E3: Detonator Gauntlet introduced

[05.15.99] » In addition to Lunar 2, Working Designs is also hard at work on localizing a strategy RPG titled Detonator Gauntlet.

   Located adjacent to the video-only showings of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue, Working Designs had a playable version of a previously unannounced strategy RPG currently in localization: Detonator Gauntlet. The original was released late last year in Japan as "Epica Stella," published by Human. Players take control of Bastion, an energetic youth who, along with a motley crew of fighters, leads a rebellion to combat the Junaris Kingdom in a world where "mythology and technology are one."

   The battles seem best described as a cross between Final Fantasy Tactics and Brigandine. Polygonal battlefield maps are viewed from an isometric perspective, while the game's sprite-based robotic units are moved around standard grid-based positions. When two foes enter into combat, however, the scene shifts to a close-up view of the battle carried out with polygonal models not unlike Brigandine. Creatively, though, battlers offer lines of dialogue to express their deepest, innermost feelings while attacks are carried out. ("Die!" "Aahhh!" "For the sake of our emperor!") Story sequences also appear to be carried out in an isometric viewpoint on polygonal grids, a perspective familiar to FF Tactics fans.

   56 missions are planned for Detonator Gauntlet, totalling up to 5 different endings. Working Designs is aiming (optimistically?) for a third-quarter release, and plans to include a time-limited, fully playable version of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. The question resting in the minds of most RPG fans, however, is whether or not Detonator Gauntlet is Working Designs' long-awaited 'Mystery RPG,' earlier confirmed to be a strategy RPG by CEO Victor Ireland. We spoke with a representative from the company, who explained that the original title planned fell through due to licensing problems. Thankfully, Detonator Gauntlet was picked up in its place. We'll keep an eye out for more Working Designs news from the show floor.