Growlanser: Heritage of War
Encyclopedia
Growlanser: Heritage of War (known as Growlanser V: Generations in Japan) is a SRPG
for the PlayStation 2
. It was developed by Career Soft, and published in Japan
by Atlus
in 2006. Atlus
published the game in North America
on September 18, 2007.
The Limited Edition is the only edition of Growlanser V published in North America. It was released in a single print and then discontinued.
continent
was plunged into war. The people who wished to end the warring revived a powerful weapon called the "Admonisher" and threatened the participants of the war with it. Thus all of the wars were ended by force. The people behind this called themselves the "Peace Maintenance Brigade." 20 years later the old men of the Brigade are no longer able to maintain the peace.
Now war
has once again broken out among the inhabitants of the continent. A mysterious famine
has appeared, leaving the citizens to fight over what little fertile land is left, while the cities are constantly attacked by fierce amphibious
monsters known as "Screapers."
Players mold the personality of Haschen through dialog choices in the game and are also able to name him after finishing the individual roles.
He is named Zeonsilt on the Japanese version, and voiced by Suzumura Kenichi in the original character song's album, even though his character is not voiced in the game.
She is voiced by Kari Wahlgren
in the English version and by Mayuki Mamiguchi in the Japanese version.
to one of the commanders of the Peace Maintenance Brigade. She works for commander Isaac. She is calm and collected, however, she sometimes lets her sadness through. and the truth is her father is Isaac in past times commander Isaac and her is both a bandit.
She is voiced by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
in the English version and by Sayori Ishizuka
in the Japanese version.
He is voiced by Sam Riegel
in the English version and by Miki Shinichirou in the Japanese version.
She is voiced by Barbara Radecki
in the English version and by Hitomi Nabatame
in the Japanese version.
She is voiced by Kari Wahlgren
in the English version.
He is voiced by Sam Riegel
in the English Version.
He is voiced by Yuri Lowenthal
in the English version.
She is voiced by Amanda Winn Lee in the English version and by Ai Matayoshi in the Japanese version.
He is voiced by Kirk Thornton
in the English version and by Kōichi Nagano
in the Japanese version.
He is voiced by Nolan North
in the English version and by Nobuaki Kanemitsu in the Japanese version.
She is voiced by Julie Ann Taylor
in the English version and by Rie Kanda
in the Japanese version.
He is voiced by Louis Gossett, Jr in the English version and by Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
in the Japanese version.
Tactical role-playing game
A tactical role-playing game is a type of video game which incorporates elements of traditional role-playing video games and strategy games. In Japan these games are known as , a designation which might seem peculiar to native English speakers...
for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
. It was developed by Career Soft, and published in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
by Atlus
Atlus
is a Japanese computer and video game developer, publisher, and distributor based in Tokyo, Japan, best known for developing the console role-playing game franchise Megami Tensei. The first Megami Tensei was a Nintendo Entertainment System video game published by Namco based on a trilogy of...
in 2006. Atlus
Atlus
is a Japanese computer and video game developer, publisher, and distributor based in Tokyo, Japan, best known for developing the console role-playing game franchise Megami Tensei. The first Megami Tensei was a Nintendo Entertainment System video game published by Namco based on a trilogy of...
published the game in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
on September 18, 2007.
Features
- Over 70 hours of gameplay
- 5 lengthy chapters (with additional unlockable chapters)
- Hand drawn animationAnimationAnimation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. The effect is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in several ways...
, and character portraits by Satoshi UrushiharaSatoshi Urushiharais a Japanese manga artist and illustrator known for his distinctive style of featuresque and beautiful characters. His work is the basis for anime such as Plastic Little and Legend of Lemnear, and appears in the Langrisser and Growlanser series of tactical CRPGs.-Early life:Satoshi Urushihara was... - Strategic party based combat
- Player manageable character ability tree
- Ability to cultivate intimate relationships with characters
- A new engine in the North American version not present in the Japanese version which makes the game run smoother
- Increased difficulty in the North American version not present in the Japanese version
Limited Edition (NA)
Along with the actual game disc itself, the North American limited edition will be packaged with:- A 100 page artbook
- A multi-media disc containing music and artwork
- A keychain
- Two lenticular cardLenticular printingLenticular printing is a technology in which a lenticular lens is used to produce images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles...
s - Three pins
The Limited Edition is the only edition of Growlanser V published in North America. It was released in a single print and then discontinued.
Story
Once, an isolated islandIsland
An island or isle is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, cays or keys. An island in a river or lake may be called an eyot , or holm...
continent
Continent
A continent is one of several very large landmasses on Earth. They are generally identified by convention rather than any strict criteria, with seven regions commonly regarded as continents—they are : Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.Plate tectonics is...
was plunged into war. The people who wished to end the warring revived a powerful weapon called the "Admonisher" and threatened the participants of the war with it. Thus all of the wars were ended by force. The people behind this called themselves the "Peace Maintenance Brigade." 20 years later the old men of the Brigade are no longer able to maintain the peace.
