Softmax takes their popular Magna Carta brand and applies the license to a new tactical adventure where heroes travel the world and engage in battles. Exploration and adventuring is performed on a world map whereas battles take place in closed fields. A new fighting system called "Trinity Drive" was developed for the game where powerful attacks may be struck when points have been gathered up in the Trinity Drive meter (located in the upper right corner of the screen). Fatal blows struck upon hapless Yasons and others also boost experience points exponentially during battle.

The illustrations and artwork in the PS2 game are of the same high caliber as the original Magna Carta and the music is rich. One fairly insignificant niggle: Square made androgyny somewhat of a fad where males appeared nearly female and Softmax seemingly falls into this pattern as well where the gentlemen leads are willowy and fairly feminine. Calintz, for example, sports a girl's haircut down to the spiky ponytail.

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NCS Game Notes
* The intro to the game shows quick trip through a green forest area and sparkling water before focusing on a field where a gal in a yellow dress is standing in front of a pink blossoming tree. From bright green utopia to dark and drab scenery, the scene changes to one of battle and swordplay as armies march into war. Heroes are shown performing killing blows and dramatically fighting foes in slow-motion theatrics. The title song is wailed in English by a female singer who bleats out the words "Tears of Blood" and assorted lyrics.

* After starting a new game, the camera pans downwards on a town that has been set ablaze. A youth runs out of the castle and is immediately surrounded by three salamander-like creatures. A knight is among them and he swings his sword downwards on the youth but his blow is blocked by a warrior with pastel blue hair. A battle commences and he makes short work of two of the salamanders and eventually drops the knight and then the last salamander. The man tells the youth to seek shelter but he cries and says it was his fault that all of Fuget is dead.

* From the scrolling text intro to the game, we learn that the Humans and race called the Yason are battling in the land of Efferia. Centuries of fighting between the two races have pitched over land and resources. At the present time, the humans are losing to the Yason but their last ditch effort is to use Forbidden Magic known as Magna Carta to gain the upper hand. We learn later in the game that Chi is very important in the world of Efferia and that it can be used to unleash the power of Magna Carta by collecting powerful Chi stones.

* Once the game proper starts, the lead character Calintz wakes up on a red bed and says to himself, "It's been a while since I had that dream. Am I nervous about the plan...? I should have the others get ready. I'm sure the General will contact us soon." He then proceeds to search for his comrades named Eonis, Azel, and Haren. Once control is given to the player, the L-analog controls Calintz's movements but the camera is fixed. It will however follow Calintz a short distance behind which allows for a good perimeter for viewing his immediate surroundings. A number of guards and NPCs are standing in the hall and Calintz may speak to them by pressing the X button. If Calintz is near, they will automatically rotate around to face him.

* Calintz locates Eonis on the same floor once he exits his room. She's located in the upper right portion of the area and will join the party after their little chat. Azel is located downstairs and she also joins the part after a little pep talk. On the lower level which is accessible through the stairs near the communication sphere, the last member of the party, Haren, joins the party after he discusses his reasons for fighting the Yason. Once the party is complete, race to the communication sphere and speak to General Agreian where he tells Calintz that the mages of Bayer will use the Forbidden Magic to end the war. A large magic circle has been created at Mt. Aremori and they''l attack the capital of Yason-Roven (Epentar) from the magic circle. The mission of the Tears of Blood is to protect the mages while they prepare the magic ritual and complete the spell.

* The Tears of Blood are a mercenary group that has joined up with the larger human army in a supporting role where they handle dangerous missions and assignments.

* When Calintz runs around, it sounds like he's clippety-clopping along like a big 'ol horse. He also appears to be wearing sandals. Or medieval Birkenstocks.

* Before leaving for Mt Aremori, Calintz and Azel engage in a little practice battle where she times her attacks and uses a little Chi. The battle system consists of a ring where the player will have to hit the "O" button at the right moment three times in order to pull off a successful attack. Think of the Judgment Ring and its Hit Areas from Shadow Hearts for an idea of the attack system in Magna Carta but this one moves a lot faster and there is little time for hesitation. Azel will also learn about the Leadership Meter - in the upper right corner of the screen, there are two meters - the top meter is marked with an "E" for enemy and colored orange. The second meter is marked with a "P" for party. The meter slowly fills up which allows actions to be effected by the party. Leadership meter - The charisma of a party affects how they'll do in a battle - if the enemy has a higher total Charisma level, the battle will be difficult. To reach a higher Charisma level, it is important that the party members get along with each other. Lessons on what Chi is and the importance of mixing different types of Chi amongst the party members are also taught.

* Trinity Drive points are accumulated when you receive a "GREAT" rating after pressing a button during an attack sequence. As long as there is a 30% or more Trinity Drive meter reading, it is possible to use it by pressing the "SQUARE" button. When the Trinity Drive is at 100%, it will double the amount of damage impacted on an enemy. Once the Trinity Drive is activated, you will still have to perform the three button press attack sequence in order to pull off a successful attack. If you happen to miss a Trinity Drive attack, the meter will drain all the way down to 0%.

* The voice acting is fairly unemotional and droll with the exception of Azel. However, these are mercenaries and they might not have the best personalities on the planet. We imagine the recording sessions to be very straightforward with just the voice actor alone in a room, reading from a script without any deviation from a monotone delivery. Dramatic pauses and undulating vocals are absent here...

* Calintz is a mercenary leader who is cute. He's supposed to be a bloodthirsty killer with a penchant for whacking enemies out. But he's cute. With his hair tied up in a spiky bob and his willowy frame, Calintz could find work as a model for Versace or Prada. He'd also make a versatile "female" runway model if the occasion called.

* The battle system is a treat and requires actual timing and a little skill in order to succeed. There's no random button jamming or roll of the dice here.