Soul Nomad & the World Eaters

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Soul Nomad & the World Eaters
Image:Soul Nomad & the World Eaters Coverart.png
Developer(s) Nippon Ichi
Publisher(s) JP Nippon Ichi Software
Platform(s) PlayStation 2
Release date JP February 15, 2007
NA September 25, 2007
EU June 20, 2008 [1]
Genre(s) Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s) Single player
Rating(s) CERO: All ages
ESRB: Teen
Media JP DVD-ROM
Input methods DualShock 2

Soul Nomad & the World Eaters, known in Japan as Soul Cradle Sekai o Kurau Mono (ソウルクレイドル 世界を喰らう者 Sōru Kureidoru Sekai o Kurau Mono?, literally "Soul Cradle: World Eaters") is a video game by Nippon Ichi. The game was released February 15, 2007 in Japan and September 25, 2007 in the US.

Contents

[edit] Gameplay

A key element of the game is customization, giving the player many more options to choose from when progressing through the story. When the game begins, the player chooses the gender and name of the main character, a change from other Nippon Ichi games.

At the very beginning of the game the main character can become powerful enough to destroy even the final boss, but relying on Gig too much would be the equivalent of just letting the world be destroyed. Instead, the player is expected to build and train an army of units capable of handling whatever comes her or his way, relying on Gig's powers as little as possible.

The player is given the ability to create and command squads, which, after enough time, will become an army capable of destroying the world he or she is trying to save. Up to 25 different character types can be created, each filling a unique position in the squad with its own strengths and weaknesses. Characters' individual abilities can do such things as increase the range of an effect or give each unit a bonus to its inflicted damage.

Tedious tasks like visiting the same area over and over in order to level new characters (a staple of older Nippon Ichi titles) are no longer necessary as any new units may be purchased up to the level of the main character. Also, unlike the older Nippon Ichi titles, the player is not allowed to return to older levels. Squads can also be merged together in order to increase their power.

The game includes more options for interacting with NPCs than previous Nippon Ichi games. It is possible to steal items from shops or NPCs instead of buying them. Additionally, the player can attack the towns and fight against the NPCs inhabiting them. Alternately, the player can recruit NPCs into her or his army.

[edit] Story

[edit] History of Prodesto

At the end of a long war-shattered age, one man brought all the countries in the Continent of Prodesto together under his rule: Lord Median the Conqueror. Though only one man, he became renowned throughout the world for his heroism, and had even managed to slay the god of death. However, within ten years, the empire Lord Median had created collapsed with the death of his son, quickly followed by his own death. With no apparent leader, the continent collapsed once more into civil war. Fifteen years later, Lord Median's daughter had proven herself as a true leader, and convinced the remaining countries to form peace treaties, establishing peace once more.

This peace collapsed however, when the "Master of Death", Gig arrived with three giant beings known as World Eaters under his command. They quickly devastated the land, annihilating entire nations in a matter of days, and it wasn't long before nations began abandoning their alliances and allying with the World Eaters in an attempt to save themselves.

When things looked their darkest, Layna gathered up what remained of her forces and made a direct assault against Gig, a battle which apparently killed both of them. With their leader gone, the World Eaters fell silent, apparently having gone to sleep, remaining as monuments of the destruction that occurred.

[edit] Starting Your Journey

The year is now 800 in the Tamaito calendar. 200 years have passed since the defeat of the shadow at the hands of the technique user Layna. Ever since that day, with the shadow's defeat, the giants known as "The World Eaters" have retained their silence in the continent. The body of one of the giants remains in the peaceful country of Raide, and serves as a symbol of fear to those who pass by it.

Within the country of Raide, there exists a small secluded village that refuses to acknowledge the existence of those from outside world. It is known as the "Hidden Village". In that village lives the protagonist along with his friend Danette, and other members of the Sepp race. Along with Layna, whose age now exceeds 200, the protagonist helps to protect the village.

One day, the protagonist and Danette are called forth by old lady Layna and given weapons to help guard the village. Danette, who has always dreamed of protecting the village, is overjoyed and is given twin daggers. The protagonist is given a long black sword.

The moment the protagonist takes hold of the black sword, it begins to insult and swear at Layna. Both the protagonist and Danette are profoundly confused at this point. It is revealed that 200 years ago, Layna destroyed the shadow and sealed its soul into the black sword. The shadow goes by the name of Gig. To utilize the power of Gig, Layna chose to give this sword to the protagonist.

