Luminous Arc

The various features of the DS bring about a whole slew of potential possibilities that the standard handheld console setup simply cannot provide. One of these is a more streamlined strategy interface. Luminous Arc is my first foray into the DS' library of strategy titles.

Things get off to a very good start with a distinct anime-styled appearance that is very pleasing to the eye. Cutscenes generally subscribe to the Fire Emblem school of thought, where character interaction occurs between character half-body artwork with changing emotional displays and static backgrounds. It's a shame that it's not full animation but despite that it still looks amazing. The art is crisp, clear and bold. Everything is so colourful and the designs are easy to see.

In fact, the designs themselves are generally excellent. The time period is...