Let me start by saying I have about 2 hours game time logged in Radiant Mythology for the PSP. However, I was impressed right off with the ability to choose not only my starting class (warrior, thief, priest or mage) but my gender, face, hair color and voice. Wow! This kind of customization generally only found in an MMO game or higher power RPG’s like Neverwinter Nights and Oblivion. Now, your choices are limited to just a few options, but to see this in a PSP game is pretty cool. Hopefully we will see this feature in future RPG’s for the PSP (I’m looking in your direction Square Enix…).

My young thief, Venjack, is ready to start his adventuring career. Turns out Ven is a Descender, a champion of the World Tree of Terresia, brought to life to combat the Devourer. This is the great anti-life beast that seeks to destroy the World Tree and bring an end to your world. This is quite heavy burden set down on you during your first minutes of life. All this is provided via your new best buddy Mormo who is a World Tree Descender of a now dead world, consumed by the Devourer. He is here to help you stop the great beast. So far, all he’s done for me is to provide hints and tips. I don’t know if he takes a more active role later on, but I expect not.

The first town you visit is your major hub for quests, gear and information. You are recruited by a small band of rebels, Ad Libitum, who are wanted by the local law. They are trying to help the villagers get supplies they need and keep the town safe from monsters. No one is allowed to leave town, so Ad Libitum sneaks out to take care of all these tasks. Congrats, you are their new errand boy. So far most of the quests have been kill monster X or find resource Z.

Combat uses the Flex Range Linear Motion Battle System. A big name for basic real-time action combat. Push button, swing weapon. You also learn Artes, which are special attacks and spells which burn up your Tech Points. Right now Venjack throws little bombs as a ranged attack. Not real powerful, but it helps.

Ok, so this has gotten a bit long for a “first impression” article, but I figured I would share what I have learned so far. In my opinion TW:RM has a lot going for it and I am really enjoying it. The quests so far have been short, so it seems to work well for a casual game. However, since there are new jobs, skill and party members to unlock, spending some quality time playing it will be where it really pays off.

Prof. Venatus, saving the town one potato at a time!