American History: The JRPG

American History: The JRPG

Next someone should make an apple pie about the origins of sushi. OK, OK, fine, that comparison really isn’t apt at all given that Americana Dawn actually looks fantastic.

I just really wanted to make that joke. But aesthetically it’s a snazzy-looking throwback to the style of classic Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre games with a little Chrono Trigger thrown in, albeit starring characters who don’t need pixelated step stools under stubby frames. Here’s how the game’s creators describe it:

“Americana Dawn is a role playing game which explores over two centuries of early American history using a new tradition of folklore and tall tales. Throughout its story, we follow Foster, the spirit of the sea, a gentle and innocent being who arrives in America with no apparent heritage or home. Lost to the wilderness of Shenandoah Valley, he lives in complete isolation for a hundred years until he is found and recruited in the provincial militia. Thus begins his strange journey, spanning across three wars and the entire eastern seaboard of North America: from the French and Indian War to the American Revolution, from the colony of Georgia to Quebec City.”

“Foster witnesses once loyal English become American rebels. He fights against dear friends turned foe, watch mortal companions blossom and wither, bears witness to the chain of events that would create the United States, and is left with revelations both inspiring and woeful.”

The team creating Americana Dawn is made up of both Japanese and American developers, so that should make for an interesting fusion of influences. I like that more games are digging into early American history too. Sure, Assassin’s Creed III didn’t hit the hay bale dead-on and landed with a not-entirely-pleasant splat, but the time period is rife with possibilities for neat gameplay moments.

American History: The JRPG

Americana Dawn looks decently far-along, and it’s currently on Steam Greenlight. Remember when American history itself was still on Steam Greenlight? Man, it feels like it’s been ages — or at least eras. Came right after a nail-biter of a thousands-year-long Kickstarter too. Shame the sequel is off to kind of a rocky start :/


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