Grandia II is the second game in the Grandia series; despite its numbering, it is not a sequel to the original Grandia story-wise. It focuses around a boy named Ryudo and his fight against the revival of the evil god Valmar. The most major boss battles in the game are against Valmar and his scattered body parts which are usually possessing a being to do its will. The main theme of the game, as in Grandia, is the greed of man - we see this in the pieces of Valmar attempting to absorb each other.
Plot
The story begins with Ryudo, a Geohound (a type of mercenary) and his companion Skye, a talking bird, accepting a new job from the Chuch of Granas. Ryudo disdains the Church and reluctantly agrees and meets his contact in Carbo Village, Father Carius. Upon entering the Church in the village, Ryudo meets Elena a songstress of Granas, who initially treats Ryudo with hostility until she is informed of his business. Ryudo is tasked with escorting Elena to Garmia tower for a ceremony. The duo travel through the Black Forest, where Ryudo and Elena's personalities and ideals clash. However, they eventually arrive at Garmia Tower and Elena is escorted inside by another sister of Granas, Tessa. Ryudo awaits outside and converses with his bird companion Skye. Suddenly, a scream comes from the tower. Ryudo rushes inside and sees monsters running free. He climbs the tower and arriving at the top he meets a dying Tessa. She informs him the ceremony was a failure before dying. Breaking into the room Ryudo sees strange machinery and Elena enveloped in dark magic. Ryudo rescues her, and using a rope as a zip-line, escape the tower. Arriving in the Black Forest, Elena awakens and is shocked about the turn of events. The duo head back to Carbo Village and to the church. Father Carius is disappointed about the failure and reveals to Ryudo that it was a sealing ceremony to ensure the Dark Lord Valmar does not return. Father Carius offers Ryudo another job, escort Elena to the holy city of St Heim Papal State. Ryudo refuses, but decided to sleep on it. Late in the night, the town is attacked by a mysterious woman with wings.. Ryudo attempts to defend the town, but is defeated by her powerful magic. Almost toying with him, she flees leaving him alive. Ryudo accepts the escort mission, and the duo leave the next morning.
On the road to Agear town in the Inor mountains, Ryudo and Elenas ideals once again clash, his carefree and cynical world view directly clashes with her belief in the goodness of humanity and the light of Granas. Although the two of them eventually make it to Agear town. Ryudo suggests resting for the night, which Elena agrees. Retiring to the Inn, they meet several monster hunters, the young boy Roan, and the innkeeper and friend of Ryudos Vyx. Roan is requesting that the hunters assist him in retrieving his mothers medal from some monsters, however noone will help him. Ryudo refuses, upsetting Elena, and the duo head to bed. In the night, Ryudo changes his mind and heads out to help the boy. However, he is interupted by the woman who introduces herself as Millenia. She coerces Ryudo in allowing her to join him and the two head out to help Roan. The hunters at the Inn tell the duo that Roan has headed into Durham Cave alone to fetch his medal. The two chase after him, and after finding him, agree to help. Roan joins the group and the trio head deeper into the cave and confront the minotaur who had taken the medal. After the fight, Millenia mentions off-handed that she is the Wings of Valmar. Ryudo attempts to question her, but she blows him off and they head back into town. Back in town it is day time, and Millenia bids Ryudo farewell before disappearing into a beam of light, revealing Elena. Elena awakens and wonders why she is outside when she was asleep. Frightened by the revelation, Ryudo suggests they make haste to St Heim so the pope can exorcise the wings from Elena. Roan joins the group, not wishing to travel alone and annoying Ryudo.
