Hype Thread: All Things Magna Carta 2

[LordMatrix]

A new RPG from Namco Bandai for 2009, exclusively for Xbox 360.

by Charles Onyett

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April 28, 2009 - Xbox 360 gamers might be pleased to know Namco Bandai is bringing a new role-playing game, Magnacarta 2, this year exclusively to Microsoft's console. Built using Unreal Engine 3, the sequel is being developed by SoftMax, the studio responsible for the first Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, which was released back in 2005 for Sony's PlayStation 2.

Magnacarta 2 will follow a new, original story set in the world of the war-torn Lanzheim Continent and involve a male character named Juto, who cannot remember his past. The game will contain character designs by Korean artist Hyung-Tae Kim, and will include fully-voiced CGI cutscenes to deliver parts of its narrative.

Magnacarta 2 Trailer - Watch or download the video here (HD available).

For its battle system, the game will mix strategic turn-based and real-time elements. When heading into a fight, there'll be no loading screen -- everything will happen in the same environment, bits of which can be used by players in battle. During a fight players can freely switch which party members they're controlling, and customize the AI of those which aren't being directly exercised. There'll also be a free-roaming camera implemented to make it easier for players to scope out the game world.

Namco Bandai is saying the title will provide over 40 hours of gameplay, and handed out a few more specific gameplay details. Players will earn Kamonds by beating up monsters that can be applied to power up weapons and generate new items. With each weapon comes a different style of fighting, which, according to Namco Bandai, will offer a set of special abilities tailored to the weapon. Some of the special abilities will require timed button presses, and once a powerful over-drive mode is initiated, players can smack around foes with their most formidable skills. To add more variety, an elemental magic system called KAN can be used during fights and to manipulate objects in the environments.

The battle system mixes real-time elements with turn-based strategy.

That's what we've got for now, so if you haven't already, head out over our video page to see the game in motion or our image gallery for some new screens and art. The current release window is the third quarter of 2009.