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duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 05:19 AM)
 
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Soma Bringer (DS) Official Japanese Thread #1


Title: Soma Bringer
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Monolithsoft
Publisher: Nintendo of Japan
No. of Players: 1-3 players over ad-hoc
Price: 4800yen
Official Site: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ybsj

The Story

In a world where the a magical energy source known as Soma drives the technology and daily lives of all its inhabitants, there lies a huge continent named Barnea. In recent years, the natural balance of Soma has been disrupted by the arrival of mysterious beings called Visitors. To investigate these occurances, Secundadeians - the organization that regulates Soma in the world, creates a military division to deal with these Visitors - the Pharzuph. The story follows the seven members of the 7th Division of the Pharzuph. What they discover on one of their missions will determine the fate of the world...



The Characters


Welt - The newest member of the 7th Divison. He was selected for the elite combat unit that is the 7th Division because of his enthusiasm. He is also affectionate and has a strong sense of responsibility.


Idea - A mysterious girl under the protection of the 7th Division. She was found in a large pod, with no memories of her past other than her own name.


Einsatz - The commandering officer of the 7th Division, with the rank of captain. He has a calm demeanor, and is flexible leader that isn't bound by rules and regulations. He is extremely popular with his subordinates.


Jadis - The vice-commander of the 7th Division. His personality is a complete opposite of his large physique, and he's always made fun of by his subordinates. But when it comes to the crunch, he's always there as the superior officer.


Millers - Her speciality is martial arts, and is an accomodating person who thinks of her companions. She's always looking out for Welt as he's a new member.


Cadenza - He is calm and gentle, but is also very alert. He's protective of Welt and Idea, while always playing mediator when Millers and Forte argue.


Granada - She's the silent type who doesn't share her feelings openly. Seen as a possible candidate for a commander role. She also has an knack for orgami.


Forte - She has a cheerful personality and is generally the mood maker of the team. She has a natural connection with the flow of Soma energy, and is also in charge of the team's equipment. Whenever she's with Millers, they always find a way to start up an argument.



The Gameplay

Selecting a Character:

There are 7 character initially that you can choose from at the start. The character you pick will be the one you are controlling and playing as in the entire game. It is also the singular character you customize in the game. Depending on which character you play as, story events and dialogue will differ slightly, but the main story will remain the same.




Classes:

Battlers - Uses one-handed and two-handed weapons, can dual-wield. This class has the most HP and is melee focused.
Corps - Uses one-handed weapons and spears, can equip shields. This class is balanced between offense and defense, and uses holy magic as support.
Darks - Uses two-handed weapons and spears. This class uses dark arts and can sacrifice the user's HP to deliver additional damage.
Gunners - Uses bows and guns. This class focuses on range combat and status attacks, while relying on traps and survival skills.
Kampfs - Uses hand-to-hand combat and two-handed polearms, and can dual wield. This class is for melee combatants that prefer using combo attacks and assasination skills.
Somas - Uses Staves. This class is a magician class that uses mainly spells to target elemental weaknesses.




Weapons Specialities:

Each class has its own limitations on what weapons can be equipped. At the start of the game you will pick one of those weapon specialities to start with, which determines your starting equipment. Each weapon speciality has it's own skills that can be learned. They are divided into ranks, and once you reach the required rank in that class, you will be able to learn the skills in that rank for the weapon specialities available to that class. As you level up in the game you will gain AP (Ability Points), and you will use these points to learn and enhance the skills available to you. It only takes 1 point to learn a skill, but the more points you put into a skill, the more effective it is. Each skill has a maximum of 20 levels. The different weapon specialities are One-handed Weapons, Two-handed Weapons, Dual Wielding, Spears, Bows, Guns, Hand-to-hand, Two-handed Polearms, and Staves.




Character Points:

Besides gaining AP as you level up, you also gain CP (Character Points), which can be used to increase the character's four base statistics. These base statistics determine the strength of physical and magical attacks, as well as maximum HP/SP, defensive power and so on. The statistics that can be boosted are Strength, Magic, Health and Skillfulness.




Battle System:

The combat in Soma Bringer is meant to be simple to execute yet extremely customizable and strategic for the player. Each of the four buttons on the DS (X, Y, A, B) is mapped to an action. This action can be a normal attack, an attack skill, a non-attack ability or a spell. Simply by pressing that button, the mapped move will be executed. Two sets of actions can be customized, and the player switches between the two sets using the R button. Items are also mapped onto the four buttons, and by pressing the L button, the game toggles between battle mode and pocket mode. In pocket mode pressing a button will consume the item type mapped to it. The select button toggles between 5 different camera modes of zoom, and the start button will brings up the menu. While you can bring up the menu to change mapped actions at any time, the game does not pause when you access the menu, so it would not be wise to do so while in the middle of combat.




