Mystic Ark Manual Translation ---- Includes Bonus Official Guide Character Profiles pg. 3 MYSTIC ARK Contents Prologue.....................................4 Character Introduction.......................6 Controller Operation........................10 Beginning the Game/Saving/Ending the Game...12 Game Pointers...............................14 Commands....................................16 Battle......................................28 Adventuring in the Field....................32 World Introduction..........................36 List of Magic Spells........................38 List of Special Attacks.....................40 Item Introduction...........................41 pgs. 4-5 PROLOGUE When you awaken, you find yourself collapsed in some sort of shrine. You look around and see that you are in a stately hall with lofty ceilings and a solemn atmosphere. You are surrounded by six fixtures that resemble candle stands, each crowned with a magnificent doll - a Figurine - that looks almost as if it could be alive. For yes - these all were once living beings who once dwelled in another world, in a dimension apart from this one. They have been merely whisked to this shrine by the will of another - as Figurines, with their souls ripped from them... And you were one of them. You recall the fear you experienced when you became a Figurine - helpless, accosted by an overwhelming power the likes of which you had never before experienced. Even so, you were able to reclaim your original form - thanks to a voice you heard not long ago, from parts unknown. The voice of a goddess. "...Can you hear me? Then, open your eyes! Summon your courage - rise and stand!!" The goddess's voice is warm but carries a note of steel. "I am relieved you have responded to my call. You are the first to reclaim your human form after being turned into a Figurine. But this space lies in isolation, cloistered from the outside... It is sacred ground, upon which no other soul may even tread. You must leave here - and return to your own world. Seek out the hidden doorway. Make your way back to your world - find the place where you belong!" In that instant, you feel the sensation of something in your palm. You look to find a teardrop from the goddess, shining brightly. You listen closely to your surroundings - and hear the distant sound of waves. You must leave this shrine, on its secluded little island, and find your way back to your own world. And now, your fateful journey begins... pgs. 6-9 CHARACTER INTRODUCTION The seven characters featured in this game were each whisked away by the darkness and taken to the shrine. Before they were transformed into Figurines, each of them had a life of their own to live - in another world, another dimension. The six characters besides the hero can join the party in-game (for a maximum of three party members) once certain Arks are obtained. The Hero (Mage Warrior) Your avatar in the world of the game. Before you begin the game, you will select your gender and decide whether you are male or female. He (or she) was also transformed into a Figurine by the darkness, taken from his or her own world, and sealed within the shrine. Characterwise, he or she could be called a well-rounded type, striking a good balance between weapon-based and magical combat. Miriene (Mage/female/age 32) A fortuneteller with mysterious charms at work in a big city that would never be called a bastion of law & order. Her personality has a selfish side, but as an ally, she offers a host of powerful spells that leaves no expectation unfulfilled. She's a master of fire and ice magic, but she's also a dab hand with a knife - a skill that has gotten her out of many a tight spot in her dangerous upbringing on the narrow city streets. Lux (Tetujin/male model/age unknown) A member of the race known as the Tetujin - who are constructed of metal bodies, the products of a lost civilization. Lux boasts a razor-sharp metal mind with clockwork precision and unerring judgment - but he also possesses human emotion. Plus, he is a powerhouse in battle, capitalizing on his thick armor, which serves as a shield, and making full use of his left arm (which doubles as a weapon) and a variety of laser weapons. Reeshine (Grappler/female/age 16) As the daughter of the chief of the prairie folk, Reeshine was raised as a wild child - a free, untamed spirit. She possesses an exceptional gift for the martial arts. Keenly curious but with a violent temper, she is often embroiled in trouble - it seems to follow her. Reeshine is not partial to weapons or armor in battle, feeling that they cramp her style. She could be said to specialize in evasion and attacks that leverage her great speed. Tokio (Ninja/male/age 28) Born in a country at war for many years, Tokio has walked the path of the warrior out of necessity. He set out on a journey of training to hone his skills. Unspeaking and loathe to involve himself in the affairs of others, he could be called the strong, silent type. He is an expert at using every class of weapon; with his high attack power, speed, and command of his "ninjutsu" magic, Tokio is an excellent character - the total package. Kamiwoo (Ogre/male/age unknown) Beneath this character's monstrous exterior lies an unexpectedly gentle heart. Kamiwoo originally lived in a village together with some kind townsfolk. Being an ogre, however, he was pursued by human hunters, so he moved to the depths of a remote forest. There are no weapons or armor suited to his massive frame, so he may be in for some close calls in battle, but his powerful fire breath and variety of tricky skills and sorcery (magic) can compensate. Meisia (Priestess/female/age 17) Originally born into a long and prestigious line of magicians, Meisia worked as a healer in a small city. Therefore, while Meisia basically has the abilities of a priest, she also has access to ice magics. The only weapons she can use in combat are staffs, so she is not suited for close combat, but as she possesses excellent resistance to magic, she could be called a character tailored to magical combat. pgs. 10-11 CONTROLLER OPERATION Control Pad Moves character in the field; moves cursor in command menus. L Button Convenient when you want to talk to someone or investigate something. R Button Not used in this game. Select Button Not used in this game. Start Button Starts game at opening title screen. B Button Cancels selected command. A Button Opens command window in the field and in combat. Comfirms selected commands. When this manual refers to "confirming" a selection without specifying a button to press, it means to press this button. Y Button Not used in this game. X Button Convenient when you want to talk to someone or investigate something. pgs. 