296w ago - At TGS last year White Knight Story (Shirokishi Monogatari) stole the hearts of many RPG fans with its amazing debut video. The buzz went white hot almost immediately, with everyone wanting a chance to find out more behind the gorgeous graphics and get a taste of how it would play. In the subsequent months, though, the lack of any new information let it drift out of the spotlight with so many other high profile titles getting attention. But when it came out that the game would be playable on the floor at TGS this year, it all came rushing back. So when the doors opened, that made White Knight Story stop number one.

The demo opened into an area called the Balastor Plain. Lead character Lenard and two companions stand beside a loaded wagon that needs to be escorted up the road. Camera control for looking around the 3D world offers complete freedom, and -- at least in this area -- the boundaries seem to extend a comfortable distance beyond the road. Running around and exploring the fields to either side of the road, we found a smattering of low-level creatures goofing off. With no random battles, these made a comfortable introduction to the combat system.

RPG veterans will recognize the system as somewhat similar to that used in the last Star Ocean game. Approaching an enemy will automatically put you in...