Suikoden IV

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

Suikoden IV features the return of the 108 Stars of Destiny, as well as an enhanced graphical interface and a new ground breaking battle system. Konami has taken the franchise to new heights with significant enhancements to the visual appearance of the characters and environments as well as the introduction of a new innovative combat system with dynamic camera angles. Suikoden IV continues the gameplay tradition with players interacting with over 100 characters in vast and rich 3D environments as they battle new adversaries, explore new territory and embark on unforgettable adventures. [Konami]

Champions: Return to Arms

Role-Playing Action RPG

The Champions of Norrath have destroyed the god Innoruuk, shattering his body into shards of hate. Innoruuk's followers and allies have taken it upon themselves to gather these shards in order to resurrect their fallen prince. Firiona Vie has called upon the champions to take up the crusade against evil to rid Norrath of this evil threat once and for all. The game is designed to offer more than 100 hours of gameplay per character, unlimited battles, deadly missions and the ability to import characters from the original game. The game also features: Two new playable races; Earn medals based on gameplay performance, which can then be used to unlock secret levels; Thousands of new items, weapons, armor and magical artifacts to acquire; All-new and beautifully detailed environments; New spells and abilities for all classes; A host of new monsters to battle and non-player characters to encounter; Innovative medal system which unlocks secret gameplay modes; Secret Epic items of incredible power found through unlockable side quests; The ability to import characters from the original game and start at a higher difficulty level; Increased level limits?take characters to level 80; More than 50 gameplay areas along with a mission system containing non-linear side quests; All new multiplayer and online gameplay options. [Sony Online Entertainment]

Final Fantasy XII

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

The story takes place in a world called "Ivalice," in an age when magic was commonplace and airships plied the skies - the Archadian Empire, seeking to strengthen its base of power, had been invading and subjugating its neighboring lands one by one- a fate which befell the small Kingdom of Dalmasca. Archadia's invasion and the subsequent death of the Dalmascan king prompted the Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne, to take up arms against the invaders. In her struggle to oust the occupying Archadian forces and restore freedom to her people, Ashe must watch as many of her allies pay the blood price for that freedom. Though tempted to abandon all hope in the face of the Empire's might, her determination keeps her from succumbing before what would seem to be inevitable defeat. Then she meets Vaan, an urchin from the Dalmascan capital of Rabanastre. Vaan dreams of one day becoming a sky pirate, escaping the Empire on his airship. Vaan, Ashe, Vaan's friend Penelo, the sky pirate Balthier, his partner Fran and many more are on an adventure through Ivalice that traces the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion. Bringing with it a wide array of new gameplay elements, Final Fantasy XII will change the way players think about the Final Fantasy series. Numerous possibilities abound within each scenario, allowing for a less linear, more unique experience for each player. The game also supports Dolby Pro Logic II both in-game and during movie sequences, immersing the player in the middle of the action. [Square Enix]

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

Hundreds of years before Lenneth's tale, another saga lies concealed by the gods. The valkyrie Silmeria once served Odin loyally, but after an incident ignited a conflict between them, Odin forcefully reincarnated her as a human. The human soul that would carry her spirit was that of Alicia, Princess of Dipan. Ordinarily, Silmeria’s consciousness would have been sealed, her spirit dormant until she was next summoned... However, the forced transmigration causes Silmeria's spirit to awaken within Alicia, leaving two souls to inhabit a single body. The spirit that should have been sealed has awakened—a situation Odin will not ignore for long. This installment introduces the new Photon Action System to the classic side-scrolling action format found in the original. Projecting photons grants players more freedom to explore and expands the action, resulting in challenging puzzles with clever solutions. Add to that "sealstones" that affect the laws of nature in dungeons, launching strategy to new heights. The unique battle system of the previous game has evolved into the Advanced Tactical Combination Battle System. [Square Enix]