Vagrant Story ceases wanderings

[07.01.99] » First details and screenshots of Square's upcoming action RPG.

   Long rumored but never confirmed - until now - Square's latest title, Vagrant Story, has been revealed. Early reports from Japan indicate a promising staff: Yasumi Matsuno, the producer of Final Fantasy Tactics, is again partnered with Tactics' and Ogre Battle series character designer Akihiko Yoshida. The few shots thus far revealed show a gothic, medieval environment - not what many were expecting, perhaps, but impressive nonetheless. Players control special agent Ashley Riot in his quest to free Duke Bardorba's mansion. The environments are character are 3D and fully polygonal, and the textures are some of the most detailed the PlayStation has seen.

   It is not yet known how the game will unfold, but rumors have suggested that the "field" gameplay is like Konami's Metal Gear Solid, while the battle sequences use a movement-based Active Time Battle system similar to Parasite Eve. Screen shots hint at a limb-based battle system similar to Tobal 2's quest mode. Despite the game's appearance, Matsuno has not called it an action RPG, so the rumors are probably correct. The game's other big surprise is its length: Matsuno estimates that it will only take 5-6 hours to complete. Hopefully, there will be signifcant replay incentives. Vagrant Story is currently set to be released in Japan this fall.

   Rumors held that a demo of Vagrant Story would be included on the now-infamous the Legend of Mana demo disc. With the game's existence confirmed, the rumor is now almost assuredly true. Square now has Dewprism, Front Mission 3, and Vagrant Story as near-definite upcoming titles for their four-game demo disc. What will the fourth title be...?

   Thanks to Famitsu for the pictures.