The Trio head through the Baked Plains, where the overly optimistic Elena and Roan constantly annoy Ryudo. Eventually, the group make it to the Grana Cliffs, made when the God of Light Granas defeated the Dark Lord Valmar. The trio see a flying machine making its way to a city, and decide to head there to get across the cliffs. However, they are attacked by a rampaging beastman claiming Ryudo is the one he's been searching for. After a short fight, the beastman comes to his senses and apologizes, introducing himself as Mareg, and he is searching for a "demon-man" named Melfice. Ryudo recognizes the name, but Mareg departs. Surprised and confused, the group head for the next town, Liligue City. The group enters and immediatly see two townsfolk fleeing the city., they say that the city is cursed and the citizens are suffering. The group assist a young boy, who takes them to his house. Inside, they meet his parent, who the father is a worker on the skyway. They tell them about the towns curse, a few day prior the food began to have no taste. The father tells them that if they wish to use the skyway, they need permission from the manager Gadan. The group meets with Gadan, a glutenous filthy man whom charges the group $10,000 gold pieces just for the ride. Ryudo agrees, but the tram has already left and won't be back till the next day. The group dislikes Gadan, commenting how he can eat so much while the whole city suffers. The group decided to head for the Church of Granas. The group meets with the pastor of the church, where they discuss the misfortune of the town. The Father tells them that the city was built on top of an old Granas temple, and the massive stone pillars through town are ancient pieces that Gadan is excavating. Elena and Ryudo eventually realize that a piece of Valmar must have been sealed in the temple, and with the excavation it must have broken and is now causing havoc upon the town, causing its misfortune. The group decides to enter the ruins underneath town in hopes of finding the piece and saving the town. The group runs into Mareg, who apologizes again for their earlier encounter. Ryudo asks him about Melfice, who is revealed to be his brother. Mareg claims that he does not know where he is, as he is chasing Melfice's scent, which the town reeks of. The group use his scent of smell to find an entrance to the underground, where Mareg joins the group. The group travel through the tunnels underground, and eventually end up inside of the ruins of the temple. As the group closes in on the seal, Millenia takes over Elena, and joins the group. Eventually, the group enter the seal room and the Tongue of Valmar, revealed to be Gadan, assaults them. The group defeats him, and Millenia casts some dark magic on Gadan before transforming back into Elena. The group take Gadan back into his mansion, but he is catatonic. Elena reveals that each piece of Valmar vies for control, and that other pieces can absorb the others to gain more power. However, as a result of the absorption, the posses soul is also devoured. The group contemplates whether Millenia is friend or foe, before deciding the head off using the skyway to cross the cliffs.
On the skyway, the group converses more upon the events; if Millenia can be trusted, their proximity to their destination, also Maregs backstory and history regarding Melfice, whom attacked and destroyed Maregs village, killing many. Mareg vowed never to return until he had killed Melfice. However, the parties conversation is cut short my violent winds. The skyway is broken off froms its wires and crashes. Ryudo, Mareg, and Roan wake up together, and search for Elena. Elena is elsewhere, and has a small conversation with Millenia in a mirror. Millenia suggest that they work together, which disgusts Elena as Millenia is the Wings of Valmar. Millenia says shes not all bad, and won't harm Ryudo. The group meet back up and head toward the next city. However, before they make it through the Lumir Forest, the group enter the Garden of Dreams. They meet Aira, a mysterious little girl who can read their minds. When she reads Elenas mind, she becomes scared of being eaten and runs away. Confused, the party leaves the garden and proceeds to Mirumu village. In the village, the group is rushed by the townsfolk and the mayor as savior. Even more confused, the mayor enlightens the party as to the current situation; the town is cursed, people are falling asleep and not waking up. Thus far several people are under this condition, and the populace are scared. The mayor had requested help from St Heim, which he confused the party with as he though Elena being a sister was their salvation. The group decides to investigate, starting at the Inn. The group meet Irina, the propritor of the Inn who also mistakes the group. Upon being corrected, Irina shows the group her sons, Nicolas, condition. He is asleep, and will not wake up. The group investigates further, and head to the outskirts of town and meet Aira again. They also meet her mother, Sabrina. Sabrina tells them that when Aira was a baby, she became very sick. Sabrina prayed to Granas for a cure, and by some miracle they were answered and Aira was cured. However, Aira now posseses some strange power to