Idea Factory has revealed some new details regarding its upcoming PlayStation 2 strategy RPG Shintenmakai Generation of Chaos IV. Just like its prequels, the game will take the player to the fantasy world of Neverland. There he or she will assume the role of Gina Rose, commander of the Imperial Knights 8th division. The vigorous 18-year old usually carries around a young phoenix bird by the name of Bad. The game's other two main characters are her ex-lover Varigia Zenosh and Lululala Baroque. Once commander of the Imperial Knights' 1st division, the former, questioning his missions, absconded from the Empire and in his quest for justice founded a resistance movement. The latter is a vampire queen. While having a bright and always positively thinking nature, she still acts like a child and thinks only about playing day in day out.

System-wise, one turn in the simulaton battles is divided up in three parts: internal administration, movement and battle. On-screen the current rampart (defensive power) and trade (economic power) levels are visible. While it is still possible to explore different bases and dungeons, the developers dropped the RPG-esque system of the prequel and now require the player to wait for the return of the commander's unit and the submission of a report. During the movement part, the commander can order her troops to invade another country or move into different positions. During the real-time battles, the player can select various battle formations. When certain requirements are met, commander units can perform deathblow attacks. In such an event, a movie will highlight the execution of such a powerful attack.

Shintenmakai Generation of Chaos IV will be available in Japan sometime in late April. The standard version will retail for 6,800 yen ($64.01 US), with the limited edition carrying a price tag of 8,800 yen ($82.83 US).

• GameWatch