Another Strategy RPG from Nippon Ichi @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on March 07, 2005

News: Nippon Ichi announces Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome.

Nippon Ichi, everyone's favorite Strategy RPG developer, is at it again. After wowing critics and players with Disagaea: Hour of Darkness, La Pucelle: Tactics, and Phantom Brave, they have announced Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome.

In Makai Kingdom, Nippon Ichi once again places you in the role of a bad guy. Lord Zetta has been banished from the netherworld, but three overlords have decided to make a game of Zetta's attempt to reclaim his kingdom by giving him an army and then creating trouble for him for their own amusement.

Makai Kingdom will add several new items to the Nippon Ichi bag of tricks. First, MK will feature a huge range of weaponry from medieval swords to modern day implements like flamethrowers and machine guns. Next, building on something first used in Phatom Brave, all of the maps of MK will be randomly generated. According to Nippon Ichi this will create a unique gaming experience everytime.

Finally, there is the INVITE system of army management. Players will be expected to place buildings and facilities on the battlefield which will then reveal the player's troops.

One thing that is unknown at this time is whether Makai Kingdom uses the gridless system of Phantom Brave or the grid system of Disgaea and La Pucelle. The first screenshots don't show a grid, but the characters do look snapped in to a gridlike formation. I'll guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Other Features of Makai Kingdom:

Create, grow, and govern your own kingdom

Players can build anything from weapons factories to hospitals to dog houses

During your battle phase summon facilities from your kingdom onto the battle field

Create, customize and equip your troops for battle

Modern day weaponry such as gatling guns and flame-throwers combine with more traditional weapons such as katanas and battle-axes.

Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome is scheduled to sjip in July. We'll keep you updated with the latest news as we learn more.