Piece of Wonder

Infobox VG| title = Piece of Wonder


developer = Studio Crossfire
publisher = flagicon|JapanStudio Crossfire
flagicon|USAHirameki International
designer =
series =
engine =
released = flagicon|Japan2002-02-?
flagicon|USA2007-02-28
genre = Visual novel, Tactical role-playing game
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Teen
platforms = Windows 98
media = CD-ROM
requirements =Crossfire: Pentium II 350MHZ CPU, 128 MiB system RAM, 8x CD-ROM Drive, 800 MB of HDD space, DirectX 8 and Direct 3D compatible video card with 8MiB memory (VGA 16-bit color)
Hirameki: 800 MHz Pentium III or AMD Athlon processor, 128 MB RAM, 8x CD-ROM Drive, 800 MB of HDD space, 32 MB DirectX8 video card (VGA 16-bit color)
input =

"Piece of Wonder" is a hybrid tactical RPG and visual novel originally published in Japan in February 2002 by Studio Crossfire and released on January 21, 2007 in the United States by Hirameki International. The storyline incorporates sci-fi elements. A downloadable version, which doubles as a timed trial, is available through their online website. The CD version was made available at the end of February.

Plot

The game follows the experiences of high school student Kazuya Fuwa. He, his childhood friend Amane, an android named Raki, and a young girl named Shoko have powers awakened within them that allow them to use special abilities. They use these abilities to fight other superpowered creatures called "Evolutions".

Gameplay

;Visual Novel

Most of the gameplay in Piece of Wonder follows the style of most visual novels; the majority of time spent playing the game is spent on reading through the dialogue or story that appears on screen. Every so often, the game will pause and the player is given a chance to choose from several different options regarding how the player wishes to advance the game. The plot will then branch into paths focusing on a single heroine depending on the choices that were made by the player; a conclusive character ending will be presented at the end of any given path.

Once the story progresses to a certain point, several combat-orientated levels would appear. Played in classic RPG-style, the player takes control of the main characters and must accomplish a certain objective (usually to destroy all enemies on screen).

There are 3 different endings; one for each heroine. Once all three endings are completed, the true ending of the game can be unlocked and the truth behind the existence of the Evolutions is revealed. Unlike the three endings preceding it, the route leading to the true ending contains no combat gameplay nor selectable choices; hence this part of the game would be played like a kinetic novel.

Characters

;Kazuya Fuwa (不破和也):However, when his friends are in danger, he would not hesitate to protect them at all cost. Out of the group, he was the first person to awaken his powers of "Evolution" when they were ambushed by hostile Evolutions by the riverside. He controls the power of the grim reaper.

;Amane Saionji (西園寺 雨音)voiced by Ayako Kawasumi:Amane is the childhood friend of Kazuya. Clumsy and a bit of an airhead, she is often clueless regarding the events that go on around her. Out of the group, she is the second person to awaken her powers of Evolution. She controls the power of the mermaid. Most of her attacks inflict water type damage, but also possess the power to heal allies as well. During combat gameplay, she is the primary healer of the group.

;Raki Saionji (西園寺 羅鬼)voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro:Raki is an android built by Amane's grandfather. In front of outsiders, Raki pretends to be the younger sister of Amane. Instead of tapping into the powers of "Evolution" (since Raki is an android), Raki could switch into battle mode at will. In her battle mode state, Raki could equip herself with a variety of weapons such as guns, launchers and beam weapons etc.

;Shoko Maioka (舞岡 翔子)voiced by Masayo Kurata:Shoko is the last person in the group to awaken her Evolution powers. She controls the power of the phoenix and could wield the destructive powers of fire at will. In her "Evolution" form, Shoko gains a pair of flaming wings which allows her to travel over most terrain with ease and thus giving her the greatest movement range during combat levels.

Piece of Wonder Original Sound Track

It is the soundtrack of the game, which includes 16 BGMs, opening and ending songs, 2 audio dramas, and bonus PC data.

Piece of Wonder Nightmare

It is an upcoming sequel that takes place 1 year after the original game.

External links

* [http://www.studio-crossfire.com/soft/pow/index.html Studio Crossfire game page]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20080213084636/http://www.hirameki-int.com/appc/products/piece/index.html Hirameki International official Piece of Wonder website]
* [http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/pieceofwonder/index.html RPGFan review]