For my third thread, I'd like to go over all the DS RPGs to hit the console and what just arrived.
I realize that there's been a recent thread talking about which system is the best to buy RPGs, but I'm not going to comment on that. This thread is to pimp the just-released and awesome lineup of RPGs about to smash the DS into the effing stratosphere. So without further ado, let's go onto the current list of RPGs that JUST came out:
DISCLAIMER: I understand that some adventure games could be included in this list, but I'm not going to - there are simply too many RPGs that are more RPG than adventure to include on this list. If you want to make an adventure DS thread, be my guest.
--------------------------
Current DS RPGs (1 month previous to now)
--------------------------
--------------------------
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
"The peaceful land of Slimenia has been suddenly invaded by a mysterious cartel called "the Plob," who then proceed to kidnap all the slimes in the capital city of Boingburg. Our protagonist, Rocket, is the only slime left behind, and must embark on a journey throughout Slimenia to save his friends and uncover the Plob's nefarious plot!"
This game is really fun. Having played it myself, I can tell you that it's really engaging, and the translation is top notch. Support quirky games like this for Square Enix's sake!
--------------------------
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Blue
"Based off he long-running series of Mysterious Dungeon games by Chunsoft, this multi-title release (Red Rescue Force for the GBA, Blue Rescue Force for the DS) is an adventure game with semi-turnbased exploration of dungeons featuring characters from the Pokemon universe." (From IGN)
This is also really good, but people put it down for being a Mystery Dungeon game or too simple. This game is what it is, and it's pretty damned fun, if you ask me. A lot of other people think so too.
--------------------------
Contact
"In the aftermath of the crash, The Professor discovers that the power sources of his ship, known as Cells, have been scattered across the surface of this strange world. To retrieve them all, The Professor enlists the aid of a brave young man named Terry—and a brave video game player known as you! The Professor and Terry will ask for your help during the course of the adventure, using the Nintendo DS to "contact" you along the way."
Ahh... Contact. This game JUST arrived in the stores, and you can talk about it recently in the Official Contact thread. Unfortunately... I still don't have it yet. X_X
--------------------------
--------------------------
Opinion about DS RPGs currently out
--------------------------
Here's my opinion about the DS RPGs currently out. Contact is really the first big RPG hit, mark my words. Rocket Slime was good, and some other titles like Mario and Luigi filled the void, but Contact is the spearhead of all the awesome RPGs to come. If you're going to get into something great like the DS and its RPG library, go with that title first.
--------------------------
Upcoming RPGs
--------------------------
--------------------------
Magical Starsign
10/25/06
"The students of Will O' Wisp magical academy have a little problem: Their teacher has mysteriously disappeared. After commandeering a handful of rockets to rescue her, they've wound up on a strange (and sometimes scary) adventure through outer space. Now players must rescue both their classmates AND their teacher – and just maybe the whole solar system while they're at it."
This game, done by the Brownie Brown team (made of ex-Square employees, some of whom created the Mana series, which this game's visuals take heed from), is really interesting. I am understood that the game isn't that great, but I like to support Brownie Brown, because I'd like to see more from them.
--------------------------
Children of Mana
11/1/06
"In ages past, an island called Illusia floated at the center of the world. At the heart of the island towered an ancient, enormous tree that stretched up to the very heavens. For ages past, chaos and sorrow had engulfed the world until at last its salvation appeared in the form of a boy, a girl, and a holy sword. Time flowed on and peace returned. The sword and the tree remained, and they soon came to be known as the Sword of Mana and the Mana Tree."
Take note, this game is NOT developed by Brownie Brown. And it really shows. Square Enix might've messed up the Seiken series even more with this dungeon crawler. However, it is still solid, and a sure pick up.
--------------------------
Pokémon Ranger
11/1/06
"An action RPG set in the world of the Pokemon Ranger movie. You play as a Pokemon Ranger. Different from a Pokemon Trainer, a Ranger travels the lands, using Pokemon in a fight to defend nature from baddies. Its release precedes that of Diamond and Pearl, and all three games link up together for some top secret bonuses." (From IGN)
This game is going to be interesting, as like Mystery Dungeon, it takes on a whole new way to play Pokemon games. What's interesting is that instead of using a Pokeball, you use the stylus to capture Pokemon. Like Mystery Dungeon, Pokemon use their attacks onscreen, instead of an RPG-style battle scheme.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy 3
11/14/06
"Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world's fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost—but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world..."
