Lufia: The Legend Returns, known as Estpolis Denki: Yomigaeru Densetsu (エストポリス伝記 よみがえる伝説, Estpolis: The Legend Returns) in Japan. is the third entry of the series and also the first one to be released for a handheld system. The Legend Returns went through a troubled developmental phase, originally planned to be released for the Sony Playstation under the name of Lufia 3: Ruins Chasers, which following the loss of the original publisher lead Neverland to transfer the project to another system.
It follows the story of a band of friends reunited by an odd girl who's looking for volunteers to search for the mythical Doom Island and uncover its treasures. Set in Southland, 100 years after the Second Doom Island War, a new threat is nearing its revival and the world is approaching a major change as the Spiritual Force cries once again for help of the chosen warriors.
Gameplay[]
With a gameplay that hasn't changed much from the previous entry, Lufia TLR retains the same turn-based combat and the free map roaming from the previous entries. New to the series, most of the player's retinue can be present in any battle, though only 3 from 9 characters can be controlled at any time.
Matrix System[]
Unlike previous entries the battle system has gained a major revamp and name which is the "Matrix". The Matrix system gives a proper focus to the so much mentioned "Spiritual Force" aspect of the series. Consisting of a 3x3 grid, players can bring a maximum of 9 characters and place them in strategical ways to alter the Spiritual Forces of other characters, giving them an alteration to their attributes such as HP or Speed and sometimes allowing them to learn unique skills. Very reminiscent of the SaGa series, this allows the player to assume strategical formations in combat to reduce oncoming damage or simply gain a major advantage by focusing on improving the characters' offensive attributes
Ancient Texts[]
Magic and Items[]
Enemy List[]
Characters[]
Protagonists[]
Supporting[]
- tbc
Antagonists[]
- tbc
Story[]
Setting[]
Map of the world including Doom Island
Set in the southern region of the world, called Southland, the world of the game is divided into four large continents notably varying in aspect. Each continent contains an odd tower belonging to each of the four Sinistrals while some contain an odd shrine with links to the Spiritual Force. As usual, Doom Island is found sunken within the central region, this time at the center of the Al Islands Archipelago.
World Regions[]
- Epsis
- Al Islands
- Tower of Death
- Lidal
- Tower of Illusion
- Parethea Shrine
- Fante
- Tower of Sorrow
- Tanba Shrine
- Ancient Cave
- Rosplett
- Tower of Twilight
- Rosplett Shrine
Plot[]
Prologue[]
Gods existed. However, it was not was humans wished for. The Sinistrals of Chaos, Destruction, Terror and Death controlled mankind from Doom Island in the sky. A hero was born. Maxim stood up against the gods with "The Dual Blade": a sword that amplifies the Spiritual Force. The Sinistrals were gone. They were banished from the earth by Maxim. Mankind recovered from the despair and prospered once more. This is what was known as the First Doom Island War.
100 years later.
People had forgotten about the First Doom Island War, and prospered. However, a descendant of Maxim stood on guard for the Sinistrals. There was a girl. Lufia, with cerulean hair. She, who lost everything, opened her heart to the hero's descendant. The Sinistrals were resurrected before Lufia, the fated girl. The nightmare isle Doom Island once again cast its shadow of despair upon mankind. The boy drew his sword. The "Dual Blade" was pointed at Lufia. Humankind could only be saved by the sacrifice of the girl he loved. The Sinistrals disappeared. Humans were once again saved. This is what is known as the 2nd Doom Island War.
A hundred years have passed.
Chapter 1: Destruction - The Start of the Great Adventure[]
tbc
Chapter 2: Chaos - Ultimate Weapon and Reunion[]
tbc
Chapter 3: Fear - Tragedy of the Fated Ones[]
tbc
Chapter 4: Death - Pursuing the Dual Blade[]
tbc
Final Chapter: Beyond the Eternal Flame[]
tbc
Epilogue: Chasing for Ruins[]
tbc
Development[]
This game had a troubled development, originally beginning as Lufia 3: Ruins Chasers set to be released for the Sony Playstation sometime in 1998. Ruins Chaser was to be released under funding and publishing by Nihon-Flex, until said company had filed for bankruptcy some time after the announcement. Development had ceased, yet Natsume had picked the project back and chose to publish it; this time though, the game went a major change, getting renamed to Lufia: Ruins Chaser and getting moved to the Game Boy Color. Time yet passed and the project didn't show signs of life as 2000 was approaching, yet the higher-ups released some info stating that the project was still going on and that it would be releasing sometime in 2000. Once again time passed and the project received a major update, changing its name to The Legend Returns, while scrapping most content related to the original project, while also seeing the return of staff members of past projects such as Masahide Miyata for the scenario writing. The game had finally received a proper release date for September 07 of 2001, releasing shortly after a localization for America and Europe.
Gallery[]
tbc
Trivia[]
- This is the first Lufia game released for a portable console, that being the Game Boy Color.
- Despite the game being given an E rating, there are instances of swearing such as when Wain can been seen swearing when he loses a fight to Gades and says "Damn".
- The US release cover art depicts a Doom Island that wildly differs from the one seen in the game.
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