Cross Edge

This article is about the video game. For the concept in graph theory, see Depth-first search#Output of a depth-first search.

Cross Edge
Developer(s)	Idea Factory[1]
Publisher(s)	JP Compile Heart[2] NA NIS America[3] EU Koei[4] JP Compile Heart[5]
Distributor(s)	NA Koei[6]
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3
Release date(s)	JP September 25, 2008 NA May 26, 2009[3] EU September 18, 2009[4]
Genre(s)	Tactical role-playing game
Rating(s)	ESRB: T
Media/distribution	Blu-ray Disc

Cross Edge (クロスエッジ, Kurosu Ejji^?) (abbreviated as XEdge or X-Edge), is a role-playing video game for the PlayStation 3. The game was developed by Idea Factory with characters from games by Capcom, Nippon Ichi Software, Namco Bandai and Gust Corporation. Released on September 25, 2008 in Japan, the game features turn-based battles, a plot that involves rescuing souls, and the ability to dress the female characters of the player's party in a wide variety of outfits. The game features characters from Darkstalkers, Disgaea, Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia, Spectral Souls: Resurrection of the Ethereal Empires, Atelier Marie and Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy.^[1] NIS America published the game in North America, and it was released for that region on May 26, 2009. It has been viewed as similar to the 2010 game Trinity Universe, which was also developed by Idea Factory. This game features characters from the Nippon Ichi series, Disgaea, and from characters from the Gust Co. series, Atelier.

In early July 2010 it was confirmed through NIS America's forums that Tim Langdell and his company Edge Games had begun legal action against NIS America due to the name of the game. Tim Langdell is notorious for suing video game companies over properties that contain the word "Edge". On his website, Langdell claims that the game is 'under license from Edge Games'.^[7]

Plot

Gameplay

Cross Edge is a traditional Japanese role-playing game complete with world map, random battles, level grinding, item combining/creation using alchemy, etc. It also features heroes and villains from game franchises published by Gust, Capcom, Nippon Ichi, Namco Bandai and Idea Factory. As players set about freeing the trapped souls supporting the nightmare world that they are stuck in, they engage in turn-based team battles. This is where the characters from previous games come in. Players must enlist them to join in party-based battles. Success in these battles is based on the ability to string together specific moves into chain attack sequences, which in turn unlock even stronger combinations when successful. Players can also increase their characters' stats and abilities by acquiring additional costumes called 'forms' and redressing their characters in them. Female characters physical appearances can also be changed based on the form they're wearing.

The goal of the game is to release souls. You can find and collect souls by searching around area maps. Exposure to souls can grant players items or unlock events. Along with soul related events, maps will also point players to other helpful locations such as event points, points at which other events may occur, and save points, where you can save your game as well as buy, sell and trade items.

Characters

Original characters

• Yūto Kannagi (神薙 勇刀, Kannagi Yūto^?)

Voiced by: Satoshi Hino (Japanese), Sam Riegel (English)

The main hero. His name in the North American version was changed to York Neely. He is a childhood friend with Troy and Miko and, thanks to Miko, is a straight A student. His father is renowned fighter and York is a master of jujitsu. However, he began to tire of "obsolete" fighting styles and got into gunplay instead.

• Mikoto Aiba (相羽 命, Aiba Mikoto^?)

Voiced by: Rina Satō (Japanese), Tracey Rooney (English)

The main heroine; her first name is shortened to Miko in the North American version. A friend of Yūto and Tōya. She lives with York since her parents died and had the ability to "see spirits" but it faded and she became a normal girl. She fights with a naginata and likes to clean Yūto's room.

• May (メイ, Mei^?)

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese), Stevie Bloch (English)

A character that Yūto met in the world. She is a NPC that frees souls from the various realms that are explored. Despite her childish demeanor, she surprises the group with her maturity and open-mindedness. Some fans compare her to Rika Furude of Higurashi no naku Koro Ni because of the similarities they share.

• Vivi (ヴィヴィ, Vivi^?)

Voiced by: Mai Kadowaki (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)

One of the caretakers of the world. He is the oldest among the triplets, yet his shy and weak personality leads to him being bullied and pushed around by his younger siblings. Vivi is also the only one who can hear the "will" of the Empyreal One.

• Iruma (イルマ, Iruma^?)

Voiced by: Chihiro Aikawa (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)

One of the caretakers of the world. She, Vivi, and Eruma are triplets. In the North American version, her name is Cece. She tries to hide her true doubts and feelings behind a strong-willed personality, and often described as the voice of rationality between the triplets. Iruma also acts the most maturely among them, and designates orders to the Twelve Knights according to the Empyreal One's will.

