in Japan.

Eternal Poison is set in a dark, gothic fantasy world, giving the game a much more mature feel than the Summon Night games.

Eternal Poison is expected to ship on November 11, 2008 for PlayStation 2, and will include a bonus select soundtrack with the game.

Check out Atlus USA's official Eternal Poison webpage here, and the teaser trailer for the game below.