Arc the Lad

Summary

Arc the Lad is a tactical role-playing video game created by G-Craft for the PlayStation and serves as the inaugural title in the Arc the Lad series. It debuted in Japan in 1995 and later launched in North America on April 18, 2002, as part of the Arc the Lad Collection. The Japanese version was published by SCEI, while the North American edition was handled by Working Designs. It became the top-selling Japanese PlayStation game of 1995, moving over a million units. Arc the Lad was succeeded by two direct follow-ups and numerous other titles that expand the series.

Storyline

The story starts with a girl named Kukuru, a member of the Sacred Clan in Seirya, a group responsible for safeguarding the Flame Cion. She is dispatched by the town mayor to put out this sacred fire, but as soon as she does, a monstrous creature known as an Ark Ghoul emerges, forcing Kukuru to run for her life. At the same time, a young boy named Arc is preparing to search for his father, Yoshua, who has been missing for a decade. He crosses paths with Kukuru and together they fight off the monsters chasing her. Arc vows to help Kukuru by relighting the flame, but he is swiftly overpowered by the powerful Ark Ghoul. As he lies on the ground, a voice calls to him. This voice belongs to a Guardian, who brings Arc back to life and commands him to reignite the flame. The Guardian also reveals that Arc will return to this place in the future to extinguish the flame and obtain the Ark, a magical chest that will assist him in defending the world. The Guardian concludes by explaining that Arc’s father once made a pact with the planet’s Guardians to shield humanity from an impending darkness. After this revelation, Arc rekindles the fire and seals the Ark Ghoul just in time to save Kukuru. Some time later, after word of Arc’s powers spreads, the king of Seirya calls him to Palencia Castle. As Arc makes his way there, Kukuru decides that she is meant to accompany him. Arc tells the king that a Guardian at the mountain had bestowed him with strength. To verify if Arc is truly favored by the Guardians, the king’s advisor, Andel, insists on testing him. Arc and Kukuru are sent to fight some monsters, where they meet Poco from the drum corps, the sole survivor of a recent patrol. After Arc returns, the king informs him that he must find the Ark to save humanity. The king shares how his own brother, the previous king, once believed in this tale and vanished in search of the Ark. He then instructs Arc to seek out the Forest Spirit of Toyoke Forest in Millmana.

Screenshots

Release dates by platform

Supported languages

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