TGS 2001 Fall: First Look: Fengshen Yanyi: Legends of Gods and Heroes

Koei unveiled a new RPG for the PlayStation 2, Fengshen Yanyi, that is based on ancient Chinese history and features character design by well-known Japanese illustrator Takeshi Okazaki. The story is set in the ancient Shang Dynasty, three years after an evil god named Da Qi and his forces were banished from the land. However it seems that dark forces are appearing in China again and a group of sorcerers have been ordered to investigate the source of the evil. A random encounter between the sorcerers and a village boy named Ci Ga pulls the lad into the quest to defeat the dark forces.

The game will put you in the role of Ci Ga as he explores the land and encounters an eclectic mix of individuals who will both help and hinder his quest. Exploration is done on a 3D field map that marks the passage of time and changes in weather. You'll eventually be able to change conditions on the map by using a mystical weapon called a Bao Bei.

Combat in the game appears to be in real time and is slated to offer some unique features. As your party grows you will have the opportunity to interact with all the members and build relationships with them. The relationships come into play during combat, you'll be able to perform combo attacks that are made possible by using combo points you must earn. The combo points are earned via another feature in the game called the voice communication system that allows you to improve the abilities of your party members if you speak to them at the right time, which earns the points. The more points you have, the wider the variety of combo attacks that will be open to you.

Ci Ga's Bao Bei will develop alongside its owner. The Bao Bei can be enhanced by jewels players find in the game. It appears as through there will be some degree of customization available, as Bao Bei will vary in type and power. Koei states that Bao Bei development is limited only by a player's creativity.

A Japanese release date for Fengshen Yanyi has not been set.