The Sword of Etheria
Encyclopedia
The Sword of Etheria, released in Japan as and in Korea as Chains of Power, is a Beat Em' Up/Action Adventure video game for the PlayStation 2
developed by Konami
. The game's development team was the same team who created Suikoden III
and most of the Castlevania
series of games. It was released on June 30, 2005 in Japan and on February 24, 2006 in Europe. It was also re-released as a Konami Best Hit in Japan on January 26, 2006. The game has not been released in North America.
The game's Japanese title OZ, literally means Over Zenith as shown in the opening sequence of the Japanese version. Its literal definition of "Surpassing the Peak" also explain why the words Over Zenith appears when the "Tension gauge" is maxed out (see Gameplay). On the other hand, OZ is also used to refer to the group comprising the three greatest "Katenas" (term is used in all versions of the game).
Later on, a group of Katenas and monsters attacks the village Fiel is living in and kidnaps Dorothy by monsters called "Volo". Fiel then must save her with the help of two other Katenas, Almira and Leon. Thus, entering the threats present within the grasp of the gods.
In The Sword of Etheria the player controls Fiel as the protagonist where he will be partnered by Almira and Leon, who are both AI
-controlled characters but each given their own individual HP gauge. The Sword of Etheria offers a new distinct battle system to the Beat 'em up
genre; the player has to perform launch attacks on enemies in order to perform multi-hit aerial combos while the enemy is in thin-air as if juggling them in the air. These combos could be utilized with the aid of Almira and Leon for additional hits.
A 'Tension gauge' is shown in right part of the screen which will be indicating the player's performance with combos. It increases by chaining aerial combos and decreases if a large delay gap is present in-between attacks. In addition to this, a 'Deathblow' could be performed altogether by the party as a final blow to multiple enemies when a 'hint' displays on the screen; as a result, the accumulated points decreases. As the game progresses, the Tension gauge levels up and will be longer, thus given the ability to use more powerful Deathblows. If the gauge reaches Level 3, maxing out the gauge will display "Over Zenith" the strongest Deathblow that could be performed.
The Sword of Etheria focuses deeply in its battle system and storyline which is divided by Chapters and presents anime
looking characters. Stages vary from typical forest fields, villages to different kinds of dungeons.
A special/alternate version of Chapter 9 is playable when certain requirements are met. In that chapter, the storyline will be somewhat different and the three main characters will portray some of the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
characters; Fiel as Tin Man, Almira as Scarecrow
and Leon as Lion
. There is also an additional unlockable story which can be played with Fiel's sister, Dorothy, as the main character.
The game also included a feature of changing the characters' costumes which could be bought in-game. These costumes were cameos from various games made by Konami
which includes Suikoden III
, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
and Silent Hill 3
.
However, they will be opposed by Vitis, Galumn and Juju. Three other Katenas who are under the influence and control of the gods.
Some characters bear the name after the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
. Namely Dorothy, Almira, Leon (Lion) and Toto. Which could be a pun added to the game.
series.
" which also bears the same title and was performed by Martha Matsuda. A remix version of the song was featured in Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME 2
, another game by Konami
showing different scenes from the game.
An original soundtrack which was composed by Michiru Yamane
and arranged by Naoto Suzuki was released on July 20, 2005 in Japan with a catalog number of GFCA-3~4.
Although all music were originally made for the game, the music in Chapter 6 of the game is rather a remix or an arranged version of Suikoden IV
OST's "Epilogue ~For the 108 Stars~".
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...
developed by Konami
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
. The game's development team was the same team who created Suikoden III
Suikoden III
is a console role-playing game developed and published by Konami for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console, and the third installment in the Suikoden video game series. It was released in 2002 in Japan and Notrth America, with a manga version published in 2004...
and most of the Castlevania
Castlevania
Castlevania, known as in Japan, is a video game series created and developed by Konami. The series debuted in Japan on September 26, 1986, with the release of for the Family Computer Disk System , followed by an alternate version for the MSX 2 platform on October 30...
series of games. It was released on June 30, 2005 in Japan and on February 24, 2006 in Europe. It was also re-released as a Konami Best Hit in Japan on January 26, 2006. The game has not been released in North America.
The game's Japanese title OZ, literally means Over Zenith as shown in the opening sequence of the Japanese version. Its literal definition of "Surpassing the Peak" also explain why the words Over Zenith appears when the "Tension gauge" is maxed out (see Gameplay). On the other hand, OZ is also used to refer to the group comprising the three greatest "Katenas" (term is used in all versions of the game).
