NIS America has delivered there first 3D RPG for the PSP with Blade Dancer. NIS is known for Disgaea and Phantom Brave in the American market and will soon be known for Blade Dancer. NIS is renowned for their 2D strategy games. However, this time they decided to change things up with a 3D RPG for the PSP.

"With the birth of mankind came the shadow of the Dark Lord, followed a horde of fearsome warriors. But from the shadows came mankind’s last hope - The Guardian of Light- Blade Dancer Gerard. His powers flowed from the luminescent moon and pushed the Dark Lord forces back to the East. But as victory seemed assured, The Dread Knight, a mysterious warrior and champion of the Dark Lord, appeared. In this time of crisis, the Blade Dancer simply vanished.

All hope was lost as the Dark Lord engulfed the world. But then suddenly the darkness fell and the Dark Lord fell from power. How? Who defeated the Dark Lord?

1,000 yrs later............the answer is revealed on the mysterious island of Foo"

Gameplay
The story opens up with our hero Lance. Lance is a young, brave knight that traveled to the island of Foo to test his strength. After arriving on Foo Island Lance is ready for some action. Once he steps off his boat and unto the dock in the small town of Jade, Lance hears a tale about two giants in Sepna forest and a story about a giant demon wolf.

That sets the opening of the game and gets you ready for what will lie ahead for players. Once you arrive in the town you will be able to walk around and talk to all the townsfolk’s to learn more about the island as well as partake in side missions. The first side mission you can receive is a "Lunch Delivery" service. The service will require you to explore the entire town for certain people so you can give them their lunch. This will help players get accustomed to the town and aware of the surroundings buildings, such as the weapon shops, the inn, crafting shop, and the save point. The side missions will also give Lance experience points. For instance the "Lunch Delivery" service will give Lance extra points in his "Lunar" system.

The battle system in the game is like most traditional real time RPGs. Players will have to wait there turn in the battle before attacking. The faster your character is the quicker he will be able to attack. Once it is your turn to attack you will be notified by the Luna clock. Once the ball in the clock makes a full cycle or reaches the 12 o'clock position it's your time to attack. Once it's your time to attack you will be opted to choose from: Attack, Luna, Items, Run, and Equip. Attack is basic and will do a basic attack with whatever weapon you may have equipped. Items will allow you to use potions, medicine, or any other type of item you can use to treat yourself. Equip is well just equipping a new weapon during the battle.





The Lunar system is used during battle since there is no magic system in Blade Dancer. Players will gain Lunar power in the game when they are attacked by the enemy or when they strike the enemy. However, the attack must hit on either end. There is also a unique twist to using the Lunar system. Instead of just you using the Lunar system for yourself it is also used by the enemy. So you should time you Lunar attacks and make the most of your Lunar points.