"You bet I'm brave!"   "Rule one: Look good when saving the world"   "Real time battle."   "The grass is always greener..."

Preview First Look 10/28/03 Mark P. Tjan

Natsume, the company renowned for Lufia and Harvest Moon, is about to release what could be one of the most unique titles of 2003; CIMA: The Enemy. At a time when humanity is at odds with a people called the CIMA, gates between either race's worlds have been erected to stem the tide of aggression. Players assume the role of Arc J.; a youth who helps guard the gate in his homeland.

Arc's first companion is a female CIMA named Ivy. She and Arc begin their journey with the intent of ending the conflict between their two peoples. Along the way, they encounter four other party members who can lend their special abilities and strength to the cause.

The story progresses in a non-linear fashion, allowing players to drop and pick up the plot whenever they like. Players can choose to complete missions in whatever order they choose; while between missions they're free to hack and slash their way through the enemy at their leisure. This format lends itself well to the GBA as a portable system, not requiring players to play for long amounts of time without switching off the system.

The game uses an isometric three-quarters view, similar to many SRPGs. It also features a bright, but natural color pallet, and richly detailed environments; all combat however, takes place in real time. Players will control Arc J. and indirectly issue orders to other members of the party. These Active Player Characters (APCs) are the gamer's responsibility; if one of them dies the adventure's over. Players can set paths for the APCs to follow, and commands for them to carry out. Using APCs is essential in completing the game's various puzzles and accomplishing Arc J's mission.

Developed by Neverland, the team behind the acclaimed Lufia II, CIMA: The Enemy promises at least 30 hours of gameplay. The game is set for North American release on November 4th, 2003.