The GameCube version of this critically-acclaimed Dreamcast RPG is basically a “Director’s Cut”, a more complete game incorporating many elements that developer Overworks was not able to include the first time. The graphic improvements are focused on the main characters, who have all been packed with significantly more polygons than before. For instance, they have individual fingers now, and Aika has been given a more “curvaceous” figure. The characters’ faces have also been given more detail.
In response to feedback from gamers who bought the Dreamcast version, Overworks has tweaked the battle system quite a bit. There are now fewer random encounters, and each one awards more experience points than before. Within the battles, the pacing has been bumped up, and both heroes and enemies have better movement routes, so that they no longer get stuck in corners or approach in circular paths. Overall, battles are faster, smoother, and less annoying than before.
There are no new playable characters; however, there is a new female bounty hunter, named Piastol, who is hunting down Vyse and his friends. Players will have the opportunity to confront her at several points in the game, and the encounters are optional for the most part. The reward for defeating Piastol is new background information on Vyse, such as how he received the scar on his face.
Moonfish are another new element. These magical items are scattered all over the game’s world, and when you find enough of them, you can give them to a sick child to nurse her back to health. In turn, the child’s doctor will give you vital story information about the game’s final boss.
There are also new discoveries – local rumors and legends that you can prove or disprove through exploration. As you make these discoveries, the information you uncover becomes part of the local dialogue. Finally, there are eight new gangs of evil pirates, each with a successively larger bounty on its head. These “wanted battles” are totally optional and quite challenging, but victory will result in huge cash rewards.
Most of the new content is clearly designed for hardcore fans of the original game. Sega says that while the game’s overall difficulty level has not really changed (other than battles being less frustrating), some of the new bits, especially the wanted battles, are quite difficult.
ing estatic. Oh well, I sold My Skies guide for $80, so I'm none too upset.