read peoples minds, and at this time the villages problems began. The conversation is interrupted by Aira, who says a scary woman is outside to get her. The group head outside and meet Selene and some holy knights. Selene is the Head Sister of Granas and the popes right hand woman. She states that the village is under lock down while she conducts an investigation, and that no one may leave. She also states that whomever is causing the curse, and whomever may be helping, will be purified. The group is troubled and aggravated by Selenes zealousness, and head back to Sabrina. Aira convinces the group to follow them to her "special place". Its a shack next to the house, but there is a hole in the floor leading to another Granas seal. The group is assaulted by eye-bats, and Millenia again joins the group. They follow Aira through a portal and are again in the Garden of Dreams. Aira reveals to them that she was healed by the seal, revealing a third eye on her head. Millenia understands that she is possessed by the Eye of Valmar, and she must be killed to stop the curse. Aira runs away, frightened and confused. Ryudo asks if there is another way, however Millenia says there isn't and takes them back to the Granas seal. Inside the seal room, there is another portal which Millenia says will take them into Aira's soul. Inside her soul, they discover the Eye and do battle. After its defeat, they are teleported out and back into the Garden. Sabrina arrives, and pleas to not kill her daughter. Millenia says there is no other way, and absorbs the eye. This causes the garden to disappear into a wasteland. Sabrina, angered, yells at Millenia and asks if her daughter will ever come back. Millenia tells her that the one flower in the garden is Airas soul, which if the garden is restored will bring back Aira. Millenia tells Ryudo that she was lying, but Ryudo doesn't believe her. Back in town, Selene declares the situation resolved, leading to an argument with the group over he apparent cold behavior regarding the murder of a child. Selene simply states that its the will of Granas before leaving, stating she will see the party at St Heim. The group leaves the town, visibly shaken at the events.
The group head to the mountain path of St Heim, and begin their climb. At the summit, the group camps. They discuss many events; Millenia again, Selene and her distorted world view as well as the stance of the Church which cause Elena to begin to question her purpose. The group rest up and head down the mountain, finally arriving in St Heim Papal State. Ryudo is in awe of the giant Cathedral, and Elena is happy to have made the journey. Mareg and Roan leave to allow Ryudo to complete his mission. Inside the Cathedral, Pope Zera takes Elena but wishes to meet with Ryudo. Zera tells Ryudo he cannot help Elena, however, he knows the way to destroy the pieces inside of her. He will need the Granasaber, the ancient weapon used by Granas to slay Valmar. Although hesitant, he agrees to the mission. The group meets at the Inn and decides what to do, as they do not know where the Granasaber is, given only a vague description "it rests with the Legion of Darkness," these words disturb Roan, who suggests heading to the Cyrum kingdom for more answers. After resting, the group head for the Cyrum kingdom through Raul Hills. Upon entering the Cyrum kingdom, Roan reveals that this is his hometown and that its people are the "decendants of darkness", people who fought with Valmar against Granas and the group decides to stay at the inn. Roan says he is going home and departs. The group cannot enter the castle to speak with the king, and decide to play some games at the festival going on, and attempt to gain information about the location of the Granasaber. Elena and Ryudo spend some quality time together, and some funny moments involving Heimble. However, Millenia interrupts them and tries her hand and being with Ryudo. Roan and Mareg interrupt them and Roan states there is trouble in the castle as the king has decided to open the Gate of Darkness. Roan leads them to a side entrance, where the guards reveal he is the prince of Cyrum kingdom. Upon entering the castle, Roan is relieved to see the gate has not been opened and heads upstairs to meet his father. In the kings room, Roan berates his father for his cowardice and demands to know why he is opening the gate, it is also revealed that Roans medal is the key to opening the gate. The King informs Roan of a mysterious messenger who told the king that opening the gate will finally bring prosperity to the kingdom. The King states its too late, that the gate will be opened soon, just then there is a large crash in the castle and the group rushes to the gate. The group find it open and decide to enter as Mareg and Millenia state there is a piece of Valmar inside. Inside, the group, especially Roan, is astonished to see some sort of factory. Navigating the factory to a control room, Mareg goes crazy as he smells Melfice, however the group is attacked by an Automata possessed by the Claws of Valmar. Defeating the claws, Millenia absorbs the claws leaving the automata unharmed. Roan goes into a rage, stating that he is tired of his people living as if the past never happened