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Evolution Worlds GCN Preview by: Kazooie

Evolution Worlds may sound like something that just came out of nowhere. But yet again, another Dreamcast favorite will be put onto the GCN. Evolution: The World of Sacred Device and Evolution 2: Far Off Promise for the Sega Dreamcast are exactly how this game is formatted and based on, and for those who have played these games you'll feel perfect. Evolution Worlds is nothing more or less than the DC's infamous RPG duo packaged together and reformatted to play on the GC. There will be a few changes, ones that remain, in the grand scheme of things, essentially cosmetic in nature. Of the few substantive changes to the game, the most important will be the addition of the voice acting. DC gamers who just had to buy every available title will no doubt recall that Sacred Device was practically soundless, while Promise featured Japanese cast voiceovers (subtitled into English for the US release). Just to make up for it, over 100 new voices have been added to this game. Of course, anime fans will hear me when I express my hope that Worlds offers the option of choosing between Japanese language with subtitles or the new English dub, because I know from experience that some voice changes just plain suck. And new dungeons will be added to the game that can't be found in the Dreamcast versions.

Since it is a traditional RPG, Evolution Worlds will be stocked full of battles with monsters in castles and their dungeons, searching for treasure, and the standard turn-based fight system made popular by the likes of Final Fantasy. One thing that distinguishes Worlds from the run of the mill is the use of CyFrames, devices found throughout the game which can be attached to any given character and give specific powers to the wearer, such as the ability to project boulders at enemies. Mag (a character in the game), for instance, can equip the Hammer CyFrame, thereby gaining special hammer attacks, or he can try on a Mind CyFrame, allowing him to use more powerful spells. Better yet, each CyFrame is upgradeable: additional parts can be attached to the CyFrames for further tinkering or modification, so you can build your own personal super-weapon. Best of all, certain upgrades will allow characters to equip multiple CyFrames at a given time, which should seriously up the ante in a battle.

The skill system is the same as in Sacred Device, with characters earning technique points in battle, which can be exchanged for new skills. There are also going to be plenty new monsters and new unique skills for you to learn. Another thing that makes Worlds a bit different from the average RPG is how Sting has come up with some amusing and clever attacks, played strictly for humor value. In fact there are many funny things that will occur in this RPG that will definitely make it stand out from other RPG's on the GCN.

Those who missed out on the Dreamcast versions of this game will definitely not miss much, as this game will definitely clue them in on the Worlds series. This RPG will definitely be one of the best ones on GCN when it comes out. Be sure to go and buy it this October 2002 when Nintendo releases it for buying. And I'll have my review ready.