Break System:

When combos and consecutive attacks are pulled off on a single enemy, an exclamation mark (!) will appear over the enemy. Continuing to pummel the enemy in this state will lead to a (!!), and finally when 3 exclamation marks appear (!!!) the enemy will be in a "break" state and any attacks in this period will result in tremendous extra damage. Certain forms of attack and timed combos can more effectively bring an enemy into break state than others. Although, just as enemies can be put into break states, so can the player.




The Music

The soundtrack for Soma Bringer is exclusively composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. This is the third game helmed by Tetsuya Takahashi he has composed for, and it is the largest soundtrack ever composed by Mitsuda. Spanning 3 CDs, there are a total of 55 tracks in the game. The Original Soundtrack release will contain an additional 4 bonus tracks presented in their recorded MIDI form. These tracks are the full length versions of 4 tracks from the game itself which were shortened because of space constrains. Pre-orders of Soma Bringer will also ship with a special Premium Soundtrack CD that gives a taste of the full soundtrack. Mitsuda has said that he feels that his work on Soma Bringer is probably the best audio quality possible on the Nintendo DS, and he has really pushed the hardware to it's limits. There will be two different sound mixes available in the game depending if you are using the DS speakers or headphone - because he wants to tune to sound quality in the game to be the best possible reproduction for the player based on which form of audio playback is being used.


Title: Soma Bringer Premium Soundtrack
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Discs: 1
Price: Free Pre-order Bonus

Track List:
1. Soma Bringer
2. Schildkröte
3. Green Wind
4. Assault
5.-Ring-



Title: Soma Bringer Original Soundtrack
Composer: Yasunori Mitsuda
Discs: 3
Tracks: 59
Publisher: Procyon Studio (Sleigh Bells)
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution
Price: 3360yen
Official Site: http://www.procyon-studio.com/sleigh...ndex.html#soma


Trailers and Videos

Trailers:

Special Trailer
Introduction to Soma Bringer
TVCM #1
TVCM #2

Gameplay Videos:

What is Soma?
The Pharzuph
Armty, the ancient city with two faces
The mysterious Visitors
The battlecruiser Schildkröte
The machine city Orditall
Orditall's fortress
Isthar, the cold lady supervisor
Adonis, a mysterious man

Battle Videos:

Realtime Battle
Break
Simple Button Operations
Attack Variations

Creator's Voice Videos (right-click and save the swf):

Game opening
Combat
Break system
Weapons and skills
Skills and customization
A cutscene
Desert field
Lagos Bridge field

Last edited by duckroll : 03-07-2008 at 12:15 PM.
duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 05:21 AM)
 
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#2


Last edited by duckroll : 02-29-2008 at 07:16 AM.
Aeana
Medal Princess
(02-26-2008, 05:21 AM)
 
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#3

You somehow managed to sell me on this game. :(

If it sucks, I'm holding you responsible!
sprsk
force push the doodoo rock
(02-26-2008, 05:22 AM)
 
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#4

I am going to run, not walk, to the store tomorrow to get this.


Hmmm, I wonder if my store got it...probably not...
batbeg
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:25 AM)
 
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#5

I can tell just from the awesome OP you're already in love with this

I can't wait for when (and I do mean when) this comes out in English, it looks so fun and I'm sure I will become completely addicted to it.

We need lots of awesome impressions, J-gaffers!
Error
Jealous of the Glory that is Johnny Depp
(02-26-2008, 05:25 AM)
 
Error's Avatar
#6

nice thread, looking forward to the impressions.
ethelred
Has more taste than you
(02-26-2008, 05:26 AM)
 
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#7

Originally Posted by batbeg:
I can tell just from the awesome OP you're already in love with this

He's been talking about nothing but Soma Bringer for a week straight now.

Originally Posted by Chris Michael:
I can already tell that Welt is going to be the annoying angsty main character that everyone hates

It's... a Takahashi game.
Chris Michael
Banned
(02-26-2008, 05:27 AM)
 
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#8

I can already tell that Welt is going to be the annoying angsty main character that everyone hates, and Idea is going to pull a Colette and be the main girl character that's ditsy and dependent. :\

Otherwise, really looking forward to this.
BudokaiMR2
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:27 AM)
 
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#9

I am going to call my store to see if they have it and can sell it early, but I doubt it. I have no idea where to find the places that break the dates....

If not then I will definitely have impressions up on thursday night.
lyre
(02-26-2008, 05:27 AM)
#10



You mean this androgynous man/woman thing that looks like a woman ... actually IS a woman?!?!

blownaway.jpg

Irregardless, it is now in the noble hands of Nintendo of America.
ivysaur12
"Who said you should help?"
(02-26-2008, 05:28 AM)
 
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#11

I am so excited for this. Impressions are a must.

EDIT: This better get localized.

