Just over two years since its original Japanese release, Arc the Lad R will be available in English via Boltrend Games – who also did Idola Phantasy Star Saga – with a closed beta commencing 19 November, according to this tweet. The test will run from 19 November 18:00 to 29 November 23:59 UTC -8. There’s an official website that’s pretty bare bones for now too. Here’s the overview of the game given on the website:
ABOUT
Arc the Lad is a big RPG series created on the PlayStation® platform. Arc the Lad, the first installment of the series, was released in 1995 and the sequel Arc the Lad II came to the market in 1996. Both games allowed players to influence a battle by strategically choosing where to launch attacks. The first two games were both critically acclaimed, with high sales volumes. 20+ years since its debut, this classic series still holds a place in fans’ memories thanks to its impressive graphics, great music, and deeply moving story.
STORY
Once upon a time, the Hero and the Saintess saved the world with the cost of their lives. However, the worldwide devastating Great Disaster still sank half the planet’s continents under the ocean, with over 50% of the global population perished.
10 years after the Disaster, a young man called Halt appeared in the Vigilante Corps of Millmana – a country that seeks to reconstruct the world. In an incident, Halt met the mysterious maiden Mizuha.
The military empire Aldia has brought back the pre-Disaster civilization and is rapidly expanding its territory. Meanwhile, monsters are spotted more frequently and menacing Divine Beasts are also found. The seemingly smooth reconstruction of the world has got clouded by new threats.
With great sacrifice the peace was secured, yet it is now on the verge of collapse. “…It’s so hard to protect the world you left behind.” Boy meeting girl, conspiracy against the world, encounters with past heroes, a new tale of fate has begun.
The English release of Arc the Lad R is probably not an expected one, but welcome nonetheless for fans of the series. Keep an eye out!