Marvelous Interactive today announced a new strategy RPG for DS, titled Luminous Arc. The game's composer is no other than Yasunori Mitsuda, while Kaito Shibano is acting as character designer. The game is being developed by Tokyo-based studio Image Epoch.

The story is based on the witch hunts of Medieval Europe. At the center of Luminous Arc's story is a conflict between knights associated with a religious organization known as Luminous and witches who oppose Luminious. The game's protagonist, Alf is a member of Luminous' knight force. He has spent his days fighting monsters and has been told that the frequent attacks of those monsters and natural disasters are all the witches' dirty work. Rumor has it that the Crimson Witch even aims to destroy the entire world. Hence, Alf and his fellow knights are sent out to punish the perceived evildoers. One day however, a mysterious maid by the name of Lucia appears in front of Alf. She perplexes the protagonist with her arrogance, but her objectives are unknown. Other characters include Alf's younger brother Theo and his fellow knights Gies and Leon as well as the priest Cecil. Mel and Vanessa are two witches set to appear in Luminous Arc.

The game will feature strategy RPG battles reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics. By making use of their drive gauge, players will be able to unleash powerful deathblows against their foes. Other commands at your disposal will include standard attack, magic and chain attack.

Currently 70% complete, Luminous Arc will be available in Japan sometime this winter.

• Famitsu