Prologue
The story sets off with Cain having visions of unexplainable things. Cain, Leon and Almira fight monsters yet it is unclear of what really is happening.Main story
Fiel ("Feel" in the Japanese version), a boy who lost his parents at an early age, grew up with his younger sister Dorothy together with their cat Toto, dwelling in a world of humans, gods and spiritual creatures called the Katenas. Trying to bring down mankind, the gods have drained the planet of 'Etheria' (its energy source) and taken control of the Katenas.Later on, a group of Katenas and monsters attacks the village Fiel is living in and kidnaps Dorothy by monsters called "Volo". Fiel then must save her with the help of two other Katenas, Almira and Leon. Thus, entering the threats present within the grasp of the gods.
Gameplay
Ai
AI, A.I., Ai, or ai may refer to:- Computers :* Artificial intelligence, a branch of computer science* Ad impression, in online advertising* .ai, the ISO Internet 2-letter country code for Anguilla...
-controlled characters but each given their own individual HP gauge. The Sword of Etheria offers a new distinct battle system to the Beat 'em up
Beat 'em up
Beat 'em up is a video game genre featuring melee combat between the protagonist and a large number of underpowered antagonists. These games typically take place in urban settings and feature crime-fighting and revenge-based plots, though some games may employ historical or fantasy themes...
genre; the player has to perform launch attacks on enemies in order to perform multi-hit aerial combos while the enemy is in thin-air as if juggling them in the air. These combos could be utilized with the aid of Almira and Leon for additional hits.
The Sword of Etheria focuses deeply in its battle system and storyline which is divided by Chapters and presents anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
looking characters. Stages vary from typical forest fields, villages to different kinds of dungeons.
A special/alternate version of Chapter 9 is playable when certain requirements are met. In that chapter, the storyline will be somewhat different and the three main characters will portray some of the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. Originally published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago on May 17, 1900, it has since been reprinted numerous times, most often under the name The Wizard of Oz, which is the name of...
characters; Fiel as Tin Man, Almira as Scarecrow
Scarecrow (Oz)
The Scarecrow is a character in the fictional Land of Oz created by American author L. Frank Baum and illustrator William Wallace Denslow. In his first appearance, the Scarecrow reveals that he lacks a brain and desires above all else to have one. In reality, he is only two days old and merely...
and Leon as Lion
Cowardly Lion
The Cowardly Lion is the main character in the fictional Land of Oz created by American author L. Frank Baum. He is a Lion, but he talks and interacts with humans....
. There is also an additional unlockable story which can be played with Fiel's sister, Dorothy, as the main character.
The game also included a feature of changing the characters' costumes which could be bought in-game. These costumes were cameos from various games made by Konami
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
which includes Suikoden III
Suikoden III
is a console role-playing game developed and published by Konami for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console, and the third installment in the Suikoden video game series. It was released in 2002 in Japan and Notrth America, with a manga version published in 2004...
, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, released as in Japan, Europe, and Australia, is an action-adventure video game developed by Konami for the PlayStation 2 console. Belonging to Konami's Castlevania video game series, it is the first installment of the series on the PlayStation 2 and the third to...
and Silent Hill 3
Silent Hill 3
Silent Hill 3 is a survival horror video game published by Konami for the PlayStation 2 and developed by Team Silent, a production group within Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo. It is the third installment in the Silent Hill series and a direct sequel to the first Silent Hill game...
.
Characters
The story revolves around the three main characters. Fiel the main protagonist, Almira and Leon who are Katenas. Their mission is to save Dorothy, Fiel's sister who was kidnapped by the monsters. Fiel could use an extraordinary power with the help of Toto, their cat who could transform into Lex, which can be used as a weapon.However, they will be opposed by Vitis, Galumn and Juju. Three other Katenas who are under the influence and control of the gods.
Some characters bear the name after the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. Originally published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago on May 17, 1900, it has since been reprinted numerous times, most often under the name The Wizard of Oz, which is the name of...
. Namely Dorothy, Almira, Leon (Lion) and Toto. Which could be a pun added to the game.
Character design
The game features characters designed by Fumi Ishikawa, character designer from the SuikodenSuikoden
is a role-playing game series originally created by Yoshitaka Murayama. The game series is loosely based on the classical Chinese novel, Shui Hu Zhuan by Shi Naian and Luo Guanzhong. Shui Hu Zhuan is rendered as 水滸伝 in Japanese, and read as Suikoden...
series.
