Arc the Lad Collection is actually three games: Arc the Lad I, II, and III. In them, you play Arc, the lad, who must save the world from destruction. To do so, he must break the five seals, obtain the all-powerful Ark, and probably bap some monsters and woo a few ladies along the way. It’s a classic-style RPG, but with the flair that only Working Designs can bring to a console system. These games are probably not for the folks who play Final Fantasy just to see the cutscenes; these are games for RPG fans who want to get immersed in an epic story that is finely textured and inhabited by great characters. And the dialogue – need I remind you that Working Designs writes the best dialogue in any RPGs, ever? I hope not.

Just in time for the new school year, Working Designs will release Arc the Lad Collection, which should help you avoid homework nicely. It will be released for the PlayStation, and should be hitting stores in a matter of weeks. Keep an eye out. This one is a must.

Arc the Lad I Screens:

Arc and company battle all manner of monsters.

Power by proxy. Chongara summons his healing Kelack to assist in battle. Kelack is one of seven Guardian Forces in Chongara’s command.

Watch out for the guy with the wand; his magic is electrifying.

Kukuru and Arc are destined to join company.

The heroes confer and then head off to battle.

Parting is such sweet sorrow!

Arc’s parents discuss their son’s destiny. Yoshua informs Polta that Arc will have to follow in his footsteps to save mankind.

Should I stay or should I go? Many battles are optional, but the choice must be made before they begin.

Arc the Lad II Screens:

Arc and company witness an enemy’s true form.

The boss brings in reinforcements.

Twin dragons turn up the heat.

Arc fights fire with fire.

Elc the Flame Master roasts six Ghouls.

Complete jobs for fun and profit! Each major town has a Hunters’ Guild where characters undertake a variety of jobs to earn Gold and Merit points. The game features more than 50 time-specific jobs, several of which are available only within a very small window of opportunity. Pick up bounties for completed jobs at the Guild.

Security cameras track the heroes as they infiltrate enemy premises.

Things aren’t always what they seem; statues take flight to trap Tosh and Shu.

Tosh challenges a group of soldiers-turned-monsters with his sharp sword and rapier wit.

A little bloodshed between friends is an inevitable bounty hunter biohazard.

Tosh and Shu head into enemy territory.

Check the wanted posters at each Hunters’ Guild for information on outstanding criminals. Return to the Guilds to collect bounties after capturing outlaws.

Hero or outlaw? Detail of wanted poster at Indigos Guild.

Characters can equip various weapons—which gain levels during battle—throughout the game. Here, Gruga demonstrates his skill with a Hatchet.

Players can pay for weapons upgrades at Smith shops in some towns.