First of all, you guys better appreciate it all the freaking time I spent making this thread, and it was a lot
Ok, only Japanese RPG fans need apply.
If you liked stuff like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Shin Megami Tensei, Valkyrie Profile or Shadow Hearts, chances are you're going to love this.
Personally, I'm VERY excited to finally play another classic style "turn based" RPG. Besides, it's published by Ubisoft....you know they don't like crap (except GRAW! grrr)
The story sounds very cool, it has some very weird/awesome characters, the combat looks so fun and deep, customizable characters and there seems to be a LOT of collectibles (totems) which you can use to battle on Live! Hello replay value!
I know I'll be getting this as soon as it comes out, and if this is popular (I think it will), it's going to help sell more Xbox360s in Japan, yay!
I'm going to post some previews, movies, pictures, and info on the game and characters.
DISCUSS!!!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Story:
Key Features:
Movies:
E3 2006 Trailer: Mov Wmv
E3 2006 Trailer (HD): Mov Wmv
Some Gameplay trailer and a great new "Story Trailer": http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/747/747936/vids_1.html
Previews:
Q & A with Ubisoft
Enchanted Arms Q&A
We dig into the story and come up with answers, plus new screens and a sweet new
gameplay trailer.
by Charles Onyett and Douglass C. Perry
July 28, 2006 - Exclusive for Microsoft's next-generation system, Ubisoft will bring From Software's 3D RPG, Enchanted Arms (called "[eM] -eNCHANT arM-" in Japan) to the US and Europe this summer. The Japanese RPG features high-fidelity visuals, totally new English voice-overs, an enormous amount of collectible characters (75 collectible characters, plus dozens more populating the many huge cities), and a story that's rich in history, side stories, and drama. We caught up with Ubisoft to get a deeper insight into the game's storyline, featured exclusively in today's article.
IGN: What's the basic storyline of Enchanted Arms?
Ubisoft: In the tradition of classic Japanese RPG storytelling, Enchanted Arms is an epic tale of good against evil. The story takes place in a fantasy world ruled by powerful magic known as "Enchants." These Enchants can be used to cast spells and to create a variety of subservient beings known as Golems. One thousand years ago, combat Golems with almighty powers nearly destroyed the world in a mysterious war -- but were sealed away before totally annihilating civilization.
The player assumes the role of Atsuma, a magic student at Enchant University. Atsuma and his classmates, Toya and Makoto, become embroiled in the adventure when the Queen of Ice, a supremely powerful "Devil Golem," mysteriously awakens and destroys Atsuma's home of Yokohama City. Atsuma embarks on an epic journey to halt the Queen of Ice, avenge the destruction of his city, and discover the hidden power of his right arm.
IGN: In terms scope, just how "epic" is Enchanted Arms?
Ubisoft: The story takes place over 50 hours of gameplay, with more than 500 characters to interact with, more than 100 unlockable and controllable Golem creatures, and more than 25,000 lines of dialogue. Included are both the original Japanese language track and an all-new English language track featuring rising star Johnny Hawkes as Atsuma.
IGN: With 50 hours of gameplay, there are sure to be some mini games. Can you name and describe a few?
Ubisoft: There are indeed mini games available, and they vary depending on the environment. Players can gamble at the Casino in London City, trying their luck at familiar games like bingo, roulette and slot machines. They can post their winnings on Xbox Live and compete for the highest rankings.
In damaged areas of London City, for example, players can take on Reconstruction Missions to help citizens restore water, fire and light to the city.
There are also plenty of golem battle tournaments as well, where players can battle against a pre-set golem team using golems they've created. Even better, golem battles are also available on Xbox Live.
IGN: We noticed a number of environmental puzzles in the "Story Features" video. Will you explain how some of those mechanics work, how frequently and in what contexts they occur? The brief scenes where Atsuma is hopping across glowing orbs and riding in a mine cart come to mind.
Ubisoft: Aside from running and teleporting from place to place, sometimes Atsuma and his party will need to use other means of travel including glowing orbs, moving panels and carts. Players will encounter these when they need to reach un-connected areas of the map, activate devices such as bridges, or navigate mazelike environments to collect key items such as ether.