Music
The game's intro song is an arranged version of "Polovtsian Dances and ChorusPolovetsian Dances
The Polovtsian Dances are perhaps the best known selections from Alexander Borodin's opera Prince Igor . They are often played as a stand-alone concert piece. Borodin was the original composer, but the opera was left unfinished at his death and was subsequently completed by Nikolai...
" which also bears the same title and was performed by Martha Matsuda. A remix version of the song was featured in Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME 2
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 is the tenth home version of Dance Dance Revolution to be released in the United States. It was released by Konami on September 28, 2005 for the PlayStation 2 video game console...
, another game by Konami
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
showing different scenes from the game.
An original soundtrack which was composed by Michiru Yamane
Michiru Yamane
is a Japanese video game composer and musician. She is known primarily for her work on the Castlevania series and other Konami games, including Suikoden. Her debut composition was Twinbee...
and arranged by Naoto Suzuki was released on July 20, 2005 in Japan with a catalog number of GFCA-3~4.
Although all music were originally made for the game, the music in Chapter 6 of the game is rather a remix or an arranged version of Suikoden IV
Suikoden IV
is a console role-playing game developed and published by Konami for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console and the fourth installment of the Suikoden video game series...
OST's "Epilogue ~For the 108 Stars~".
Voice cast
The list of the Japanese and English(PAL) voice actors of The Sword of Etheria. However, the English voice actors were not credited for their portrayals.Japanese
- Atsushi KisaichiAtsushi KisaichiAtsushi Kisaichi is a seiyū who was born in Tokyo. He works for Aoni Production. His hobbies are baseball and tennis.-Anime:* Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Shōgo Asahina...
as Fiel - Atsuko TanakaAtsuko Tanakais a Japanese voice actress who works for Ezaki Productions. Her deep and sultry voice is often used to portray villainesses and mature female characters.-TV anime:*Angel Links *Black Cat *Berserk *Cowboy Bebop...
as Almira - Go ShinomiyaGo Shinomiyais a Japanese voice actor from Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.-Video Games:*Samurai Spirits Zero Special as Kusaragedo *Suikoden IV as Reinbach*The Sword of Etheria as Leon*Blaze Union: Story to Reach the Future as Velleman*Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword...
as Leon - Tetsu InadaTetsu Inada' is a seiyū who works for Aoni Production.-TV:*Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales *Bakugan Battle Brawlers *Bakugan Battle Brawlers New Vestroia *Bamboo Blade...
as Vitis - Noriko Minagawa as Juju
- Hisao EgawaHisao Egawais a Japanese voice actor from Tokyo who works for Aoni Production. Egawa is most known for the roles of Shin'ichi Maki in Slam Dunk, Geki Kuroiwa in Brave Command Dagwon, Geki Hyūma and Goldymarg in The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, Killer Bee in Naruto Shippuden, and Falco Lombardi in the Star Fox...
as Galumn - Ikuji Nose as Cain
- Minoru InabaMinoru Inabais a Japanese voice actor from Shizuoka Prefecture. He is affiliated with Ken Production.Inaba is best known for his roles in Disney productions , Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory , Buzz Lightyear of Star Command , and The Transformers .-Television animation:*After War Gundam X - Rike Anto,...
as Toto - Akane ŌmaeAkane Omaeis a Japanese voice actress.-Anime:*Azumanga Daioh *Chibi Maruko *Gravion *Hamtaro *I My Me! Strawberry Eggs *Negima!? *Shigofumi...
as Dorothy
English
- Johnny Yong BoschJohnny Yong BoschJohnny Yong Bosch is an American actor, voice actor, martial artist, and musician.He may be best known for portraying Adam Park in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and being the English voice of Ichigo Kurosaki in the hit anime series Bleach, Vash the Stampede in Trigun and Lelouch Lamperouge in Code...
as Fiel - Dave WittenbergDave WittenbergDavid Richard Paul "Dave" Wittenberg is a prolific South African-born American video game and anime voice actor with nearly one hundred titles to his credit. While Wittenberg was born in a hospital in South Africa, he was primarily raised in Boston...
as Leon - Wendee LeeWendee LeeWendee Lee is an American voice actress. While she has done voice work for many video games as well as several episodes in the Power Rangers franchise, she is particularly prolific in the dubbing of anime. As of April 2009, with 223 credits to her name, she has more credits in this medium than any...
as Almira - Steven Jay Blum as Vitis
- Peter van Hoof as Galumn
- Michelle RuffMichelle RuffMichelle Suzanne Ruff is an American voice actress known for her work in anime and video games.-Anime roles:* Angel Tales - Akane the fox* Ai Yori Aoshi - Aoi Sakuraba* Arc the Lad - Meril...
as Juju