12-13 BEGINNING THE GAME/SAVING/ENDING THE GAME Beginning the Game for the First Time -Select "From the Beginning" Insert the game pak into the console and turn on the power. The title screen will appear. Press the Start button at the title screen to access the menu screen. If you are playing the game for the first time, select the "From the Beginning" option and confirm. -Choose a file Next, choose a file with which to play the game. Move the cursor to one of the three available files and confirm. -Select your gender Now, select the gender of the hero character who will be your alter ego. Select "male" or "female" with the cursor and confirm. Enter your name Finally, enter your character's name. Select characters with the cursor. Also, selecting "Katakana" will take you to katakana entry mode. Once you are finished, select "End" and confirm. The opening of the game will begin. Saving & Ending the Game -If you would like to save You can save your game data at inns in towns or at stone statues. When saving, select the file you would like to use to save with the cursor, then confirm. -Ending the game If you would like to end the game, confirm your save, then turn off the Super Famicom unit. Resuming a Previous Game If you would like to continue a game using previously-saved data, choose "Continue" at the menu screen, then use the cursor to select the file you would like to resume and confirm. You will begin the game where you left off. Copying or Deleting a File -Deleting a file If you would like to delete saved file data, select "Erase" from the menu screen, then select the file you would like to delete with the cursor and confirm. -Copying a file If you would like to copy saved data to another file, select "Copy" from the menu screen, then select the file you would like to copy with the cursor and confirm. Then, choose the file to which you would like the data to be copied. If all three files are in use, you will have to delete one of the files to be able to copy data. pgs. 14-15 GAME POINTERS Search the Seven Worlds for the Arks! The ultimate object of the game is to obtain the fairies called "Arks" that are scattered throughout the seven worlds and escape from the shrine to your own world. Obtaining the Arks will also allow the other characters who have been transformed into Figurines to join you. Only once you have adventured across seven unique worlds and collected all the Arks will you be able to return to your own world. The Shrine Connects to the Seven Worlds Here and there across the tiny island where the shrine is located, you can find doors leading to seven different worlds (though they might not always LOOK like doors). You will eventually be able to move freely between the shrine and each of the seven worlds. An Ark is waiting for you in each world; find the Ark, and the path to the next world will open. Use the Power of the Arks Using the Arks skillfully will help make certain parts of your journey easier. Besides being necessary to solve puzzles in the field, they can also be imbued in items like weapons and armor to produce a special effect. In addition, by infusing the Arks into Figurines - like the Figurine into which you were once transformed - you can bring these characters to life once more so they can join your party. Close-up Windows Lend a Sense of Adventure! Throughout the game, certain screens will appear where you will solve puzzles that are crucial to advancing the story. Listen closely to what the characters tell you and examine the close-up windows on the puzzle- solving screens thoroughly. Solving the various riddles and puzzles you encounter might yield clues to the locations of the Arks you seek. The Battle System Is a Feast for the Eyes! By selecting the settings in advance, you can use the detailed Auto-Battle system to sit back and enjoy the impressive visuals of the thrilling animated battles. An efficient battle program can make your progress through the game much easier. pgs. 16-27 COMMANDS Calling up the Command Menu In the field - towns, dungeons, etc. - press the A button to call up the command menu. The command menu features six commands, each of which can be executed by selecting it with the cursor. To close the command menu, press the B button. EXAMINE (TALK) Select this command to examine an object in front of the hero. Use it to perform a quick search not only of treasure chests but of objects that might be prove of interest in the game - dressers, pots, and more. This command can also be used to talk to characters other than the hero. Face the character to whom you would like to speak and select the command to talk to him or her. -Close-up Windows If you Examine an object crucial to game progress, the screen will switch to a magnified view of that object. This is called a "close-up window"; it allows you to use additional commands to examine objects related to game progress in further detail. Using items or Arks in this window might also yield clues or open up new progress. 1. Examine closely This command allows you to examine the item in front of you in more detail. This might produce new, additional commands in the command window, depending on the item. 2. Use item Select this command to use one of the items in your possession on the object in the close-up window. A list of the items in your inventory will be displayed; select the item you would like to use with the cursor. 3. Use Ark Choose this command to use an Ark on the object in the close-up window. A list of the Arks in your possession will be displayed; select the Ark you would like to use with the cursor. Note: using an Ark here will not imbue the Ark. Or Use the Shortcut Buttons! The X and L buttons have the same function as the Examine command in the command menu. The Examine command is used frequently, so taking advantage of this feature will streamline your gameplay experience. MAGIC This command allows you to use the magic you have learned whenever you like - in a town, dungeon, or elsewhere in the field. Select the Magic command, and a list of the spells each character currently knows, as well as the MP that each consumes, will be displayed. Select the magic you would like to use with the cursor, confirm your choice, and the effects of the selected magic will be produced, as well as the appropriate MP consumed. In the field, however, you can use only recovery and movement spells. ITEM Select this command to manage the items in your inventory. Use the following subcommands to use or equip your items: 1. Use Use an item in your possession. For recovery items and other similar items, you must also select the person on whom the item will be used. Press left or right on the control pad to make your selection. 