cj_iwakura
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It's been a long battle, but the hour finally draws near.
This is the fourth entry in the long-running Growlanser series, strategic RPGs developed by Career Soft, made of team members largely responsible for the (even longer running) Langrisser series.
While the Langrisser series focused on large scale battles with massive squads in Fire Emblem-style skirmishes, Growlanser battles tend to focus on a single group taking up arms against overwhelming odds.
Growlanser IV was originally for the PS2, a successor to the foundation set up by Growlanser II and III, which were localized by Working Designs.
Wayfarer of Time improves on its predecessors significantly, and was even considered for localization by Victor Ireland at one point, had Working Designs not met an untimely end shortly after II/III's release.
Much like the re-release of the first Growlanser game, IV's PSP version adds new characters, scenarios, and a plethora of new endings and routes, to an already massive game, making this the fourth game in the series to see a localized version.
Courtesy of: Growlanser-Realm
2000 years ago, humankind progressed in magic and science, and built an advanced civilization. However, they came into battle against powerful angels, and were slain to the brink of extinction.
Humankind revived eventually from this downfall and rebuilt new civilization. However, the battle with the angels was so devastating that many things were lost, such as the technologies of magic and science. In the present time, there is no one who knows the truth of what happened; there are only myths that speak of "magic" and "angels that punished humanity". Even the existence of the angels who destroyed mankind have been reduced to legend and folklore.
Even as eras change and pass, war occurs among humans.
On this world there is a continent called Noyeval. There are four countries, each with their own differences, and they begin aggressions to their neighboring nations. The people have forgotten that they were on the verge of destruction by the hands of malevolent angels two thousand years before.
In the south is Lamplast Island; the Alten Schwart mercenaries were hired to defend it from invasion from outside continents. However, an angel suddenly appeared and assailed the fighting humans, and the mercenary group had to flee from the battleground. The angel was so powerful that it could bring everything to nonexistence.
Crevaniel, a mercenary raised in Alten Schwart, witnessed the six-winged angel in the sky. On the night that they returned to the mainland, the captain of the mercenary group, Dixon, affirmed that he saw the angel, and they were the only two people who could see it. He said to Crevaniel that he was the "key to stop the angels".
With this as his destiny, Crevaniel set out to discover how to defeat the angels and save the fate of humanity. He will become a new Savior of Light, the Growlanser.
Crevaniel
A young mercenary recruited into the Alten Schwart brigade at a young age.
He soon finds himself wrapped up in a war beyond anything he could have ever been trained for, with all of humankind at stake.
Remus
A boy found collapsed in the forest, rescued by Crevaniel and Regina. Since then he has come to live with them as a member of Alten Schwart. He is gentle and always positive. It became Crevaniel's duty to look after him.
Regina
Daughter of the leader of the Alten Schwart mercenary group. Because of being surrounded by rough guys, she has a bit of a nasty tongue. Has a brother-sister relationship with Crevaniel.
Dixon
The leader of the Alten Schwart mercenaries. Has the utmost trust of everyone he serves and commands.
Diana Silvernale
A member of the Valcaneer Royal Guard. Her merit and military achievement are strong even though she is a woman. It is said that she inherited her fencing skill from her mother.
Cynthia & Meleene
(PSP Exclusive)
Elder and younger twins, respectively. While Cynthia is calm and well-mannered, Meleene is self-centered and quick to temper.
Familiar D-RM, aka 'Raimy'
A carefree fairy guardian known for being a bit ditzy.
Some say she has a strong affinity with dark magic...
Growlanser battles occur in real-time.
Before a battle begins, each character in the squad is given a command. Once battle starts, they continue to act as directed until their objective is met, or all enemies are dead.
Most infamously, Growlanser games are known for stringent mission objectives. Whether protecting a group of civilians from death, reaching a checkpoint without casualties, or slaying an enemy army to the last man, obtaining the desired result of Mission Clear can be a daunting task, but oh-so worth it.
In addition to the ever-present warring for people and country, Growlanser games have always involved befriending those in your army, usually to further relationships, leading to one of many possible endings with a particular lady-friend(or even one of the same gender, if you prefer).
Crevaniel's words and actions will dictate which, if any, character will wind up fancying him, so choose wisely.
Growlanser IV has more than 40 possible endings depending on which routes you take and who you wind up with.
You may want to have multiple saves handy.
Wayfarer of the Time [PS2] Opening (Subtitled)
Wayfarer of Time [PSP] Opening (Subtitled)
Avatars
Screens
Box Art
Release Date
July 31st, 2012 - $29.99
For the PSP, though Vita compatibility remains to be seen(keep your fingers crossed).
Reviews!?
First Review: 1UP - B
Special Thanks to-
Vally for graphics.
Working Designs and Victor Ireland for taking the risk.
Growlanser-Realm for keeping the faith.
And last and definitely not least, Atlus USA, for rewarding it.
The Wayfarer's time is now!
