Luminous Arc

Infobox VG
title = Luminous Arc


developer = Image Epoch
publisher = Marvelous Interactive Inc. (Japan)
Atlus (U.S.)
Rising Star Games (U.K)
distributor =
designer = Hideyuki Mizutani (producer)
Kaito Shibano (designer)
composer = Akari Kaida
Yasunori Mitsuda
engine =
version =
released = vgrelease|JP=February 8, 2007|NA=August 14, 2007|PAL=October 12, 2007 [ [http://www.risingstargames.com/game.asp?gameID=35 Rising Star Games ] ]
genre = Tactical role-playing
modes = Single player, multiplayer, online multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|CERO=A|ESRB=T|PEGI=7+
platforms = Nintendo DS
media =
requirements =
input = nihongo|"Luminous Arc"|ルミナスアーク|Ruminasu Āku is a tactical role-playing game from Marvelous for the Nintendo DS. "Luminous Arc" was released in Japan on February 8, 2007. The game was released in North America on August 14, 2007 by Atluscite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2007/06/26/luminous-arc-nabs-a-release-date/ |title=Luminous Arc nabs a release date |accessdate=2007-06-26 ] cite web|url=http://www.atlus.com/newsletter/AtlusNewsletter0407.html |title=Jack Frost's Atlus U.S.A. Newsletter Quarter 1 & 2 2007 |accessdate=2007-06-26 ] . The game was released in Europe on 12 October, 2007 by Rising Star Games.

The game features voiced scenes, character designs by Kaito Shibano and music by Akari Kaida, Yasunori Mitsuda, and Mitsuda's studio, Procyon.Nintendo Power volume 219, pages 74-76. Nintendo of America, 2007. Retrieved 2007-8-8] Along with the main gameplay, there is an online multiplayer battle option.

The game has a sequel, "", that was released on May 15, 2008 in Japan.

Gameplay

"Luminous Arc" is a tactical role-playing game and uses a battlefield grid viewed from an isometric perspective. [cite web | url= http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/luminous-arc-/794985p1.html | title=GameSpy Luminous Arc Preview |accessdate=2007-08-09 ] The top screen is used to display unit information while movement and attacks are determined on the lower screen. Left- and right-handed touch-screen controls and D-pad control schemes are available. One of the special traits is the Flash Drive Gauge, which, when filled, allows a character to use a special attack. Between battles, players can view short sequences featuring the game's mascot, Kopin, and intermission sequences that will allow the player to get to know the characters in the party better. The game also includes a multiplayer battle mode.

pecial attacks

Each time a player character makes an action, his or her Flash Meter will increase. The player can then use Flash Points to perform powerful attacks, called Flash Drives, that may also cause status ailments to enemies. Some enemies in "Luminous Arc" can also use Flash Drives.

It is important to note that, while normal attack skills can damage allies and healing skills can restore enemy HP, the effects of Flash Drives are limited to their intended targets; for instance, it is impossible for a recovery Flash Drive to heal opponents.cite book | year=2007| editor=Atlus| title=Luminous Arc North American Instruction Manual | pages= 25 | publisher=Atlus|language=English|] Flash Drives can be learned via leveling up, but several are learned as the story progresses.

Synergy attacks are a combination attack that can be used when all characters involved have their Flash Points filled up and are close to each other. However, not all characters can perform Synergy attacks, as they are unlocked via story arcs that revolve around certain characters bonding.

Intermissions

After each battle, the spoils of battle will be displayed on the screen, including gold, items, and Vitae. In addition, the player will be prompted to talk with one of the characters that took part in the battle. An Intermission scene occurs after the ensuing plot dialogue, in which the player can have a short conversation with the previously selected character. On the touch screen, a list of responses will appear with the chosen character's avatar on the top screen. If the choice was favorable, the main character, Alph, will develop a stronger bond with that character, which takes the form of evasion and hit rate bonuses if the two are placed next to each other in future battles. [cite book | year=2007| editor=Atlus| title=Luminous Arc North American Instruction Manual | publisher=Atlus|language=English|] If the character particularly likes the player's response, he or she may give Alph a useful item. However, the player is given a finite number of opportunities to talk to each character, after which it will be impossible to improve the bond. [cite book | year=2007| editor=Atlus| title=Luminous Arc North American Instruction manual | pages= 32 | publisher=Atlus|language=English|] If the player has made good choices throughout the various conversations with a character, there may be a special scene between Alph and that character featuring anime-style art and an additional voice-over.