and that they protected the factory for all these years. He accidentally causes a self-destruct mechanism in the factory and the group flees, Mareg takes the automata with them as he states she is an innocent victim. The automate awakens, she states he name is Tio and calls Mareg "master" wishing for orders, he tells her she is free and that she can do what she wants which confuses her. Roan and company confront the king, but upon entering his chamber they meet Melfice who reveals he coerced the king into opening the gate and unleashing the claws. He assaults the group, and easily bests them. His final remarks are to Ryudo, telling him I'll see you at "home". Roan has a crisis of faith regarding his peoples history and his fathers travesties. However, Ryudo encourages him to forge a new history for his people. In a touching scene, Roan becomes king, and tells his subjects their dark history and decides to forge a new path a symbolically raises the flag, which has the insignia of Valmar. Roan decides to stay in his kingdom and rebuild it. Ryudo accepts his request, and Tio joins the group, wishing to follow Mareg her "master" but also to understand his meaning of freedom.
Ryudo reveals their next destination, the village of Garlan. Roan gives them a boat which can traverse the Granacliffs. They meet Captain Bakala, a haughty captain full of wisdom and captain of the ship the 50/50. On the ship, Ryudo thinks about home and his exile, meanwhile Elena succumbs to sea sickness and Mareg is roped into pumping up an air compressor. The relieve Elena, they decide to dock on an island for a night. In the night, Ryudo talks with Elena, revealing a minor romantic relationship as well as their strength and determination to see their journey to its end. The next morning, the tide has come in and their land bridge is now underwater. Following the rocky coasts of the many islands, the group makes their way back to the 50/50. Captain Bakala reveals the nature of their vessel. Upon reaching the Granacliffs, the ship will transform into more of a plane, riding the wind created by the updrafts and across the cliffs. They powered up the compressor to give them a boost to ensure their crossing, but its not guaranteed, hence the name of the ship. The group successfully cross and land at Garlan village. Upon arrival, Ryudo is accosted and demonized by the villagers, especially a man named Gatta. Ryudo suggests heading to his old home for clues. The house is now boarded up, and Gatta confronts Ryudo. He attacks Ryudo, but loses, almost crying Gatta says if Ryudo had acted faster she'd still be alive. Ryudo heads to the inn, and suggests they stay the night and search for Melfice in the morning. Elena ponders to herself what happened to Ryudo in this town, a disguised Skye tells Elena his tale. Garlan used to be a town of Swordsmen, where they trained and practice to protect an ancient idol in the mountains. Melfice and Ryudo were raised by the village elder, and Melfice was the best swordsmen but also engaged to Reena, the village priestess. Once night, during a storm, the idol in the mountain was rumbling, so Reena was sent to pacify it. When she did not return, Melfice was sent up secretly followed by Ryudo. When Ryudo came upon the idols temple, he sees Melfice murdering Reena before the whole place collapses. Ryudo was devastated, and the villagers considered this an omen and banished Ryudo from the village. This hurt Ryudo deeply, and has brought out this cynically persona as a way to protect himself. The next day, Ryudo deduces that Melfice must be at Grail Mountain. Departing the town, the group ascends Grail mountain, seeing the destruction and foulness that Melfice brought, the entire area is covered in purple goo. At the pinnacle, the group heads into the idols chamber, which is revealed to be a seal of Granas. Ryudo goes crazy, stating that everything he was told and believed in was a lie for the benefit of Valmar and that the idol and now Melfice is the Horns of Valmar. Outside, Melfice appears and taunts the group heading to the grove where Ryudo used to practice. Melfice taunts his brother, stating he failed to protect himself and Reena. A great battle ensues, with Ryudo being the victor. A dying Melfice talks to Ryudo. He states that his lust for power, power with which he was going to use to protect the world, is why he took the idol and was possessed and used by the horns. He also tells the party the location of the Granasaber. He dies, and the horns transfer to Ryudo. Ryudo fights the temptation, going into a coma. Back at the village, Ryudo is catatonic, and Elena asks Millenia for help. Millenia refuses and begins to devour the horns. She relents, and reveals that she is also in love with Ryudo, and he is the only one who ever cared about her. Millenia summons Elena, and uses her powers to distract the horns while Elena calls out to Ryudo. Inside Ryudos mind, the horns attempt to seduce him using his brother and Reena as means to confuse him. However, with the help of Millenia and Elena, Ryudo triumphs over the horns and they are sealed away. Ryudo wakes up, and thanks Millenia and Elena, although Elena says she didn't do anything, Ryudo says it was her voice which he heard.
