The strategy RPG sub-genre is a fairly lonely one. Aside from your Ogre Battles, Vandal Hearts and Front Missions, there are few even semi-regular series for those who want to get their tactics on. Apart from occasional outings such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Saiyuki: Journey West or Vanguard Bandits, there are few options for the gamer who wants a few brains with his brawn, especially in America.

This is where Japanese developer Koubi throws their hat into the ring; developing a futuristic new strategy RPG for the Microsoft Xbox. Originally slated for Sega’s Dreamcast, Innocent Tears takes place on a ruined Earth in the 22nd century. Into this wasteland, two rival factions of paranormally gifted people fight over the fate of the world.

The game’s main character is a leader of the Fallen Angels, a group that protects the human race from the manipulative and murderous Angels. The game boasts 30 integral characters split between these opposed clans. Unlike previous strategy RPG outings which usually feature sprite-based characters on polygonal backgrounds, Innocent Tears uses a robust 3D engine that renders characters, monsters and backgrounds in impressive polygons. Despite being completely polygonal, Innocent Tears manages to retain much of the hand-drawn beauty of its anime character designs.

There are few other details available about Innocent Tears and an American release has yet been announced.