Koei Licences Strategy RPGs
La Pucelle and Phantom Brave on the way.
Koei announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to handle European publishing of two games by Japanese developer Nippon Ichi Software. Koei previously published Nippon Ichi's critically acclaimed strategy RPG Disgaea in May. This latest announcement covers two more strategy RPGs: La Pucelle and Phantom Brave.
Originally released in Japan in 2002, La Pucelle is a grid-based RPG set in medieval Europe that follows lead character Prier and his two demon-hunting companions as they attempt to reintroduce light into a world overrun by darkness. The game promises 120 hours of gameplay and highly customisable characters.
Phantom Brave is the latest game out of Nippon Ichi's studio. The game strays from the traditional strategy RPG formula by allowing players to freely move their characters around the battle field. Players assume the role of Marona, an orphaned 13-year-old who can see spirits. The mission-based gameplay revolves around Marona's attempts to get people to like her by doing various jobs for clients eager to take care of her spectral skills.
Both games are slated for release in the UK in early 2005. Phantom Brave will hit stores in February, while La Pucelle will follow shortly afterwards, some time next spring.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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