The village elder thanks Ryudo for bringing hope back to the village, he also apologizes along with Gatta. Mareg suggests they head for his village and the edge of the world. The group head back to the boat, and head off to Nannan village. Traversing through the jungle, the group encounter a charred land, and Mareg tells them this was once the location of his village, but Melfice destroyed it and Mareg swore vengeance. The group arrive at Nannan, and meet with the village elder. The Elder praises Mareg for his success, but is saddened to learn that Melfice was Ryudos brother. The Elder asks Elena and Ryudo to participate in a series of trials (however these are revealed to be a simple mini-game) and the group rests at the town while they celebrate. The Elder tells the group that the Granasaber most likely resides inside of the Wall of Wind, a giant cyclone that is never ending. Heading out of the village, the group arrives at the cyclone. With no apparent way forward, the group discovers several other automata which Tio absorbs their knowledge. She tells the group that the last order these automata received were to raise the cyclone, even though they were going to be destroyed if they did. She says that there is a way to turn off the cyclone in an area known as the "Demon's Law". Headed into the area, it is very reminicent of the Granas seals being very technologically advanced. The group explores further, and discovers a way to turn off the cyclone and are ambushed by a Minotaur. Defeating it, the group turn off the cyclone and rush outside. Outside, they discover the Granasaber, a massive sword pierced into the ground. Pondering how they would be able to move such a massive item, they are surprised by Selene. She congratulates them for finding the item, and then sacrifices one of her soldiers to revive the Body of Valmar. Confused as to why Selene would side with Valmar, Millenia appears as the body begins to consume the whole area. Millenia convinces the group to enter the body and defeat it, so they can successfully retrieve the saber as well as confront Zera about Selene. They traverse the bodies system, and finally defeat its core where Millenia absorbs it. As the body begins to disintegrate, Tio reveals that the Granasaber isn't actually a sword, but a ship and teleports the group inside the bridge. Using its systems, they travel to St Heim to confront the Pope about Selene and the revival of Valmar. The group are shocked when they arrive and discover the Cathedral Knights attacking and killing citizens, with the Cathedral becoming a fortress. Defeating several knights and entering the Cathedral, the group is surprised by Selene and a cadre of knights. She tells them that the revival of Valmar is imminent, and that Zera knew and gave her instructions to assist. She sacrifices herself and her knights to become the. After its defeat, shockingly Elena absorbs its power. She reveals her mission; she was sent by Zera to absorb the wings, and use those to absorb the rest of Valmar in order for him to be truly defeated, and that he was going to use the Granasaber to destroy Valmar even though it would cause her death. The group rush to the top of the Cathedral and confront Zera. Zera greets them and tells them the truth; During the Battle between good and evil Granas used the Granasabers as ships to fight Valmar, whereas both sides used Automata to fight. With everything destroyed, Valmar and Granas confronted each other, where Granas actually was killed. Valmar was defeated as well, but only separated into pieces. Zera states that he sent Elena on the mission to absorb all the pieces, but reveals that it was not to destroy Valmar, but to revive him. A crazed Zera states that the Church of Granas is a lie founded on lies to comfort the world. But because the light was extinguished many years ago, darkness has slowly grown stronger. Realizing that Valmars revival was not only imminent, but unavoidable, Zera states that his intention is to revive Valmar and bring about the end of the world as the light has abandoned them. He kidnaps Elena, and heads to the Valmars Moon, which is revealed to be the rest of Valmar.
