PSP Game Profile: Dragoneer’s Aria

There are plenty of role-playing games for PSP owners to choose from. Those familiar with the genre know that many titles are very similar to each other, in terms of gameplay mechanics, battle system, and overall feel. For a game of this genre to really stand out, especially on the turn-based aspect of role-playing, a game needs an involving and interesting story and a battle system that offers something new to the genre. NIS America’s upcoming title, Dragoneer’s Aria, developed by Hit Maker, could very well be the next purchase-worthy RPG for Sony’s PlayStation Portable.

The game takes place in Granadis. Legend has it that six elemental Dragons protect the world alongside Dragoons, especially trained knights that protect the dragons. The game’s main hero, Vale, is about to be initiated as a Dragoon when the evil Black Dragon appears and destroys the city. It is up to you and your friends to discover what caused the reappearance of the mystical Black Dragon, as well as to find a way to get rid of it using the six Dragon’s powers. In terms of story, the game doesn’t seem to offer anything out of the ordinary; fortunately, a variety of characters – each with a specific personality – should keep things interesting as you play.

As you explore the world, you will find enemies lurking the land and looking forward to attacking you. Unlike many RPGs, Dragoneer’s Aria allows you to skip the fighting and eliminate your enemies on the field using different magic spells. You can switch characters on the fly to execute each party member’s spells. In order to cast your magic, however, you will need Mana, which you get by fighting monsters on a standard turn-based fashion with a few twists. First, you will need to attack monsters to build up your Mana, which you can then use to casts magic spells or use especial items.

As you defeat enemies, you build up on character experience, money, and recovery or protective items for your party to equip, as long as they are leveled up enough to be able to wear them. You could also refine items that you might not find a use for and make new items out of them, much like forging, allowing you to acquire new equipment without traveling to a nearby shop. As you play, you will also find special magical gems that allow you to use more abilities to help you in your adventure.

A local multiplayer portion, known as Dragoneer Mode, is also available. You can join up to three of your friends as you battle the mystical Dragons together, each controller a single character of the party, and if you succeed you will be rewarded treasure and special items to use in the single player adventure.

Check out some gameplay footage of the game below. We will have more information as the game’s August 21st release approaches.