Shigeo Komori is taking a break from directing the Etrian Odyssey games to create a brand new Nintendo DS RPG. Komori is the producer of Nora and the Carving Studio: The Witch of the Foggy Forest. Shinichi Yoshiike, best known for his work on Gust’s Atelier series, is the game’s planner and scenario writer. Yuji Himukai, character designer on the Etrain Odyssey series, is Nora’s character artist. Michiko Naruke composed the game’s soundtrack.
The Temperina legend passed down from the countryside says a witch named Vera lives within a foggy forest on an island next to a lake. Nora, the game’s protagonist, came to the foggy forest to learn the art of dokoku, an animated carving (I think this could be explained as a living statue). The villagers aren’t so sure and accuse Nora of being a witch. To prove her innocence, Nora sets off on quests to help the townsfolk.
Similar to the Atelier titles, players accept quests and gather materials in Nora and the Carving Studio: The Witch of the Foggy Forest. After procuring the necessary components, you can use your carving technique to create valuable items.
Nora Brandle is just 16 years old when the game starts. You’ll see her mature as a person and her abilities grow as a carver. Lutz Alenius, also 16, is a novice adventurer who dreams of making a fortune by defeating the witch. He’s a hot blooded and sometimes foolish character. Keke, a boy with beast-like features, traveled with Nora. Due to his appearance, Keke has had a hard time since childhood, but feels at home in the forest among the animals.
In an interview with Famitsu, Komori says Nora and the Carving Studio: The Witch of the Foggy Forest is designed as a simple life RPG. The difficulty, Komori reassures, will not be as hard as the Etrian Odyssey series. Atlus is developing this game to be a heartwarming RPG.
Famitsu shared a few screenshots of the game and a first look at the characters online. Nora and the Carving Studio: The Witch of the Foggy Forest is 85% complete according to the magazine and slated for release on July 21 in Japan.
Published: Apr 27, 2011 12:52 pm