Ryudo and company are determined to rescue Elena and to defeat Zera. Using the Granasaber, the group head to the moon. They confront Zera, who is now insane. Zera states that he will merge with Valmar, and become the new god and take the world into new prosperity. He removes Millenia from Elena, and begins absorbing her into the moon. Using the last of her strength, Millenia releases Elena and sends the group out, delaying the absorption long enough to allow the group to flee. Arriving at the Granasaber, the group are surrounded by many of Valmars young. Tio states that the Granasaber needs to charge up, as it is almost out of fuel. Mareg tells the group to head inside and he will accompany them shortly. Mareg prays to Granas, praying for the groups safe departure. He tells Tio to find a meaning to live, as it is the last thing he can teach her, before the Granasaber flies off the moon, leaving Mareg. The Granasaber crashes just outside Cyrum kingdom. With barely any time to recoup or deal with the loss of Mareg, Valmars moon begins to send its young down to the planet. Realizing that Cyrum kingdom needs help, the group heads to the city. Running into (now King) Roan, he welcomes the group before solemnly understanding Maregs sacrifice. Just as the last of the young are defeated, the group sees Valmars moon crash into the Cathedral of Granas, absorbing all of the citizens and the building to create a new body of Valmar, effectivly reviving Valmar. The new Valmar begins sending more mature youngs to attack Ryudo, needing the Horns inside of him to truly become complete. The group heads out of town, accompanied by Roan, so no more people will be put at risk. Roan remembers a place, known as a masoleum, that is supposed to house ancient ruins. With no other recourse, the group head there, and enter a place known as the Birthplace of the Gods. Entering deep into the ruins, the group meet the automata computer named Elmo. Elmo tells the group the history of Granas and Valmar. Both entities were once human, who gained godlike abilities. Initially, only Granas was revered, and his teachings become law with anyone now bowing to his word branded a heretic and destroyed. There weren't any wars, until a small group began to worship Valmar, allowing him to garner enough strength and followers to challenge Granas. He recounts the battle where both were destroyed, and that the Granas seals were not in fact to seal Valmar, but to allow that piece to be joined by a host much easier, explaining how many of the pieces came into the possession of the individuals so easily. Initially, the pieces were to be used for good, however, many still battle for the pieces and such they were lost. Elmo tells the group that the pieces are not inherently evil, but simply push the individual towards the goal he/she wishes most. And that most of the time, this devolves to evil intentions as that is the easiest way to achieve ones goals. Elmo also tells Ryudo that the Horns are sealed inside him, and will remain so as long as Ryudo maintains control over his emotions. However Ryudo has a revelation; realizing that "Light" and "Dark" does not mean good or evil, he wishes to unseal the Horns and use their power to defeat Zera. Elmo complies, and sets Ryudo into a machine that will release the Horns. He states that the machine will take Ryudo into his own soul, and challenge him for control. If Ryudo loses, Ryudo will die. Understanding, Ryudo still wishes to go through with the process. Tio and Roan understand Ryudos sacrifice, but Elena doesn't. Ryudo confronts Elena, and she reveals that she is scared because she loves Ryudo, and doesn't want him to die. As he begins to leave, Elena jumps to him, and they share a kiss, Ryudo promises he will come back.
