View source for Luminous Arc 2

{{short description|2008 video game}}
{{Refimprove|date=February 2009}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Luminous Arc 2
|image = Luminous Arc 2 Will.jpg
|caption = North American box art
|developer = [[Imageepoch]]
|publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[Marvelous Entertainment|Marvelous Entertainment Inc.]]|NA|[[Atlus USA]]|PAL|[[Rising Star Games]]}}
|director = Shuetsu Kadowaki
|designer = Kaito Shibano
|composer = [[Akari Kaida]]<br />Shunsuke Tsuchiya<br />[[Yoko Shimomura]]<br />[[Yoshino Aoki]]
|released = {{vgrelease|JP|May 15, 2008|NA|November 18, 2008|EU|October 9, 2009|AUS|April 1, 2010}}
|genre = [[Tactical role-playing game|Tactical role-playing]]
|modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
|platforms = [[Nintendo DS]]
|series = ''[[Luminous Arc]]''
}}
'''''Luminous Arc 2'''''{{Efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Luminous Arc 2: Will'''''|ルミナスアーク2 ウィル|Ruminasu Āku Tsū Wiru|lead=yes}}}} is a [[tactical role-playing game]] developed by [[Imageepoch]] for the [[Nintendo DS]], and published by [[Marvelous Entertainment]] in Japan on May 15, 2008, and by [[Atlus USA]] and [[Rising Star Games]] in North America and the PAL region respectively. It is the second game in the ''[[Luminous Arc]]'' series.
==Gameplay==
[[File:La2 090308 6.jpg|thumb|upright|left|A screenshot of a battle: the top screen shows units' status and information, while the touch screen displays units' positions and turn order]]
''Luminous Arc 2'' is a [[strategy role-playing game]] in which characters move across an [[Isometric projection|isometric]] grid. Each character can be equipped with weapons, armor, items, and magical "Lapis" [[gemstone]]s. Characters learn special skills by [[Experience level|leveling up]] and are able to use a "Flash Drive" [[Fighting game#Special attacks and combos|special attack]] upon attacking or defeating enemies. When a character's [[hit points]] reach zero, they are removed from battle, but can be revived.
==Plot==
In the Kingdom of Carnava, in an age when [[Magic (fantasy)|magic]] supports everyday life and civilization itself, peace is maintained by the queen's knights and the Rev Magic Association. Sixteen years before the game's story begins, [[monster]]s called Beast Fiends start to appear, destroying everything in their way. Mattias, leader of the Magic Association, uses the evil Demon Blade to try to seal the source of the fiends, but is sealed away himself by the elemental [[witch]]es. At the time of the game setting, new Beast Fiends have been appearing, and the government overextends its forces trying to protect the entire kingdom. Meanwhile, Fatima{{mdash}}a powerful witch of the Association with control of the rare Shadow Frost Magic{{mdash}}goes rogue and starts a conflict with the Association, causing more trouble for the Kingdom.
Trying to solve the crisis, the kingdom starts a clandestine research project whose aim is to produce an easier way to use magic. The story starts when the kingdom has just successfully completed the research project, and devised a tool known as the "Runic Engine". Roland, a knight in training, is accidentally imbued with this new power, and fights the Beast Fiends, Master Mattias and the Shadow Frost Witch. In the course of the game, he discovers that the Rev Magic Association had covered up Mattias' turn to evil. However, he does not realise that Mattias did this to try and save the world, rather than destroy it. He later discovers that Bharva, king of the Fiends, was manipulating events, and joins with Fatima to prevent the Mage Queen Elicia, creator of the Fiends, from overrunning the world with them.
The player has a choice of having a romantic relationship with Fatima or Althea, and end game parts of the story, including the ending, will change depending on the player's pre-battle dialogue choices.