Square's remake of the only FF game to not hit our shores is almost here, finally. Scarlet really thinks the game is average, but no doubt, everyone is going to hop onto this game like fleas on a dog. This is the BIG DS release of November, make no mistake.
--------------------------
Digimon World
11/14/06
"Created by Rapid Technical Advancement, creatures called Digimon emerged from the Digital World and gradually begin to penetrate into reality. “Digimon World DS” utilizes the dual screens of the Nintendo DS to fully manage over 250 different Digimons and battle in brilliantly colored simulated three-dimensional battlefields. Evolve your Digimon and challenge your friends in direct Wi-fi mayhem to become the best tamer in the Digital World!" (From IGN)
Um... yeah... it's Digimon. I think this game is going to blow hard. Not to mention it has the SAME release date as FF3 DS.
--------------------------
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
12/5/06
"The second DS entry in Konami's blood-curdling vampire hunter series, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin gives the player control of two different characters. The pair – vampire hunter Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Orlean, a young girl with magical abilities – must work to thwart a plan to resurrect Dracula's Castle and unleash a reign of evil upon the unsuspecting world, all within a new World War II setting."
I've always considered this game an Action RPG, since there are STATS TO BE LEVEL'D in it. But really you can argue that to the end of time, I secretly included this because you can't keep out the Game of the Year, can you?
--------------------------
Lunar Knights
"Unofficially the fourth edition in Konami's vampire-hunting adventure series Boktai, now called Lunar Knights and featuring many differences and improvements over the GBA hits.Descend into the gothic Sci-Fi world of Lunar Knights and take control of two warriors on a quest to reclaim the world from the vampiric legion. Spin together tornados, guide down flaming meteors, and blow snowstorms in Kojima Productions' Nintendo DS title." (From IGN)
I've never played the Boktai series - I can't stand being out in the sunlight. From what I understand, this game will not require actual sunlight, but work on a night and day routine - your characters get stronger based on who they are, and what time of day it is. I'll bite.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
"The DS game will be called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles -- Ring of Fates. It features four-player gameplay, and a single-player RPG component as well. An online component was mentioned when the game was confirmed at last year's E3, but was not spoken of at this event -- hopefully, Nintendo WiFi Connect will be used to hook up players online as well as offline." (From IGN)
Ring of Fates is going to be more bucket bitch syndrome over again, unlike its Wii brother. In fact, the Wii version is more vaporware than this game, since we actually saw real footage of it playing.
--------------------------
Heroes of Mana
"Take control of Roger, a skilled sword combatant in the Pendan Kingdom army. Using an air ship as your base, summon monsters to defeat oncoming enemy attackers."
This game seems to be more strategy than RPG, even though it's listed as one. Use the stylus to command your army in a LostMagic-esque style controls, without the gimmicky spellcasting.
--------------------------
Tingle RPG
"A new RPG featuring the floating fool from recent entries in the Legend of Zelda series. You play as the Wind Waker/Majora's Mask treasure specialist when he was 35 and single, before his transformation into Tingle form. The main character gets word that he ought to head out to a spring. He does so, and along the way, he comes in contact with Rupeeji, a name that can be translated to Old Man Rupee. Rupeeji tells the main character that by collecting rupees and throwing them at the spring, he'll be lead to the dream land of Rupee Land. He accepts the quest and, through a magic spell, gets transformed into Tingle."
This game is going to be the most bizarre RPG you'll ever play. EVER.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings
"Revenant Wings tells the story of Vaan and Panelo, two of the main characters from FFXII. Vaan is 18 years old in the game, and has just fulfilled his dream of getting his own airship. He keeps himself free of politics and family life and travels around as a sky pirate. The 17-year-old Panelo serves as his navigator. Together they fly across the land, seeking adventure."
No idea what this game will be like. But hey, it's another Square RPG! Where could you go wrong. And this most certainly should be better than FFX-2.