The protagonist is infused with the soul of Gig, gaining control of his power, and is now able to fight against the World Eaters, who have now reawakened. With Gig residing in his body and Danette, who has been his friend since he was young, the protagonist departs into the country of Raide to defeat the World Eaters.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Main Characters

Hero (Female) Voiced by Yukiko Kikuchi (JP) (Male) Voiced by Kensuke Nishi (JP)

The player's character, he/she is the only one who can wield the Onyx Blade and can successfully fuse with Gig and make use of his powers. He/She does not have a voice during cutscenes, but the player can choose certain responses during the game to advance the story. He/She does have a voice in battle.

Gig Voiced by Akira Sasanuma(JP), Yuri Lowenthal (U.S.)

The Master of Death who came to Prodesto 200 years ago with his 3 World Eaters. He was later sealed into a sword by Layna, and is eventually fused into the main character. The fusion allows the main character to use some of Gig's power and can ask Gig for more power, though he can lose his body to Gig if he does. He's known for being rather rude and prone to lying.

Danette Voiced by Chiwa Saito(JP), Michelle Ruff (U.S.)

The protagonist's childhood friend. A Sepp, a race of bovine-like people, she tends to one-up the main character, despite having a poor memory.

Levin Voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki(JP), Liam O'Brien (U.S.)

A city guard of Astec. Despite being a strong fighter, he's often overprotective of his older sister, Euphoria.

Vitali Voiced by Michihiko Hagi(JP), Derek Stephen Prince (U.S.)

A silent man who works with Levin. Aside from being a cleric, he's also an efficient spy, and can even surprise Gig. If not for the current state of the world, he'd have preferred to pursue a career as a chef.

Grunzford Voiced by Tadahisa Saizen(JP)

An aging Redflank later met by the protagonist's group. He often complains about the Sepp people, which also includes remarks directed toward Danette and Levin.

Tricia Voiced by Mai Nakahara(JP)

A young woman who is helping the town of Zazana fend off a group of bandits. Though kind-hearted, she's often naive and impulsive. She seems to share a history with Grunzford.

Odie Voiced by Kazutaka Ishii(JP)

A Dracon who attempts to impersonate Dio of the Evil Eye. He's encountered multiple times throughout the game.

[edit] Secondary Characters

Endorph Voiced by Kosuke Toriumi(JP)

A mysterious man who was found fifteen years ago, his body covered in burn scars. He took over Shauna's bandit gang, reforming it into a group who act in a Robin Hood esque fashion. Endorph is actually the character Walnut from Phantom Brave, who ended up on this world after forcing the demon Sulphur through a dimensional portal.

Shauna Voiced by Kaori Mizuhashi(JP)

The former leader of a bandit gang, before Endorph ursurped her position. She seems to hate everyone, including herself.

Thorndyke Voiced by Teruyuki Tanzawa(JP)

Grand Cordon of the Knights of Raide.

Diness Voiced by Iho Matsukubo(JP)

The 12 year old child queen of Orviska.

Cuthbert Voiced by Kensuke Nishi(JP)

Christophe's younger brother.

Vangogh Voiced by Katsumi Suzuki(JP)

A hotpot farmer who lives in the Orviska slums.

Kanan Voiced by Kanako Tojho(JP)

A Dracon who leads the Thurist religion.

Layna Voiced by Akiko Komoto(JP)

Also known as Layna the Firebrand, she is the one responible for sealing away Gig into the protagonist's weapon.

Penn Voiced by Minami Fujii(JP)

The human boy currently under Nereid care.

Juno Voiced by Miho Miyagawa(JP)

Commander of the Nereid land forces. She distrusts humans but is currently caring for a young human boy.

Alexemia Voiced by Yukiko Mizuochi(JP)

Queen of the Nereids, an all female race of water-dwelling people. She is said to exhibit a special healing power that most humans can't make use of.

Christophe Voiced by Hideaki Nonaka(JP)

He controls all trade throughout the Astec-Raide region. Though appearing jovial and cheery, he's often acting in a secretive manner.

Euphoria Voiced by Maria Yamamoto(JP)

Levin's older sister. A joke about her in the game is her cooking, which, according to Vitali, could be used as a biological weapon.

Lobo Voiced by Osamu Hosoi(JP)

A sepp man who runs an organization called the Yesterwind.

Galahad Voiced by Yuuki Kaji(JP)

A Chevalier under Thorndyke's command. He seems suspicious about Thorndyke's ascent to his position.

Agrippa Voiced by Akane Yamaguchi(JP)

A young angel who wears a pilot's hat and uses a gun he received from Endorph. He has a friendly relation to Odie.

Pinot Voiced by Ayana Taketatsu(JP)

An angel who's usually seen hanging around with Agrippa.

[edit] Other

English Announcer Voiced by Mayuko Manaka(JP)

[edit] References

  1. ^ Purchese, Rob (2008-03-18). Soul Nomad for Europe in June. Eurogamer. Retrieved on 2008-04-16.

[edit] External links

Languages