Square Enix returns to the scene of the crime to create yet another title based on the popular anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. The new game, Fullmetal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir, is being billed as a prequel to Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel for the PlayStation 2, and promises a number of refinements to the gameplay and graphiccal enhancements, in addition to an all new prequel storyline that takes place before the boys' previous PS2 adventure.

This second installment to the Fullmetal series promises an enhanced battle system with a little more depth, enhanced cell-shaded graphics, thirty minutes of original animation inspired by the series on which it is based, and a brand new storyline.

The story begins in the desert city of Lior, where the Elric brothers (Edward and Alphonse) deal with a cult called Leto. Immediately following those events, they encounter a mysterious woman who hands the brothers a ring and disappears without a trace. The ring holds some sort of mystery and bears the symbol of alchemy, but the brothers don't know what powers it might contain. Meanwhile a frightening phenomenon is sweeping the countryside; people throughout many regions are simply vanishing. All of the events seem to be connected to a stange and powerful alchemist how is creating and controlling strange and powerful creatures. Only through investigating several towns, meeting new characters and unraveling the mysteries that seem to be popping up everywhere can the boys truly understand what's going on and what they have to do in order to make things right.

While details about the game's storyline are still under wraps, we can tell you more about what refinements developer Racjin is adding to this game to make it a more paleatble expereince this time around. On the presenation side of things, the game will feature cell-shaded graphics for characters and objects, thirty minutes of original animation created exclusively for the game, fully voiced Fully voiced event and movie sequences featuring the English speaking actors from the top-rated anime series, cameo appearances by the series' fan favorites, vastly improved modeling and animation,and the hit song “Ready Steady Go" by L'Arc-en-Ciel.

While details on the actual changes to gameplay are pretty thin right now as well, Square Enix does promise the same transmutable weapons from the previous title and an arsenal of new weapons and items that players can use. Also being thrown into the mix this time out are brand-new alchemy attacks and a customizable combo system for improved gameplay and enhanced artificial intelligence that allows Alphonse to automatically adjust to the situation and attack accordingly.



We'll have more on this game during E3. In the meatime, check out the character descriptions below and these brand new FMA2 Screenshots :

Character Descriptions



Edward Elric: The youngest individual to ever achieve the title of State Alchemist, Edward is just 15 years old. His nickname, Fullmetal Alchemist, comes from the fact that his right arm and left leg are automail, artificial limbs made out of steel. Edward travels with his brother to find the Philosopher’s Stone, the only object that can help him reclaim his original body.



Alphonse Elric: Contrary to his alarming appearance, Al is a 14 year old child with a gentle heart. He travels with his older brother Edward in hopes of regaining his original body and escaping the armor that contains his soul. He is a person of firm character who keeps his cool and frequently chides his easily-provoked brother. His compassion and understanding are an inspiration to all.



Jack Crowley: A national alchemist once called “The Silver Bullet,” he is currently deprived of that title.



Elma: She seems almost transparent. The story rapidly unfolds as she entrusts Edward with a ring and disappears from sight. The ring has strange alchemic markings that probably have to do with the ancient civilization.



Arlen Glasner: An archaeologist, who was at one time an adventurer immersed in his studies of the ancient civilization. Although he is almost 70, his mischievous attitude, physical build, and mentality belie that fact. Even though he is currently retired, he will be quick to investigate anything that sparks his curiosity. Handsome in his early years, he could not marry the girl that held his interest. Since then, he has remained single.

Vital Statistics:

Developer: Racjin

Publisher: Square Enix

Format: PlayStation 2

Genre: Action RPG

ESRB: T (Teen)

Ship Date: July 2005



FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir and all images are © SQUARE ENIX. Used with permission.