Sega has opened the official website for its PlayStation 2 action RPG Shining Tears. The game will put players in charge of Xion, a calm boy who is capable of changing into a powerful magical warrior due to a mysterious ring he is wearing. In the game's beginning, the 17-year old loses his memory and is being helped by Elwing, a female Elvian hunter. After finding himself in the nearby castle town of Sheldia, he has to help its residents fight off an attack by the Runegeist Empire. Other playable characters include the young priestress Ryuna and the 45-year old wolfman Volg. Xion's main rival is the 19-year old Keiner, who is handling a gigantic sword larger than his own body. Last but not least, there is Cheiron, a 38-year old centaur knight. System-wise, the game will let you control Xion as the main character. He will be supported by so-called partners. While making your way through the game you will meet a lot of different characters willing to join you. Obviously different characters will result in different battle strategies, but your selections also effect the game's story. During battle, the CPU will take control over your partners, but via the Force Link System it is possible to send commands to them and set up combination attacks. Furthermore, the development team is implementing a two-player option into the game.

Shining Tears will be available in Japan sometime this fall.

• Official Shining Tears Website