Summary

In Lufia: The Ruins of Lore, players embark on an epic quest filled with danger, mystery, and the unyielding spirit of adventure. It’s a heartfelt addition to the series that resonates with the themes of bravery and the fight against evil.

Release Year: 2002
Genres: Platform, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Game Boy Advance, PC (Microsoft Windows), Wii U
Developers: Atelier Double
Publishers: Atlus, Taito

Introduction

Dive into Lufia: The Ruins of Lore, a captivating addition to the Lufia franchise, offering a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all while unraveling a tale of adventure, treachery, and heroism.

Synopsis

“Lufia: The Ruins of Lore” is a role-playing video game developed by Atelier Double and published by Taito in Japan in 2002 and by Atlus a year later in North America. It is the fourth title in the Lufia series of video games and was released as a “gaiden”, or side story, to the main series.

The game takes place 20 years after the events of Lufia II. After the defeat of the Sinistrals by Maxim, the world has enjoyed a season of relative peace. However, this peace is threatened when the Kingdom of Gratze, a growing military superpower, allies itself with a mysterious man named Ragule and declares war on its bordering nations.

The game is told from the perspective of a young man named Eldin, who, during this age of conflict, is traveling the world in search of adventure and intrigue. On his journey, he meets a young priestess named Rubius who is searching for mystic shards and stones that will allow her to enter a fabled holy land. One of the places she needs to go to obtain one is Ragule’s fortress, and once they arrive, they meet the despot and realize that if the world is ever to be at peace again, he must be stopped at any cost.

Much like the rest of the Lufia series, The Ruins of Lore plays like a typical role-playing video game, where the player must advance through several scenarios and navigate dangerous dungeons, fighting enemies along the way. Unlike typical console RPGs, the battles are not random, and the monsters are displayed in the dungeon itself along with the characters. Combat only ensues when they come in contact with each other.

Winning battles grants the player experience points which go toward gaining levels, making the characters stronger in the process. And just like Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals, several monsters (called “Disc Monsters” in this title and caught in battle in a similar manner to Pokémon) can be captured instead of slain and used to fight with the party. The monsters can be fused with Eldin, Torma, or Rami for three turns in combat once a character’s Installation Points (“IP”) reach their maximum. These points are visible by a gauge just beneath the characters’ hit points and ability points, and fill up when they are hit by an enemy.

The Kingdom of Gratze’s primary goal is to scour the world in search of a powerful monster known simply as “The Beast”, that, once under their control, would all but ensure their conquest of the world. Eldin and his companions must navigate through a world filled with danger and uncertainty, battling monsters and solving puzzles, to stop the Kingdom of Gratze and bring peace back to the world.

“Lufia: The Ruins of Lore” is a game filled with adventure, intrigue, and a rich, immersive storyline. It offers a unique blend of traditional RPG elements with innovative gameplay mechanics, making it a standout title in the Lufia series and a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Characters

Eldin – The protagonist, a brave and ambitious young hunter. Torma – Eldin’s best friend, loyal and equally adventurous. Rami – A skilled magician and insightful companion. Ragule – The antagonist, driven by power and the dark ambition to resurrect an ancient beast.

Gameplay

Featuring turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, players must navigate through challenging landscapes, engage in battles, and interact with various characters to advance the story. The game emphasizes strategy in combat and puzzle resolution.

Conclusion

Lufia: The Ruins of Lore is a journey of discovery, friendship, and courage. Despite its flaws, the game remains a cherished addition to the Lufia series, offering a memorable adventure for fans and newcomers alike.