2. Equip Use this command to equip your weapons or defensive gear. When you use the command, the list of items the selected character has equipped and items the character is holding will be displayed. Items in the list that are currently equipped will be displayed in blue. Hover over an equippable item with your cursor, and the change to your statistics that will occur if you replace your current equipment with the item will be displayed. If the selected item is already equipped, an "E" will be displayed to the left of the number. 3. Trade This command swaps items between characters or moves items within the item window. Select the item you would like to swap or move, then select the location to which you would like to move the item. 4. Drop This command discards items you don't need. Simply select the item you wish to drop. 5. Auto-Shift Sorts the items in your inventory, grouping them by weapons, armor, shields, and other items, in that order. This command will sort all the items held by the party. 6. Info View a description of the given item. STATUS This command calls up the status screen, which details a character's condition. Here, you can check a character's HP, MP, and more, as well as select their A.I. settings for combat. 1. Viewing the Status Screen: A. Current money B. Current silver C. Character name D. Current level E. Current HP/maximum HP F. Current MP/maximum MP G. Current experience points H. Experience points needed to reach next level I. Power (attack power) J. Guard (defensive power) K. Speed (agility) L. Magic (magic power) M. Currently-equipped weapon and its attack power N. Currently-equipped armor and its defensive power O. Currently-equipped helmet and its defensive power P. Currently-equipped shield and its defensive power Q. Currently-equipped item 2. Auto Config Use this command to set a character's behavior during combat. A character set to Auto-Battle will act automatically, without the need to input commands. Press any button during Auto-Battle mode, and the game will revert to Manual mode. -Manual In this mode, you will choose all commands during battle individually. Select this mode when you want to input commands for each party member manually. -Auto In this mode, characters' actions during combat are to a degree specified beforehand, so you can enjoy watching the battle play out automatically. In addition to the preset Fighter Mode, Magic Mode, and Support Mode, you can also choose Program Mode, where you can design your own original character behavior patterns. Fighter Mode In Fighter Mode, the character will attack directly. This is a good choice for characters with high HP and strong hand-to-hand combat skills, as magic is almost never used in this mode. Magic Mode In Magic Mode, the character will attack primarily using magic. This is a good choice for characters with excellent magic power. Support Mode In Support Mode, the character will take support actions during combat. This is a good choice for characters who know a lot of healing magic and other support magic. Program Program Mode allows you to specify in detail the actions each character will take in battle. Skillfully combine icons to tailor your characters' behavior to your taste. -All Auto All allies participating in combat, including the hero, come with their own original program installed. Use this command to set all characters to Auto-Battle using original programs of your creation. -Creating a Program Select the Auto Config command, and the Program window will be displayed on the screen as shown on the left. The upper portion shows the current content of the program. The Action section specifies the character's actions during battle, and the Target section specifies the character's priorities in attacking monsters. Select the icon you would like to insert with the cursor and press the A button to choose program icons from the lower window. Character actions and attack targets will be prioritized first through sixth from left to right. You can also delete icons you have previously selected by using the "Delete Icon" option. Icon Types: Action Icons: - Single sword: Single Attack: Physically attack a single enemy character. - Double swords: Group Attack: Physically attack an entire enemy group. - Single lightning bolt: Single Magic: Attack a single enemy character with magic. - Double lightning bolt: Group Magic: Attack an entire enemy group with magic. - Heart: Recover: Recover lost HP. - Up/down arrows: Support Magic: Cast status support magic. - "Waza" kanji: Technique: Use acquired special attacks. Target Icons: - LV/red bar: Highest Level: Target the highest-level enemy in the enemy group. - LV/blue bar: Lowest Level: Target the lowest-level enemy in the enemy group. - HP/red bar: Highest HP: Target the enemy with the most HP in the enemy group. - HP/blue bar: Lowest HP: Target the enemy with the least HP in the enemy group. - Heart: Recovery Enemy: Target enemies that can use recovery magic. - AT/red bar: Highest Attack: Target the enemy with the highest attack power in the enemy group. - DF/blue bar: Lowest Defense: Target the enemy with the lowest defense in the enemy group. - Red skull: Death Magic Enemy: Target enemies that can use death magic. ARK -What Is an "Ark"? In the world of Mystic Ark, there is a saying: "Spirits dwell in all things." This applies to everything from human beings to other creatures to machines without a will of their own. Those spirits who are regarded as uniquely exceptional among their kind are known as "Arks." Also called "fairies," seven of these spirit entities appear in the game. Each represents a certain element, such as Power, Light, Fire, or Wisdom; each is said to perform tasks that are suited to its powers. -Use Your Arks Effectively The Arks are not only your ultimate objective in the game; they are crucial to progress in a variety of situations. For example, you will be frequently required to use the Arks to progress the story in situations such as the puzzles presented in the close-up windows. You can also "imbue" (infuse) the Arks in items to unleash their true power. Doing so can strengthen weapons and defensive gear. Imbuing Arks in comrade figurines can also give you up to two allies. Learning how to use the Arks effectively could be called the key to Mystic Ark. Selecting the "Ark" command will open an additional command window. 1. Status This command will summon the Ark and inform you of the item in which the Ark is currently imbued. Select the Ark whose status you would like to see. If the Ark is not imbued in an item, no such message will be displayed. 