--------------------------
Pokémon Pearl/Diamond
"The next chapter of the continuing saga of Nintendo's "collect 'em all" RPG series." (From IGN)
The next chapter has indeed hit Japan, and HARD. It almost caught up to NSMB in 2 weeks and that game came out several MONTHS ago. Definitely a buy once it comes out here. Gotta wait several months for translation like Nintendo ALWAYS does (because they have to make up names and copyright each one first).
--------------------------
Azure Dreams
cover
screenshot
"Azure Dreams on DS"
Vaporware!
--------------------------
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
"DQM Joker introduces a new character to this side of the series, a battler who takes up the challenge of the Joker's GP arena tournament. On the overworld, you will play as this Joker contestant as you explore the 3D space. In battle, however, you will stand aside and let your collected beasts fight it out."
This game will simply be fantastic. I believe it uses a modified FF3 DS engine for closer angles and cel-shaded graphics, like its bigger brother, Dragon Quest 8. It's going to be beautiful in your DS. As a fan of the original game, the breeding and collecting of Dragon Quest monsters were very fun indeed, and this seems to be what I'm looking for.
--------------------------
Rune Factory
"Rune Factory is spin-off of the Harvest Moon series, part of a re-invention of the franchise for its 10th anniversary. Described by producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto as Harvest Moon where you wield a sword, the game has being developed with the idea of creating a fantasy world in which the player exists, rather than the standard type of RPG where you play the role of a hero and work your way through a storyline. You are able to capture monsters, raise them on your farm, and add them to your adventuring party."
Wooh yeah. The ONLY Harvest Moon I've played was the SNES version. And I think Harvest Moon games have been given a more "girly" tone to them, so that's why I don't hear most of my friends talking about playing Harvest Moon games. However, this new game is going to appeal to a more male demographic (with the sword-bearing hero), and I'm considering picking it up. Not to mention the sick visual style this game has.
--------------------------
Tales of the Tempest
"The first DS entry in Namco's long-running RPG "Tales of..." series, which includes Tales of Destiny and Tales of Symphonia."
I'll still probably get this game. Even though it got mediocre scores from Famitsu, it's probably still a lot better than most RPGs on the DS.
--------------------------
Etrian Odyssey
"In a vast and fertile land lies a small town known as Etria, a peaceful village that became famous for a startling discovery. A crack in the vast forest opened at Etria’s edge, leading downward like a gaping maw. Those who hear rumors of the labyrinth of Etria, whether young or old, begin to harbor dreams of exploring it. Thus the adventure begins..."
Developed by a stunning team from Atlus (including Trauma Center's director), this game sure looks to be a winning hit, with SMT adventure gameplay, stylus map-making, 9 character classes, and you can make your own guild. Instabuy.
--------------------------
Luminous Arc
"Luminous Arc takes place in a world whose peace is protected by an organization called Luminous. With the passing of a former leader, the peace is broken. Monsters begin appearing, the world is struck by strange natural phenomenon, and rumors emerge of a witch who brings harm to humans. The game's main character, Alf, and his little brother Tio, were raised in a religious facility known as Ever Garden, and are given the order to face off against the witch and the monsters."
Yes, your eyes aren't decieving you; that game up there is a SRPG. I believe, the first true SRPG on the DS. Which means it's going to have a lot of hype surrounding it when it gets closer to release; and people are going to look at it with a sharp eye. This game also has WiFiConnection features. That should get you excited.
--------------------------
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat
"It's said that people who are burnt by the ancient flame, sealed away long ago, turn to ash and are then revived. However, while the body changes to ash, the person's heart and memories remain.
Created by Final Fantasy father Hironobu Sakaguchi, ASH is about an ancient flame that was sealed away long ago. The game focuses on Queen Aisha, who is on a quest to understand the flame because her people who were burnt by the flame are in the process of being revived."
It's done by the Gooch, but I have no idea about the game and how it plays, except how it looks. And even THAT could just be a bullshot.
--------------------------
Spectrobes
"Spectrobes introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These fossilized Spectrobes hold the key to defeating a vicious and merciless force, known only as the Krawl that threatens to destroy the galaxy. The two heroes embark on a mission to save their galaxy - to do so they must excavate, awaken, train and collect all the Spectrobes they can and battle to defeat the Krawl."
