Rondo of Swords - DS Previews - The Armchair Empire


	Platform DS Genre Role-Playing Publisher Atlus Developer Atlus ETA April 15, 2008
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Rondo of Swords

If you're into strategy role playing, the portable systems are the place to be. The PSP has had a number of excellent titles, including Jeanne D'Arc and Wild Arms XF, along with ports of Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea. The DS is trailing a bit, with only the Advance Wars games and Luminous Arc. Final Fantasy Tactics A2 is coming at the end of spring, but Atlus is beating them to the punch with their new

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SRPG, Rondo of Swords.

At first glance, Rondo of Swords most closely resembles Nintendo's Fire Emblem, with the flat grid-based battle systems and side view close-ups of fighters dueling it up. The coolest innovation is the Route Maneuver System, which allows you to cut through multiple enemies that are bunched together.

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Each character also has unique attacks called Overbreaks, which can be charged up to multiple levels and used to unleash powerful strikes. Similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, you can send units outside of battle to run Errands, which can be used to train their skills or find new treasure.

The story, too, tells the tale of warring nations in turmoil. Everything begins when Prince Serdic is killed, cursing his holy blade on the process. He passes it on to his body double - also named Serdic - to purify it, as well as fight off the advances of the Grand Meir Empire. The catch is, no one knows that the real Serdic is dead, and the fake Serdic needs to keep up appearances so his kingdom doesn't fall into disarray.

Even though it may initially appear derivative, the unique battle abilities should help Rondo of Swords stand out, and help strengthen the DS library with a wide selection of strategy RPGs.

- Kurt Kalata

(March 31, 2008)