2. Imbue This command will allow you to imbue an Ark in weapons, defensive gear, Figurines, and other items. Choose the item in which you would like to imbue an Ark from the item window. You cannot imbue a second Ark in an item that already has an Ark imbued. The Ark that is imbued in the item will be listed on the right side of the screen. 3. Return Use this command to release an imbued Ark from an item. -An Overview of the 7 Arks The Ark of Power This Ark has the thankless task of lending his muscular arms and torso to your cause through opening heavy doors or being imbued in hefty axes. He also has the power to turn your fighter Figurines into allies. The Ark of Light This nimble fairy is wreathed in dazzling light. She is fond of bright places and naturally shuns the dark. She is effective when imbued in weapons. The Ark of Wisdom This Ark boasts a vast store of knowledge from across the ages. Like the Ark of Power, he can turn your fighter Figurines into allies. One theory holds that this Ark shows its true power when imbued in shields. The Ark of Wood The gentle nature and boundless knowledge of this aged fairy make him a rather mystic figure. He is frequently imbued in armor; he can also recover a fighter Figurine's MP. The Ark of Water This shrinking violet of a fairy disdains conflict. Her limpid eyes prove captivating to many. She is at her best when imbued in defensive gear and could be said to excel at recovery and defense. The Ark of Fire This fairy of burning flame takes the form of a young woman. She is warlike in nature and will demonstrate her great power without mercy if imbued in a weapon or piece of defensive gear. The Ark of Darkness What is the true purpose of this mysterious fairy? Is this Ark good or evil? None can say. The Ark's giant eyeball and batlike appearance make an unsettling first impression, but can we truly dismiss the Ark as evil on this basis? Imbuing Arks -Imbuing into an Item Try imbuing an Ark into a weapon or piece of defensive gear. For example, when the Ark of Fire is imbued into a weapon, the weapon will become even more powerful. -Imbuing into a Fighter Figurine Imbuing an Ark into one of the fighter Figurines obtained at the shrine will give the character physical form and add him or her to your party. However, the only Arks that can be imbued into fighter Figurines are the Arks of Power and Wisdom; therefore, you can have a maximum of three party members. It is best to imbue the Ark of Power into physical fighters and the Ark of Wisdom into magicians and priest-type characters. ~YOU CAN IMBUE THE POWER AND WISDOM ARKS INTO FIGHTER FIGURINES~ -Caution! There Are Places Where You Cannot Imbue Arks into Figurines Beware: when you return to the shrine, any imbued Arks will return to the bottle. (Note also that you cannot imbue Arks into Figurines on the island to give them physical form.) MONSTER 1. Status This command allows you to view the status of the monster Figurines in your possession. 2. Transfer Change the position of the monster Figurines you have in your Item Box. 3. Drop This command discards monster Figurines in your possession. Select the Figurine you wish to discard with the cursor and confirm. pgs. 28-31 COMBAT Viewing the Radar Map In dungeons and elsewhere in the field, a radar map will be displayed on the upper-left of the screen. This map displays the movements of the enemy monsters on the prowl: you are in the middle of the map, and the enemies are represented by white dots. If your position and an enemy position overlap, you will enter battle. [labels on white dots] enemy [label on center of map] your character Viewing the Combat Screen 1. Hero character 2. Hero character's HP/MP 3. Comrade character 4. Comrade character's HP/MP 5. Enemy monsters 6. Command window -Viewing the HP Meter When you or an enemy monster take damage during battle, an HP meter will be displayed on the screen. This meter represents the total HP of the character. Also, the number displayed above the HP meter when you take damage represents the amount of damage you have taken. [caption] WHEN DAMAGE IS TAKEN: Battle Commands When you enter combat, the enemy monsters will appear facing you. First, move the cursor left or right to select the character who will act. The battle command window will appear on the screen. 1. Fight Fight, Slash: The character will attack with his or her equipped weapon or his or her bare hands. Flee: This command will make the character attempt to flee from battle. However, success is not guaranteed. Also, if a character has learned other special attacks, their commands will be displayed here. Choose these commands to execute those attacks. 2. Item Just as it does in the field, this command allows you to use an item. However, some items cannot be used in combat. 3. Magic This command allows you to use magic. Casting magic costs MP; if a character does not have the MP a spell requires, he or she will not be able to cast it. 4. Status See "Viewing the Status Screen" on pg. 19. 5. Auto Config Just as it does in the field, this command allows you to select Auto-Battle settings. Try adjusting your program to suit the enemies you are fighting. The Special Attack "Figurine" "Figurine" is a special attack available only to the hero. This attack allows you to turn enemy monsters into Figurines and collect them. While this special attack is not guaranteed to be successful, it will instantly transform the enemy monster into a Figurine if it does succeed, even if the monster has high HP. As for the exact purpose of these Figurines...we will leave that for you to discover. (Note, however, that some monsters cannot be turned into Figurines.) Special Damage -Poison A poisoned character will incur 1 point of damage with every step until an item is used or an anti-poison spell is cast upon him or her. Poison does not resolve naturally; it will resolve, however, if you stay at an inn or rest upon a bed. -Petrification A petrified character will be unable to act in battle until the condition is healed by magic or an item. Petrification will resolve naturally after several turns. -Sleep A character under the Sleep condition will doze off and lose the ability to act in combat. This condition will resolve naturally after a number of turns. End of Combat/Game Over If the enemy monsters are annihilated - through defeat by party members, running away, being turned into Figurines, or other methods - or if the hero dies, then combat will end. Combat will also end if the party escapes from battle through using an item or the Flee command. If the hero dies, the game will be over, and you will return to the point where you last saved. If this happens, you will retain the experience points and items you have acquired, but the amount of gold you have will be halved. Also, if a Figurine imbued with an Ark dies, then the Figurine