*Special thanks to charmwitch for the update

Nippon Ichi Software’s next project titled “Soul Cradle: Sekai wo Kurau Mono” will be released on January 25th, 2007 for the PS2. When the new game was revealed, it was clear that toi8 was on hand for producing all character designs and promotional artwork. What was not clear was whether or not Takehito Harada would also be part of the staff. That however has been confirmed on his homepage as he’s been listed as a guest illustrator and monster designer.

Several of his game designs were published awhile ago on the official Soul Cradle website. One image in particular however seems to have garnish the attention of many Phantom Brave fans…

The man above is 35-year old Endorf. It is said that he, fifteen years ago, was saved from a close encounter with death, and is today the leader of a ring of thieves. Endorf is only an alias. His true identity is Walnut.

Of course this has now sparked interest among long-time NIS supporters, especially those who have played through 2004′s Phantom Brave. We can assure that there will be other cameo appearances to come as we approach the final release date.

Story Synopsis: *courtesy of IGN

Soul Cradle takes place in the land of Prodest. Following a lengthy war between man-kind and the other creatures of the world, all countries were brought together under the leadership of a Median, a human with great knowledge when it comes to war.

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The peace lasted for only 10 years. Median and his young prince died, and the world began to fall back into a state of war. But Median’s daughter, Lena, rose to take charge and gets all countries to sign a peace agreement. The world was once again back at peace.

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Fifty-years after Lena’s peace treaty, nine mysterious beings appeared in the world: a shadow and eight giants. These creatures begin wrecking havoc upon the land. All hope seems to be lost until Lena formed an army to defeat the shadow. The giants entered a period of silence, and become known as the “Creatures Who Swallow the World” from the story.

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Soul Cradle begins 200 years after these events. The giants are still around and maintain their silence, while serving as a symbol of fear in the people. One giant stands tall over the kingdom of Raid, where the game begins. The main character, a human, lives along side Danet and other membrs of the Sepu race in the outskirts of Raid. Together with Lena, who’s now over 200 years old, they protect the village.

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One day, the main character and Danet are summoned to Lena’s side. Danet is given a dagger, and the main character a long sword. The long sword is known as Gigu and contains the spirit of the shadow that Lena defeated 200 years earlier.

Official Trailer:


External Link