Eternal Sonata Ships to Stores

Namco Bandai has announced today that Eternal Sonata has shipped to retailers nationwide for the Xbox 360. An original Japanese-developed role playing game with breathtaking cel-shaded graphics and a unique hybrid battle system, Eternal Sonata spins a timeless tale of friendship and destiny in a fantasy world inspired by the music of famed composer Frederic Chopin.

Eternal Sonata follows the legendary composer, Chopin, during his final hours among the living as he drifts between this life and the next. On his deathbed, Chopin experiences a fantastical dream in which he encounters a young girl facing a terrible destiny and a boy who will fight to save her. Blurring the lines between dreams and reality, Chopin discovers the light that shines in all of us in this enduring tale of good and evil, love and betrayal.

Elevating the role-playing genre with a beautiful combination of cel-shaded graphics, a fast-paced battle system and a captivating storyline, Eternal Sonata delivers an entirely unique experience on the Xbox 360. On their quest, Chopin and his friends will encounter an incredible variety of fearsome enemies. Using the game’s original battle system, players will be able to execute their attacks in real time while taking advantage of pauses in the encounter between each character’s actions to devise new strategies. Using an innovative “light and dark” mechanic, players will be able to execute different special attacks depending on whether they stand in light or shadow. Similarly, enemies can take on new and fearsome forms depending on their exposure to light, adding a new layer of tactical possibilities to the game’s action. Up to three players can participate in the game’s battles, getting in on the gameplay and taking an active role in the flow of the game. Eternal Sonata is punctuated by a selection of music by Frederic Chopin, performed by world-renowned pianist, Stanislav Bunin, as players are further drawn into the famed composer’s dream world.

Eternal Sonata is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $59.99 for the Xbox 360.