Apparently, this game is Disney/Buena Vista's take on Pokemon. It's an Action RPG as opposed to a full-blown RPG, and you get to fight WITH your monster, not using it to fight.
--------------------------
Mega Man Star Force
"A spin-off of the Mega Man Battle Network franchise, this game brings the franchise back with similar RPG gameplay but with an all-new Mega Man character and storyline to play through. In this RPG, you play as an elementary school kid called Subaru Hoshikawa. One day, Subaru comes into the possession of a special visor left behind by his missing father. When he puts on the visor, he meets an alien being called Warlock. Subaru and Warlock fuse into one and face off in a battle against the Virus."
From what I observe? It's Battle Network in 3D, with the viewpoint turned 90 degrees.
--------------------------
It's a Wonderful World
"It's a Wonderful World follows a boy named Neck. who has woken up to realize that he has seven days left to live. The God of Death has decided to play a game with this Tokyo native, and as Neck steps out onto the Shibuya Crossings and looks up at the multi-story Outback Café building, he witnesses both horrible and wonderful things that he will have to use his mystical powers to deal with. Later he is joined by a girl named Tsuki, and together they must battle monsters known as "Noise" if they have any hope in saving Neck."
This game is Nomura all over. And I loved KH, so I'll follow this man anywhere.
--------------------------
Western Lords
"Western Lords is a western-themed RPG coming to the Nintendo DS."
Here we go again. Anyone remember Mythri? This is that game all over again. Western developer makes game, no publisher wants to touch it. Make it happen, Atlus. You're already raking in the crazy cash on the DS.
--------------------------
Opinions of Future RPGs
--------------------------
The future is really bright for the DS and RPGs. There's so many in works, coming out, and spaced out between each other, that we're sure to see more come along because of their success. Not to mention Square Enix is giving the DS a loving only the SNES ever had. It's a new renaissance among Nintendo fans and their DS's, since we get to play a lot of very cool titles. Also, Atlus has definitely stepped up to the plate and is determined to bring games over that even remotely have a chance of doing well here at all.
A Slime draws near!
I realize that there's been a recent thread talking about which system is the best to buy RPGs, but I'm not going to comment on that. This thread is to pimp the just-released and awesome lineup of RPGs about to smash the DS into the effing stratosphere. So without further ado, let's go onto the current list of RPGs that JUST came out:
DISCLAIMER: I understand that some adventure games could be included in this list, but I'm not going to - there are simply too many RPGs that are more RPG than adventure to include on this list. If you want to make an adventure DS thread, be my guest.
--------------------------
Current DS RPGs (1 month previous to now)
--------------------------
--------------------------
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
"The peaceful land of Slimenia has been suddenly invaded by a mysterious cartel called "the Plob," who then proceed to kidnap all the slimes in the capital city of Boingburg. Our protagonist, Rocket, is the only slime left behind, and must embark on a journey throughout Slimenia to save his friends and uncover the Plob's nefarious plot!"
This game is really fun. Having played it myself, I can tell you that it's really engaging, and the translation is top notch. Support quirky games like this for Square Enix's sake!
--------------------------
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Blue
"Based off he long-running series of Mysterious Dungeon games by Chunsoft, this multi-title release (Red Rescue Force for the GBA, Blue Rescue Force for the DS) is an adventure game with semi-turnbased exploration of dungeons featuring characters from the Pokemon universe." (From IGN)
This is also really good, but people put it down for being a Mystery Dungeon game or too simple. This game is what it is, and it's pretty damned fun, if you ask me. A lot of other people think so too.
--------------------------
Contact
"In the aftermath of the crash, The Professor discovers that the power sources of his ship, known as Cells, have been scattered across the surface of this strange world. To retrieve them all, The Professor enlists the aid of a brave young man named Terry—and a brave video game player known as you! The Professor and Terry will ask for your help during the course of the adventure, using the Nintendo DS to "contact" you along the way."
Ahh... Contact. This game JUST arrived in the stores, and you can talk about it recently in the Official Contact thread. Unfortunately... I still don't have it yet. X_X
--------------------------
--------------------------
Opinion about DS RPGs currently out
--------------------------
Here's my opinion about the DS RPGs currently out. Contact is really the first big RPG hit, mark my words. Rocket Slime was good, and some other titles like Mario and Luigi filled the void, but Contact is the spearhead of all the awesome RPGs to come. If you're going to get into something great like the DS and its RPG library, go with that title first.