There are also short cutscenes after every story battle featuring the game's mascot, Kopin. Though he claims that he will try to keep an eye on the characters and tell the story from his point of view, [cite book | year=2007| editor=Atlus| title=Luminous Arc North American Instruction Manual | pages= 33 | publisher=Atlus|language=English|] the player actually learns more about Kopin's personality, philosophy, and possible love interests.

Vitae

Throughout the adventure, the player will obtain magical items called Vitae. According to the game's lore, Vitae get their magical properties from the ancient power of Rune, the same power used by the Witches to fuel their magic.cite book | year=2007| editor=Atlus| title=Luminous Arc North American Instruction Manual | pages= 34-35 | publisher=Atlus|language=English|] In order to make use of a piece of Vitae, it must first be appraised at the workshop in the Witch Village. Once this has been accomplished, the Vitae can be used to add elemental and status effects to weapons. In addition, it is possible to ask other characters about what they know about Vitae. This will allow the player to learn the best combinations for developing items with different strengths.

Multiplayer battles

Using the Wi-Fi option, players can choose to either battle against an anonymous and random opponent, or against a player whose friend code has been registered. Items are won for each game played against a random opponent, with more being earned if the player is victorious. Players can also play locally via the DS' wireless connection.

tory

Characters

The anime inspired chararacter designs are by Kaito Shibano, an illustrator for PC games and trading cards. Shibano said that he made the designs bright and with a light feel to brush off the stereotype of witches being gloomy.

Garden Children

The Garden Children are a special group of warriors trained by the Arc Knight Heath to fight monsters and condemn the Witches that have reappeared in the world after being sealed for a thousand years.The Origin of the Holy Garden cite video game|title=Luminous Arc|developer=Marvelous Interactive|publisher=Atlus|date=2007-09-01 |platform=Nintendo DS|] The Garden Children get their name from the Ever Garden, where a majority of them have been living for most of their lives. The Ever Garden was founded 14 years before the game's story begins, in the same year that the Grand Cardinal Johannes was born. It was the last wish of the former Grand Cardinal that a group of humans be established to fight against the Witches, whose rebirth he foresaw. Each member of the group has special abilities that make him or her useful in combat, ranging from swordfighting and archery skills to the use of Church-approved magic.

All of the current members of the Garden Children are orphans who were taken in by the church at a young age and taught to follow the Luminous Verses.

Alph was raised in the Ever Garden, has a strong sense of justice and wants to be a great knight. He cares greatly for his brother and friends, and idolizes Heath. Alph has a strange bond with Lucia and cares for her deeply. Introduced in chapter 1.

Alph (Rym) is Alph reborn as Lucia's Rym, the fated kinship between a witch and dragon. He pledges to protect the planet and fight alongside Lucia.

Theo is Alph's brother and another member of the Ever Garden. A bit timid, though he dearly loves his older brother, and follows him everywhere. Theo fights with a bow, and loves eggs. Introduced in chapter 1.

Leon is the Ever Garden's big brother. He's proud of his father, "The Lion King", who died in battle. He has a hit with the ladies and is a strong ally. Leon calls himself "God of Gourmet" because of his extensive knowledge of local specialty food items. Introduced in chapter 1.

Cecille is a devout priestess who lives at the Ever Garden. She's a big sister to the others, and is a pretty easy-going person. In battle, she provides healing support. Introduced in chapter 1.

Heath is an Arc Knight that serves the Luminous Church. Heath is in charge of training the Ever Garden members. Heath is also known as the "Cleansing Flame". Introduced in chapter 1

Lucia (Maid) is a maid that comes to serve at the Ever Garden. She likes to order others around, but doesn't take orders well. Her cooking skills are good, buts hates doing the dishes. Seen in chapters 2-4.

Saki is a member of the Ever Garden, Saki is a ninja who specializes in gathering intelligence. She is efficient and business-like, but more cheerful around her best friend, Cecille. Introduced in chapter 6.

