04.22.05 - 12:13 AM
GungHo Online Entertainment, Broccoli and Headlock today announced a new PC-based online RPG, titled Emil Chronicle Online. In addition to the domestic Japanese market, the trio is also aiming at major foreign markets, such as the Asia Pacific region, North America and Europe.
The game is being developed by Headlock, the development studio behind Square Enix's MMORPG Depth Fantasia and the upcoming Belle Isle. GungHo will be in charge of the game's administration and marketing, while Broccoli will focus on promotional events and the release of merchandise items. For GungHo, Emil Chronicle Online will be the first online RPG developed in Japan, as the company currently is only managing the Japanese service of the South Korean MMORPG trio Ragnarok Online, A3 and Tantra.
Taking place in a fantasy world where angels, devils, machines and magic coexist, Emil Chronicle Online promises to be a game that is also attractive to female users. Another key concept behind the development is a particular emphasis on the community aspect. The comic-like visuals will be comparable to a picture book, and generated by a technique known as toon-rendering. The three companies also promise an easy-to-use interface.
Users will also be encouraged to submit suggestions regarding new NPCs, items or monsters they would like to see in the game, once it is up and running. The game's beta testing phase will begin sometime in summer.
Emil Chroncile Online has yet to receive an official release date.
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| Chris Winkler |