--------------------------
Upcoming RPGs
--------------------------
--------------------------
Magical Starsign
10/25/06
"The students of Will O' Wisp magical academy have a little problem: Their teacher has mysteriously disappeared. After commandeering a handful of rockets to rescue her, they've wound up on a strange (and sometimes scary) adventure through outer space. Now players must rescue both their classmates AND their teacher – and just maybe the whole solar system while they're at it."
This game, done by the Brownie Brown team (made of ex-Square employees, some of whom created the Mana series, which this game's visuals take heed from), is really interesting. I am understood that the game isn't that great, but I like to support Brownie Brown, because I'd like to see more from them.
--------------------------
Children of Mana
11/1/06
"In ages past, an island called Illusia floated at the center of the world. At the heart of the island towered an ancient, enormous tree that stretched up to the very heavens. For ages past, chaos and sorrow had engulfed the world until at last its salvation appeared in the form of a boy, a girl, and a holy sword. Time flowed on and peace returned. The sword and the tree remained, and they soon came to be known as the Sword of Mana and the Mana Tree."
Take note, this game is NOT developed by Brownie Brown. And it really shows. Square Enix might've messed up the Seiken series even more with this dungeon crawler. However, it is still solid, and a sure pick up.
--------------------------
Pokémon Ranger
11/1/06
"An action RPG set in the world of the Pokemon Ranger movie. You play as a Pokemon Ranger. Different from a Pokemon Trainer, a Ranger travels the lands, using Pokemon in a fight to defend nature from baddies. Its release precedes that of Diamond and Pearl, and all three games link up together for some top secret bonuses." (From IGN)
This game is going to be interesting, as like Mystery Dungeon, it takes on a whole new way to play Pokemon games. What's interesting is that instead of using a Pokeball, you use the stylus to capture Pokemon. Like Mystery Dungeon, Pokemon use their attacks onscreen, instead of an RPG-style battle scheme.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy 3
11/14/06
"Protected by the crystals of light, the once peaceful land has forever been changed by the great tremor. Without warning, the earthquake pulled the crystals into the earth, upsetting the world's fragile balance. It seems as if all hope is lost—but as the Gulgan prophecy foretold, four souls blessed with the light shall once again restore balance to the world..."
Square's remake of the only FF game to not hit our shores is almost here, finally. Scarlet really thinks the game is average, but no doubt, everyone is going to hop onto this game like fleas on a dog. This is the BIG DS release of November, make no mistake.
--------------------------
Digimon World
11/14/06
"Created by Rapid Technical Advancement, creatures called Digimon emerged from the Digital World and gradually begin to penetrate into reality. “Digimon World DS” utilizes the dual screens of the Nintendo DS to fully manage over 250 different Digimons and battle in brilliantly colored simulated three-dimensional battlefields. Evolve your Digimon and challenge your friends in direct Wi-fi mayhem to become the best tamer in the Digital World!" (From IGN)
Um... yeah... it's Digimon. I think this game is going to blow hard. Not to mention it has the SAME release date as FF3 DS.
--------------------------
Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
12/5/06
"The second DS entry in Konami's blood-curdling vampire hunter series, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin gives the player control of two different characters. The pair – vampire hunter Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Orlean, a young girl with magical abilities – must work to thwart a plan to resurrect Dracula's Castle and unleash a reign of evil upon the unsuspecting world, all within a new World War II setting."
I've always considered this game an Action RPG, since there are STATS TO BE LEVEL'D in it. But really you can argue that to the end of time, I secretly included this because you can't keep out the Game of the Year, can you?