Inside of Ryudos soul, he is tested brutally by Valmar. He is asked if he wants power to defeat evil, the same power his brother wanted. He is confronted by the souls of his brother and Reena, chastising him for his inability to protect anyone. Finally, Valmar shows him his new form, that of a Valmar young. Despondent, Ryudo slowly loses his will. Outside, Valmar is shown ravaging the lands, moving slowly towards Cyrum kingdom. The people have gathered outside of the masoleum having followed Roan. The people have given up hope, but Elena sings, raising the peoples spirits. Inside of his soul, Ryudo hears Elena. And he realizes his will to fight and live. He also realizes his need for power is an illusion, as he's always had the power inside of himself and his friends. He discovers the power of friendship, love, and of ones will. And in a blinding beam of light, Ryudo returns to the world, on top of the mausoleum. Elena greets Ryudo, Ryudo thanks her as it was her voice again that saved him from damnation. Ryudo announces his resolve to defeat Valmar, not with the Light of Granas, but the will of man and of himself. He reveals the true Granasaber, a weapon formed from the Horns as well as Ryudos own soul. Using its immense power, further strengthened by the will of the people, Ryudo cuts Valmar, wounding it which amazes the god. Ryudo uses the saber to transport the group inside of Valmar for the final confontation. Deep inside the core of valmar the group is confronted by Zera, now completely absorbed into Valmar. The group defeats this form, but Zera is not dead, and summons Millenia to kill the group. The group defeats Millenia, and she disappears. Elena then summons the real Millenia, realizing that Millenia was and will always be a part of her. Now a separate being, Millenia joins the group, but Roan and Tio are separated just as Valmar takes off into space. Elena, Ryudo, and Millenia traverse ahead while Roan and Tio fend off more young. Deep in the heart of Valmar, the group defeats the pieces again before confronting Zera himself. Turning into a butterfly/moth like creature, Zera fights the trio. He is defeated, and is amazed that a mere human could defeat him. Ryudo states that Zera himself is still human, and was never a god. Zera confesses his disgust of his new form as well as his fear of dying. With his death, Valmar is truly defeated, and Tio saves Roan with her abilities. The two discuss Mareg, which they agree that he would be happy with the turn of events. Millenia, Elena, and Ryudo as left in space, and ponder the existence of humanity and gods. Ryudo states that man doesn't need anymore gods, and that the power of humanity is what man truly needs. Millenia and Elena, using her new angel wings, take Ryudo back to the planet.
A Year later, Roan decides to travel the world again to see how it has changed. He meets Tio working as a nurse, he asks her if shes happy, which she is very. She says she feels more and more human each day, and also feels Maregs spirit watching over her. He visits Millenia in Liligue City, where she has become a teacher. Although still very temperamental, she shows she is a great teacher and that her students love her. When Roan leaves, she talks about her love of Ryudo, and she hopes to see him again some time. He visits Maregs grave, and talks about the future of the world, and how much he misses him. He finally visits Sabrina and Aira, Aira having regained consciousness. Aira tells Roan that Elena is in town, having became a traveling songstress to bring joy to the world. Throughout his journey Roan asks everyone about Ryudo, who has gone missing after the events. Elena tells Roan that she has not seen him, but she feels him, and that he is ok. She states that he is traveling to world to see humanity change. She states that she loves him, and knows that he will come back whenever he is done. Ryudo is seen climbing a mountain, and places the Granasaber into the ground near a tree. He states that from here it will be able to see the changes in the world, and that it will be happy. He then walks about, to continue his journey, leaving the Granasaber behind.
Game System
The game is an RPG using an action bar-based fighting system which is unique to the series. Grandia II sports a unique battle system which is more tactical than what is usual on console RPGs, especially those developed by Japanese companies. Apart from the usual real-time yet turn-based battle system as is known from the Final Fantasy series, the game also supports limited movement during the battle. Characters can run around, strike their opponent and then retreat somewhere else. Spending a turn to change position can help avoid area of effect attacks and, occasionally, escape melee strikes. With some good (or bad) timing, either the player or the computer can "cancel" a move, causing a character's or monster's wait time to strike to be lengthened or, if acting out a move, canceling it entirely. The battle system consists of Initiative Points, Magic Points, Hit Points and Special Points.
