Armed Fantasia To The End Of The Wilderness is a game that was part of a double Kickstarter along with Penny Blood. Armed Fantasia is a JRPG based on a concept we don’t see much these days which is a “gigantic world map.” The game is going to be turn-based, but thanks to Cross Order Tactics System, maintains a quick tempo. In this update the team provided a project diary and some development updates, so let’s get into it.
The team started by saying this:
Japan continues to turn the heat up and we are right in the middle of typhoon season! It’s not all bad since that allows us to stay inside and stay focused on development rather than braving the outdoors!
Project Diary
This month, Kaneko had a few different things to say and they are kind of split up, but said this:
For Armed Fantasia’s concept art, we’re still turning our images of the towns and dungeons that will serve as the stages for adventures and stories into model art. In regards to the White Models, we’re working on temporary models for new dungeons as well as new areas of the world map.
Kaneko went on about the different gimmicks and gadgets for the game and said this:
We started implementing gimmicks that will serve as the action/puzzle-solving elements of the dungeons that appear in the prologue. Along with that, we’re also implementing functionality for the gadgets. As seen in past games, using the correct gadget will let you activate switches or push a trolley on the map into a sealed door and break it open. We’re preparing active puzzles that will be fun to watch as well. We still aren’t at a stage where we can show you the actual animations. But this time around we’ll show you the model art for a certain character’s (yes, it’s obvious) initial gadgets. The temporary names for these gadgets are “Bomb” and “Throwing Knife.” They’re two classic gadgets that you should be very familiar with, but I’m thinking of new ways to use them, so I hope you’re excited.
Main Scenario and Storyboard
When it comes to the scenario and storyboard development of Armed Fantasia To The End Of The Wilderness this was said:
Still writing. Suffering at a good pace. We’re working on event storyboards and force break storyboards in order. We also intend to use motion capture for the character’s animations in this game. In previous games, like Wild Arms 3, we only did verification in the early stages of development. We didn’t bring proper motion capture into the game. (Therefore, things will turn out much differently this time, so I’m excited.) I digress, but all animations up until now were done by hand. This is where Kaneko and I used an umbrella as a weapon as I stood next to the person in charge. We showed them poses and sword fighting in order to get my image across. (Basically like a martial arts instructor from classic kung fu movies) I don’t think it’ll happen, but I worry about what will ensue if they happen to capture my own movements.
Design Development
The team had this to say when it came to the characters, anomalies, and the last boss:
We’re still working on character design, 3D models, and animations. We’re also still working on anomaly designs, 3D models, and animations. We still don’t have the designs for every character and anomaly yet. But we’ve already started working on the design for the last boss. As we talk with each other on how best to show and manifest the themes of ‘strength,’ ‘fear,’ and ‘lovableness’ (biased view from someone who loves villains), we also intend to make it a last boss that far surpasses all last bosses that have appeared thus far. We’re still in the rough stages, but so far the design is definitely worthy of its name. So I’m already a huge fan.
Wrap-Up
Over time as more information comes out about Armed Fantasia To The End Of The Wilderness, I’ll provide more updates. It’s always great to see spiritual successors for games because it’s like they get to live on. So if you are a fan of the Wild Arms 3 this should be a game for you. Especially when they aren’t making new entries into the predecessor’s series. This game just like Penny Blood, which it shares a double Kickstarter with is projected for a 2025 release. It should be released on PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox Series X|S.