• Eruma (エルマ, Eruma^?)

Voiced by: Jun Miruno (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)

The youngest of the triplets. In the North American version, her name is Mimi. She is quite impish and playfully cruel, thinking of others around her except Iruma as toys and the chain of events happening is only a game in her eyes. The one thing Vivi fears more than anything is when Eruma starts to get bored.

• Anesha (アネーシャ, Anēsha^?)

Voiced by: Amika Takahashi (Japanese), Kimberly Brooks (English)

• Judas (ジューダス, Jūdasu^?)

Voiced by: Takayuki Sakazume (Japanese), Liam O'Brien (English)

• Tōya Ijūin (伊集院 冬夜, Ijūin Tōya^?)

Voiced by: Takahiro Mizushima (Japanese), Troy Baker (English)

Yūto's best friend. In the North American version, his name is Troy.

• Raizen

Voiced by: Hiroshi Shimukuma (Japanese), Jamieson Price (English)

• Lazarus

Voiced by: Masayuki Kato (Japanese), Keith Silverstein (English)

One of the Twelve Knights. He's a carefree, eternally optimistic gunman. He often appears bored and lazy, but his ability with a gun is amazing. He's always excited to find a challenger willing to fight to the death. But until now, he never really took fighting seriously. If his enemy is weakened, he will refuse the killing blow even if given a direct order. Surprisingly, his strength can nearly match Judas, which may explain why he often seems uninterested in his surroundings.

• Augustine

Voiced by: Shigeru Shibuya (Japanese), Roger Craig Smith (English)

The most cruel, merciless, and brutal of the Twelve Knights. He's obsessed with hunting down those who are brought into his world, and will achieve his goals by any means necessary. This bloodlust causes him to often butt heads with Raizen. He's not happy that certain outsiders have been accepted as part of the Twelve Knights, despite the facade he puts on in front of his superiors. In his eyes, these newcomers are simply stealing his rightful kills.

In the post game, he is called Augee or Augustink.

Atelier Marie characters

• Marlone (マルローネ, Marurōne^?)

Voiced by: Haruna Ikezawa (Japanese), Kate Higgins (English)

She is the main character of Atelier Marie. Her nickname is Marie. This is Marie's second appearence in North America, after her cameo in Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia.

Mana-Khemia 2 characters

• Liliane Vehlendorf (リリアーヌ・ヴェーレンドルフ, Ririānu Vērendorufu^?)

Voiced by: Rina Satō (Japanese), Michelle Ann Dunphy (English)

Her original nickname is Lilia; in the North American version, her nickname is Lily.

• Rozeluxe Meitzen (ロゼリュクス・マイツェン, Rozeryukusu Maitsen^?)

Voiced by: Daisuke Ono (Japanese), Yuri Lowenthal (English)

In the North American version, his name is changed to Raze.

• Whim (ウィム, Wimu^?)

Voiced by: Mai Kadowaki (Japanese), Karen Strassman (English)

Liliane's maid who has to put up with Lili's temper tantrums from time to time. She is actually a water mana.

• Rewrich Wallach (ルゥリッヒ・バラハ, Rūrihhi Baraha^?)

Voiced by: Ikuji Nose (Japanese), Dave Wittenberg (English)

In the North American version, his name is changed to Reicher.

Darkstalkers characters

• Morrigan Aensland (モリガン・アーンスランド, Morigan Ānsurando^?)

Voiced by: Yayoi Jinguji (Japanese), Erin Fitzgerald (English)

A succubus who fights for her desires and pleasure. She is the first recruited character and her costumes are most revealing. She attacks by morphing her wings but strangely has knuckle-based weapons.

• Felicia (フェリシア, Ferishia^?)

Voiced by: Kae Araki (Japanese), Melissa Fahn (English)

A cheerful, happy, sweet, innocent, loving, caring, and kind-hearted young catgirl. She never wants to hurt anyone. She is 15 years old in human years.

• Demitri Maximoff (デミトリ・マキシモフ, Demitori Makishimofu^?)

Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama (Japanese), Richard Epcar (English)

• Lilith (リリス, Ririsu^?)

Voiced by: Yuka Imai (Japanese), Stephanie Sheh (English)

A younger Succubus who is exceedingly cruel. She is part of Morrigan's soul who was ripped off.

• Jedah Dohma (ジェダ・ドーマ, Jeda Dōma^?)

Voiced by: Isshin Chiba (Japanese), Travis Willingham (English)

Disgaea characters

• Etna (エトナ, Etona^?)

Voiced by: Tomoe Hanba (Japanese), Michelle Ruff (English)

• Prinny (プリニー, Purinī^?)

