The character and world designs in Airs Adventure were designed by Mamoru Nagano who is best known for the manga and OVA Five Star Stories. Fans of Nagano's work may notice the similarities between the character designs in Airs and in his manga. The dedication and work that went into Airs was painstaking and as such, it is a very beautiful game to look at. The setting of the adventure places us in 17th century Europe; the producers have done their research on the period's clothing styles and designs so the elaborate costumes are a treat to look at. Masanobu Endo is the producer and director accredited to this title - his previous work was on Namco's classic Xevious - which is on Namco's Museum series (vol. 2). Airs Adventure is a romantic story/RPG that focuses on the hero Henry, an aspiring knight and the proverbial princess who both adventure in 17th century Europe and the world of faerie.
	The battle system in Airs is a very simple one. When you are faced with a monster, you tap a single button to make Henry or the princess lean forward and strike at the beast. The execution is uncomplicated and lends itself to easy assimilation from novice RPGers. There are no fancy elements in the system such as those found in standard RPGs or the exemplary Terra Phantastica. The emphasis in this game is on the storyline more than it is on the individual strategy and battle scenes that are a part of every RPG. Airs gives the player a magic system where you can use the arcane for both offensive and passive measures to help you on your way so in this manner, some elements of traditional role playing games have been kept intact for your gaming pleasure. In the picture to the left, a rock creature clobbers the princess with a heavy southpaw. Nevermind that Henry is hiding somewhere...
Henry brings up the front in this scene. The graphic quality is sharp and presents a vivid vision. In the battle sequences, you will notice that the backgrounds are sumptuous. The character animation during battles is fluid albeit monosyllabic, there is little variety in the attacks when one button controls everything. This monotonous fighting action may tend to be grating and seem more of a chore than fun but you'll have to grin and bear it if you want to see more of the later levels in the game and of course, finish up the adventure. The entire quest is played through with just you and the princess in the party. Again, this should not be thought of as odd since Airs is not a traditional role playing game but more of a romantic story where you get to spend some time with the princess, in the wilds of the kingdom in search of adventure, sport and faeries. Another way of thinking about it would be that this is the ultimate medieval date.

The view of the action throughout the game is from a 3-D overhead view. Its not isometric since you see the main characters from directly above. Here, the princess and Henry encounter a treasure chest which may be opened up for treasure or valuables. Some treasure chests are locked and may only be opened up with a key. Note the woodsy look of the floors and the metallic sheen that emanates from the treasure chest.

In towns, you will be able to gather clues and information from it's denizens. Shops will also come in handy when you are short on supplies.

	The creatures in Airs are a varied lot. Thank Nagano for that. I couldn't figure out what kind of beast this was exactly but I call it simply "The spidery looking creature that has a clamshell on its back".
Airs Adventure is different. Hardcore RPG fans will probably not take to this game like they would to a DragonQuest VI or a Final Fantasy VII but Airs is refreshing to play. Its not heavy on battle and the storyline is strong and interesting. That, and the fact that the production values are high make this a labor of love from its concept and design team.

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