will return to its place in the shrine, and the Ark will return to the bottle. Gaining Experience/Leveling up If you win in battle, you will gain money and experience points. When you gain a certain amount of experience points, you will gain a level, and each of your statistics will increase. You may also learn new magic or special attacks. pgs. 32-35 ADVENTURING IN THE FIELD Viewing the Overworld Screen Move your character in the overworld up, down, left, or right using the control pad. You cannot traverse obstacles such as high mountain ranges, however. -Objects in the Field Towns, dungeons, and other varied locations are scattered throughout the overworld. If you think, "hey, that looks like something," go check it out! [captions] town - tower - dungeon - ? Places in Town -Weapon Shop This shop sells an array of weapons. Not every town has a weapon shop - but if it does, have a look at its wares. -Armor Shop This shop sells defensive gear to protect your body. As with weapon shops, not every town has an armor shop. -Item Shop This shop sells items. If you have just started out on your adventure, it would be wise to purchase recovery and anti-poison items. -Inn You can stay here for a fee to recover your HP and MP to their maximum and heal poison. Inns also provide a place to save your game (which does not cost money). How to Shop -Buy This command allows you to make purchases. Use the control pad to select what you would like to buy. If you have selected a weapon or piece of defensive gear, the change it will produce in a character's statistics compared to his or her current equipment is displayed; it would be wise to factor this information into your purchase decision. If you make a purchase with this command, your new acquisition will not be equipped automatically. -Trade in This command allows you simultaneously to purchase a piece of equipment and to sell the one you have equipped. The amount of money requested will be the difference between the two pieces of equipment. -Sell This command allows you to sell items in your inventory. Select the item you would like to sell, and the amount you will receive for the item will be displayed. You can then decide whether or not to sell the item. Note that some items cannot be sold. Features in Dungeons In the world of Mystic Ark, dungeons appear in the forms of caverns, forests, and sometimes even mansions and other locations. Many hints toward solving the game's mysteries are scattered throughout the dungeons. If you come across something that seems peculiar, go check it out. -Treasure Chest Treasure chests contain items that will be useful for the adventure. Sometimes, however, they can also contain traps... -Stairs etc. Used to move up and down between floors. They don't always look like the traditional staircase depicted in the photo, though! -Boulder Massive boulders found in the dungeons. Some of them can be moved. Move them well, and perhaps something will happen...? -Quicksand Step upon quicksand, and you will be carried in the direction it is flowing. If you try to walk against its flow, your speed of movement will be reduced. -Pitfalls If you happen to step upon a pitfall, you will plummet to the floor below. You might be able to discern the location of pitfalls from the pattern of the floor or other clues. -Trick Floors Some floor tiles have various effects when stepped upon, such as transporting you in a given direction. -Springs, Wells, etc. Take a sip of the water in springs and wells, and your HP may be recovered. Beware, however: you may be poisoned instead. Using a Crystal to Travel -Crystals Will Take You to a Save Point A Crystal has the power to warp you - one time only - to a location where you have previously saved. (It cannot, however, warp you between worlds.) Select a Crystal using the Item command, and a list of locations to which you can currently travel will be displayed. Select the place to which you would like to go and confirm. You will also, eventually, be able to warp to the worlds you have already visited through a variety of portals within the shrine. The points in these worlds to which you will warp will serve as your means of returning to the shrine. pgs. 36-37 WORLD INTRODUCTION Seven Worlds, Each Unique The seven game worlds that appear within Mystic Ark each have their own look and feel. (It might be more appropriate to call some of them "mysterious spaces" rather than "worlds.") Here, we will introduce three of the worlds you will visit. World of Sand This world consists of vast dunes extending as far as the eye can see. The inhabitants of this world are talking cats who stand on their hind legs - and who are currently divided into two warring bands of pirates. Neither side, however, seems to remember the reason for their conflict. Here, you can obtain the Ark of Power. Fruit World The inhabitants of this peculiar world reside in towns created from giant hollowed-out fruits and vegetables. The townspeople currently seem to be in a pickle due to Beetles that are devouring their home fruit. Here, you can obtain the Ark of Light. Child's World Save for one lone adult, this world is inhabited solely by children. Here, adult customs hold no sway; for example, if you want something, you will have to trade candy for it. However, your appearance seems to have set in motion new changes in this world... Here, you can obtain the Ark of Wisdom. pgs. 38-39 LIST OF MAGIC SPELLS There are magic spells that can be used in combat, that can recover your HP and MP, that can temporarily raise certain stats in battle, and that can do much, much more. Every time you cast a spell, you will expend a certain amount of MP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Spell User Effect =========================================================================== Fire Hero (M) Creates magic flames that deal damage to one Miriene enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fire Storm Hero (M) A shot of burning heat. Deals damage to one Miriene enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cold Down Hero (F) Encases one enemy in ice. Kamiwoo --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Icerock Nail Hero (F) Attacks the enemy with talons of ice. Miriene Kamiwoo Tokio Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Burn Tokio Creates an explosion that impacts all enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heat Cyclone Hero (M) Envelops all enemies in violent flame. Miriene --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice Wall Hero (F) Creates a wall of coldness that encases all enemies in ice. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice Chain Hero (F) Deals damage to all enemies with frozen stone. Miriene --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Holy Emblem Meisia Deals damage to all enemies with a sacred crest. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Laser Lux Emits a heat ray that damages one enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blast Bomb Lux Deals damage to one enemy with a missile weapon. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wide Ray Lux Deals damage to all enemies simultaneously with a spread of lasers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spark Lux Deals damage to all enemies with an electric attack. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurricane Miriene Conjures a massive storm that deals damage to all enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earthquake Kamiwoo Creates an earthquake that damages all enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lightning Tokio Hurtles a tiny bolt of lightning that damages Kamiwoo one enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bolt Earth Miriene Deals damage to all enemies with an electric Tokio attack. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plasma Field Hero Creates a mass of plasma that deals damage Lux to one enemy. Kamiwoo --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Power Hero (M) Magically induces a temporary state of Meisia agitation that increases attack power. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Draw Miriene Uses a magic illusion to strike fear in the enemy, reducing its attack power. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hard Hero (F) Stiffens the body, increasing defense. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sick Kamiwoo Spreads magically-created pathogens that lower defense. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speed Hero (F) Allows the target to move more quickly, making Tokio it easier to target attacks and avoid damage. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Slow Miriene Slows the target's movement, making it easier to attack. Effective against one enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aura Meisia Increases magic power, making magic attacks and defense more effective. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Curse Kamiwoo Curses one enemy, decreasing its magic power. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hyouga Setsudan Kamiwoo Deals damage to one enemy with a blade of (Glacial Shear) coldness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sleep Hero (F) Lulls one enemy to sleep during combat, rendering it inactive. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stone Miriene Turns one enemy to stone, rendering it Tokio inactive. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kill Hero (M) Deals death to one enemy. Tokio Kamiwoo --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Flare Tokio Unleashes a crest of death to attack all Kamiwoo enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackout Miriene A death magic boasting 100% effectiveness. Kamiwoo --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fireball Miriene Deals damage to one enemy with a massive ball of flame. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prominence Miriene Summons blazing flame to deal damage to all enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blizzard Hole Kamiwoo Deals damage to one enemy by encasing it in a wall of coldness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freezing Hell Meisia Deals damage to all enemies with a chilling attack as cold as absolute zero. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Hero Recovers 50 HP for one ally. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- More Health Hero Recovers 100 HP for one ally. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- High Health Miriene Recovers 180 HP for one ally. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Health Hero Recovers full HP for one ally. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heal Hero Recovers 50 HP for all allies. Miriene --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heal More Meisia Recovers 100 HP for all allies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heal High Meisia Recovers 180 HP for all allies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Heal Meisia Recovers all HP for all allies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cure Hero (F) Cures poison and petrification in one ally. Meisia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mirror Miriene Renders magic attacks (except for death spells) ineffective. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Death Guard Hero Protects against death magics during the Meisia battle in which it is cast. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warp Gate Hero Warps party to save point.* --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [*Translator Note: Warp Gate is not listed in the manual; I have added it for completion. The description is written by me and is not official.] pg. 40 LIST OF SPECIAL ATTACKS Special attacks are powerful attacks that can be learned once a specific characters reaches a certain level. Once learned, a special attack can be used repeatedly, but beware - some special attacks consume HP, so keep an eye on your HP reserves. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Attack User Effect =========================================================================== Breath Kamiwoo Deals damage to all enemies by enveloping them in flame. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spirit Wave Hero Slams an invisible wave of spiritual power Reeshine into one enemy for damage. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kick Reeshine Unleashes a powerful kick against one enemy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bunshingiri Tokio The character's number of attacks is (Doppel Strike) increased, but the target cannot be selected. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flurry Hero Slashes the character's weapon about to strike Kamiwoo all enemies. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atomic Lux Deals powerful damage to one enemy in exchange for 10 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Atomic Lux Deals powerful damage to all enemies in exchange for 20 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smash Reeshine Can deal damage to all enemies, but power of attack is halved. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Figurine Hero Turn an enemy monster into a Figurine and make it yours. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guard Hero Can muster power to increase defense. On the Reeshine next turn, the mustered power can be used to increase attack power. