The latest issue of Weekly Famitsuu featured a lengthy article covering Lunar Genesis (Lunar: Dragon Song) for the Nintendo DS. While it has been more than a decade since Lunar: Eternal Blue marked the release of the last major RPG on the Sega CD, Lunar Genesis still looks and feels like the two previous titles.

Lunar: Dragon Song's story will begin in the town where protagonist Jian and the female lead Lucia live. Using the DS' touchpad, players can now select one out of various locations featured on a list. At the beginning, Gien Campbell (Jian in the US version) will be asked by the owner of the local Guard Express shop to deliver several items to the village of Belitt. Later in the game, the number of items waiting to be delivered will increase. Guard Express shops can be found in many towns across the world of Lunar. Afterwards, he receives his equipment at the weapon's store. With this rather uninspiring job, Lunar: Dragon Song's adventure begins.

The 15-year old protagonist Gien Campbell is living in the port town of Silies. Gien is a curious and easy-going boy who earns his living by delivering packages. He has a strong sense of justice and is also willing to take responsibility. Rather than thinking however, he also has an impulse to be impertinent. He aims at becoming a dragon charmer, and while there are various problems to overcome, the boy's bright nature will help him.

The female lead Lucia Collins is 14-year old and happens to live in the same town as Gien. They are like brother and sister and she helps him with his work. Lucia is cheerful and open-hearted. Despite being one year younger than Gien, she is very well capable of leading Gien with her firm resolution.

Gabriel Ryan is a 15-year old beastwoman. The sociable girl is strong-minded and hates to lose. While tomboy would be a fitting one-word description of her, there is also a more subtle side to her. She has feelings of guilt towards Gien and Lucia, but at the same time is struggling hard, as she will find herself in difficult cirumstances.

Currently 90% complete, Lunar Genesis will be available in Japan on August 25th, carrying a retail price of 4,800 yen ($44.22 US). The US version will already be available in July.

• Weekly Famitsu