IGN: Let's talk more about Atsuma. Will you describe a few of his special attacks or a progression of how his attacks grow more powerful?
Ubisoft: As all Enchants are based in a primal element, Atsuma draws his power from fire-based attacks. As he levels up, he will learn devastating super attacks known as "EX Skills," such as Summon Phoenix. This spell literally summons a giant Phoenix to fly through opponents and reduce them to ash. Specific EX Skills are necessary to defeat key enemies in the story. Atsuma will get those EX Skills when he completes a mission or event.
IGN: Will you explain anything about why Atsuma has a mysterious power in his arm?
Ubisoft: Without spoiling the plot, the key to unlocking the secret of his arm lies deep within Atsuma's own memory. Given Atsuma's hot-headed personality, he'll have to look beyond his immediate goals of avenging Yokohama City and learn a secret art to unlock and control his amazing powers.
IGN: What about Atsuma's student comrades and the other characters that join your party?
Ubisoft: Atsuma begins the adventure with his two friends from Enchant University, Toya and Makoto. Toya, utilizing Water Enchants, is a calm and studious counterpoint to Atsuma's brash style.
Makoto, specializing in support spells, is a hopeless romantic harboring a secret crush on another University student.
Throughout the course of the adventure, Atsuma meets:
Yuki: A young and feisty female Golem Hunter brandishing two enchanted pistols, which deliver high impact range attacks.
Karin: A member of a resistance movement in London city to rise up against the government, whom she believes may be exploiting the Golem threat to gain more political power. She specializes in close-range kicking attacks and support powers.
Raigar: Karin's faithful protector and former member of the Green Knight Brigade. He specializes in Earth Enchants and close range sword attacks.
Golems: There are over 100 Golem creatures to encounter, defeat and unlock to create your own custom Golems. You can add newly created Golems to your party and level them up as you see fit. You can expect more specific information on Golems in the coming weeks.
IGN: Thanks!
Latest IGN Hands on Impressions.
TeamXbox Hands on Preview.
Great TeamXbox Pre-E3 2006 Preview.
Pictures:
Ok, only Japanese RPG fans need apply.
If you liked stuff like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Shin Megami Tensei, Valkyrie Profile or Shadow Hearts, chances are you're going to love this.
Personally, I'm VERY excited to finally play another classic style "turn based" RPG. Besides, it's published by Ubisoft....you know they don't like crap (except GRAW! grrr)
The story sounds very cool, it has some very weird/awesome characters, the combat looks so fun and deep, customizable characters and there seems to be a LOT of collectibles (totems) which you can use to battle on Live! Hello replay value!
I know I'll be getting this as soon as it comes out, and if this is popular (I think it will), it's going to help sell more Xbox360s in Japan, yay!
I'm going to post some previews, movies, pictures, and info on the game and characters.
DISCUSS!!!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Story:
Key Features:
Movies:
E3 2006 Trailer: Mov Wmv
E3 2006 Trailer (HD): Mov Wmv
Some Gameplay trailer and a great new "Story Trailer": http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/747/747936/vids_1.html
Previews:
Q & A with Ubisoft
Enchanted Arms Q&A
We dig into the story and come up with answers, plus new screens and a sweet new
gameplay trailer.
by Charles Onyett and Douglass C. Perry
July 28, 2006 - Exclusive for Microsoft's next-generation system, Ubisoft will bring From Software's 3D RPG, Enchanted Arms (called "[eM] -eNCHANT arM-" in Japan) to the US and Europe this summer. The Japanese RPG features high-fidelity visuals, totally new English voice-overs, an enormous amount of collectible characters (75 collectible characters, plus dozens more populating the many huge cities), and a story that's rich in history, side stories, and drama. We caught up with Ubisoft to get a deeper insight into the game's storyline, featured exclusively in today's article.
IGN: What's the basic storyline of Enchanted Arms?
Ubisoft: In the tradition of classic Japanese RPG storytelling, Enchanted Arms is an epic tale of good against evil. The story takes place in a fantasy world ruled by powerful magic known as "Enchants." These Enchants can be used to cast spells and to create a variety of subservient beings known as Golems. One thousand years ago, combat Golems with almighty powers nearly destroyed the world in a mysterious war -- but were sealed away before totally annihilating civilization.