Now war
War
War is a state of organized, armed, and often prolonged conflict carried on between states, nations, or other parties typified by extreme aggression, social disruption, and usually high mortality. War should be understood as an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict between political...
has once again broken out among the inhabitants of the continent. A mysterious famine
Famine
A famine is a widespread scarcity of food, caused by several factors including crop failure, overpopulation, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality. Every continent in the world has...
has appeared, leaving the citizens to fight over what little fertile land is left, while the cities are constantly attacked by fierce amphibious
Amphibian
Amphibians , are a class of vertebrate animals including animals such as toads, frogs, caecilians, and salamanders. They are characterized as non-amniote ectothermic tetrapods...
monsters known as "Screapers."
Haschen
The main character. Haschen is an orphan who grew up in the town of Warslee, which was under the control of the PMB. Haschen joined the Peace Maintenance Brigade a year earlier when tragedy struck his village. Surviving the attack, he underwent an operation that now gives him an ability, 'Ultrasonic Aura' that weakens nearby Screapers and enhance his hearing senses. Even so, should he fail to take his Medication, his life will be at risk. He wields two twin lances.Players mold the personality of Haschen through dialog choices in the game and are also able to name him after finishing the individual roles.
He is named Zeonsilt on the Japanese version, and voiced by Suzumura Kenichi in the original character song's album, even though his character is not voiced in the game.
Fanille
A young and timid Peace Maintenance Brigade Researcher who specializes in energy research. She is originally a Grangalian but moved to Jaergen in Neylern territory with her aunt when something happened to her parents. She usually has her head in her books.She is voiced by Kari Wahlgren
Kari Wahlgren
Kari K. Wahlgren is an American voice actress who has provided English language voices for dozens of anime titles and video games. Her debut role was as one of the main characters of FLCL, Haruko Haruhara. She had a live-action role as Tinker Bell in the 2003 Damion Dietz film Neverland...
in the English version and by Mayuki Mamiguchi in the Japanese version.
Melvina
A devoted, calm, and able adjutantAdjutant
Adjutant is a military rank or appointment. In some armies, including most English-speaking ones, it is an officer who assists a more senior officer, while in other armies, especially Francophone ones, it is an NCO , normally corresponding roughly to a Staff Sergeant or Warrant Officer.An Adjutant...
to one of the commanders of the Peace Maintenance Brigade. She works for commander Isaac. She is calm and collected, however, she sometimes lets her sadness through. and the truth is her father is Isaac in past times commander Isaac and her is both a bandit.
She is voiced by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn is an American voice actress, ADR director, writer, and singer best known for her extensive English-language dubbing of various anime, and her singing in multiple games from the Silent Hill series, as well as the movie adaptation and Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME. She has...
in the English version and by Sayori Ishizuka
Sayori Ishizuka
is a Japanese voice actress. She has voiced in many popular anime series, such as MÄR and To Heart 2.-Roles:*Asobi ni iku yo! as Maya*Bleach: Mila Rose, Haida Kyōko*D.C...
in the Japanese version.
Krious
A skilled fighter and an excellent negotiator. He is Seldous' son, the Chief Commander of the Peace Maintenance Brigade. He works towards his father's goal of bringing peace to the entire continent. He is funny and gets to the bottom of things.He is voiced by Sam Riegel
Sam Riegel
Samuel Brent Oscar "Sam" Riegel is a voice actor, writer and director who appears in many television cartoons, anime, and video games. He began as a child actor in theater in Virginia, and moved to New York City to perform in Broadway and off-Broadway shows...
in the English version and by Miki Shinichirou in the Japanese version.
Elessa
A childhood friend of Fanille, and a Peace Maintenance Brigade researcher. She researches on ancient ruins in the PMB. She met Fanille when they were young in Jaergen, she was the maid's daughter of Fanille's home.She is voiced by Barbara Radecki
Barbara Radecki
Barbara Radecki is a Canadian actress who is most popular for her role as the voice of Sailor Neptune in the English version of Sailor Moon S; she had appeared in several earlier episodes as Ikuko Tsukino and Queen Serenity as well...
in the English version and by Hitomi Nabatame
Hitomi Nabatame
is a Japanese voice actress. She is affiliated with Ken Production. When voicing adult games, she is known as , , , or . She also sings opening themes for Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu under the name Miran Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers.-Anime:...
in the Japanese version.
Sherris
One of the few Slayers on the continent, and the Princess of the Kingdom of Cyriltia. Her skills have earned her the title of Captain of the Royal Guard. She is always concerned about the citizens. She wishes deep down that she could be a normal woman instead of royalty and hopes for the day when her brother can re-assume the royal throne.She is voiced by Kari Wahlgren
Kari Wahlgren
Kari K. Wahlgren is an American voice actress who has provided English language voices for dozens of anime titles and video games. Her debut role was as one of the main characters of FLCL, Haruko Haruhara. She had a live-action role as Tinker Bell in the 2003 Damion Dietz film Neverland...
in the English version.
