Here's the latest news on Konami's next US RPG release.
The story takes place 15 years after a massive revolution. The people of the newly formed Ishtarian Republic have been at peace even though their leader, Arris, has disappeared. Now, revolution once again threatens to destroy the peace. People are becoming restless, and the military is becoming corrupt. Your character, Ash, starts off as an Ishtarian security, but like in Suikoden, realize that something has gone terribly wrong with the nobles and government. It is now the time for you to choose sides and forge alliances.
Vandal Hearts is broken up into a bunch of separate acts. The battle system is very close to Mystaria/Blazing Heroes, but the lack of menu shortcuts makes battles a little more tedious and tiresome. However, the battle environment is fantastic, creating beautiful stages and backdrops. The addition of the dynamic camera, which pans and zooms around the battle makes the fight even more dramatic. The story starts out a little slow, but picks up in a hurry after an hour into the game. Unlike Mystaria, Vandal Hearts spends more time on character development and stays focused on the plot.
Konami definately has a winner in Vandal Hearts. March '97 for Sony PlayStation is the official release date for the US.
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