A tactical twist on history where demons and armlets shape the fate of France
In short: Level-5’s debut PSP title reimagines the Hundred Years' War through a fantasy lens. Instead of just soldiers, players navigate a world where ancient armlets and demonic pacts influence the struggle between England and France, blending historical conflict with magical mechanics in a strategic role-playing experience.
Developed by Level-5, Jeanne d'Arc was the studio's first production for the PlayStation Portable. While loosely based on the historical struggles of Joan of Arc against English occupation in the early 15th century, the narrative introduces a fictionalized layer involving a war between humans and demons. In this setting, five human generals previously used powerful armlets to banish demons, but the unity of that era has since dissolved. The plot begins when English troops burn down the village of Domrémy. This event leaves three survivors, including the young heroine and her companions, Roger and Liane.
The gameplay utilizes a turn-based tactical system where positioning is critical. A unique mechanic called a "Burning Aura" forms behind a target after an attack, allowing a second character to strike for extra damage. Combat also features a rock-paper-scissors elemental system consisting of three phases: Sol, Luna, and Stella. To enhance characters, players can use magical armbands infused with gems to trigger powerful, limited-duration transformations. Players can also manage equipment and abilities before entering combat. Additionally, a feature called Unified Guard allows nearby allies to reduce incoming damage or hit chances.
The game's localization for North America involved a specific approach to voice acting, utilizing American actors with mild French accents for main roles and authentic accents for supporting characters. Upon its release, the title received positive reception, with IGN naming it "Game of the Month" in August 2007 and Famitsu awarding it a score of 33 out of 40 in Japan. The production included a French vocal coach to ensure correct pronunciation. Furthermore, voice actress Kari Wahlgren was specifically recruited for the English lead role.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jeanne d'Arc (video game)
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