News: S-RPGs' momentum

September 09, 2006, 03:22 AM

by Recap, via various -
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For some reason we don't get (maybe because these games aren't usually developed with the Western markets in mind? Hmm...), the S-RPG genre is the only one where you still can find sprite-based graphics (coupled with superlative character design usually by some acclaimed artist) as the standard. There are two major titles scheduled to appear this fall, both expected to be big hits for the PS2, both have Flight Plan as the (co)developer, and both were already announced here - Aqua Plus' Utawareru Mono (just delayed to October) and Banpresto's Summon Night 4. Portable systems have Marvelous' Luminous Arc and SCEJ's Jeanne D'Arc (this one won't be using sprites, but 3D models which want to be sprites, so still interesting) coming too. But there's more to it. Flight Plan's first solo production has its actual name revealed via Famitsu - Dragon Shadow Spell. You can see a small preview for it here.

Another just-revealed title is Nippon Ichi Software's next game for the PS2. It's called 'Soul Cradle' and will get a European medieval setting, less 'dark' than Disgaea's world. Let's hope it doesn't ruin the sprite work with an upscaled presentation this time like it did in the last one. And finally, Spike (that company formed up from Human's ashes) has unveiled its latest project through Famitsu magazine - Elvandia Story, its very first S-RPG (previewed here), also scheduled for the PS2. So we have to wonder - who's working for the 'next generation', these days?