Nikolai left the Ever Garden to pursue his Witch research. Though he is intelligent, he is far more of a Witch otaku than he is a Witch scholar. He constantly writes to Cecille but never got a letter in return. Introduced in chapter 7.

Locations

* Ever Garden: The base of the Garden Children, the Ever Garden is located on the western coast of the Eastern Continent. It consists of a dorm where the members of the group eat and sleep, and also serves as the training ground for the elite band of Witch-hunters. The Ever Garden is surrounded by woods, but is not far from the nearby village of Carwee.

* Ridget: Known as "the Emerald of the Eastern Continent," the port town of Ridget is the only gateway to the Saint Sea and to the world beyond. Though it was once a bustling village known for its strong trade industry, Ridget was attacked by Witches, and a majority of the property has been destroyed.

* Dotruvar: A mining city in the frontier of the Western Continent, Dotruvar has a strong trade economy due to the existence of Rune in the local rock. Drotruvar's artisans are in constant competition with those of other villages on the Western Continent, but recently have been enjoying success due to the existence of the Fire God, Hernas, who keeps the forges hot and the metal strong.

* Lethe Forest: An enchanted forest in the Northern reaches of the Western Continent, the Lethe Forest is the subject of rumors and legends among the local people. Though the woods are said to be the home of Witches, it has been said that it has always been an odd place, long before their return. It is impossible for normal humans to enter the Lethe Forest, [Woman: If you keep walking, you'll somehow come out the place you walked in. cite video game|title=Luminous Arc|developer=Marvelous Interactive|publisher=Atlus|date=2007-08-21 |platform=Nintendo DS|] but Alph and company must do so in order to reach the Village of Witches deep within the trees.

* Madrasta: Called "the Town of Scriptures" by people around the world, Madrasta is known for its close ties to the Luminous Church. The people of this city, located on the Western Continent, often have prophetic dreams about the circumstances surrounding God's second descent to the land below, and the reliability of the dreams is high due to the striking similarity among those accounts that have been documented. [The Dreamers cite video game|title=Luminous Arc|developer=Marvelous Interactive|publisher=Atlus|date=2007-08-26 |platform=Nintendo DS|] Madrasta is also the home base of the Zephyroth Knights, one of the Wings of the Luminous Church. [Monk: The headquarters for the Zephyroth Knights is in the middle of the City of Madrasta. cite video game|title=Luminous Arc|developer=Marvelous Interactive|publisher=Atlus|date=2007-08-26 |platform=Nintendo DS|]

Development

The game was developed by Marvelous Interactive and "rookie development studio" imageepoch. Collaborating with them was composer Yasunori Mitsuda, of "Chrono Trigger" and "" fame.

Reception

"Luminous Arc" was met with mixed reviews." Honest Gamers" gave the game a solid 8/10, saying, "I realised that it was exactly because Luminous Arc refused to take itself seriously that it was so much fun." [cite web | url= http://www.honestgamers.com/systems/content.php?review_id=6512&platform=DS&abr=DS&gametitle=Luminous+Arc | title=HonestGamers Luminous Arc DS Review |accessdate=2007-12-08 ]

However, 1UP.com rated the game as "average", giving it a C. The editors called it a "Final Fantasy Tactics Advance" clone" because of its similar gameplay and overall feel. While not impressed with the DS's touch screen capabilities used in the game, the editor called the "the game's biggest attraction, in theory, is wireless multiplayer, either locally or online". [cite web | url= http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3161958 | title=1up Luminous Arc DS Review |accessdate=2008-08-20] GamePro's 6/10 review noted, "It's a decent enough game but it isn't the grand strategy RPG experience that we've all been waiting for." [cite web | url= http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/ds/games/reviews/129188.shtml | title=GamePro Luminous Arc DS Review |accessdate=2007-08-14 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.risingstargames.com/luminousarc/home.html Official UK Website]
* [http://www.atlus.com/luminousarc/ Official US Website]
* [http://www.mmv-i.net/game/ds/Luminous/ Official Japanese Website]
* [http://kr3.oops.jp/ Kaito Shibano's Website]