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Now, with multitudes of great RPGs released for the next generation systems, the Lufia series is finally making the jump to the next level. Natsume has signed on for the second time as the North American publisher of the game, and has revealed several key details concerning the next Lufia. Here's what we've learned so far: Lufia III : Ruins Chasers takes place 300 years after the end of the first Lufia, which occurred 100 years after the Lufia II prequel. (Math degrees go out to all who just calculated 400 years since Lufia II). The world has changed dramatically with the advent of the steam engine, increasing technology at an exponential rate. Also aiding the healing process after the end of the Second Doom Island War was a group known as the Oracles Cardinal, who eventually formed a pseudo-government to further assist the world's peoples. Gone are the legends and the myths of the Doom Island wars, forgotten and lost along with the Dual Blade. With no more heroes left in the world, Doom Island somehow makes a return. Another mysterious phenomena known as the Fire Storm also appears -- a majestic inferno cutting a cross high in the sky, with a group of ruins positioned at the intersection. Could it be the remains of Doom Island? Of course, it's up to you to save the world from the impending return of Arek! You star as Cion, a young man who travels the world in search of adventure and ancient treasure (otherwise known as a "Ruin Chaser"). Cion is rumored to be a descendant of the original Maxim, and eventually meets up with five other Ruin Chasers to conquer the bad guys:
The final character revealed is a girl with blue-white hair -- Naki. (Lufia, anyone?) She's being pursued by two shady organizations, and is touted as the key to the mystery. Additionally, Oracles Cardinal has turned corrupt, and along with the inevitable return of Arek, Lufia III's plot seems more complicated than the first two titles combined. Equally complicated, in fact, is the story behind the game's production. Estpolis III (the Japanese version's name) was originally slated to be published by a company known as Nihon Flex. Recent economic difficulties in the land of the rising sun, though, forced the company to declare bankruptcy, and developmental work by Never-Land Company on the game was completely halted. Some sources even suggested that the rights to Estpolis III would be available to the highest bidder, but would not be sold for up to a year. Now, thankfully, Natsume has confirmed that Never-Land Company has resumed development work on Lufia III, though a Japanese publisher has not yet been named. The next chapter in the Lufian saga is still maintained for a release by Natsume in the fourth quarter of 1999. Preview by Brian Glick. |
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