Game:

Riviera: The Promised Land (2002)

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Originally called "Riviera: Yakusoku no Chi Riviera" in Japan (which I find slightly redundant), this is the first revision of the original WonderSwan Color / SwanCrystal game, which was a glorius roleplaying game more or less. With loads of color, deep character interaction and lots of depth in the gameplay department, this was one of the games that pushed the ill-fated WonderSwan handheld to its limits, and would also push the GBA near its limit when it debuted over two years later.

Predating the last iteration of the game (the PSP version) by about two years, it's amazing what was accomplished with this game. Riviera has since become a cult classic and only a scant few actually know of or own the original WSC/SC game (outside of Japan anyway). We own all three incarnations of Riviera including this, the WSC/SC game, and the latest version for the PSP. The game is a twist and departure from the standard JRPG formula with limited navigation between areas and an unconventional combat engine where just about anything can be used as a weapon or assist item, varying in potency between characters who use the same set of items.

It also possesses a great backstory and rich, humourous character dialogues with many interactions between female characters and how you influence them, adding elements of a Japanese dating-sim to the mix, with many high-quality illustrations and vibrant visuals to accent the complete package. Of course, the game also has a noteworthy soundtrack, which just got better and better with each release of the game. The GBA game has partial character voices (primarily during battles) while the WSC/SC game had none and the PSP game is heavily voiced. The game also has new redrawn artwork and some minor new additions to the game, with the exception of a few new CGs and a new ending with Rose, which was not in the original game.

The story deals with Norse mythology and the aftermath of a war which occurred 1000 years prior between the lands of Asgard and Utgard known as Ragnarok. The gods of Asgard were attacked and overrun by demons who emerged from Utgard. Incapable of stopping the rampage with their natural power, the Asgardians broke an ancient covenant by sacrificing their lives to make almighty black-winged reapers who fought for the greater good of those they followed and were so great that they became known as "Grim Angels". Each Grim Angel was armed with a magnificent weapon known as a "Diviner" granted to them by comitting a great sacrifice, which they used to easily crush the demons. From there, Utgard was renamed Riviera and became a beautiful paradise.

Piece ruled for 1000 years, until rumors of the demons resurfacing once again emerged. "Troubled" by the signs, Hector, one of the "Seven Magi", sends two Grim Angels, Ein and Ledah, to investigate and activate the "Retribution", a hidden godly power which would eliminate the demons completely but destroy Riviera in the process (risks versus rewards scenario). They initially fail due to losing their battle against Ursula, the guardian of Riviera. Sparing Ein's life, she sees good in him and entrusts him with the protection of Riviera's future and alludes that not all is as it seems, sending Ein on a journey of discovery where he meets many characters while learning more about Asgard, Riviera, and the great war.

This is an intro of the game with added main character greetings and events. You can watch the game sample for some gameplay of the game. Enjoy.