Cartridge Club #53 - Dark Cloud

Dark Cloud is an action role-playing video game developed by Level-5 and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. Originally intended as a launch title for the PlayStation 2, the game was released in Japan in December 2000, in North America in May 2001, and in Europe in September 2001. Combining action role-playing with elements of city-building games, the game tells the story of a group of adventurers who band together to fight against the evil Dark Genie, who has attacked and destroyed many villages. The protagonist is Toan, a boy who is given a magical stone called the "Atlamillia" by Simba, the Fairy King, which has the power to rebuild the destroyed lands.   Panel   Travis Twitter: @travplaysgames   Marmul Twitter: @5GameSuicide   Jarred Twitter: @retrofaithgames   Cartridge Club Intro/Outro Music Ser Flash Twitter: @Serraxor   Cartridge Club Logo Will Pruitt Twitter: @willopruitt   Level 1   P2(Mark) gives a quick overview of Dark Cloud and panel discusses their memories of the game and first impressions.   Developer: Level-5 Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment   Director: Akihiro Hino Platform(s): PlayStation 2 Release Date: JP: December 14, 2000 NA: May 29, 2001 EU: September 21, 2001   Genre: Action Role Playing Level 2 Discuss story of the game: When a corrupt general unleashes a mystical genie that destroys a planet, a magical fairy scatters its spheres across the world to preserve its elements from the chaos. In the aftermath, a young boy must retrieve the spheres. During the course of the game, Toan meets new characters who can be chosen to explore and battle in dungeons. The player must accomplish in-game events for new characters to join. The available characters include: Xiao, a slingshot-wielding 'catgirl'; Goro, a hunter from Matataki Village who uses large hammers; Ruby, a magic-ring-using genie from Queens; Ungaga, a Muska Lacka warrior using staves; and Osmond, leader of the Moon People, equipped with a variety of guns and blasters   Discuss gameplay mechanics: City Building Weapons upgrading/breaking Combat Character upgrading (health, thirst, defence) Camera controls Fast travel Random dungeon levels Backfloor levels Discuss sound: Favourite BGM Sound effects Discuss graphics: Character/creature design Aged well   Level 3 Lasting Impressions, overall rating and final thoughts. Did this make you want to play it again and if not, what would need to be changed? Would you suggest it to friends? Dark Cloud 2   Level 4 3 Word Review #CC3WR from Twitter first followed by panel   Level 5 Outro (thank panel and plug) Announce the game for next month (Odin Sphere)