Eternal Anima project details

Eternal Anima is a new Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Marvelous, a company known for its work on games like Xenoblade Chronicles. The game is a tribute to classic RPGs from the PlayStation 1 and 2 eras, blending time travel themes with original visuals that have generated interest among fans.

Key contributors to the game

The game features contributions from veteran developers, including Kazushige Nojima, known for his work on Final Fantasy titles, and Katsuhisa Higuchi, who directed Chrono Trigger and Lost Odyssey. Keisuke Makino, who worked on Persona 5 and Metaphor: ReFantazio, is responsible for the narrative. The music is composed by Basiscape, known for Final Fantasy XII, with a contribution from young guitarist Marcin.

Game's setting and protagonist

The world of Eternal Anima is largely submerged, with only one city, Urvis Ael, remaining. This city is ruled by a sovereign who forbids hope for a better future. The protagonist, Wade, possesses psychometry, a power that allows him to revisit the past and uncover a world beyond the city's walls. Wade can adopt the classes and skills of past heroes.

Gameplay and presentation

During a testing session, a significant portion of time was spent reading dialogue, which helped immerse players in the story. The game uses a mix of traditional RPG elements and some unique features, such as diorama-style environments and a bestiary displayed on screen. However, character portraits were limited in animation, with only the mouth moving during conversations.

Combat system and music

The combat system in Eternal Anima is based on the indie game Star Renegades and features a turn-based initiative strip that allows players to plan actions. The music blends ambient and medieval themes, complementing the game's atmosphere. However, some animations and enemy variety were lacking during the session.

Character customization and design

Character customization in the game is limited, with only four main statistics (HP, MP, attack, and defense) and minimal skill customization. The crafting system is a welcome addition, offering variety in gameplay. The visual design, including character portraits by Max Berthelot, is charming but occasionally unusual.

Exploration and world design

Exploration in Eternal Anima follows a traditional JRPG structure, with a world map leading to different areas and objectives clearly marked. Enemies are visible on the map, and players can surprise them for an advantage. The game’s environments blend classic RPG aesthetics with modern lighting and shadow effects.

Combat mechanics and strategy

The Future Vision ability allows players to anticipate enemy attacks and adjust their strategies accordingly. Players can plan their actions using a timeline that shows when enemies will attack. This system encourages strategic thinking, with the ability to concentrate attacks and exploit enemy weaknesses to shift their actions on the timeline.

Overall impression and expectations

The gameplay session left a strong impression, blending familiarity with the classic JRPG era and a sense of discovery. The team behind Eternal Anima is seen as well-versed in the genre, with influences evident in the game’s art, music, and structure. The combat system, while modern, offers depth and excitement, making each turn a strategic challenge. The game’s release on March 4 will determine whether the project’s budget constraints affect the final product.