New Legend of Mana gameplay information

[06.25.99] » Monster raising and weapon making to be featured in action RPG sequel.

   Though Legend of Mana is less than a month away from Japanese release, new information on the highly anticipated action RPG is still appearing. Accompanying the screenshots posted yesterday is the revelation of several new gameplay systems.

   It seems nearly every game is incorporating some form of monster breeding lately, and LoM is yet another chip in the pile. Monsters can be captured with various kidns of bait and then brought to the Pet Ranch for domestication. Once subverted to your cause, the monsters can fight alongside you. Monsters gain levels just like any other character; players can also enhance monsters by feeding them seeds or fruits taken from Mana Trees. Though you can own up to five, only one monster can join your party at a time (the monster occupies the third, non-player-controlled character slot). Many of the monsters are classic Seiken Densetsu characters -- rabites, Scorpion Army-esque robots, and even Captain Duck.

   Human characters aren't left completely out in the cold, however, as they have their own ways to grow. A few special rooms scattered throughout the game's world give you the chance to create your own weapons, armor, and musical instruments (but only if you've got the proper materials, of course). And why would anyone want musical instruments? Apparently, you'll need to use musical instruments to cast magic, strange as it seems.