--------------------------
Lunar Knights
"Unofficially the fourth edition in Konami's vampire-hunting adventure series Boktai, now called Lunar Knights and featuring many differences and improvements over the GBA hits.Descend into the gothic Sci-Fi world of Lunar Knights and take control of two warriors on a quest to reclaim the world from the vampiric legion. Spin together tornados, guide down flaming meteors, and blow snowstorms in Kojima Productions' Nintendo DS title." (From IGN)
I've never played the Boktai series - I can't stand being out in the sunlight. From what I understand, this game will not require actual sunlight, but work on a night and day routine - your characters get stronger based on who they are, and what time of day it is. I'll bite.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates
"The DS game will be called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles -- Ring of Fates. It features four-player gameplay, and a single-player RPG component as well. An online component was mentioned when the game was confirmed at last year's E3, but was not spoken of at this event -- hopefully, Nintendo WiFi Connect will be used to hook up players online as well as offline." (From IGN)
Ring of Fates is going to be more bucket bitch syndrome over again, unlike its Wii brother. In fact, the Wii version is more vaporware than this game, since we actually saw real footage of it playing.
--------------------------
Heroes of Mana
"Take control of Roger, a skilled sword combatant in the Pendan Kingdom army. Using an air ship as your base, summon monsters to defeat oncoming enemy attackers."
This game seems to be more strategy than RPG, even though it's listed as one. Use the stylus to command your army in a LostMagic-esque style controls, without the gimmicky spellcasting.
--------------------------
Tingle RPG
"A new RPG featuring the floating fool from recent entries in the Legend of Zelda series. You play as the Wind Waker/Majora's Mask treasure specialist when he was 35 and single, before his transformation into Tingle form. The main character gets word that he ought to head out to a spring. He does so, and along the way, he comes in contact with Rupeeji, a name that can be translated to Old Man Rupee. Rupeeji tells the main character that by collecting rupees and throwing them at the spring, he'll be lead to the dream land of Rupee Land. He accepts the quest and, through a magic spell, gets transformed into Tingle."
This game is going to be the most bizarre RPG you'll ever play. EVER.
--------------------------
Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings
"Revenant Wings tells the story of Vaan and Panelo, two of the main characters from FFXII. Vaan is 18 years old in the game, and has just fulfilled his dream of getting his own airship. He keeps himself free of politics and family life and travels around as a sky pirate. The 17-year-old Panelo serves as his navigator. Together they fly across the land, seeking adventure."
No idea what this game will be like. But hey, it's another Square RPG! Where could you go wrong. And this most certainly should be better than FFX-2.
--------------------------
Pokémon Pearl/Diamond
"The next chapter of the continuing saga of Nintendo's "collect 'em all" RPG series." (From IGN)
The next chapter has indeed hit Japan, and HARD. It almost caught up to NSMB in 2 weeks and that game came out several MONTHS ago. Definitely a buy once it comes out here. Gotta wait several months for translation like Nintendo ALWAYS does (because they have to make up names and copyright each one first).
--------------------------
Azure Dreams
cover
screenshot
"Azure Dreams on DS"
Vaporware!
--------------------------
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
"DQM Joker introduces a new character to this side of the series, a battler who takes up the challenge of the Joker's GP arena tournament. On the overworld, you will play as this Joker contestant as you explore the 3D space. In battle, however, you will stand aside and let your collected beasts fight it out."
This game will simply be fantastic. I believe it uses a modified FF3 DS engine for closer angles and cel-shaded graphics, like its bigger brother, Dragon Quest 8. It's going to be beautiful in your DS. As a fan of the original game, the breeding and collecting of Dragon Quest monsters were very fun indeed, and this seems to be what I'm looking for.
--------------------------
Rune Factory
"Rune Factory is spin-off of the Harvest Moon series, part of a re-invention of the franchise for its 10th anniversary. Described by producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto as Harvest Moon where you wield a sword, the game has being developed with the idea of creating a fantasy world in which the player exists, rather than the standard type of RPG where you play the role of a hero and work your way through a storyline. You are able to capture monsters, raise them on your farm, and add them to your adventuring party."
Wooh yeah. The ONLY Harvest Moon I've played was the SNES version. And I think Harvest Moon games have been given a more "girly" tone to them, so that's why I don't hear most of my friends talking about playing Harvest Moon games. However, this new game is going to appeal to a more male demographic (with the sword-bearing hero), and I'm considering picking it up. Not to mention the sick visual style this game has.
--------------------------
Tales of the Tempest
"The first DS entry in Namco's long-running RPG "Tales of..." series, which includes Tales of Destiny and Tales of Symphonia."
I'll still probably get this game. Even though it got mediocre scores from Famitsu, it's probably still a lot better than most RPGs on the DS.
