Enix America announces 2000 release schedule

[04.18.00] » One sure thing and three pleasant surprises.

   Enix America announced today four titles in their 3rd quarter U.S. line up. The games include Valkyrie Profile, Torneko: The Last Hope, and Bust-a-Groove 2 for PSX, as well as the two-in-one Dragon Warrior 1+2 cartridge for Game Boy Color.

   Valkyrie Profile tells the story of Valkyrie Lenas, mediator with the dead and protector of fallen warriors for the Norse Aesir. A war is brewing amongst the gods, and Lenas is on the front lines. The tri-Ace-developed game features gorgeous two-dimensional character artwork and backdrops, over two hours of voice acting, an active-time battle system, and three unique endings. Valkyrie Profile will ship on 2 CDs for the PSX in 3rd quarter 2000.

   Bust-a-Groove 2 is a dancing action game that builds on the success of the first title. The title features all-new original music and stages, 18 characters (including returning favorites such as Hiro, Shorty, and Kitty-N), and a more advanced scoring system than the first title. The soundtrack features musical luminaries such as Morris White, a producer who has worked with such groups as Earth, Wind and Fire. Enix confirmed that some songs will have their lyrics slightly modified or translated into English, but that the musical intent of the original versions will be respected. Bust-a-Groove 2 will ship on 1 CD for the PSX in 3rd quarter 2000.

   Dragon Warrior I+II is a combination of the NES titles Dragon Warrior and Dragon Warrior II onto a single cartridge. The graphics have been enhanced for the Game Boy Color with greater color depth and detail, and the music has been ported faithfully. New cinemas also start each title. Enix confirmed that both titles will be receiving all new translations, but it is unknown if the "thee-" and "thou-" strewn prose that marks the originals will be returning. eBay those NES carts while you still can! Dragon Warrior I+II will ship as a single cartridge for the Game Boy Color in 3rd quarter 2000.

   Torneko: The Last Hope is the one big surprise in the lineup. A localization of the Japanese Torneko no Daibouken 2 (Torneko's Big Adventure, roughly), Torneko is a randomly generated dungeon crawl in the vein of Square's Chocobo's Dungeon 2. The same company, Chun Soft, developed both series; but the Torneko series has always been the more popular in Japan. Torneko (known as Taloon in Dragon Warrior IV) explores large, randomly generated dungeons in search of treasure. The title features over 130 unique enemies, nearly 150 weapons, and an orchestral score by Dragon Quest composer Koichi Sugiyama. The graphics are a unique style of claymation. Torneko: The Last Hope will ship on 1 CD for the PSX in 3rd quarter 2000.

   No information was released about anticipated high-profile titles Star Ocean: Blue Sphere or the previously confirmed Dragon Quest VII. However, as both games have yet to be released in Japan, it is premature to expect any word from Enix America.

   Enix will be demonstrating all four titles at this year's E3 show. Look for added and expanded coverage of all four titles in the weeks leading up to the show, as well as hands-on impressions at E3.