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intimidate Kamiwoo Makes a threatening gesture; can lower one enemy's attack power. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alluring Eyes Miriene Reduces one enemy's magic power.* --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full Power Lux Marshals character's full power to increase Kamiwoo attack and defense for six turns. However, attack and defense will subsequently be lower than normal for up to the next 30 turns or longer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wish Song Meisia Sings a song of supplication that can lull one enemy to sleep. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- War Cry Tokio Fires up the party to boost the attack power Reeshine of all allies for two turns. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blood Suck Kamiwoo Siphons HP from one enemy and transfers it to the character. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kiss of Death Miriene Siphons MP from one enemy and transfers it to the character. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prayer Meisia Uses a prayer to recover the character's own HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mercy Meisia Recovers MP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [*Translator Note: Alluring Eyes is not listed in the manual; I have added it for completion. The description is written by me and is not official.] pg. 41 ITEM INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item Name Effect =========================================================================== Torch Can deal fire damage to one enemy when used in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Firecracker Resembles a firework; can deal damage to all enemies when used in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ice Rock Can deal damage to one enemy by pummeling it with stones of ice in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glacier Shard Can deal cold damage to all enemies when used in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thunder Scarab Can strike one enemy with lightning when used in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plasma Bottle Unleashes plasma to damage all enemies when used in battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Power Bottle Increases one ally's attack power during battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guard Bottle Increases one ally's defensive power during battle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speed Seed Eat this seed to boost your speed stat slightly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Magic Seed Eat this seed to boost your magic stat slightly. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topaz, Ruby A Topaz sells for 500 G; a Ruby, for 1000 G. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jar of Honey Recovers 10 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Healing Nut Recovers 30 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Potion Recovers 40 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Herb Recovers 100 HP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bewitching Balm Recovers 16 MP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Antidote Can cure conditions such as poison and petrification. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bewitching Bottle Completely recovers HP and MP. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- pg. 42 [And now, for a brief message:] ENIX INFORMATION Now, relive all the emotion of the game on CD! MYSTIC ARK SOUNDTRACK Coming 7/26! This all-new recording features the original game music plus six arrangements of its most memorable tracks. Over 50 tracks on 2 CDs - an album worthy of this massive title. - Full-color booklet filled with illustrations from Akihiro Yamada and Hitoshi Yoneda - Bonus character cards (featuring the 2 heroes + 6 Figurines) - First-printing bonus: B2 poster - Booklet also includes exclusive game hints you won't find anywhere else! Price: 3,500 yen (tax incl.) KTCR1326/7 (2-disc set) CALL KITTY ENTERPRISE: 03 (3780) 8638 ---- BONUS! MYSTIC ARK OFFICIAL GUIDE CHARACTER PROFILES: [The following profiles are taken from pg. 8-17 of the Mystic Ark Official Guide Book.] ---- MAGIC KNIGHT Remeer/Felys The only character who regained human form by their own will, in response to the goddess's call, after being turned into a Figurine. What happened to the hero in the past, and how was the hero able to respond to the goddess's voice? You can select a male or female hero; characteristics such as the hero's statistics and the magic the hero learns will differ depending on your choice. Both can use four types of weapons: swords, daggers, axes, and bows. He (or she) is also the only character who learns a technique that can turn enemies into Figurines. [Photo Captions:] The hero awakens. To what world must he or she return? Of course, you can also enter your own name. "Figurine" is a technique exclusive to the hero. WITCH Miriene This witch boasts a mystique - and physique - befitting a mature woman. Before being turned into a Figurine, she worked as a fortuneteller in a tavern. Her deep brown eyes, bronze skin, beautiful face, and daring choices of clothing better suited to a dancer may prove more alluring to her customers than her fortunetelling skills. Her eccentric, enigmatic words and mannerisms have inspired some to gossip: "Is she half-demon?" True to her reputation as a witch, she learns many powerful spells, primarily fire magics. Just in case, she can also use knives as well as staffs, but her physical attack power is, naturally, not that high. She therefore tends to become dead weight when her MP is expended. She will also not learn any recovery magic beyond High Health, so if you leave the party's well-being in her hands, you'll want to heal early consistently. [Photo Caption:] Leave the attack magic to her! She also has some skill with the knife, though. GRAPPLER Reeshine Born the daughter of the chief of the prairie folk, Reeshine enjoyed an unbridled youth and grew up as a free spirit. With her uncommon curiosity and fierce, fiery temperament, where Reeshine goes, trouble follows - as those around her well know. The martial arts have long been her sole passion, and she has honed her own body into a deadly weapon... Reeshine distinguishes herself with her attack power and speed. She uses weapons that capitalize on her empty-hand combat skills, such as nunchakus or the boomerang. [Photo Caption:] She doesn't learn a single spell, but she acquires plenty of techniques. TETUJIN Lux An automaton created by a lost civilization. At first, he was nothing more than a robot that