® FREE E-MAGAZINE! READ IT, PLUS! PRINT IT, SEND IT TO YOUR MATES… ®: Covenant of the Plume™

Rhapsody™: A Musical Adventure

My Pet Shop™

DRAGON QUEST ®: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride™

Find out about this stunning RPG. Plus much more AND MORE… CONTROL

® Welcome f you’re a fan of videogames (and, if you’re reading this magazine, then there’s a pretty good chance that you are) then you’ve surely heard of Square . IThey’re the company responsible for some of the most breathtakingly beautiful games of the last 15 years, ® and no other game producer seems able to create such VALKYRIE PROFILE : amazingly stylised worlds, packed as they are with ™ imagery that wouldn’t look out of place in a high budget ® Covenant of the Plume Hollywood blockbuster. Don’t believe us? Take the series as an TRIGGER Another classic Japanese example. The first Final Fantasy game was released 22 Your chance to play one of the most RPG is heading your way. years ago on the original NES console, and since then the series has sold a staggering 85 million revered RPGs of all time on your DS. units worldwide. Each one creates a world that draws you in immediately from the first frames of the intro ® FINAL FANTASY ® movie to the final boss battle. Playing a Final Fantasy : CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: game is allowing yourself to step into an alternate reality ™ that’ll keep you gripped for weeks. The Hand of the Heavenly Bride Echoes of Time™ But are anything but a one-trick pony. Their Dragon Quest series, although not so well-known in The best-selling ‘other’ The Crystal Chronicles Blighty, has still managed to sell over 45 million copies. Square series comes to DS. series continues. And then there’s (which mixes Disney characters with popular ones from Square games) and the superb , among many, many others. So this magazine is a celebration of one of ® the most original and constantly innovative ™ DISGAEA DS games developers you’ll find. And with a My Pet Shop™ Rhapsody : whole range of original and playable titles on A Musical Adventure Find out all about this the way from them for the DS, there’s never Square does stunning remake of been a better time to celebrate. Nintendogs? Music to our ears! the PSP title, Enjoy the issue, Yes, but it’s Disgaea: Hour of much more Darkness Dean Mortlock than that.

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® “The game shifted 2.5 million copies in the US and Japan”

Trigger happy Why this is an RPG to get very excited about ®

From: SQUARE ENIX CHRONO TRIGGER A bit like: The best RPG ever? Quite possibly Final Fantasy III f you consider yourself to be this sword and sorcery masterpiece eventually Link: www.chrono a dedicated RPG fanatic then is widely considered as one of the unearths an evil triggergame.com chances are the Super Nintendo most perfect examples of the genre. plot that has its classic Chrono Trigger will However, although the reputation origins at the dawn of time itself. As OUT NOW I require no introduction. Shifting 2.5 of this near-legendary game is you can see, it’s hardly the most million copies in the US and Japan impressive, many European gamers conventional RPG plotline ever – it’s following its debut way back in 1995, won’t have actually played it before sort of like Back to the Future fused because it cruelly never saw the with The Legend of Zelda – light of day in this part of the world. but you can take our word for it, Thankfully, that oversight is in the this is one voyage you simply won’t process of being rectified, as Square want to miss. Enix has skilfully updated the original The time-travel system is literally Time warp Innovation Replay value 16-bit version and is preparing to bursting with potential. We’ve yet to unleash it on our soil for the first experience the myriad of mind- time ever, and on the DS. bending possibilities that are The story centres on the time- contained within the game, but InnovationReplayTime warp value travelling exploits of a young boy here’s an example of what to expect: TheOnce abilityevents you complete toof muckChrono aboutChrono Trigger with Trigger span the space several– a task time time that continuum zones.is likely The to called Crono. After stepping into a Early on we encountered a character isn’ttake‘present thedays onlyday’ rather originalis a thanworld thing hours where about – you’llsteam Chrono notice punk Trigger, antechnology option as you’llcalled and malfunctioning teleportation device who was selfishly barring our find‘Newmagical that Game+’ folklorethe combat which rub allowsshoulderssystem you is withalsoto restart onepretty another. the innovative, tale The with Middle too.the The bottom DS he finds himself on an heroic progress. The solution? We travelled DubbedsameAges isequipment, a‘Active more Timeprimitive experience Battle’, version it and grants of skills the the modernyou player earned agemore during and display helpfully adventure that crosses the back in time and hooked up with one freedomtheAncient previous time than quest.is is populated usually Why seen would by hairyin youtraditional cavemen. want to Japanese do There’s this, I RPGs.hearalso showcases all of your boundaries of both time and space. of his ancestors, and by winning available options Charactersyou2300 cry? AD Well, – ancan theunpleasant move game around features future at will worlda staggering and where they evenmankind 14 possible have is during combat. Along the way he befriends their trust we discovered that the accessendings,virtually to extinct.which killer means‘Tech’ It’s this skills.it bleakboasts future some than serious Crono replay and hisvalue. invaluable companions hailing from previously stubborn descendant companions are trying to prevent from coming to pass. several different time zones, and was now more than happy to