Voiced by: Junji Majima (Japanese), Dave Wittenberg (English)

Ar Tonelico characters

• Lyner Barsett (ライナー・バルセルト, Rainā Baruseruto^?)

Voiced by: Masahide Fuse (Japanese), Snazin Smith (English)

• Aurica Nestmile (オリカ・ネストミール, Orika Nesutomīru^?)

Voiced by: Ui Miyazaki (Japanese), Michelle Ruff (English)

• Misha Arsellec Lune (彌紗・アルトセルク・リューン, Misha Arutoseruku Ryūn^?)

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese), Karen Strassman (English)

• Shurelia (シュレリア, Shureria^?)

Voiced by: Kanako Sakai (Japanese), Paula Tiso (English)

• Ayatane Michitaka (絢胤 箕嵩 (アヤタネ・ミチタカ), Ayatane Michitaka^?)

Voiced by: Shota Kibe (Japanese), Liam O'Brien (English)

• Bourd Rade (ボルド・レード, Borudo Rēdo^?)

Voiced by: Tomoya Kawai (Japanese), Richard Epcar (English)

Spectral Souls characters

• Meu (ミュウ, Myū^?)

Voiced by: Ai Nonaka (Japanese), Laura Bailey (English)

Meu is quite energetic and very outspoken, as she is stubborn and can be silly at times. She strives to become a great hero like her grandfather and has much potential, certain she will become one.

Blazing Souls characters

• Zelos (ゼロス, Zerosu^?)

Voiced by: Masayuki Kato (Japanese), Yuri Lowenthal (English)

Tekken characters

• Mokujin (木人^?, lit. "tree person")

Mokujin appears as a training dummy in the game's practice battle mode under the name Woodman, he is the only Tekken character in the game as well as the only NPC character that originates from another game.

Music

The opening theme for the game is Blade of Tears by Haruka Shimotsuki.^[8]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	53%[9]
Metacritic	51%[10]
Review scores
Publication	Score
Famitsu	23 out of 40
GameZone	4.5/10
IGN	3.5/10
Official PlayStation Magazine (US)	3/5

Cross Edge received negative to mixed reviews. PlayStation Official Magazine US gave it a 3/5 citing technical issues. "From dialogue that loads one line at a time to the lack of PS3-level graphics (high-res static art aside), everything seems like a remnant from the early 2000s."^[11] IGN gave a score of 3.5 out of 10, stating "A game that could have been an entertaining compilation of iconic Japanese characters turned out to be a frustrating, awkward mess of menus, gameplay imbalances and annoying dialogue scenes." GameZone's review also gave a low score of 4.5 out of 10.^[12] Sales of the game totalled just 44,246 units in the region by the end of 2008 according to Famitsu.^[13]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Capcom, Nippon Ichi, Namco Bandai, Gust, And Idea Factory Team For RPG Fans Wet Dream". Kotaku. http://kotaku.com/387992/capcom-nippon-ichi-namco-bandai-gust-and-idea-factory-team-for-rpg-fans-wet-dream. Retrieved 2008-05-07. 
2. ^ "コンパイルハート 製品情報" (in Japanese). http://www.compileheart.com/lineup.html. Retrieved 2009-09-28. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "The State of NIS America Interview". RPG Gamer. http://www.rpgamer.com/features/2008/nisainterview.html. Retrieved 2008-12-24. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "KOEI Europe". http://koei.co.uk/viewgame/?gid=81. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
5. ^ Tanaka, John (June 25, 2009). "Cross Edge Set for 360". IGN.com. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/998/998551p1.html. Retrieved 2009-06-28. 
6. ^ "Distributed exclusively by KOEI Corporation". NISA. http://www.nisamerica.com/games/crossedge/. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
7. ^ http://www.edgegames.com/index.htm
8. ^ "PS3用ソフト「クロスエッジ」". http://shimotsukin.com/maple/newslog/sb.cgi?cid=22. Retrieved 2007-07-27. 
9. ^ http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/946194-cross-edge/index.html
10. ^ http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/crossedge
11. ^ http://www.gamerankings.com/sites/1556-playstation-official-magazine-us/index.html
12. ^ Jenkins, David (October 2, 2008). "Japanese Charts: Robot Wars Z Does Super Business". Gamasutra.com. http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20481. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 
13. ^ [http://geimin.net /da/db/2008_ne_fa/index.php "GEIMIN.NET／2008年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP500（ファミ通版）"] (in Japanese). Geimin.net. http://geimin.net /da/db/2008_ne_fa/index.php. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 

External links

• Official website (Japanese)
• Official website (English)