RPG factory, From Software, keeps churning out PS2 role-players.

From Software is slowly becoming the RPG powerhouse for the PlayStation 2. With Eternal Ring already on store shelves, Evergrace due out before the end of the month, and a third RPG already underway, the company has the market cornered on role-players. It doesn't hurt that there aren't any other RPG's currently available on the young system either.

The third PS2 RPG in From Software's lineup, titled 1/4 (One-Fourth), was initially announced at the spring 2000 Tokyo Game Show in Japan and received a relatively lukewarm welcome. However, it probably had more to do with the fact that it wasn't a dancing game, rather than a knock against its quality.

Since then, we've been able to grab a hold of some new screenshots and information. First of all, the gameplay revolves around one main character and up to three other characters can join your party. In total, there will be eight different characters to choose from, each with his or her own strengths and weaknesses. The player is free to setup his party in anyway that he wants, such as an aggressive, powerful team or one that has a good balance of offense and defense.

The chances are pretty good that there will be instances where it'll call for certain abilities or strengths in order to progress. In addition to your party members, there is a fairy who apparently serves as a cursor for which you will attack -- although it shouldn't be too difficult since there are around 100 enemies attacking you at the same time.

The game was originally thought of as 100 vs. 100, but somehow your side of the equation magically dwindled down to four. Obviously being able to control 100 characters at one time in a real time battle would be slightly difficult and would most likely tax even the PS2, so the number was switched to four. It looks like each of the four buttons (X,O, square and triangle) will control each character. There is no word yet as to a four player mode, which would make the game similar to a Gauntlet, but here's hoping. 1/4 is scheduled for a winter 2000 release.

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