D3 Publisher and developer MediaVision have released some new tidbits about their upcoming DS-based RPG RIZ-ZOAWD. As previously reported, the game is based on the Wizard of Oz and lets players assume control over heroine Dorothy. In the game's turn-based battles the player's party can attack enemies automatically. Should the player decide to manually input a command, he can do so at any time, by selecting a command other than "confirm", e.g. "use special technique", "defend" or "use tools". Another important aspect of the battle system are ratio points. These ratio points can be freely assigned to the various active party members. Powerful attacks will require more ratio points than weaker ones. Whether the player assigns all ratio points to a single character or splits them up equally among party members, is his choice. The assignment of ratio points also effects the battle formation. Should the player decide to assign all ratio points to Dorothy, then only she will fight up front and be within the opposition's striking distance. Meanwhile, the inactive characters will stand behind Dorothy and therefore be outside the enemy's reach.

On the field map Dorothy can rely on the help of four elemental spirits. By pressing the context-sensitive "convenient button" and then selecting one of the four spirits, the player can summon the respective spirit's powers to overcome obstacles. At one point a wall may block the heroine's path. To deal with this obstacle, simply summon the earth spirit to tear down the wall.

RIZ-ZOAWD has yet to receive an official release date.

• GameWatch