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“The time-travel ® system is bursting with potential”

Chrono Trigger continued with visual improvements here. The to this edition) graphics are essentially unchanged and the help. In Chrono Trigger it’s possible from the original 16-bit SNES touchscreen to alter the course of history in both version, but instead of appearing technology obvious and not-so-obvious ways. outdated, the lush 2D appearance is of the DS is Although Square Enix has recently fabulous. Fully animated story utilised to given classic titles like Final Fantasy sequences are included (these were create a more III a fresh 3D lick of paint, they’ve actually part of the 1997 PlayStation intuitive decided to be a little more subtle remake, so they’re not strictly new interface. The map on the bottom display Established fans will have exclusive helps you navigate your way around the various dungeons new content to look forward to, that litter the landscape. including an all-new dungeon and a wireless-play mode.

SLIGHTLY ANNOYED European gamers may have had valid reason to be slightly annoyed about missing out on such a brilliance RPG for the past 15 years, but patience is a virtue, as the saying goes. This remastered edition is shaping up to be the definitive version of Chrono Trigger and should ensure that DS gamers will be glued to their consoles for weeks on end.

How ready? Surely brave warriors don’t need to gang up on a mushroom? How good?

A future RPG classic? Very possibly VERDICT

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® The new 3D visuals are Your quest will feature both epic truly breathtaking in places. and not-so-epic encounters – guess which one this is classed as…

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From: SQUARE ENIX DRAGON QUEST: A bit like: The Legend of ™ Zelda: Phantom The Hand of the Heavenly Bride Hourglass Link: www.dragon This is one bride that’s taken some time to reach the altar quest-game.com lthough Western gamers Bride is actually a retooled version period of 20 years, during which the Out: 20th February might usually associate of the fifth game in the lineage, first main character matures into an adult Square Enix with the near- released on Nintendo’s 16-bit Super and even starts his own family. A legendary Final Fantasy NES way back in the mists of time Don’t let the colourful graphics series, in Japan the company (well, 1992 to be exact). The rather and light-hearted presentation fool is arguably more famous for sparse 2D visuals of the original you – this game packs an emotional publishing the insanely popular game have been replaced by punch, and is widely celebrated in Dragon Quest franchise. impressively bold 3D graphics, and Japan for possessing one of the The Japanese are simply the screen can be rotated at will most riveting RPG plotlines ever potty for this long-running using the L and R shoulder buttons written. Dragon Quest: THotHB may range of RPG titles (this is more than just a neat visual have taken almost two decades to Dragon Quest: The trick however, as it’s often essential reach European shores, but early Hand of the Heavenly if you want to discover well-hidden impressions suggest that the wait passageways and treasure chests). has most definitely been worth it. In terms of gameplay, there’s little “This is a retooled here that dedicated RPG fans won’t How ready? have witnessed before (this is a version of the fifth game from the early 90s, after all) How good? but it’s the storyline that truly game in the lineage” Epic RPG storytelling at its finest astounds. It takes place over a VERDICT

