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When Capcom had it's tenth anniversary for Rockman, they released a slew of products commemorating the event that ranged a small spectrum of merchandising. Rockman 8 and Rockman Battle & Chase were the two products for the video game market and both did very well. Atlus also has a tenth anniversary this year in their popular Megami Tensei license and Soul Hackers and Ronde make up their video game commemoration. Ronde is another release in the Megami environment of demons, summoning and dark themes. Ronde is an rpg that thrusts the player into a 3-D field with encounters, past lives to reckon and the usual gang of demons to interact with and battle. |
| Ronde |
| The story in Ronde starts off with the accidental opening of a gate to the world of demons by an archaelogical team. As the main character in the game, you and your average teenage friends are forced into an adventure where you must deal with kinship, treachery, reincarnation and dark forces that continually swirl around you and your party. Portions of the subject matter may disturbing to some sensibilities but remember, it's still only a game. Cinema and literature around the world have both addressed demonic themes and Atlus gives it a go on the interactive level with their Megami variants and sequels. It's a double serving this week with Soul Hackers in the offering also. |  |
| Ronde |
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Battles are fought in rendered scenes with animated sword slashes and parries. Magical spells and incantations are accompanied by theatrics that would make any sorceror proud. Each encounter is shown in a close-up screen where both characters may be viewed from an overhead isometric perspective. The fighting is turn based so you won't have to fight in real time against a powerful djinn or minor demon. Character stats are also shown so that you can track how you're doing against your opponent. The stats will also let you measure your own capabilities against those of your adversary. |
| Ronde |
| A new feature in the Ronde game environment is the Remix Station where you can bind demons into your weapons or your armor. Demons under your control may also be remixed into new forms by combining them with other demons. This system of demon usage adds a new dimension to weapon power-ups and the kind of damage that you can do when using certain armaments. The new demonic entities that you can forge will also add powerful party members to your group so that you can become more of a killing machine. |  |
| Ronde |
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Battles are fought on 3-D terrain maps. The battles reflect strategic considerations that use the terrain. For example, like we saw in Riglord Saga 2, height plays an advantage when attacking an opponent. Higher ground will give you an extra edge in imparting more damage while any blows meted against you will be diminished by your height advantage. Ronde presents an interesting world to immerse yourself into. The mystical themes that are addressed in the game should appeal to those who are interested in the occult and in the Megami Tensei world in general. |
| Ronde |
| This document is © NCS 1997 |