--------------------------
Etrian Odyssey
"In a vast and fertile land lies a small town known as Etria, a peaceful village that became famous for a startling discovery. A crack in the vast forest opened at Etria’s edge, leading downward like a gaping maw. Those who hear rumors of the labyrinth of Etria, whether young or old, begin to harbor dreams of exploring it. Thus the adventure begins..."
Developed by a stunning team from Atlus (including Trauma Center's director), this game sure looks to be a winning hit, with SMT adventure gameplay, stylus map-making, 9 character classes, and you can make your own guild. Instabuy.
--------------------------
Luminous Arc
"Luminous Arc takes place in a world whose peace is protected by an organization called Luminous. With the passing of a former leader, the peace is broken. Monsters begin appearing, the world is struck by strange natural phenomenon, and rumors emerge of a witch who brings harm to humans. The game's main character, Alf, and his little brother Tio, were raised in a religious facility known as Ever Garden, and are given the order to face off against the witch and the monsters."
Yes, your eyes aren't decieving you; that game up there is a SRPG. I believe, the first true SRPG on the DS. Which means it's going to have a lot of hype surrounding it when it gets closer to release; and people are going to look at it with a sharp eye. This game also has WiFiConnection features. That should get you excited.
--------------------------
ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat
"It's said that people who are burnt by the ancient flame, sealed away long ago, turn to ash and are then revived. However, while the body changes to ash, the person's heart and memories remain.
Created by Final Fantasy father Hironobu Sakaguchi, ASH is about an ancient flame that was sealed away long ago. The game focuses on Queen Aisha, who is on a quest to understand the flame because her people who were burnt by the flame are in the process of being revived."
It's done by the Gooch, but I have no idea about the game and how it plays, except how it looks. And even THAT could just be a bullshot.
--------------------------
Spectrobes
"Spectrobes introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These fossilized Spectrobes hold the key to defeating a vicious and merciless force, known only as the Krawl that threatens to destroy the galaxy. The two heroes embark on a mission to save their galaxy - to do so they must excavate, awaken, train and collect all the Spectrobes they can and battle to defeat the Krawl."
Apparently, this game is Disney/Buena Vista's take on Pokemon. It's an Action RPG as opposed to a full-blown RPG, and you get to fight WITH your monster, not using it to fight.
--------------------------
Mega Man Star Force
"A spin-off of the Mega Man Battle Network franchise, this game brings the franchise back with similar RPG gameplay but with an all-new Mega Man character and storyline to play through. In this RPG, you play as an elementary school kid called Subaru Hoshikawa. One day, Subaru comes into the possession of a special visor left behind by his missing father. When he puts on the visor, he meets an alien being called Warlock. Subaru and Warlock fuse into one and face off in a battle against the Virus."
From what I observe? It's Battle Network in 3D, with the viewpoint turned 90 degrees.
--------------------------
It's a Wonderful World
"It's a Wonderful World follows a boy named Neck. who has woken up to realize that he has seven days left to live. The God of Death has decided to play a game with this Tokyo native, and as Neck steps out onto the Shibuya Crossings and looks up at the multi-story Outback Café building, he witnesses both horrible and wonderful things that he will have to use his mystical powers to deal with. Later he is joined by a girl named Tsuki, and together they must battle monsters known as "Noise" if they have any hope in saving Neck."
This game is Nomura all over. And I loved KH, so I'll follow this man anywhere.
--------------------------
Western Lords
"Western Lords is a western-themed RPG coming to the Nintendo DS."
Here we go again. Anyone remember Mythri? This is that game all over again. Western developer makes game, no publisher wants to touch it. Make it happen, Atlus. You're already raking in the crazy cash on the DS.
--------------------------
Opinions of Future RPGs
--------------------------
The future is really bright for the DS and RPGs. There's so many in works, coming out, and spaced out between each other, that we're sure to see more come along because of their success. Not to mention Square Enix is giving the DS a loving only the SNES ever had. It's a new renaissance among Nintendo fans and their DS's, since we get to play a lot of very cool titles. Also, Atlus has definitely stepped up to the plate and is determined to bring games over that even remotely have a chance of doing well here at all.
A Slime draws near!
