Magical Fun in New Koei RPG
The company that brought you brightly coloured strategy RPG epics follows up with a brightly coloured traditional RPG.
RPGs have never been in big in Europe as they are in Japan or as big as they've become in the US, but some publishers have, thankfully, been persistent. Outside of its own titles, Koei is building a name for itself by bringing over traditional and strategy RPGs of late, and the latest offering is Japanese developer Gust's Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana.
Playing more along the lines of a traditional RPG than the strategy-heavy systems in Disgaea and Phantom Brave, Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is a light-hearted romp in a magical world filled with bright colours and big problems.
You play as Klein, a budding magician who is able to use special elements to spectacular effect. As is the norm in games such as this, your quest sees you gather compatriots as you uncover the source of evil in the world and set about purging it.
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is set for release on PlayStation 2 this winter. For more information, you can head over to Koei's dedicated RPG site (well, when they update it with the info) for a full rundown on the game.
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