Gameplay
The upper screen of the ds is used to show unit information while movement and attacks are determined on the lower part of the ds screen. Left-handed touch-screen controls, right-handed touch-screen controls and standard D-pad control schemes are available. The player is able to change different control schemes in combat with the Select button. One of the special things in this game is the Flash Drive Gauge, which, when filled, allows the player to use a special attack. Other features of the game include short sequences in between featuring the game's mascot, Kopin, and intermission sequences that will allow the player to get to know the characters in the party better. The game also includes an online multiplayer component
Battles
Luminous Arc is a standard tactical role-playing game and uses a battlefield grid set-up for battles, using an isometric perspective.
Special Attacks
Each time a player character makes an action, his or her Flash Meter will increase. The player can then use Flash Points to perform powerful attacks that may also cause status ailments to enemies. Some enemies in Luminous Arc can also use Flash Drives.
It is important to note that, while normal attack skills can damage allies and healing skills can restore enemy HP, the effects of Flash Drives are limited to their intended targets--it is impossible for a recovery Flash Drive to heal opponents, etc. Flash Drives can be learned via leveling up, but several are learned as the story progresses.
Synergy attacks are a combination attack that can be used when all characters involved characters have their Flash Points filled up and are close to each other on the field. However, not all characters can perform Synergy attacks, as they are unlocked via story arcs that revolve around certain characters bonding.
Intermissions
Which choice will strengthen Alph's bond with Leon?After each scene, the spoils of battle will be displayed on the screen, including gold, items, and Vitae. In addition, the player will be prompted to talk with one of the characters that took part in the battle. An Intermission scene occurs after the ensuing plot dialogue, in which the player can have a short conversation with the previously selected character. On the Touch Screen, a list of responses will appear with the chosen character's avatar on the top screen. If the choice was favorable, the main character, Alph, will develop a stronger bond with that character, which takes the form of evasion and hit rate bonuses if the two are placed next to each other in future battles. If the character particularly likes the player's response, he or she may give Alph a useful item. However, the player is given a finite number of opportunities to talk to each character, after which it will be impossible to improve the bond. If the player has made good choices throughout the various conversations with a character, there may be a special scene between Alph and that character featuring anime-style art and an additional voice-over.
There are also short mini-cutscenes after every story battle featuring the game's mascot, Kopin. Though he claims that he will try to keep an eye on the characters and tell the story from his point of view, the player actually learns more about Kopin's personality, philosophy, and possible love interests. If the player pokes the Touch Screen in different places, Kopin might respond to it with a variety of expressions.
Vitae
Throughout the adventure, the player will obtain magical items called Vitae. According to the game's lore, Vitae get their magical properties from the ancient power of Rune, the same power used by the Witches to fuel their magic. In order to make use of a piece of Vitae, it must first be appraised at the workshop in the Witch Village. Once this has been accomplished, the Vitae can be used to add elemental and status effects to weapons. In addition, it is possible to press other characters about what they know about Vitae--this will allow the player to learn the best combinations for developing items with different strengths.
Multiplayer Battles
Players can fight against other players in North America with a Wi-Fi option, or locally via the DS' Wireless connection. Items can be won in this manner.
Story
Characters
The anime inspired chararacter designs are by Kaito Shibano, an illustrator for PC games and trading cards. Shibano said that he made the designs bright and with a light feel to brush off the stereotype of witches being gloomy.
Garden Children
The Garden Children are a special group of warriors trained by the Arc Knight Heath to fight monsters and condemn the Witches that have reappeared in the world after being sealed for a thousand years. The Garden Children get their name from the Ever Garden, where a majority of them have been living for most of their lives. The Ever Garden was founded fourteen years before the game's story begins, in the same year that the Grand Cardinal Johannes was born. It was the last wish of the former Grand Cardinal that a group of humans be established to fight against the Witches, whose rebirth he forsaw. Each member of the group has special abilities that make him or her useful in combat, ranging from swordfighting and archery skills to the use of Church-approved magic.
It is interesting to note that all of the current members of the Garden Children are orphans who were taken in by the church at a young age and taught to follow the Luminous Verses.
Austalian release date is on 18/10/2007 for more info go to www.ebgames.com.au/
The words used are all from source given
Thank you 
Submitted by adommer
03/10/2007
72
5
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Source URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_Arc