Lunar Shines on Nintendo DS
Classic RPG series returns from nothingness to Nintendo's touch-screen juggernaut.
While the series has never officially made it to Europe, the Lunar franchise is loved by RPG fans the world over. Now, Lunar, which has been on hiatus for more than 10 years, is back in the form of Lunar: Dragon Song for DS.
Developed by series creator GameArts in collaboration with Japan Arts Media, Lunar: Dragon Song seems about as traditional as fantasy RPGs get.
You play as Jian, a young boy who must rise to the occasion to save the world of Lunar from sinister forces threatening to destroy the goddess Althena. As it's set a millennium before the events in the first game, Lunar: The Silver Star Story, the cast is wholly new, as are the dark-of-spirit demonic baddies.
The game includes brand new weapons and a reworked battle system that uses cards found during the course of the game to upgrade skills. It also supports the DS's microphone for issuing battle commands and the wireless connection for swapping rare items.
Lunar: Dragon Song has not yet been confirmed for release in Europe, but thanks to the region-agnostic nature of the DS hardware, importing is still an option if it comes to it. The game is scheduled for release in North America in September.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare