Skies of Arcadia |ROM-DOWNLOAD

The story of Skies of Arcadia takes place in a world where civilisation has moved off of the ground. Instead, there are massive land masses and islands floating in the sky with people travelling between them on airships. The main protagonist is Vyse, a young Blue Rogue who believes that sky pirates should be adventurous, brave and honourable. The Blue Rogues are not like the old pirates who robbed innocent people. They consider themselves explorers and protectors. Aika is Vyse’s best friend, a strong-willed, energetic young woman who has known Vyse for many years. The two often get into dangerous adventures together and help each other. Their lives are turned upside down when they meet Fina, a mysterious young girl from a civilisation unknown to most of the world. Fina has a unique link to the ancient moon crystals, powerful artefacts that can change the balance of the world. Things get a lot bigger when the powerful military civilisation of the Valuan Empire wants the Moon Crystals. The leaders of the empire believe that through harnessing the power of the crystals, ancient technology can be used to take over the world. Vyse, Aika and Fina become embroiled in the conflict and set out to travel through the various areas to search for the Moon Crystals to try to stop the Valuan Empire. Their adventure takes them across many floating islands, mysterious ruins, dangerous dungeons, ancient civilisations and enemy territory. On the way they meet many characters that can influence the development of the story. One of the strongest aspects of the game is the exploration. The player is not just moving from one town to another. Instead, the world prompts players to seek out hidden locations, uncharted islands, discoveries and optional adventures. As the story goes, Vyse and his friends get their hands on bigger and more powerful airships. These ships enabled them to travel further into the world and face increasingly potent foes. The fight soon becomes something more than a battle of pirates and an empire. Ancient forces and legendary weapons are unleashed, revealing the fact that the future of the entire world depends on the Moon Crystals and the civilisations that once wielded them. Vyse is changed from an inexperienced young pirate to a respected leader. His courage, determination and willingness to help others allow him to enlist allies and face down enemies far more powerful than he is. The story is about friendship, adventure, freedom, courage, discovery and the desire to explore an unknown world. These themes are directly related to the game’s sky-pirate milieu. The adventure ends with the characters fighting powers trying to take control of the ancient powers. Players will need to call upon everything they have learned along the way, including their party abilities, equipment, airship upgrades, and combat techniques. Skies of Arcadia ultimately delivers the idea that true adventure isn’t about gaining power, but about protecting freedom and exploring the unknown. The story of the game revolves around Vyse’s journey from a young Blue Rogue to a legendary adventurer.

Skies of Arcadia is a traditional Japanese turn-based RPG, with large-scale exploration. You play as Vyse and a group of characters, travelling through towns, dungeons, islands and open areas. As you explore, you may have random encounters with enemies to fight. Fighting is turn-based. The action phase starts and players choose actions for their characters. Commands can be generic attacks, special techniques, magic, items, and defensive actions. All characters have different strengths and abilities. Players need to be aware of these differences when putting together a good party. You can buy or find weapons and equipment as you progress through the game. The better gear, the better the characters perform and the more tough battles they can survive. There is also a Spirit Point system where characters can use powerful special abilities. This is crucial because the most powerful assaults need proper planning to control these resources. One of the game's most unique features is exploring in airships. Players can sail through the skies, discover hidden places, meet enemy ships and fight in ship battles. Airship battles are also turn-based, but they play out differently than character combat. Players choose orders for their ship, taking into account enemy attacks, defensive actions, and powerful special attacks. Curiosity is rewarded by exploration. Players can find secret islands and strange places that aren't necessarily required to finish the main story. There are also multiple discoveries in the game that can be recorded as players explore the world. The side activities make the world seem much bigger than just the main story.

Start the game and create a save file on the Dreamcast VMU storage. Start the adventure as Vyse and play through the early story events. Guide the controller through towns and landscapes. Meet characters, talk to them to learn about the world and story. Enemies showing up turns it into turn based combat. Choose commands for each party member and confirm your selections. Attack weaker enemies normally, but save your best moves for the tougher enemies. Look after the characters’ health and heal them when necessary. Earn money in fights and spend it on better weapons, armour, items and other equipment. As you progress through the story you will unlock airships. Discover new places around the world and go from floating island to floating island with them. When an airship battle commences, pick suitable commands based on the enemy's actions. Defensive strategies can be as important as offensive attacks. Explore optional areas where possible. Useful rewards can come in the form of hidden islands, discoveries, objects and special encounters. Continue to complete story missions, defeat tough enemies, upgrade your party and upgrade your airship until you reach the final stages of the adventure.

D-Pad: Move Character / Navigate Menus Analog Stick: Move Character A: Confirm / Select / Talk B: Cancel / Back X: Menu / Context Action Y: Map / Context Action L Trigger: Camera / Menu Function R Trigger: Camera / Menu Function Start: Pause / Menu