Please get localized.

:(
batbeg
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:30 AM)
 
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#12

Originally Posted by lyre:


You mean this androgynous man/woman thing that looks like a woman ... actually IS a woman?!?!

blownaway.jpg

Irregardless, it is now in the noble hands of Nintendo of America.

I don't know what to tell you if you thought that was a man. The hips should have been a clear giveaway.

But now that you've said it, I can instantly see it o.o

Originally Posted by ivysaur12:
I am so excited for this. Impressions are a must.

EDIT: This better get localized.

Please get localized.

:(

Don't take that pussy attitude - say it with me:

This will get localized. Or. Fucking. Else.
ivysaur12
"Who said you should help?"
(02-26-2008, 05:31 AM)
 
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#13

Oh, by the way, great OP duckroll.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful
Planet Scrub!
(02-26-2008, 05:32 AM)
 
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#14

Glad I have mine preordered. Cannot wait!!
lyre
(02-26-2008, 05:34 AM)
#15

Originally Posted by batbeg:
I don't know what to tell you if you thought that was a man. The hips should have been a clear giveaway.

But now that you've said it, I can instantly see it o.o
I didn't want to resort to this, but, never forget:

batbeg
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:35 AM)
 
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#16

Point horribly taken :(

I really liked Magna Carta's designs ¬.¬
lyre
(02-26-2008, 05:37 AM)
#17

So should I continue to derail this wonderful topic with more Magna Carta goodness, or start swearing at NOA until they release it?

:p
bigswords
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:38 AM)
 
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#18

Please sell well so that we can get a English version of this....please sell well...
sprsk
force push the doodoo rock
(02-26-2008, 05:38 AM)
 
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#19

Please do not ruin this lovely thread any further.
Abel
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:39 AM)
 
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#20

Localization plz kthnxbai
lyre
(02-26-2008, 05:39 AM)
#21

Curses to NOA it is!

ps: moar impressions quickly plz.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful
Planet Scrub!
(02-26-2008, 05:39 AM)
 
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#22

I saw Soma Bringer cases at a store in den den town yesterday. They're shiny blue foil :O
Barakov
Member
(02-26-2008, 05:54 AM)
 
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#23

I'm anticipating looking forward to impressions. I'm still not feeling the character designs, though. :/
Tiktaalik
Banned
(02-26-2008, 06:59 AM)
 
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#24

Those screens didn't look impressive to me at all, but I clicked on the videos anyway, and god damn this game looks good in motion. I'm really hoping for an NA release now.
batbeg
Member
(02-26-2008, 07:01 AM)
 
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#25

This is true. We need an awesome GIF in the opening post or something maybe Though I think the models look pretty good on the status/equipment screen, just not on the actual backgrounds.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful
Planet Scrub!
(02-26-2008, 07:13 AM)
 
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#26

I'll probably pick Einsatz as my main character, and I definitely gotta have Cadenza in my party if only for gun play.
ZealousD
Member
(02-26-2008, 07:33 AM)
 
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#27

NINTENDO LOCALEYES NAO PLEEZE
Soule
Member
(02-26-2008, 08:07 AM)
 
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#28

Originally Posted by lyre:


You mean this androgynous man/woman thing that looks like a woman ... actually IS a woman?!?!

blownaway.jpg

Irregardless, it is now in the noble hands of Nintendo of America.
Funny I thought it was a girl straight away and about 2 minutes later I had to scroll back to double check because I've been burnt by traps before...

When I saw your post I couldn't help but smile at the thought that I'm not the only one who is amazed at androgynous characters that lean towards a gender actually being that gender.
viewtiful_dru
Member
(02-26-2008, 08:14 AM)
 
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#29

Question for "J-Gaf": I can only read katakana. Will I be able to play this game? I see some kanji, and I'm no good with that.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful
Planet Scrub!
(02-26-2008, 08:15 AM)
 
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#30

Originally Posted by viewtiful_dru:
Question for "J-Gaf": I can only read katakana. Will I be able to play this game? I see some kanji, and I'm no good with that.

I haven't played the game yet, but judging from what usually happens with JRPGs, katakana should get you through the game. The kanji you deal with in the customization parts is fairly common RPG kanji.
Tenbatsu
(02-26-2008, 08:19 AM)
 
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#31

Originally Posted by Barakov:
I'm anticipating looking forward to impressions. I'm still not feeling the character designs, though. :/

Same here with the characters design.

Available at Play-asia US$ 48.90
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...n-70-2jmc.html
jj984jj
Stupid Member
(02-26-2008, 08:27 AM)
 
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#32

Wow, I'm surprised you spent time making this thread, looks great.

NoA will hopefully jump on this one, especially if it's being planned as a series. If IGN had impressions on their recent podcast from GDC then the chances are at least looking great.

