Vay

:"For the town in France, see Vay, Loire-Atlantique. For the village in Cambodia, see Ka Choun."Infobox VG| title = Vay
developer = SIMS
publisher = Working DesignsSoMoGa, Inc.
designer =
released =

genre = RPG
modes = Single Player
ratings = VRC: MA-13
platforms = Sega CD
Apple iPhone
media = 1x CD-ROM51.3 MB download ($4.99)

"Vay" is a 2D Anime Fantasy/Sci-Fi RPG published and developed by SIMS in Japan for the Sega CD Console. Working Designs localized and published the American release.

tory

Background

Over a millennium ago, in a far away part of the galaxy, a huge interstellar war had taken place. During the conflict, a large machine (mecha) escapes the battlefield. Its guidance system is broken and the pilot is dead, but it continues hurtling outward into space.

After a time, it crashes into the planet of Vay. This planet is inhabited by people, but they have little technology. The machine, programmed only for death, rampages across the planet killing and destroying anything it sees.

It took the combined forces of the five strongest wizards on the planet to stop the machine. Its power was sealed away in five magical orbs, which were taken to far away hidden places. The machine itself was also locked away. In time, however, the legend of the machine was nearly forgotten by all.

etting

In the kingdom of Lorath, Prince Sandor is about to wed his love, Lady Elin. The most important dignitaries of the four kingdoms have attended, ensuring that the kingdom of Lorath is secure for another generation.

While in the middle of their wedding ceremony, the castle is attacked by a large fleet of robots. During the siege, Lorath Castle is reduced to ruins, and Elin is kidnapped by one of the machines. Sandor vows to rescue his betrothed from her captors, and the story unfolds from this point.

Gameplay

Vay is an archetypal JRPG. Characters gain experience and gold by defeating monsters via random encounters. You can purchase new equipment and items, and most of the characters can learn new spells as their levels advance. The game also features a rudimentary AI system, allowing the characters to fight for you automatically. There are few real puzzles in Vay, aside from the occasional maze.

The challenge scaling in this title is quite erratic. Some of the bosses are much more powerful than their surrounding area/enemies may indicate. At the same time, more powerful creatures may offer less experience/gold than weaker variants.

Graphics & Sound

The game's graphics have somewhat simple landscapes. Most NPCs and human characters are minimal in size but have high detail, while most monsters are quite big and have even higher detail. Battle graphics have different looks for different weapon strikes and clear differences in same-spell types, but has simple two to three frame idle/attack/defend/etc. animations. Battles are also seen at a third-person point of view behind the characters, rather than a traditional left-to-right style.

The full motion video is in Anime and shows up at several important plot points (as well as the intro screen). Voice acting (FMVs only) is also present.

The soundtrack in Vay varies in style. Most dungeons and towns have the same songs, but a desert theme and a humorous battle theme are present. While much of the tracks have a campy feel, the most memorable tracks (battle songs, boss songs, and the final dungeon) have a techno-style.

Characters

"Protagonists"

* Sandor or Heibelger is Vay's protagonist, and the Prince of Lorath. He takes it upon himself to rescue his bride Elin, and eventually becomes the pilot of the legendary Armor of Vay.
* Pottle is the apprentice of Otto, a well-known wizard. He wields considerable magical power.
* Rachel is a mercenary that relies on brute strength to defeat her enemies.
* P.J., or Prudence Jurissa, is young woman who wields powerful magic. She quickly develops a crush on Sandor after their initial meeting.
* Lynx is a free-spirited, hard-drinking bard. He's a well-rounded combatant but has a rude and questionable demeanor.
* Kinsey is the Captain of the Pirates of Exeter Village. She allows the party use of her ship at a key point in the story.
* Otto is an elderly but wise wizard. He offers advice to Sandor frequently throughout the game.

"Antagonists"

* Jeal is the ruler of the Danek Empire. He lusts after the power that the Vay Armor is rumored to bestow upon its pilot.
* Sadoul is Jeal's adviser. He seems to have Jeal's best interests in mind, but seems to have an unhealthy interest in the Vay Armor as well...

iPhone Edition

On July 11th, 2008 a ported version of Vay was released by SoMoGa, Inc. for the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms.Some names in the IPhone and IPod touch vary between the other one.The most recent update to the software was on August 8th, 2008.

Trivia

* Sandor's name in the Japanese version of the game was 'Heibelger'. Working Designs gives the original script a slight nod by having Kerzalt's High Minister have the name 'Heibelger'. However Sandor is called Heibelger in the iPhone Edition.
* In the Japanese version the harpy enemies are bare chested. Working Designs altered this by having them wear bikini tops to cover up the nudity.

External links

* [http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/sega_cd/vay/ "Vay" at RPG Classics] Detailed walkthrough
* [http://www.fantasyanime.com/garden/cd_vay.htm "Vay" at FantasyAnime] Movie clips and screen captures
* [http://www.somoga.com/games/vay/ "Vay" at SoMoGa Inc.] Official site for Vay (iPhone edition)