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Once you’re ™ confident that your pet is a winner, you From: SQUARE ENIX can enter it into various contests. A bit like: My Pet Shop Nintendogs meets The game uses a Cooking Mama Square Enix does Nintendogs? mixture of 2D and 3D visuals, and looks Link: www.my “My Pet Shop has strikingly attractive. petshopgame.com o say that My Pet Shop similarly themed titles currently Set in the idyllic hamlet of marks a deviation from available on the DS, My Pet Shop Green Town, My Pet Shop sees Out: 27th February Square Enix’s usual output is could be perceived as being nothing you stepping into the shoes of the the potential to T a bit like saying that poking new, but it would be foolish to write daughter of the local pet store’s appeal to everyone” yourself in the eye with a sharp stick it off as just another ‘me too’ animal- owner. It’s your job to care for the might hurt a little. In the company’s rearing simulator. The veteran various animals that pass through long and proud history, it’s hard to publisher has invested key talent in the doors of your family boutique, so recall a game that has broken so making sure this game has the expect to be tending to the likes of clothing to deck your pets in. significantly from the norm. potential to take on Nintendo’s own cats, dogs and rabbits, as well as Although it’s obviously aiming for However, compared to the glut of Nintendogs series, and win. slightly less-conventional species a particular section of the market – such as pandas and bears. namely young girls – we are totally Visually, the game seems to take convinced that My Pet Shop a fairly large dollop of inspiration definitely has the potential to appeal from the massively successful to everyone, just as so many so- Cooking Mama series, with its eye- called ‘casual’ titles have done so catching, bold graphics. The core convincingly on the DS. gameplay revolves around keeping your animals as happy as possible via a program of grooming, feeding, How ready? cleaning and training. Those of you How good? with a flair for fashion will no doubt be overjoyed to hear that there are This should be a great fun pet sim over a hundred different items of VERDICT

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™ “Rhapsody is From: Nippon Rhapsody : Ichi Software the very definition of A bit like: A Musical Adventure Mario and Luigi: ‘light-hearted’” Partners in Time Brooding teen heroes need not apply… Link: www. rhapsodygame.com f you’re sick to death of the out that Rhapsody is a role-player gentler ride – which most definitely Out: Spring atypical stern teenage male with pedigree – it was originally isn’t a bad thing. With a list of options like that, leads that seem to populate released on the PlayStation in 1998 As with the rest of Square Enix’s this could only be an RPG. I practically every Japanese and has gone on to become a cult recent DS remakes, Rhapsody RPG these days then Rhapsody: classic, generating several other boasts a series of enhancements A Musical Adventure could be just similar titles that are highly regarded over the original title. You can expect the game you’re after. With by fans of the genre. touchscreen capability, as well as an colourful visuals, up-beat music and As the title suggests, music plays improved battle engine, a map for a loveable cast of fairytale princes a massive role in the game, and easy navigation and new characters and princesses, this is the very although some of the tunes border on to control. Whatever your opinion definition of ‘light-hearted’, and the ‘sickly-sweet’ side, they certainly of the cute visual style, there’s no about as far away from the add to the irresistible allure of the denying that the DS is set to receive dystopian, post-apocalyptic title. Gameplay-wise, Rhapsody sticks yet another quality adventure to add world of Final Fantasy VII as firmly to the Japanese RPG blueprint, to its ever-growing RPG library. you could possibly get. but it’s worth noting that this is aimed However, before the cynical as younger and more ‘casual’ players How ready? gamers among you dismiss rather than battle-scarred veterans. this as an overly effeminate Whereas other titles might have you How good? escapade more suited to girlie tearing your hair out in frustration, Give in to your cute side! types, it might be worth pointing Rhapsody is set to offer a much VERDICT

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® astonishingly deep and intricate”

that kick-started the franchise, this ® game is astonishingly deep and intricate, with a battle system that is From: Nippon so crammed full of possibilities that Ichi Software DISGAEA DS it’ll make your head ache – but in A bit like: a good way. Unleash your demonic side However, all this complexity results in a game that promises to be The dialogue is often Link: www.disgaea- f you like your RPG titles to be obvious you can see them coming a massively rewarding for those willing very amusing indeed. ds.com blissfully straightforward, with mile off, then Disgaea® DS probably to put the effort in. First impressions Out: Spring simple combat routines and a isn’t going to be the game for you. A indicate a standard-looking strategy generic plotline with twists so remake of the PlayStation 2 original RPG, but closer inspection reveals I ® that there’s much more to Disgaea taxing on the old brain power. DS than meets the eye. Not only is Attempting to link together as many the plot refreshingly original (you panels as possible in one move assume the role of the demon prince becomes a total obsession, but Laharl, whose aim is to reclaim the it’s also incredibly satisfying netherworld from those who covet his when you manage to pull it dead father’s crown) but the gameplay off. is also intent on bucking trends. Developer Nippon Ichi Software is promising to make DISTANT ECHOES this the ultimate version of For example, the game features a Disgaea, so expect a raft of unique ‘Geo Symbol’ system, where improvements, as well as panels on the grid-like playing content lifted directly from the surface are granted special powers (brilliant) PSP update we when tagged with the same colour saw a year ago. Geo Symbol. Using this feature, it’s possible for the player to grant How ready? status bonuses to friendly units (and even eliminate enemies) if they How good? happen to be standing on effected Should be another Square classic panels, making the game even more VERDICT

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During combat, each of the DS ® fascia buttons corresponds to a Each character also possesses a different character, and attacks can special move that fills the screen be ‘chained’ in real time. with all manner of zany effects.

