Gungnir Battle System and Character Update

We finally have some solid battle system details for Gugnir, the new PSP strategy title from the makers of Yggdra Union. Famitsu has a followup report on the game this week, clarifying some of the vague systems mentioned in the initial February reveal.

As mentioned then, two components play a central role in the game's battle system: Act Sequence and Tactics Gauge. You can see these two systems in the below screenshot:

Act Sequence determines character movement order. A bar called the Act Sequence Bar is shown in the lower right corner of the screen. This shows numbers above each character. The number counts down, and when it reaches zero, you can move the character. You're free to select the character of your choice to move.

The Tactics Gauge, shown in the left and right side of the screen, indicates how many Tactics Points you and the enemy forces have. You build up Tactics Points by taking over key points on the battle field. (I'm not sure why there are gauges on both the left and right -- maybe one belongs to the enemy?)

Having high amounts of Tactics Points will make your characters' attack strength rise. Tactics Points can also be used for some special moves:

Scramble

By depleting your Tactics Points, you can make your Act Sequence timer jump down to zero. This can be used to quickly heal, or when you want to execute combo attacks.

Boost

Give a boost to up to four members in the surroundings of the casting character. This only works when there are no enemies or objects in the way. The effect of the boost may be to increase attack strength, or it may change depending on the receiver's equipment.

Beat

Allies in the surroundings of the enemy you're attacking will team up for combo attacks.

Joining the gameplay systems, Famitsu.com provides the latest character update. Unless you have access to the magazine, you're going to have to wait for art and screens, but here are the textual details.

Main character Julio.

Paulo

Formerly a court sorcerer with the empire, he was chased out following some happening and ended up in Esparda, which you'll recall is the poor region of the game world from which main character Julio hails. Paulo forms the Esperanza resistance group along with Julio and Ragnus' father.

Natalia Raymond

A genius 14-year-old swordsman. She's very serious and places her pursuit of battle and learning above all else. She lends her support to Julio and crew believing it will benefit the kingdom.

Valerie

A girl from the ruling Dartania group, she's chased from the empire and decides to cross racial lines and help Julio.

Fiona Ragwell

Julio's true sister. She was born and raised in Esparda. Because her father was killed when she was 15, and her mother died shortly thereafter, her thoughts of family are stronger than others.

Gungnir Artwork. The Gargandia Empire is shown to the left. It was formed by long ago by a Dartanian hero, said to be the ancestor to the current Dlacroa imperial family. Esperia, also referred to as Cursed Esperia, is shown to the right. It's a poor, mountainous region in the empire's south east. Those of Leonican descent are are placed here and are not allowed to leave.

As previously reported, Atlus will be releasing a demo of Gungnir on the 14th. Timed with the demo's release, Atlus will hold a campaign of some for surrounding the demo. Details will be provided at the official site.