Randall
A well known historian and doctor who specializes in the history of the continent. He has a wife and daughter, and loves them both dearly. Very caring and knowledgeable when it comes to the war.Rufus
A mild-mannered Captain of the Grangale Army. He is one of the three Slayers of the Grangale Kingdom. Is in the same army as Gaerik and often fights alongside him. Rufus is the kinder of the two.He is voiced by Sam Riegel
Sam Riegel
Samuel Brent Oscar "Sam" Riegel is a voice actor, writer and director who appears in many television cartoons, anime, and video games. He began as a child actor in theater in Virginia, and moved to New York City to perform in Broadway and off-Broadway shows...
in the English Version.
Gaerik
A brash and rude Captain of the Grangale Army. He is one of the three Slayers of the Grangale Kingdom. Does not get along well with others, but seems to a bit with Rufus.He is voiced by Yuri Lowenthal
Yuri Lowenthal
Yuri Lowenthal is a voice actor that has voiced several anime and video game characters. He also voiced Kamal for the alternate reality game I Love Bees....
in the English version.
Korin
A cheerful and curious fairy who seeks a savior of light. She accompanies Haschen on his journey, and is looking for a legendary hero to become her owner. She is often challenged by other faries, and is how she ends up joining the Fairy Contests. She can be rude, but lovable at times.She has sporting blue hair and a pale light teal dress shirt and dark teal shorts.She is voiced by Amanda Winn Lee in the English version and by Ai Matayoshi in the Japanese version.
Seldous
An explorer who is trying to bring peace to the continent. He is search for information about the "Paradise Legend", which he believes will aid him. Does not want war, but also wants to end it in a nonviolent way.He is voiced by Kirk Thornton
Kirk Thornton
Kirk Thornton is an American voice actor.-Bio:He is known for playing tough or grouchy men in English-dubbed anime and video games. His career includes Hotohori in Fushigi Yūgi and Jin in Samurai Champloo...
in the English version and by Kōichi Nagano
Koichi Nagano
is a male Japanese voice actor. He is from Sakura, Chiba, Japan. He debuted in 1990.Kouichi is famous for voicing Yuichiro Hikari in Rockman EXE. Another famous role includes that of Ryokan Kurita in Eyeshield 21.He was formerly part of 81 Produce.-Anime:...
in the Japanese version.
Isaac
An explorer who despises all wars, and wishes to put an end to them. To achieve this goal, he joins Seldous in his journey. He can be very rude and harsh. He is friends with Seldous and helps end war with him.He is voiced by Nolan North
Nolan North
Nolan Ramsey North is an American actor and voice actor born in New Haven, Connecticut. He has been described as "the nearest thing the games industry has to a bona fide leading man."-Biography:...
in the English version and by Nobuaki Kanemitsu in the Japanese version.
Ziekwalt
A mysterious man who aids you at your first encounter; however, the questions of "Who is he?", and "What are his intentions?" remain questionable for some time.Vanette
An explorer who comes from the same orphanage as Seldous. Married to Seldous and gave birth to Krious. Not long after, she died. Once visited Totuwa and left her diary there. At the present, Krious retrieved the diary back.She is voiced by Julie Ann Taylor
Julie Ann Taylor
Julie Ann Taylor is an American voice actress who is best known for her role of Ai Tanabe in Planetes, Mutsumi Otohime in Love Hina, Yukari Hayasaka in Paradise Kiss and Taiga Fujimura in Fate/Stay Night among others...
in the English version and by Rie Kanda
Rie Kanda
is a Japanese seiyū. She is affiliated with 81 Produce.Also known under the name:Asamiya Saki, Saitou Aiko, Saeki Ami, Suzuki Mari, Tokiwa Misaki, Mimura Sakiko, Mimura Sachiko-Anime:*Ah! My Goddess...
in the Japanese version.
Rockbein
A former General of the Neylern Kingdom, and Knight Slayer. His Kingdom was subjugated by another country, and now he seeks to lead his people back to independence. At one point he was the mightiest Slayer on the continent.He is voiced by Louis Gossett, Jr in the English version and by Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
Ryuzaburo Otomo
is a Japanese voice actor, actor and narrator from Tokyo. He is currently affiliated with Aoni Production as of December 2006, and was formerly affiliated with 81 Produce and the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society....
in the Japanese version.
Battle
Battles take place in real-time, and there is no transition to a separate battle map (which is usually found in traditional Japanese RPGs). As such the game forces players to come up with strategies and tactics immediately as the situation calls for it.External links
- The official website of Growlanser: Heritage of War
- The official website of Growlanser V: Generations (JapaneseJapanese languageis a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
) - Growlanser Realm (unofficial fansite)