GENRE
	RPG
	DEVELOPER
	Sting
	PUBLISHER
	Ubi Soft
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	no
	WII EXCLUSIVE
	only-gcn
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	BUY NOW AT

Intro
Set to become one of the first role playing games on the GameCube, Evolution Worlds is an integrated compilation of Evolution: World of Sacred Device and Evolution 2, both released on the Dreamcast. Featuring enhanced graphics, completely overhauled voicework, and refined difficulty settings, this collection of two titles should surpass the mediocre reviews given the originals.

Thousands of years after the collapse of an ancient civilization, society again has the capacity to build marvelous vehicles like submarines and airplanes. There are a select few people who wield a certain Cyframe technology salvaged from the old ruins. Brave, Cyframe-using adventurers become famous by accepting assignments to investigate the expired civilization, and the protagonist of Evolution Worlds is the latest in a long line of such heroes.

Impressions
Evolution Worlds seems to be shaping up as a rough sculpture hewn closer to the original, superior vision. Both quests are integrated into a single adventure, with some skills and other elements carried into the latter half. Whereas the original Evolution featured no voicework, the developers of Worlds plan to use fully voiced narrative. They hope this will help the game stand out against another upcoming Dreamcast port, Sega's new legend Skies of Arcadia.

The game's graphics are enhanced for the GameCube platform. The anime-styled characters have faces imbued with more expression than before, for example. Nevertheless, the visuals are still quite close to their DC roots.

The turn-based battle system isn't the most deep on the market, but is stuffed with cartoon-like spells and wacky action. In the vein of Smash Brothers, one skill summons a massive, gloved hand to crush enemies. Admittedly, Evolution Worlds skews to a slightly younger RPG audience, made apparent through the battles and general presentation.

Word on the Street
While the Evolution titles on the Dreamcast garnered neither grand acclaim nor a large fanbase, Ubi Soft hopes to change that with this enhanced compilation. Worlds had a minor presence at Ubi Soft's E3 setup, but show attendees are far from its target audience.

From the Horse's Mouth

• Improved visuals allow for total immersion in the game, with free controllable camera
• Innovative Cyframe technology combines extraordinary weaponry and magical abilities to create a unique combat experience
• Interaction with more than 100 characters with 60+ hours of gameplay

Conclusion
The target demographic and a GameCube lineup with plenty of room for more RPGs may ensure continued success for this franchise, which met with surprisingly healthy sales on Sega's defunct wonder-machine. With a dual-chapter integrated quest, graphics appealing to younger gamers, and a friendly combat system, Worlds should be a suitable alternative to more mature RPGs for those unfamiliar with the series.

media

impressions

word on the street

press release notes

overall