Lunar - Genesis (Japan)

Lunar - Genesis is the Japanese version of what North American players know as Lunar: Dragon Song, a role-playing game released for the Nintendo DS in 2005. Developed by Game Arts and published by Marvelous Interactive, it was intended as a new entry in the long-running Lunar series. Unlike the earlier console games that were turn-based, this DS installment mixes traditional RPG exploration with some real-time elements in battle, and it remains one of the few Lunar titles on a handheld.

As an RPG, you control the main character Jian and travel through a fantasy world. The core loop involves talking to townsfolk, accepting quests, and venturing into dungeons where random encounters trigger turn-based fights. One unique mechanic is that you can choose an auto-battle mode for random battles to speed things up. The bottom screen displays a map and menu options, while the top screen shows the main action. Experience points and leveling up work as expected, and your party grows as the story progresses.

For Lunar fans, this entry is interesting because it was the last original Lunar game for many years. It does have a mixed reputation due to its departure from some series conventions - like replacing traditional shops with a loot system - but it is still a solid DS RPG with charming sprite work and a full story. If you can read Japanese or use a guide, it is worth a playthrough to see what the series attempted on the DS. Otherwise, the English version is more accessible.