This is a game that has something I've always wanted to see: a MMORPG done in the style of the old-school console RPG's. Back in the Super Nintendo days, every RPG had this Japanese artsy feel - the main characters had spiky neon hair and the creatures inhabiting the worlds were either cute (moogles) or disturbing (Lavos). Since that style has gone away in lieu of all things very detailed and intricate, it's very refreshing to see this. Tales of Eternia Online has just begun its closed beta session in Japan, which means the game seems to be coming along. No release date announced, but if it's finished enough to be beta tested, expect to see it (in Japan) sometime before next summer. I have no confidence that this will be released in the US, but if it does well in Japan hopefully we'll get some of the TOE love our way.
