E3: Jade Cocoon impressions

[05.14.99] » A final version of Jade Cocoon shows great promise.

   Since we first received the Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu playable demo a few weeks ago, we've been thrilled at the potential sleeper-hit quality of Crave's localization. The near-final version shown at E3 confirms our suspicions: Crave has a bonafide hit on their hands. A traditional RPG with strong monster breeding elements, Jade Cocoon is a gorgeous, quality title with some of the most original features we've seen in a long while.

   The story of Jade Cocooon follows a young boy, Levant, on his quest to become a Cocoon Master, to stop the impending swarm of Onibubu that threatens the land, and to unravel the mystery of his missing father. The graphics, with character design by anime legend Katsuya Kondoh, are absolutely impeccable. The version of the game showed at E3 highlighted some of the more advanced creatures and their myriad hybrids - some of the later monsters are absolutely astounding! With gameplay that's equal parts Final Fantasy and Pokémon, Jade Cocoon should have what it takes to succeed when it's released this Bastille Day - July 14th.