==Development and release==
{{expand section|date=July 2015}}
The game was featured at the [[Marvelous Entertainment]] booth at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2007. It was released in Japan on May 15, 2008 and North America on November 18, 2008.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/10/luminous-arc-2-coming-to-america |title=Luminous Arc 2 Coming to America |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=July 10, 2008 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226202259/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/10/luminous-arc-2-coming-to-america |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
As with the [[Luminous Arc|previous game]], famed sound designer [[Yasunori Mitsuda]] and his studio handled all the audio mixing and mastering. However, unlike the last time, Mitsuda did not compose for the game. Instead, composers [[Yoko Shimomura]], [[Akari Kaida]], [[Yoshino Aoki]], and Shunsuke Tsuchiya wrote the soundtrack, while Mitsuda acted as sound producer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vgmdb.net/album/7785 |title=MJCD-20125 &#124; Luminous Arc2 will Original Soundtracks |website=VGMDB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809190500/https://vgmdb.net/album/7785 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
The game includes a bonus music CD insert.<ref name="IGN"/> Those who preordered the game at selected retailers received an art book named "Luminous Art", which offers content from both ''Luminous Arc'' games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/05/inside-luminous-art-the-official-luminous-arc-2-pre-order-bonus-art-book |title=Inside Luminous Art, the Official Luminous Arc 2 Pre-order Bonus Art Book |author=IGN staff |date=November 5, 2008 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421150554/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/05/inside-luminous-art-the-official-luminous-arc-2-pre-order-bonus-art-book |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
A manga based on the story of ''Luminous Arc 2'' began serialization in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmv.co.jp/message/luminousarc2.php?itemid=827 |title=Luminous Arc 2 Development Blog |date=May 7, 2008 |website=[[Marvelous Entertainment]] |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202000446/http://www.mmv.co.jp/message/luminousarc2.php?itemid=827 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2017}}</ref>
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 73/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/luminous-arc-2/ |title=Luminous Arc 2 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828020957/https://www.metacritic.com/game/luminous-arc-2/ |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| 1UP = B−<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/luminous-arc-2 |title=Luminous Arc 2 Review |last=Fitch |first=Andrew |date=November 18, 2008 |website=[[1Up.com]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625090134/http://www.1up.com/reviews/luminous-arc-2 |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| Destruct = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-luminous-arc-2/ |title=Destructoid review: Luminous Arc 2 |last=North |first=Dale |date=November 19, 2008 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128014757/https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-luminous-arc-2/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| Fam = 28/40<ref name=Fam>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20080508.shtml |title=News for May 8, 2008 |website=The Magic Box |date=May 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308032017/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20080508.shtml |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 19, 2023}}</ref>
| GSpot = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/luminous-arc-2-review/1900-6201542/ |title=Luminous Arc 2 Review |last=Massimilla |first=Bethany |date=November 21, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=Fandom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828021724/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/luminous-arc-2-review/1900-6201542/ |archive-date=August 28, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/luminous-arc-2-review/ |title=Luminous Arc 2 review |last=Bratcher |first=Eric |date=November 24, 2008 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321212953/https://www.gamesradar.com/luminous-arc-2-review/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| GameZone = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamezone.com/reviews/luminous_arc_2_nds_review/ |title=Luminous Arc 2 - NDS - Review |last=Valentino |first=Nick |date=November 24, 2008 |website=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220141754/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r35986.htm |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=July 24, 2017}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/19/luminous-arc-2-review |title=Luminous Arc 2 Review |last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=November 19, 2008 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128133820/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/19/luminous-arc-2-review |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/12/luminous_arc_2_ds |title=Luminous Arc 2 Review |last=Newton |first=James |date=December 1, 2009 |website=Nintendo Life |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321182441/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/12/luminous_arc_2_ds |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| NP = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Luminous Arc 2 |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |volume=236 |date=Christmas 2008 |page=88}}</ref>
| NWR = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/17431/luminous-arc-2-nintendo-ds |title=Luminous Arc 2 |last=Jones |first=James |date=December 20, 2008 |website=Nintendo World Report |publisher=NINWR, LLC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901003654/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/17431/luminous-arc-2-nintendo-ds |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| RPG = 3/5<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/lumarc/lumarc2/reviews/lumarc2strev1.html |title=Luminous Arc 2 - Staff Review |last=Welhouse |first=Zach |date=November 18, 2008 |website=RPGamer |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208102954/https://www.rpgamer.com/games/lumarc/lumarc2/reviews/lumarc2strev1.html |archive-date=December 8, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
| RPGFan = 77%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/luminous-arc-2/ |title=Luminous Arc 2 |last=Hussey |first=John P. |date=November 20, 2008 |website=RPGFan |publisher=Emerald Shield Media LLC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205211628/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/luminous-arc-2/ |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref>
}}
In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave ''Luminous Arc 2'' all four sevens for a total of 28 out of 40.<ref name=Fam/> The game sold 41,000 units in Japan in its first week of release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/-i-monster-hunter-2nd-g-i-passes-2-million-at-top-of-japanese-charts |title=Monster Hunter 2nd G Passes 2 Million At Top Of Japanese Charts |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=May 22, 2008 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]] |publisher=[[Informa]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190338/https://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18739 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=August 28, 2024}}</ref> For the North American release, the game received above-average reviews according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MC/>
{{clear}}
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081026082420/http://www.atlus.com/luminousarc2/ Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070906153816/http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/game/ds/Luminous2/ Official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/50333/luminous-arc-2/}}
{{Luminous Arc series}}
[[Category:2008 manga]]
[[Category:2008 video games]]
[[Category:Atlus games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Image Epoch games]]
[[Category:J.C.Staff]]
[[Category:Luminous Arc]]
[[Category:Marvelous Entertainment]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS-only games]]
[[Category:Rising Star Games games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video games about witchcraft]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Akari Kaida]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yoko Shimomura]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yoshino Aoki]]