Natsume's Line-Up All About Diversity

Natsume President Yasuhiro Maekawa invited videogames.com to hang around his office, play his games, drink his soda, and check out what titles the company plans to release in the next year or so.

Its line-up is quite diverse, as apparently Natsume's goal is to bridge the genre gaps, expanding its market.

Flying DragonFirst in line was developer Culture Brain's Flying Dragon, a customizable Nintendo 64 title that reportedly will combine all fighting games into one, with two distinct modes. SD Mode is an anime-style fighter in which players will create their own characters, RPG-style, based on about 200 items from cloaks to healing potions and daggers.

Virtual Mode will allow players to fight in 2D or 3D, while being graded on their performance and instructed on how to improve, via the training dojo and Mind's Eye options. Tournament, vs., group match, and circuit modes will also be available when the game is released in the US this July.

Harvest MoonNatsume is also releasing Harvest Moon, previously for the SNES, for the Nintendo Game Boy this June. The gameplay will basically be the same, only enhanced to feature a story line that continues, even when you're not playing, a choice of pets, and a "secret" animal in addition to the usual livestock.

The new version will also work with the Game Boy's communication cables, so players will be able to share animals and seeds and such. Also, players will now have the option of playing as a male or a female-notably, the marriage option is no longer included.

A color Game Boy version is expected during first quarter '99, and an N64 version will reportedly be available in second quarter '99.

The Legend of the River KingPerhaps expanding on their fishing titles, Natsume will also release The Legend of the River King for the Game Boy this June. River King is an RPG/simulation that will involve players of the River King himself, seeking the legendary Guardian Fish who holds the magic power that will heal your sick sister. En route to this hard-to-catch fish, you'll encounter people who can assist you, but you'll have to pay them off by catching fish for them, of course.

There will be 40 different types of fish and four methods of angling, including bait (Sinker and Floater) as well as Fly and Lure fishing. But being a good fisherman won't guarantee your success level. You'll also have bears and birds trying to steal your catch throughout the game.

The Legend of the River King will be available for the color Game Boy during the second quarter of '99, and for the N64 in Japan in December, and in the States during the first quarter of '99.

As more news on Natsume and its titles turns up, videogames.com will keep you informed.