Turn-based RPG Ar Nosurge will weave songs in its combat

Some people insist there's an element of magic in music, but that's meant literally in developer Gust's Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star, which Koei Tecmo will price at $49.99 when it reaches North American PS3s on September 23. The turn-based RPG's battle system will feature pairs of characters, with a melee-savvy offensive type protecting their teammate as they compose damage-dealing songs. Again, that damage is related to magic, so you hopefully won't be penning painful ballads featuring Yoko Ono. Although that does sound like a good way to limit break ...

Ar Nosurge's tale of a civilization looking for a new home features two leading pairs. Delta and Casty, who have the low-priority objectives of protecting humanity and saving the world from a life form known as the Sharl, which has suddenly appeared and begun the wholesome activity of abduction. Ar Nosurge's second party, Ion and Earthes, wants to find a way for Ion to return to Earth, but Ar Nosurge's official site also states that they "fight under the belief" that the Sharl should be able to co-exist with humanity. Sounds like our duos may have some logistical disagreements, should they ever cross paths.

Gameplay switches between each pair, with a "unique character development system" boosting strengths depending on how well a pair's friendships are managed. Players will switch between each duo as they work toward solving an overarching mystery, which might have something to do with the Sharl just up and kidnapping people.

While it's never expanded on, the press release also describes Ar Nosurge as a "7-dimension" RPG, which sounds ... important.

[Image: Koei Tecmo USA]

Show full PR text

TECMO KOEI AMERICA ANNOUNCES AR NOSURGE: ODE TO AN UNBORN STAR FOR PLAYSTATION 3

New Sci-fi RPG from GUST to Launch on September 23, 2014

BURLINGAME, Calif. – June 1, 2014 – KOEI TECMO America today announced that the turn-based '7 dimension' RPG Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star will launch in North America on September 23, 2014 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The company also confirmed that the title will be part of their line-up at Anime Expo (July 3 – 6, 2014), along with Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist Of Arland and upcoming titles SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 and WARRIORS OROCHI 3 Ultimate. Cosplayers dressed in KOEI and TECMO characters are invited to stop by the booth for entry into a daily raffle. KOEI TECMO America will be located at booth 1521, 1523. Ar nosurge is a Fantasy, Sci-fi, '7 Dimension' RPG, that takes place in a world where music and song can create magic. It tells the compelling story of a civilization that lost their planet and has been roaming the edge of space for 2000 years in search of a new home. In Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star, the player follows two sets of characters: Delta and Casty, whose goal is to protect humanity and save the world, and Ion & Earthes, who are trying to find Ion a way home to Earth. The player can interchange between both pairs and soon discover a way to combine their storylines and strengths to eventually solve the mystery that shrouds their ongoing struggle. Developed by Gust, Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star is an intricately deep turn-based RPG and includes a detailed synthesis system for players to create their own items.

A unique character development system focuses more on the bonds and relationships between the main characters than their success in missions and battles, with the player's party growing stronger if the characters have a closer relationship.

Additionally, character pairs fight together during battles in Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star. One is always the first line of defense, attacking enemies in melee with knives and swords while protecting the other, who is weaving a song to fend off enemies. The longer the song lasts the more damage it creates- not only to enemies visible on screen, but to ones that are in line to attack.

Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star is developed by Gust and published in North America by Koei Tecmo America. Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star will launch for the PlayStation 3 in North America on September 23, 2014 and will be available for $49.99 at participating retailers and through the PlayStation Store. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

For the latest Ar Nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star news follow us on www.facebook.com/tecmokoei or @TecmoKoeiUS or visit the newly launched www.koeitecmoamerica.com/arnosurge.



About KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP:

KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series.