Knights in the Nightmare Preview
New details on the fourth installment in the Department of Heaven series.
by Rachel Langdon
US, March 11, 2008 -
Japanese developer Sting recently announced the fourth installment in the Department of Heaven series, Knights in the Nightmare. Details have finally emerged on the game's core mechanics, main characters and plot. Similar to the other titles in the series, Knights is expected to maintain the strategy RPG elements that have made the series popular in Japan while adding functionality only possible on the Nintendo DS. Utilizing innovative gameplay features, it would be a shame for a title like this to not to land on our shores shortly after release.
Players will find that battles are handled almost seamlessly, with attacking and defending happening in near-real-time as players can chose to end their turn at any time. In previous titles in the series, players organized groups of units called "unions" whose attributes would change depending on the gender of the majority of units in the union. The number of units in each union can eclipse 40 members leading to battles of epic proportions. Players use the bottom screen to navigate their units on a grid-based system to issue commands such as attack, defend or hold. Once the battles timer has run out, gamers can rearm their units with weapons and items before entering the battle phase once again. The top screen is used for the battle animations and dialog that will drive the game's plot.
Previous entries in the series also introduced elements that may return in Knights. In Yggdra Union, players had the ability to upgrade basic stats of each unit in their groups depending on weapons and armor equipped, as well as the unit's alignment. These character customization elements are also expected to return in the latest chapter of the franchise. While customization plays a large role in how well a group fairs in battle they can also build up "rage" in a standby. This allows the unit to charge an aggression meter that can be used to launch special attacks and abilities that are selected from cards drawn at the beginning of each turn. All of this leads to a very interesting style of play that is sure to be a fresh air in the DS strategy library.
The plot of Knights in the Nightmare remains mostly a secret, but a few details recently the developer
revealed that the antagonist is not a mortal being at all. Players assume the role of a spirit or wisp that will enchant and charm the units in to participating in combat. Some enemies in the game are aware of this fact and will try to attack the wisp directly. Defending these attacks requires a touch screen move similar to a shooting game to be performed or the wisp will face certain doom. This adds an element of self preservation as players will not only have to worry about their offensive units but maintaining their own health as well.
Yggdra Union mainly went unnoticed stateside but that hasn't deterred the developers from returning for another adventure. Artwork and sound played a large role in the previous titles and Knights will be no exception. Character and art designer Satoko Kiyuzuki, as well as the main illustrator, have returned to work on the sequel. The music is also expected to push the DS to its limit. Their last release on the GBA boasted more than 60 audio tracks and became so popular in Japan that two soundtracks and one drama CD were released based upon the game's music and sound effects.
This title is certainly shaping up to be an auditory and visual treat.
While the plot of Sting's latest game looks to remain a bit of a mystery, word has it that
more details will be released in April. IGN will be sure to bring you any news on this unique Japanese strategy title as it breaks. Get ready to control your knights in this import title later in 2008. If interest picks up in it, Atlus may even bring it over here, but as of now no details have been announced.
http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/858/858665p1.html
Bilder:
http://uk.media.ds.ign.com/media/142/14235020/imgs_1.html
Freue mich, wenn noch mehr angekündigt werden.
