|
|
Features
Story and Gameplay
Once there existed an evil that swept through the land, killing men and women
and destroying towns in its path. But the power of a mysterious magical card
stopped it, pushing the dark force back to where it came from.
Years later the villages have flourished into five kingdoms spread across a vast continent. Everything seems to have returned to its usual nature when a black fog appears somewhere in the woods. It begins to spread, and anybody who comes into contact with it disappears. The threatening mist floats along, greedily swallowing up townspeople and, in fact, whole villages.
On the western end of the continent the Kingdom of Orange comes under attack by the haze. The story of Rune begins as Princess Katia Gerber races through her castle in search of a treasure chest that secretly holds a magical card -- the weapon against the mysterious fog. The card and others like it possess the power to heal, the power to summon, and the power to fight back.
Rune can best be described as a sort of Pokemon battle game for an older audience. Players assume the role of Princess Katia Gerber as she travels the giant world in search of magical cards that work to summon spells and creatures. She regularly encounters enemies and battles ensue. Combat well fought results in more experience points for the Princess, and therein her collected cards become more powerful. There are reportedly 100 distinct cards located throughout the continent. The idea is to use the advancing cards to rid the land of the evil mist and the enemies within.
As gamers explore the world they will encounter enemies, and when that happens the game switches into a sort of fantasy area. A rippled water effect will briefly distort the view of the 3D world, and then it morphs over to a square arena. It's still in the same world, but fighting space is limited to that square footage so players can't run too far. The battle system is rooted in the deck of collected cards, which constantly shuffles, whereupon four cards are assigned to the face buttons: A, B, X, and Y. Each button has a different character one can use in a real-time 3D fight. For example, a giant elephant beast can be summoned to trample enemies, or a huge reptile to run at them.
As gamers summon the creatures the Princess physically tosses her cards onto the ground, and if they are thrown directly at enemies the result can take away a few hit points. Depending on the creature summoned one may have to manually make them attack. However, many allies fight on their own -- though the bigger creatures are momentary summoned and only last one attack. For instance large dragons will trample the earth briefly to unleash a stream of fire unto enemies. Once the entirety of hit points for enemies are diminished, gamers are presented with a tally of all their winings, and are returned to the full 3D world where they can continue to explore. The fighting system can tend to get redundant, though. True, there are strategic attacks to be formed, but the random encounters and card placement can become tedious at times. Hopefully From Software has added in some compelling elements to keep players on their toes.
Graphics
The visual style in Rune is welcomed, as not many GameCube titles are so dark
and fantastical in appearance. The main character is well designed, though not
overly detailed, and animates fluidly and realistically as she jots through the
huge, 3D environment. Locations are varied -- from old towns to imperial
castles. And though textures are equally varied, they aren't terribly detailed
or high quality.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Some of the summoned beasts are absolutely gigantic in size and well designed, and particle effects are deep and plentiful. But in the end, there is nothing about the visual look that couldn't have been done just as nicely on an underpowered console such as Sega Dreamcast.
Outlook
Rune's dark look and theme are refreshing, and the balance between exploration,
combat and card collection in the game is intuitively executed. The combat
system itself, though, is somewhat disorienting, It can be difficult to
ascertain what to do immediately after battle is engaged. The game is not a
visual stunner, but it gets the job done. Assuming From Software can capitalize
on the collection and combat aspects of the game, Rune could be a sleeper hit
when it debuts in Japan later this year. A US release has not yet been
announced, but sources indicate that a publisher has already signed on to
distribute the title in the States early next year.
IGNcube will have as it becomes available. In the meantime, check out the
assorted screens and movies of the game in action below.