Set in the fictional, yet distinctly Japanese world of Zipangu, the Tengai Makyo series traces sprawling fantasy storylines, in a pure Japanese role-playing environment.
The latest title in the series takes place on the Kyushu-inspired island of Tsukusu, and centers on a love story that develops between the amnesiac title character Namida and the heroine Ichiyo, all the while exploring a wide array of interpersonal relationships, and elements of Japanese folklore. Tengai III is a masterpiece: its breathtaking scale and quality - from the loveable, idiosyncratic characters to the fully computer-generated cut-screen movies, featuring stunning renderings of Japan's (Zipangu's) four seasons, to the strategic depth of the battle system - truly raises the bar for the RPG genre.
The music, which forms the backdrop to the new title, was composed by Kazuhiko Kato and performed by the world-class New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Yutaka Sado. The title track, "Namida (When Firebirds Cry)," is dramatically rendered by world-renowned soprano Sara Brightman.
Story
For many years, the people of Takachiho Village in Tsukusu, western Zipangu - said by some to be descendants of the race of Fire - lived in peace in their island country. One day, a boy called Namida washes up on their shores, stripped of his past memories. He is rescued by a girl named Ichiyo, and the two grow up together as brother and sister. But on the night of the yearly festival, the seal of the Holy Mirror bursts open, unleashing the evil Ami spirits it had held captive. The whole of Tsukusu is thrown into chaos.
Having learned his true destiny, Namida sets out to rescue Tsukusu and his beloved Ichiyo from the Ami. And Ichiyo comes to learn something of herself as well: her power over fire. What is it the Ami want? And what does fate hold for our heroes at battle's end?
All-Star Cast of Voice Actors Bring Characters, Cut-Screen Movies to Life
Tengai III features a host of loveable characters: Namida and Ichiyo's friends include the mysterious Tsugumi, a twin-pistol kunoichi, Ushi Bouzu, a stern but kind-hearted caretaker of orphans, Toubei a master swordsman who holds keys to Namida's past, the catgirl "Miya," once rescued by Namida, and the strange haniwa statue Tonkaralin. Their enemies can be just as endearing: from the perilously, beautifully bewitching Shanne, to the speedster Idaten, the cast of Ami characters comes with just as many quirks.
The all-star cast of voice actors includes Takahiro Sakurai as Namida, Noriko Hidaka as Ichiyo, Chisa Yokoyama as Tsugumi, Rumi Hiiragi as Miya, the famous kabuki actor Shunen Ichikawa, and many more!
The game's fully computer-generated cut-screen movies, appearing at key moments in the storyline, render the characters' expressions, as well as the four seasons of Zipangu, in all their splendor and beauty, lending another level of depth to the title.
Advanced Battle System, Plentiful Mini-Games
The new title features a command selection-based battle system. Combine regular moves with secret techniques, to unleash devastating attacks capable of knocking out larger opponents, as well as whole groups of foes. Tengai III's strategy-focused battle system delivers intense head-to-head action.
The game comes loaded with a variety of mini-events and mini-games, including the "Dejima System," in which you're free to create your own towns, and "Ogre Coliseum," a 3D action game that pits you against a hundred ogres.
For Reference
About the Tengai Makyo Series
Designed and produced by Ouji Hiroi, the Tengai Makyo series was launched in 1989 with the release of Tengai Makyo Ziria for Turbo Grafx CDROM, the world's first major RPG to appear on CD-ROM. At a time when most thought the CD-ROM was poorly suited for games, Tengai Makyo Ziria integrated features that couldn't be put on other media, including sprawling maps, animation, real-voice narration, and CD-quality music. With a score from Ryuichi Sakamoto and an all-star cast of narrators, this epoch-making title revolutionized the role-playing genre.
Set in the fictional Japanese world of Zipangu, the game brought adventure, romance, comedy, and drama together in a single epic storyline. In addition to the main role-playing titles, the series came to include fighting games, featuring characters from the RPGs.
The main RPG series was conceived in three parts. The second in the series, "Tengai Makyo II: Manji-Maru," was re-released in 2003 to an astonishingly warm reception, selling over 300,000 units. "Tengai Makyo III: Namida" is the latest addition to the series.
View the back cover and screenshots.
Jan Code: 4988607051006
Region Lock-out
Please note Japanese Playstation 2 games will not boot on USA or European PS2 consoles due to the inherent region-lockout on Playstation 2 game discs.