VALKYRIE PROFILE ®: From: SQUARE ENIX A bit like: ™ Final Fantasy Covenant of the Plume Tactics A2 Link: www. Norse code valkyrieprofile game.com lthough it’s far from being a mythology and the concept of iso m e tr i c p lay a rea – a n d th e household name in the warriors being ‘claimed’ by spiritual str u c tu re of th e titl e owe s a massive Roll over screen for annotations ETA: Spring West, the Valkyrie Profile beings known as ‘Valkyries’ when d e bt to th e l i ke s o f fe l l ow S q u a re A series (which made its they die in battle. The central En ix sta b l e ma t e s F i na l Fa ntas y debut on the 32-bit PlayStation a character is a young man called Ta c ti c s a n d D isga e a. decade ago) is incredibly popular in Wylfred, whose father fell in combat Cove na nt o f th e P l um e is Japan – so popular in fact that the and consequently had his soul exp e c t e d t o h it We st e r n s h o res i n original title has spawned a highly spirited away by a Valkyrie named th e sp r i ng, a n d fro m wha t we’ve successful franchise. Valkyrie Lenneth (who was the lead character s e e n s o f a r, th is wi l l certa i n ly b e Profile: Covenant of the Plume is from the first game in the series, on e to wa t ch. An i nn ova tive ba ttl e the latest instalment in this often fact fans). His father’s untimely s yst e m co u p l e d with grea t visua ls underrated series and is shaping up demise leaves his family to starve, a n d a su r p r isi ngly d e cent Engl ish to be yet another excellent format so Wylfred swears revenge and s cr i pt s h o u l d ma ke fo r a pa rti cu la r ly exclusive for forges a pact with the shadowy e nt e rta i n i ng stra t egy R P G. “Valkyrie Profile DS role-playing goddess Hel – and his part of the fans to get their bargain is to destroy Lenneth once Ho w re ad y? borrows heavily from teeth into. and for all. The game The gameplay differs from Ho w good? Norse mythology” borrows heavily previous games – the side-scrolling Ano ther top DS RPG to look out for from Norse 2D world is replaced with a 3D VERDICT

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“Echoes of Time takes cooperative role-playing to the next level”

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From: SQUARE ENIX FINAL FANTASY ® ™ A bit like: CRYSTAL CHRONICLES : Echoes of Time Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Rings of Fate It’s better when we play together Link: www.square- enix.com/eu/en/ quare’s Crystal Chronicles an unexplained disease that Using the Nintendo WiFi Internet index_f2.html series has been with us threatens not only the life of this connection or a local wireless setup, since the days of the strange girl, but possibly the fate Echoes of Time is attempting to take Out: Spring S GameCube, and its unique of your entire world, too. cooperative role-playing to the next multiplayer-focused gameplay has level. The fact that it shaping up to allowed the franchise to flourish, DISTANT ECHOES be one of the most accessible despite the fact that it’s a whole First impressions would suggest games of its type is also a bonus, world away from the more recent that Echoes of Time hasn’t strayed and means that typical RPG traits (and more mature) entries in the too far from the remit of the early (such as endless statistics and Final Fantasy stable. Crystal Chronicle titles; the same rambling storylines) aren’t going to The story involves the discovery team-based exploration is present, be a barrier to entry when it comes of young girl who is struck down and the visuals retain the gloriously to enticing casual players to the fold. During combat with a worryingly illness that is appealing nature of their forebears. Keep this one firmly on your radar – you can utter seemingly connected to a mysterious However, this time the much-hyped we reckon it’s going to be massive. pre-determined crystal hidden deep within a forest. connectivity between separate comments, As a young warrior who has recently consoles is now a much more How ready? which are come of age, it’s your task to take significant affair; Echoes of Time shown on the your first steps outside the village allows up to four players to How good? bottom screen. that has been your home for 16 participate on both and DS Co-op RPG action like no other years and unravel the story behind consoles simultaneously. VERDICT

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