Those who think Nippon Ichi only makes demonic anime-based titles should take a look at the company's latest PS2 game, Rasetsu Alternative. Set to be published on the PS2 by Kogado Studio, this PC port has a harder, science fiction theme than you've come to expect from the developer of such titles as Phantom Brave and Disgaea.
Rasetsu Alternative combines two PC titles in one: Rasetsu and Rasetsu Zan. In addition to porting the titles over, Nippon Ichi has added new scenarios and maps and even changed the character designs. The PS2 version features character designs by Takamichi.
Far in the future, mankind, feeling the dangers of over population, has made settlement at various locations outside of Earth. Two powerful organizations have appeared: the Governing Galactic Federation of Earth and the Dick Planetary Alliance (that last one's gonna have to change for the American version). These two organizations have waged wars with one another, dealing great damage to humanity. In the year 4962, just as peace seems to be at hand, a small-scale battle breaks out at planet X02.
You play as the head of a mercenary's guild. Your goal is to profit by taking jobs from both forces. At the start of the game, you choose from two characters to be your in-game alterego: a male called Sniper and a female called Goss. You're also given a choice of background histories for the two characters. Depending on the choices you make, the events that you encounter in the game change.
The game switches off between battles and intermission sequences set in the mercenary base. During intermissions, you communicate with other characters and prepare yourself for battle, using money that you've earned from previous missions to hire new mercenaries and equip your guild with stronger weapons. As you play, new mercenaries will occasionally appear at the guild reception area asking to join your forces.
Battles take place in real time as you move units on an overhead map against enemies and their facilities. You'll have to make sure and use the correct type of unit to properly face off against the enemy. Clear certain conditions, and you'll open up key event sequences, possibly adding new allies to your forces.
Nippon Ichi seems to be designing this game both for beginners and real time strategy masters. Beginners will be able to pause the action so that they can have extra time to plan their moves. More advanced players will be able to take part in "Hell Missions." These optional advanced missions are meant to be super difficult, but if cleared successfully, earn players advanced items.
This latest Nippon Ichi title is due for Japanese release in the Summer. A stateside release has yet to be announced.
Talk about different from their other projects. I'm interested in this one.