E3: Working Designs' Mystery RPG update

[05.18.99] » More news from E3 indicates Working Designs may yet still have another Mystery RPG title after all.

   During E3, the GIA reported that Working Designs' original "Mystery RPG" title long promised by the company had fallen through due to licensing problems. Thanks to RPG Fan, however, a story more drawn-out than a typical Working Designs' release date schedule has begun to emerge.

   As rumored just prior to E3, the company's original Mystery RPG was Samurai Showdown RPG, by SNK. Localization on the title had already begun, with an English anime intro nearing completion, when the deal turned sour. While specific details were not revealed, Working Designs' licensing deal with SNK collapsed, forcing the company to abandon the project.

   Next up for the Mystery RPG label was Idea Factory's Spectral Force 2, a mystery RPG by the original developers of Dragon Force. During negotiation, however, Working Designs obtained an early version of the game. Dissatisfied with the product, the second potential Mystery RPG was scrapped as well in favor of another RPG title currently being decided upon. Reportedly, the company is confident that the current title which has fancied their interest will indeed find a US release, and should be officially announced within a few weeks.

   Additionally, Working Designs CEO Victor Ireland has been fighting back against earlier reports of a Lunar: Silver Star Story port for the PC. Despite the company's admittance to a strong consideration and desire to produce PC titles, and a double listing within the E3 directory book, Ireland insists there is no truth to the reports. Once again, thanks to RPG Fan for the update.