Ready for another dose of handheld strategy RPG action? We've got another batch of screenshots from the upcoming DS video game from Image Epoch and Atlus (Rising Star for Europe), Luminous Arc.

This tactical game features a number of characters, and of course, main character Alph. Anyway, this batch of Luminous Arc stills showcases the game's turn-based strategy aspects. The upper screen of the DS will be utilized for player character and enemy statistics, while the touchscreen shows the fray so you'll be able to directly control your party.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for news of Luminous Arc's Europe and North America release date, in the meantime, check out the screenshots.

More screenshots right after the jump!

 

By the looks of it, Luminous Arc will be the next big SRPG for the DS. Atlus USA recently earned publishing rights for the title developed by Image Epoch, yet the absence of a release date is difficult to bear. If you can't wait for the game which boasts of  an amazing art style,  Wi-Fi connectivity, weapon creation via Vitae Imbuing system, and all the elements to expect from a top class turn-based strategy game, you might want to drop by their spankin' fresh English official website.

Clicking on the Read link below takes you to Luminous Arc's extensive site, full of info that are sure to make you drool. Taking the shoes of Alph, a soldier in the Luminous Church's elite "Garden Children" unit, players will set out on a quest to rid the world of the Witches and return peace to the world.

With music coming from Yasunori Mitsuda, and character design by Shibano Kaito, we won't be surprised if the game rivals Final Fantasy Tactics or the Nippon Ichi SRPGs. In other words, it's definitely a title to watch out for. Don't worry, we'll keep you posted.

A member of the NeoGAF forums apparently has reasons to believe that the yet-unnamed Wii and DS titles of Image Epoch, maker of Luminous Arc, are actually Project Ray and Project Salamander.

While little is known about these projects, the fact remains that Image Epoch has got something up their sleeves for the Nintendo platforms. If these are indeed Project Ray and Project Salamander, then that would definitely be cool. Anyhow, we picked up these images from GoNintendo, so you might wanna check them out as well. We're sure you do. Nothing like curiosity getting the best out of the cat.

 

Atlus U.S.A. recently announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to the strategy-RPG for the Nintendo DS, Luminous Arc. No concrete release date for now, but Atlus mentioned that they are planning on releasing this title to North American shores later this year.

The game is developed by Image Epoch and is produced by Marvelous Interactive (the same people who produced the Harvest Moon series). We pretty much reported about what the game is all about, so we'll just dish out its key features:

• An isometric strategy RPG on the Nintendo DS
• Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system
• Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield
• Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Wi-Fi multiplayer
• A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue

Telling the tale of Luminous Ark
Will certainly not be a walk in the park
But let us see if QJ can try
And tell you the story of a boat in the sky.

Raised in a convent known as Ever Garden
Were Tio and Alf, who now are beholden
To the Organization Luminous. They must fight and face
Monsters of evil, in battles turn-based.

The death of a leader makes all hell break loose,
Brings more beasties trying to kick your caboose.
Add to that, a witch, who's surely insane
And you've got Luminous Ark, an RPG game.

We'll give you more info as it comes to us.
We'll tell it for certain, no hassles, no fuss.
For now, just remember, that a K-ended "Ark"
Refers to the boat, and not to the spark.

Check out the picture below. Isn't it great art or what? Apparently it's from the new DS game, Luminous Ark. Known as Lunamisu Aaku in Japan, it is currently being developed by Image Epoch (who made subcontract work for various companies such as Game Arts, Game Republic, Monolithsoft, From, Nippon Ichi and BEC), and being published by Marvelous. The said game is reported to be 70% done, and hopefully it will be released in no time.

Not much info has been divulged about this cool-looking SRPG (Strategy Role-Playing Game) for the Nintendo DS except for the following details:

• Yasunori Mitsuda is in charge of its music and sound production
• Characters seem to have voices, but details about voice actors are still fuzzy
• Character design is made by Shibano Kaito
• Touchpen control can be either right or left- handed
• SLG parts use the standard top view

So while waiting for this brand-spanking game, you might want to immerse yourself in this eye candy we have for you. Enjoy!