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| Liz Maas |
A few tidbits on SEGA's PSP RPG.
11.05.12 - 4:26 PM
Yes, there are still games coming out for PSP in Japan. SEGA recently announced Shining Ark, the series' latest PSP installment, and it's being developed by Media.Vision (Wild ARMS).
The title takes place in a little town on an island named Arcadia, known for its beauty but also its ancient ruins. Early on, a girl names Panis with one black wing washes up ashore; she is described as innocent and whose singing draws animals to her. (I can't decide if that's a compliment or an insult.) The locals call her an angel, but at night when the moon is out, it turns red and she attracts something else entirely. Like a colossal monster named Nephilim and a pirate ship that you'll fight and defend the island from, apparently.
The story begins when Panis and Freed meet. Freed mov,ed to the island when he was young, and now lives with Shannon. The latter is an elf who bakes (?!), while Zynga (no, not THAT Zynga) is a fisherman said to 'understand' Freed, who now leads a group of vigilantes and of course, takes care of Panis.
The battle system is both active and command-based. You can move about the field and attack & evade like an action RPG, or choose commands. Up to 4 characters can be in a party, each having unique attacks, and Panis apparently has her own unique system - which hasn't been revealed yet.
Outside of battle, you'll live an everyday life in the village - grocery shopping, baking, tending to veggies in your own garden, even fishing. You can also collect materials by hunting monsters.
Series designer Tony Taka reprises his role for Shining Ark, which is due out in Japan 'this winter.' Be sure to check out the newest screens below.