The player assumes the role of Atsuma, a magic student at Enchant University. Atsuma and his classmates, Toya and Makoto, become embroiled in the adventure when the Queen of Ice, a supremely powerful "Devil Golem," mysteriously awakens and destroys Atsuma's home of Yokohama City. Atsuma embarks on an epic journey to halt the Queen of Ice, avenge the destruction of his city, and discover the hidden power of his right arm.
IGN: In terms scope, just how "epic" is Enchanted Arms?
Ubisoft: The story takes place over 50 hours of gameplay, with more than 500 characters to interact with, more than 100 unlockable and controllable Golem creatures, and more than 25,000 lines of dialogue. Included are both the original Japanese language track and an all-new English language track featuring rising star Johnny Hawkes as Atsuma.
IGN: With 50 hours of gameplay, there are sure to be some mini games. Can you name and describe a few?
Ubisoft: There are indeed mini games available, and they vary depending on the environment. Players can gamble at the Casino in London City, trying their luck at familiar games like bingo, roulette and slot machines. They can post their winnings on Xbox Live and compete for the highest rankings.
In damaged areas of London City, for example, players can take on Reconstruction Missions to help citizens restore water, fire and light to the city.
There are also plenty of golem battle tournaments as well, where players can battle against a pre-set golem team using golems they've created. Even better, golem battles are also available on Xbox Live.
IGN: We noticed a number of environmental puzzles in the "Story Features" video. Will you explain how some of those mechanics work, how frequently and in what contexts they occur? The brief scenes where Atsuma is hopping across glowing orbs and riding in a mine cart come to mind.
Ubisoft: Aside from running and teleporting from place to place, sometimes Atsuma and his party will need to use other means of travel including glowing orbs, moving panels and carts. Players will encounter these when they need to reach un-connected areas of the map, activate devices such as bridges, or navigate mazelike environments to collect key items such as ether.
IGN: Let's talk more about Atsuma. Will you describe a few of his special attacks or a progression of how his attacks grow more powerful?
Ubisoft: As all Enchants are based in a primal element, Atsuma draws his power from fire-based attacks. As he levels up, he will learn devastating super attacks known as "EX Skills," such as Summon Phoenix. This spell literally summons a giant Phoenix to fly through opponents and reduce them to ash. Specific EX Skills are necessary to defeat key enemies in the story. Atsuma will get those EX Skills when he completes a mission or event.
IGN: Will you explain anything about why Atsuma has a mysterious power in his arm?
Ubisoft: Without spoiling the plot, the key to unlocking the secret of his arm lies deep within Atsuma's own memory. Given Atsuma's hot-headed personality, he'll have to look beyond his immediate goals of avenging Yokohama City and learn a secret art to unlock and control his amazing powers.
IGN: What about Atsuma's student comrades and the other characters that join your party?
Ubisoft: Atsuma begins the adventure with his two friends from Enchant University, Toya and Makoto. Toya, utilizing Water Enchants, is a calm and studious counterpoint to Atsuma's brash style.
Makoto, specializing in support spells, is a hopeless romantic harboring a secret crush on another University student.
Throughout the course of the adventure, Atsuma meets:
Yuki: A young and feisty female Golem Hunter brandishing two enchanted pistols, which deliver high impact range attacks.
Karin: A member of a resistance movement in London city to rise up against the government, whom she believes may be exploiting the Golem threat to gain more political power. She specializes in close-range kicking attacks and support powers.
Raigar: Karin's faithful protector and former member of the Green Knight Brigade. He specializes in Earth Enchants and close range sword attacks.
Golems: There are over 100 Golem creatures to encounter, defeat and unlock to create your own custom Golems. You can add newly created Golems to your party and level them up as you see fit. You can expect more specific information on Golems in the coming weeks.
IGN: Thanks!
Latest IGN Hands on Impressions.
TeamXbox Hands on Preview.
Great TeamXbox Pre-E3 2006 Preview.
Pictures: