Mystic Chronicles is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Kemco. While initially released as Fantasy Chronicles for the iOS, the name was retitled as a result of Natsume Inc. providing a new English translation for its release on the PlayStation Portable, released in North America on July 16, 2013.[1] It was re-released on Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One and Windows devices, Steam, PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4 (supporting Cross-Buy) and for the Nintendo Switch as Genso Chronicles.
| Mystic Chronicles | |
|---|---|
 Artwork for the English-language PSP/PS Vita release | |
| Developer(s) | Kemco |
| Publisher(s) | Natsume Inc. |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable, iOS |
| Release | PSP PS VITA
|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing video game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Gameplay
editThe game plays as a traditional Japanese role-playing video game. In the game, the player navigates a character through a fantasy world, interacting with non-playable characters and fighting enemies. When engaging enemies, the game utilizes a turn based battle system reminiscent of ones found in the Dragon Quest series of games.[2]
Story
editThe game stars a boy named Lux, who wishes to protect the village he grew up in, from external threats.[3]
Development
editDeveloper Kemco, while a prevalent maker of video games during the NES era of video games, eventually ceased releasing video games in North America as technology and graphics advanced.[4] In the 2010s, however, they changed their focus to release smaller, retro based games for mobile phones.[4]
The game was originally released as Fantasy Chronicles for iOS.[5] The game was eventually ported to the PlayStation Portable.[6] In February 2013, Natsume Inc. announced they would be releasing the game under a new title, Mystic Chronicles, with a new translation,[5] distancing it from its original release, which was criticized for its translation.[4] The PSP release will also contain an additional storyline.[7]
The game is updated to be compatible with the PlayStation Vita on August 6, 2013.[8]
Reception
editTouch Arcade gave the game a 3.5 out of 5 rating, praising the classic gameplay features such as the battle system and crafting, but criticizing the game for being tedious after extended play time, and for its poor English translation,[9] something Natsume Inc. would later address with its complete re-translation with its PSP release.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b GamesPress.com. July 2, 2013. (2013-07-02). "MYSTIC CHRONICLES™ HEADED TO PSP AND PS VITA". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "News Bulletin - Natsume Brings Over Mystic Chronicles". RPGamer. 2013-02-22. Archived from the original on 2013-02-26. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
- ^ "RPGFan News - Natsume Brings Mystic Chronicles To North America". Rpgfan.com. Archived from the original on 2013-02-23. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
- ^ a b c Spencer . March 20, 2012 . 1:48am (2012-03-20). "Kemco Keeps 16-Bit JRPGs Alive With Games Like Fantasy Chronicle". Siliconera. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b Spencer . February 18, 2013 . 1:32pm (2013-02-18). "Natsume Localizing Retro RPG Mystic Chronicles For PSP". Siliconera. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Spencer . July 27, 2012 . 6:53pm (2012-07-27). "Fantasy Chronicle Might Be The Cheapest PSP RPG To Date". Siliconera. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Natsume transforms Fantasy Chronicle into Mystic Chronicles | GamerTell". Technologytell.com. 2013-02-19. Retrieved 2013-03-01.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Morgan Haro, PlayStation Blog, 2013-07-16
- ^ "Fantasy Chronicle Review". Touch Arcade. 2012-01-24. Retrieved 2013-03-01.