Last edited by jj984jj : 02-26-2008 at 08:38 AM.
viewtiful_dru
Member
(02-26-2008, 08:37 AM)
 
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#33

Originally Posted by thetrin:
I haven't played the game yet, but judging from what usually happens with JRPGs, katakana should get you through the game. The kanji you deal with in the customization parts is fairly common RPG kanji.

the thing is, I really don't know much kanji period. Is there a guide or something where I can view the ones commonly used in games?
duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 10:24 AM)
 
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#34



Producer: Tetsuya Takahashi
Director: Shingo Kawabata
Music: Yasunori Mitsuda
Scenario: Soraya Saga
Character Design: Tadahiro Usuda
Art Director: Tonny Waiman Koo
Aeana
Medal Princess
(02-26-2008, 10:30 AM)
 
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#35

Takuro Hanamoto and Kenta Nakamura sure had it easy.
Nibelung Valesti
Member
(02-26-2008, 10:42 AM)
 
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#36

Release date of the OST? March 19?
Chris Michael
Banned
(02-26-2008, 10:45 AM)
 
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#37

Isn't that staff like really huge for a handheld game?
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful
Planet Scrub!
(02-26-2008, 10:51 AM)
 
thetrin's Avatar
#38

Originally Posted by viewtiful_dru:
the thing is, I really don't know much kanji period. Is there a guide or something where I can view the ones commonly used in games?

Oh hmm...well you can either wait for me or BudokaiMR2 to slooooowly translate menus (I'm still translating shit for Card Hero), or you can fudge your way through the menus. Most of it seems to be in katakana.
TylerPwnsYou1986
Banned
(02-26-2008, 11:01 AM)
 
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#39

Man this is fucking awesome. I'm such a huge fan of Yasunori Mitsuda and when i just heard the battle music i was fucking blown away. This guy is just fucking awesome. I might pick this up just for the music. Fucking absolute awesomeness
DarkStar
Member
(02-26-2008, 11:09 AM)
 
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#40

I found a few scans on this websiteqwertgyhjk

Last edited by sprsk : 02-26-2008 at 11:13 AM.
batbeg
Member
(02-26-2008, 11:13 AM)
 
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#41

Originally Posted by DarkStar:
...

Dude There's a thread on the front page specifying we can't do that anymore.
duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 11:13 AM)
 
duckroll's Avatar
#42

Originally Posted by Chris Michael:
Isn't that staff like really huge for a handheld game?

Not really. It's pretty reasonable.
DarkStar
Member
(02-26-2008, 11:30 AM)
 
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#43

Originally Posted by batbeg:
Dude There's a thread on the front page specifying we can't do that anymore.

I tought the link would be ok,. I didnt post the actual scans right?

My bad =(
kiryogi
Considers fanny-packs to be the utmost in haute fashion. :x
(02-26-2008, 11:37 AM)
 
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#44

Soma Bringer [JPN Preorder] NTR-P-YBSJ 1 $45.90 $45.90
Subtotal: $45.90
Shipping: $19.50
Handling: $0.00
Tax: $0.00
Order Total: $65.40

;_; my freshly paid off CC.
speedpop
Has problems recognising girls
(02-26-2008, 11:38 AM)
 
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#45

Awesome thread = awesome game!

Really really really hoping P-A ship this to me tomorrow. I need it before the weekend hits.
Aeana
Medal Princess
(02-26-2008, 12:07 PM)
 
Aeana's Avatar
#46

I got a shipping confirmation from Play-Asia a little earlier. Looking forward to it.
duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 12:10 PM)
 
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#47

Originally Posted by speedpop:
Awesome thread = awesome game!

Really really really hoping P-A ship this to me tomorrow. I need it before the weekend hits.

Play-Asia already started shipping. Mine shipped.
BudokaiMR2
Member
(02-26-2008, 12:22 PM)
 
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#48

Originally Posted by thetrin:
Oh hmm...well you can either wait for me or BudokaiMR2 to slooooowly translate menus (I'm still translating shit for Card Hero), or you can fudge your way through the menus. Most of it seems to be in katakana.

Yeah I am going to try to work on this starting next week probably. I can't promise anything but hopefully it won't take too long.
duckroll
mashadar's neko-mimi slave
(02-26-2008, 12:40 PM)
 
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#49

Originally Posted by BudokaiMR2:
Yeah I am going to try to work on this starting next week probably. I can't promise anything but hopefully it won't take too long.

I'll have all the menus, classes, skills, etc translated an hour or two after I get my game. ^^;

Should I add it to the OP?
viewtiful_dru
Member
(02-26-2008, 01:10 PM)
 
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#50

Originally Posted by duckroll:
I'll have all the menus, classes, skills, etc translated an hour or two after I get my game. ^^;

Should I add it to the OP?

you know the answer to this, you sexy guy
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