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The pages of US magazine Nintendo Power (by way of NeoGAF) have spilled the first info on the upcoming Nintendo DS Sonic RPG, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood.
The turn-based RPG is to revolve around the kidnapping of Knuckles and will initially be set in familiar locations. However, as the game progresses players will find themselves exploring much darker territories than is usual for Sonic titles. Eggman will feature and is said to be more believable as a bad guy, although he is not the game’s main villain.
Players will be able to control a party of four characters, with a squad of 11 to choose from. Confirmed characters include Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Rogue, Shadow and Big The Cat. Each character possesses a unique skill, such as Tails’ flying enabling him to float over obstacles. BioWare is also promising lots of character customisation and levelling up, but this is to be expected with an RPG.
The game’s action will play out in turns in what appears to be a 3D environment, with players able to stack up team and special attacks to get things moving along a little faster. We’re also told the game will utilise a stylus control system – not unlike Phantom Hourglass – and early shots suggest an impressive watercolour look to the visuals.
Other info from the magazine includes using coins as currency, remixed classic Sonic tunes for the soundtrack, fully-animated cut-scenes and the inclusion of plenty of side quests.
It’s certainly shaping up to the quite a departure for the Sonic franchise, but with BioWare at the helm there’s no reason to think Sonic Chronicles will be anything but a first-class RPG.
There’s no confirmed release date just yet, but a 2008 release looks likely.
