TGS: Growlanser impressions, release date

[09.18.99] » Atlus' upcoming RPG integrates beautiful 2D visuals and voice acting to deliver an extremely promising fantasy-based RPG.

Beautiful 2D graphics and full-screen character portraits during dialog scenes

   While the Tokyo Game Show may sport a number of high-profile, flashy titles, one of the most promising traditional RPGs on display is Atlus' Growlanser. The game is developed by the team behind the original five Langrisser titles. Graphically, Growlanser uses a fully 2D engine to deliver colorful and highly detailed visuals -- the game could be the best-looking 2D PlayStation RPG to date. The fantastic character designs, as reported previously, are drawn by the well-known anime artist Satoshi Urushihara, and occupy the majority of screen space while key characters speak.

   Characters don't just speak in dialog boxes, though -- copious amounts of voice acting are audible during key events and anime cutscenes. Much like the full-screen dating aspect in Thousand Arms, the large character portraits and voice talent combo give Growlanser a much more immersive gameplay feel than most role-playing games available. Atlus also revealed that Growlanser will be released on November 21st for 6800 yen -- while no US release was mentioned, the almost certain success of Thousand Arms will likely ensure an English translation of the game.

   The GIA's full preview of Growlanser is available here, while a spoiler-free backstory translation is available here. As always, thanks to the GIA's Japanese correspondant for the hands-on impressions.