Video games - Grandia II

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	Video games - Grandia II

Grandia II is a video game in the Grandia series made by Game Arts. The game was originally released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000, but got ported to both the Sony PlayStation 2 and the PC in 2002. The game itself is a Japanese style anime-RPG incorporating high-quality (for that time) 3D graphics, voice-overs and music. It was to have been the premier RPG for the Dreamcast. Many still believe that it holds this position, and it is rarely challenged within its genre. In addition to the story and battle system, this is notably because of its impressive musical score, written by the acclaimed Noriyuki Iwadare.

Storyline

The story focuses around Ryudo, a Geohound (a kind of mercenary), along with his talking bird, Skye. Together they accepted a mission from the church, being a bodyguard to Elena, a Songstress of Granas, on her way to Garmia Tower. At Garmia Tower however, the plot thickens and Ryudo and Elena find themself traveling all over the world they're trying to save, along with new friends and new enemies.

The story is preceded by a war between two gods, 10,000 years before the current events. In this war, Valmar, the Devil of Darkness, battles Granas, the God of Light, along with their followers. This war devastates the planet and Granas' sword tears a series of giant cliffs over the face of the planet called the Granacliffs as it falls from the sky. In legend, Granas defeated Valmar, but had not destroyed him. Parts of Valmar's body, his essence, are stored all over the world in seals maintained by the church of Granas while Granas sleeps, regaining strength. Unfourtunately, Granas was killed by Valmar during the Battle of Good and Evil. However, he left a powerful reminder of his legacy behind in the form of the Granasaber.

Characters

Ryudo

Name: Ryudo
Age: 17
Occupation: Geohound (mercenary)
English voice actor: Cam Clarke

Ryudo is the main protagonist of the game. Initially rude toward people, he later on comes to terms with the cause of his bitter behavior from certain events in his past but grows as a character to be more caring and accepting but still stays more middle ground. Always found together with his talking bird, Skye and even though they spend most of the time mocking each other, they really can't live without each other. As the game starts, Ryudo just finished a mission as Geohound and is preparing for some time off, only to find a new job instead, by the church of Granas. This new job involves bodyguarding a young Songstress of Granas named Elena on her way to Garmia tower for a ceremony to strengthen a magical seal. At Garmia tower however, the plot thickens and soon Ryudo finds himself again hired by the church to bodyguard Elena on her way to the Granas cathedral, at which point she joins the party.

His moves include the Tenseiken Slash, Purple Lightning, Flying Tenseiken. Following Melfice's death, he can learn the Sky Dragon Slash. Ryudo attacks using swords.

Elena

Name: Elena
Age: 17
Occupation: Songstress of Granas
English voice actress: Jennifer Hale

Elena starts out on a trip to Garmia tower along with her bodyguard, Ryudo. Shy, mild-mannered, polite and caring, she's the exact opposite of Ryudo and early on in the game, the two often clash as Ryudo continually mocks Elena's behavior, beliefs and attitude toward the world, which is pure innocence bordering on naive. She can be said to fall under the requisite Mary Sue archetype seen so often in RPG's. As they travel together and meet up with others, Ryudo's behavior changes and Elena's religious views and naivety grow milder, allowing the two to get along better. Later on in the game she meets her alter-ego (quite literally), Millenia, who is a part of Valmar taken human form. A very devout girl, yet extremely insecure, dedicating her whole life to praise of Granas through song and prayer.

Her moves include the Impact Bomb, Nightmare Ball, Droplets of Life, and White Apocalypse. All moves are available from the beginning of the game. Elena uses staves.

Millenia

Name: Millenia
Age: Unknown, appears to be in her late teens. Presumed 17.
Occupation: None
English voice actress: Jodi Benson

Millenia is somewhat a mystery. Initially, it is unknown where she is from though it is evident she is part of Valmar's body which has escaped and apparently taken human form after the failure of the ceremony at Garmia tower. Without provocation, she attacks the village where Ryudo and Elena are resting before making another trip. Her personality is brash, immature, self-confident to the point of arrogance and seductive yet someone who managed to look past all that realizes she's also got the innocence and caring attitude of a little girl, an attitude not quite what one would expect from a part of the god of darkness. She appears from time to time, and absorbs pieces of Valmar following certain boss battles. By doing so, she gains a special move from each, adding to her repertoire.

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