Arc the Lad: End of Darkness
Release Information
US: 14 June 2005
Introduction
It’s been five years since the war against the Dark One. Humans and Deimos have been working on patching up relations with each other ever since the tense relations between the two races. This was the primary cause for the breaking of the seal on the Dark One. With the past behind them, both races have began a path of working with each other to restore the world to its former glory.
Cue Edda, a full-fledged exorcist residing on a tiny island. When he witnesses an event that raises his suspicions, help is needed in order to determine what is going on with a mysterious figure at the scene of this event. Edda, working as a hunter, will journey on a mission to help the ailing world in the fifth installment of the Arc the Lad series.
Preview
End of Darkness is the fifth installment in the series but also has a lot of new firsts that have not been seen before for the series. Some of these are conventional upgrades in the way of battling and progressing in the game while others deal with playing characters over the Internet.
The main change of the series comes in the form of 24 characters from the Arc installements being playable in this title alone including the protagonist from the first title ever for who the series takes its name. This raises some questions on how the developers have even considered putting these characters into the game despite glaring conflicts in previous titles but we’ll see how it will tie up loose ends when End of Darkness hits North American shelves on the 14th of June.
Another thing that is being brought back is the Guild system. In this, the main character becomes a Hunter and takes on several missions that are posted at the Guild in order to earn money and recognition for their work. This is a feature that was not present in Twilight of the Spirits and will be a refreshing return in this title.
Something else that differs from other games in the series is the battle system. Six characters can be placed up in a battle but only one of the six is controllable. Also, there will be a setup menu so that magic and skills can be accessed at a moments notice. Then, it’s everyone for themselves as the battle takes place in a real time setting that is a first from the turn-based systems of Arcs past.
Yet, there is one feature that will really test the loyalty of Arc players. The ability to play online with characters will be available through the Playstation 2. People will be able to take a character online and play with up to three other people through over 200 missions or engage in deathmatch battles that are not prevalent in many console titles of this genre. When a playable character is unlocked from the single player mode, then they are able to be used online. This will truly be a new frontier for the Arc series that hopefully stands the test of time.
The nostalgia of having characters from the previous titles is truly something that will hit home with many Arc fans. This is definitely something that will be a welcome sight for people who are looking for something that keeps the game close to the roots that it was founded on. Although there are several things that are a first for the series, this title still earns the right to be a part of the Arc series and carry on the torch that the previous title have bore for so long.
The action based game will definitely be a new beginning for further exploration into how the series will be defined from its niche of cult following. While not as noteworthy as Final Fantasy or as diverse as the Elder Scrolls, the Arc series has developed into an entity that has enjoyed years of prosperity and fame that have been kept in the confines of Japan until a few years back when the series made its way to American shores. Ever since then, each installment in the series has further defined the path which it will travel down. End of Darkness does not disappoint in this aspect and continues the legacy of what Namco has done with the series.
In the long run, End of Darkness presents us with features seen from before and new innovations that keep the Arc series fresh and inviting for newcomers to the game. The only scrutiny that the game might come under would be from the diehard fans who have played the game from the start up until now. It is definitely a turn from the past that hopefully lives up to the expectations of these people.
The graphics are definitely something that shine for this title. They are largely reminiscent of what Twilight of the Spirits looks like with a sharper edge to everything in general. It will definitely be interesting to see how this game will work when it hits shelves a mere few days away.
Anticipation
Basically, what we are looking at is a title that has expectations to live up to from previous titles but room enough to consider those expectations and come up with new features that will keep fans and new players alike captivated and wanting more. There is no doubt that End of Darkness will do a splendid job of delivering that wholesome Arc goodness fans have come to love and yet keep a sense of individuality that will attract new people to the table. When June 14th comes around, I’ll definitely be shelling out some money to secure this title.
Preview by: T_H_Locke
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