First Impressions: ...are just like the rest of us.
The GameCube is continuing to get the royal treatment from third-party developers. Especially when you compare it to the treatment that the Nintendo 64 received. As we speak, Koei is gearing up for their first US GameCube release with Mystic Heroes, an action title based off of ancient Chinese legend. Mystic Heroes made its US debut at this years E3 and managed to turn a lot of heads while it was there.
On the surface, the Mystic Heroes game structure bears a striking resemblance to Koei's hit Dynasty Warriors series. When the game hits store shelves in September, you will take control of one of several selectable characters, each with their own unique fighting style, and use them to combat hundreds of enemy soldiers. Expect the on-screen action to be frantic with dozens of characters on screen at once. Where this title is going to deviate from the Dynasty Warriors formula is in the addition of magic based attacks. These attacks will not only add a little bit of variety to the combat, but they are looking mighty cool too.
Speaking of how the game looks... Mystic Heroes has a unique visual style that will further set it apart from its high profile brethren. Character design is leaning more towards a stylized look with heavy anime influences. This look lends itself well to the magical elements of the gameplay and is being executed with vibrant colors and detailed textures. As I mentioned before, the special effects associated with the magic spells are already visually striking and offer an impressive way to deal with your legions of foes.
Another batch of features that should help insure the success of this game are in the realm of multiplayer options. There are going to be several different multiplayer modes packed into the game including a cooperative mode that will enable you and a friend to work together against the massive end of level bosses that you will find. Also being included are a standard head-to-head combat mode and various "unique" modes including a twist on the game of tag. In general, these modes will help to keep the game experience fresh and give it a whole new dimension of group gaming opportunity.
