Baten Kaitos 2 Revealed
The sequel to Namco's acclaimed RPG is in development for GameCube. Full story.
by IGN Staff

September 20, 2005 - While many had thought the GameCube to be on its last legs as far as software support is concerned, things have actually started picking up in Japan. Last week saw the surprise announcement of a new SD Gundam game from Bandai. This week, an even bigger surprise: Baten Kaitos 2!

Fully unveiled in the latest issue of Japan's Famitsu magazine as one of Namco's big Tokyo Game Show titles, Baten Kaitos 2 takes place 20 years prior (yes, prior) to the beginning of the original title. You play as Sagi, a member of the empire's "Elite" force of fighters. Sagi heads off on a quest to determine the nature of a mysterious change that's appearing in the world.

Actually, you don't so much become Sagi as you do take control of him. You actually play as a spirit that resides within Sagi, an entity that represents Sagi's "true self," and are able to give "advice" to the hero as the game progresses. The notion of a spirit residing in a character is actually a part of the Baten Kaitos storyline. The world of Baten Kaitos was formed when the living spirits of two separate worlds connected, and people who have spirits within them are considered wise.

With Baten Kaitos 2 taking place in the same world as the original, you might expect to see the original's cast of characters return -- and you'd be right. Gibari returns as a 14-year-old. Savyna is just five in Baten Kaitos 2. Also known to return are Geldoblame (25) and Ladekahn (12).

The cast also has some newbies aside from Sagi. The game's heroine is Miri, a friend of Sagi who joins you from the start of your adventure. Also joining in on the fun is Giro, a strange doll who comes into the picture mid way through the adventure.

The original title was known for its gorgeous world art, and Baten Kaitos seems like it won't break the budding tradition. In fact you can actually count on seeing many of the same dungeons and towns from the original in the sequel, although they now allow for players to explore alternate areas. New areas will also appear in the game, including brand new continents.

Gameplay will feature a return of the card-based Magnus battle system. Details have yet to be revealed, but with Baten Kaitos 2 due for Japanese release in December, we doubt we'll have to wait too long to see more.

Of course, we're back from Tokyo Game Show 2005 now and we've updated our BK story with both new screens and a trailer of the game in motion. Click over to our media pages below and enjoy.