Action Bar
During battles, each combatant, whether party member or enemy, is represented by an icon on the action bar in the lower-right corner of the screen. The combatant's position on the action bar shows how soon they will be able to act next. As the battle begins, all icons are placed in the "WAIT" segment on the left of the action bar and start advancing slowly towards the right end. When a party member's icon reaches the "COM" (for "command") mark, the game pauses, letting the player select the next action to be carried out by this character (attack, defend, cast magic, move, etc.). The selected action is not executed immediately, but rather when the character's icon reaches the "ACT" mark at the rightmost end of the bar. Likewise, the enemies only attack when their respective icons reach the ACT mark. After executing an action, the combatant's icon is reset back to the leftmost end of the bar and they have to wait before taking action again.
Gaining initiative in combat results in the party members' icons being placed ahead of the enemies' at the start of the battle, effectively giving them the first strike. The speed at which a combatant's icon moves across the WAIT segment and thus their effective action rate are influenced by their monster type (for enemies) and their accessories and supportive spells (for party members). The time it takes for the icon to get from the COM mark to the ACT mark depends mainly on the chosen action: some moves need very little time to execute, while others take a lot longer.
Combo
A combo attack allows a character to land two hits on an enemy. They are quick to use, and the hits can be increased with certain accessories up to four hits per combo. A combo attack can also "counter" if it hits an enemy in an attack pose, dealing additional damage. Additionally, if the combo kills the intended target before reaching the final blow, the character attempts to attack the closest enemy to complete the combo.
Critical
A critical attack is a single stored hit that cancels an enemy's attack. They are slower to use, and are primarily used to prevent an enemy from using an especially powerful move. Critical attacks usually deal less damage than a full Combo. Each character's first move also carries a "cancel" effect. Critical attacks can "counter."
Special Moves
Each character can use moves, which consume SP, and has a set of moves unique to him or her. The battle pauses when a move is executed. Moves may also deal IP damage, delaying an enemy's actions. Moves must be learned with Skill Coins, and have a maximum level of 5. Move damage is increased and execution time is decreased as the move's level is increased. All beginning techniques (Tenseiken Slash and Golden Hammer, for example), once maxed, are almost immediately executed upon entering the command. This is of significant value for canceling effectively.
Magic
Characters can use magic from equipped mana eggs. Using magic consumes MP and pauses the battle. More powerful magic takes longer to cast. Similar to moves, magic can be learned with Magic Coins, and have a maximum level of 5. Spell efficiency is increased and casting time is decreased as the level increases. Magic spells can be cast instantly if a character has skills equipped giving a +100% bonus to the element of that particular spell.
Skills
Skills are learned from Skill Books, then equipped onto characters. Skills can either boost stats or add additional effects, such as increased item drops or adding a cancel effect to certain spells. Skills are learned with either Skill Coins or Magic Coins, depending on the type of skill.
English voice cast
- Cam Clarke — Ryudo/Father Carius/Risotto
- Jennifer Hale - Elena/Paella
- Paul Eiding — Skye/Oro/Carpaccio/Brother 3
- John Cygan — Melfice/Client/Brother 1
- Richard Doyle — Zera/Gonzola/Village Chief
Japanese voice cast
- Showtaro Morikubo — Ryudo
- Hiroko Konishi — Elena
- Yukitoshi Hori — Skye
- Tomoko Ishimura — Roan
- Mai Hoshikawa — Millenia
- Daisuke Gouri — Mareg
- Misa Watanabe — Selene
- Isshin Chiba — Melfice
- Osamu Saka — Zera
Crew
- Producer: Takeshi Miyaji
- Director: Katsunori Saito
- Sequence director: Hidenobu Takahashi
- Programming supervisor: Kazuyuki Ohata
- Original scenario writers: Kei Shigema, Yuichi Hasegawa
- Scenario director: Hiroaki Okabe
- Game scenario writers: Yuzo Sunaga, Hidenobu Takahashi
- Character designer: Yuji Kanoe
- Game designer: Osamu Harada
- Graphic director: Akihisa Sako
- Music composer: Noriyuki Iwadare
- Vocals: Kaori Kawasumi
Images
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Main Series Spin-Offs |