E3: Azure Dreams for GBC confirmed for US release

[05.14.99] » Konami's Color GameBoy port of the unconventional PlayStation RPG is slated for a September 1999 US release. Screens included.

   During the E3 tradeshow in Los Angeles, Konami revealed that their Japanese port of Azure Dreams for Game Boy Color will indeed find its way over for a stateside release in September 1999. The original PlayStation RPG stars a spunky, spiky-haired youth who has dreamt for years of entering the enygmatic Demon Tower located on the outskirts of his village. With his 15th birthday just past, the lad sets off to scale the tower, which features a random map generator to create unique layouts for each of the 40-odd floors.

   Also located throughout the tower are "demon eggs" -- eggs which may either be sold for hard cash, or hatched to contribute a valuable fighting ally. With the money earned from the tower, one can upgrade and accessorize the hometown before completing the formidable goal of climbing the entire spire.

   From what we've seen of the game so far, gameplay remains essentially unchanged, with a few notable exceptions. Instead of an isometric, rotated perspective, the camera is fixed overhead throughout both tower floors and the world outside. Also, as can be seen from the screen shots below, a separate battle screen not unlike Pokémon pops up when enemies are encountered. Your foe appears in the upper-right corner of the display, with your character placed in the lower-left.

   Fans of the original Azure Dreams will undoubtedly appreciate the news -- the uncomplicated nature of the Demon Tower makes Azure Dreams a perfect game to bring to a portable system. As mentioned above, look for Konami's port to appear in September.