could only execute his assigned programs, but a chance encounter with some human children who had strayed into his worksite led to him acquiring emotion and a will of his own. As one might guess from his appearance, Lux's defensive power and HP are extremely high, and he can bring lots of power to a drawn-out fight. For his weapons, he uses a variety of custom-made parts. He can also expend MP to wield lasers and attacks that use electric shocks. [Photo Caption:] His defense is outstanding! He's the perfect brick wall for the party. OGRE Kamiwoo This strange creature's unsightly appearance is due to the fact that he is actually an ogre (a man-eating demon). Despite his looks, however, he has a gentle heart and dislikes senseless bloodshed. This is because he lived together with humans in his childhood - a demon-man raised as human by some kindly villagers. Fearing, however, that disaster would befall the villagers to whom he was indebted, he has opted to live alone, away from civilization, in the middle of the forest... From the look of him, you might expect Kamiwoo to specialize in physical attacks, but he's also pretty handy with magic - just attack spells, though. In other words, he's a dedicated attack character. He might be difficult to use for those focused on defense or support. As one might expect from the character, the only weapons he can equip are swords and axes. [Photo Caption:] He's powerful, but he might be difficult to use effectively. PRIESTESS Meisia Born into a long and storied line of mages, this girl was blessed with considerable talent for magic. Fed up with family tradition and its worship of prestige, however, she resolved to leave her family behind. She set out on a journey, and during her aimless wanderings, she met an itinerant priest. Sensing that the priesthood was her calling, she took the priest as her mentor and began learning magic to help others. If developed sufficiently, Meisia will also learn attack spells, but her abilities lie fundamentally in healing and support. If you can learn to use her effectively, she might well provide flawless protection for the party. Her own defense, however, is, bluntly put, low, and the only weapons she can equip are staffs, so bear in mind that you should not rely upon her attack power. [Photo Caption:] She will prove an indispensible character for those focused on defense. NINJA Tokio Born into a country engulfed in war, Tokio has continually fought to survive and grew strong as a result. His abilities were eventually recognized by his country, and he was appointed captain of the guard, a position where he won many more battles. He soon, however, became disgusted by endless war and the thoroughly corrupt government. He chose to leave his country and set out alone on a journey of training - during which he encountered countless weapons from foreign lands and made their secrets his own. Tokio soon gained martial arts skills and a steel will and strength of spirit truly worthy of a man dubbed the "Ninja Killing Machine"... Tokio has high attack power and speed, and he can expertly wield many attack magics. He can also equip a wealth of weapons - swords, katanas, boomerangs, and axes - making him a user-friendly character. [Photo Caption:] He's pretty well-balanced, so you don't have to worry about leaving him on Auto. ---- ARK OF POWER The first Ark you will obtain. His primary purpose is to be imbued in your comrade Figurines focused on physical combat, but he can also open iron doors and perform other tasks. Abilities: - Bestows a physical form upon allies transformed into Figurines and increases their Power and Guard by 10%. - Increases attack power of axes by 30. ARK OF LIGHT This elegant Ark seems the most "fairy-like" of all the Arks, but her appearance belies the electricity-based power she holds. You will have many opportunities to imbue this Ark into weapons. Abilities: - Increases attack power of swords by 40. - Increases attack power of axes, bows, and boomerangs by 20. - Creates helmets resistant to poison and petrification. ARK OF WISDOM This Ark is an old book with the face of an old man. His primary usage is to be imbued in spellcasting companions, but he can also be used to read text in foreign languages or ancient books. Abilities: - Bestows a physical form upon allies transformed into Figurines and increases their Magic and Speed by 10%. - Creates shields resistant to death magics. ARK OF FIRE A sprite of burning flame. Though she might look like a woman, she is quite warlike by nature and demonstrates her real worth when imbued in weapons or defensive gear. Abilities: - Increases attack power of swords and bows by 20. - Creates defensive gear (shields, armor, helmets) resistant to flame. ARK OF WOOD An old tree sprite. Though put to relatively mundane purposes, when used on certain plants and such, he can yield unexpectedly fortunate turns of events. Abilities: - Gradually recovers a Figurine's MP. - Creates armor that nullifies status effects such as petrification and sleep. ARK OF WATER A water sprite peeking out from a small bottle. Her lower half is completely water. Though she may seem slightly eerie, she has a gentle nature, and she shows her true power in recovery and defense. Abilities: - Gradually recovers a Figurine's HP. - Creates defensive gear (shields, armor, helmets) resistant to ice attacks. ARK OF DARKNESS The final ark. Despite the demonic name and form, the Ark seems not to be particularly evil...? Abilities: - Creates staffs that petrify the enemy. [Note: The manual explicitly refers to the Ark of Wood as a "him"; on the other hand, it indicates that the Ark of Fire has the "appearance" of a woman, suggesting the Ark is not actually female. I have used "he"/"she" as suggested by the appearance of each Ark, but, except for the Ark of Wood, these assumptions may not be accurate; these animalistic spirits may not have gender.] ---- *EXTRA* BONUS: COMMENT FROM THE MYSTIC ARK ARTBOOK: [The following paragraph is taken from pg. 57 of the artbook The World of Yamada Akihiro: Mystic Ark Art Works. It is the sole piece of text dedicated to the Super Famicom Mystic Ark in the book.] Akihiro Yamada handled the original character concepts and image illustrations for Mystic Ark. For fun, compare this title's concept of Arks with the one that appears in [the PlayStation sequel] Mystic Ark: Theatre of Illusions. As you browse these illustrations, it might add a touch of poignancy if you keep in mind that Mr. Yamada was hospitalized during the job. ---- Translation by R. Capowski, 4/14/2019, RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com; Mystic Ark is the property of Enix/Square Enix, by which this translation is not authorized.