News: Ah Chopin, you Trusty Bell.
With all of the sequels and spinoffs of major franchises available at the Tokyo Game Show, it's hard to believe that a small RPG (for the Xbox 360 no less!) like Trusty Bell: Chopin's Dream is generating so much talk. And yet, that is exactly what's happening. So it was not really surprising that Namco Bandai has announced the game will be coming to America under the title Eternal Sonata.
"Eternal Sonata will set a new standard in next generation RPG's as it combines an immersive, in-depth story line that will draw the player into the game," Yoshi Niki, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.'s Product Group Director said. "With a host of impressive next generation features such as a unique monster morphing system, a hybrid of a turn-based and action battle system with a special attack feature dependent on light and shadow, Eternal Sonata will set a new standard for next-generation RPG gaming."
The Chopin connection is notably absent when Namco Bandai talks about Eternal Sonata. Instead, the game stars "a famous composer" who begins seeing visions on his deathbed. Naturally, in true RPG fashion, this involves demons and the need to help a pair of young children... and possibly save the world.
Eternal Sonata is currently scheduled for release sometime in 2007. We'll keep you posted.