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Information Updated: 6/28/2005 Going into Fullmetal Alchemist 2, my knowledge of the Fullmetal universe could be summed up very briefly: there's a huge metal dude and a lot of people, including big fans, complained about the first game. And given that the first game hit our shores not even six months ago, well, I wasn't expecting much.
So imagine my surprise after sitting down with a preview copy of Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir and finding that I wanted to keep playing, not because I had to do this writeup, but because I was having fun and wanted to see what would happen next. The game opens as Ed and Al are investigating suspicious-sounding miracles in Lior. Before you know it, the duo are under attack, highlighting the game's real-time battle system. At heart, the game is a 3D beat'em up with an emphasis on combos and weaponry, such as spears, hammers, swords and alchemy-hardened appendages. As things progress, the story is told through both real-time and animated cutscenes. And though I'm not too familiar with the show, if the cutscenes are at all indicative of the series, I'll likely end up hunting down the DVDs before long. It's too early to make a judgement call on Fullmetal Alchemist 2, but what I've played thus far is very promising. Assuming the game isn't over too soon, Fullmetal fans can look forward to an enjoyable romp around the middle of July. Check back later next week for our review.
Screens Updated: 6/7/2005
Square Enix just sent over a whole plethora of new FMA2 shots. Expect updated hands-on impressions and a review, in the near future.
Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir is the fast-paced, action RPG prequel to Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel. The second installment to the Fullmetal series brings an enhanced battle system, cell-shaded graphics, thirty minutes of original animation, and an enthralling story. Based on a wildly popular Japanese animation and comic of the same name, Fullmetal Alchemist 2 follows the continuing journey of two brothers on their life-changing quest. Story
The story begins in Lior, the desert city that the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse encounter in the first episode of the anime series. Just as the brothers are unveiling the secrets of a cult called Leto, they engage in a battle with creatures from the unknown. Immediately after this, they encounter a mysterious woman who hands the brothers a ring and then disappears without a trace. A frightening phenomenon is apparently sweeping the country; people in many regions are simply vanishing. In Resembool, the brothers come face to face with an extremely talented alchemist. It seems that he has some kind of connection with the vanishings and the strange creatures that have been sighted. Colonel Mustang sends the brothers to a village to investigate these monsters, where they meet another interesting man, an archaeologist named Arlen who is studying the ancient civilization of Lebis. Now, the brothers must venture to Siam-Sid, the ruins of the capital city of Lebis, to discover the truth about the mysterious vanishings and monstrous creatures. Keeping with the spirit of the anime series, players will take on a fast-paced action adventure with a compelling original storyline that complements the anime saga. Key features include: - Thirty minutes of original animation created exclusively for the game
- Fully voiced event and movie sequences featuring actors from the top-rated anime series
- Cameo appearances by the anime’s fan favorites
- Features the hit song “Ready Steady Go" by L'Arc-en-Ciel
- Greatly improved modeling and animation bring Ed and Al to life like never before
- Cel-shaded graphics enhance the Elric Brothers’ adventure with stunning visuals
- Transmutable weapons from the previous title return, plus an arsenal of new weapons and items
- Brand-new alchemy attacks and a customizable combo system make for improved gameplay
- Enhanced artificial intelligence allows Alphonse to automatically adjust to the situation and attack accordingly
Character Descriptions
Edward Elric The youngest individual to ever achieve the title of State Alchemist, Edward is just 15 years old. His nickname, Fullmetal Alchemist , comes from the fact that his right arm and left leg are automail, artificial limbs made out of steel. Edward travels with his brother to find the Philosopher’s Stone, the only object that can help him reclaim his original body. Alphonse Elric Contrary to his alarming appearance, Al is a 14 year old child with a gentle heart. He travels with his older brother Edward in hopes of regaining his original body and escaping the armor that contains his soul. He is a person of firm character who keeps his cool and frequently chides his easily-provoked brother. His compassion and understanding are an inspiration to all. Jack Crowley A national alchemist once called “The Silver Bullet,” he is currently deprived of that title. Elma She seems almost transparent. The story rapidly unfolds as she entrusts Edward with ring and disappears from sight. The ring has strange alchemic markings that probably have to do with the ancient civilization. Arlen Glasner An archaeologist, who was at one time an adventurer immersed in his studies of the ancient civilization. Although he is almost 70, his mischievous attitude, physical build, and mentality belie that fact. Even though he is currently retired, he will be quick to investigate anything that sparks his curiosity. Handsome in his early years, he could not marry the girl that held his interest. Since then, he has remained single. Fullmetal Alchemist: Curse of the Crimson Elixir
© HIROMU ARAKAWA/SQUARE ENIX, MBS, ANX, BONES, Dentsu 2005 © SQUARE ENIX. All Rights Reserved.
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