The world of Legaia now lives in terror of the mist. It has been told that God made the heavens, God made the Earth and God made the oceans. He also created human beings and gave them dominion over their world. However, other creatures were psychically stronger and were endowed with more divine wisdom than the human race could ever hope for. Concerned, God created a mineral life-form species called the Seru. As man's best friends these creatures gave humans secret powers.

But during the halcyon days, a strange mist of unknown origin spread across the globe. The mist turned the formerly obedient Seru against their masters. Those that had absorbed the Seru were suddenly turned into evil monsters and those who hadn't were slaughtered.

In Legend of Legaia you initially control a boy named Vahn. The early plotline follows the story of the tiny village of Rim Elm. It is a town protected from the mist by ancient walls that have stood many years. Then, one night the lives of the town's people are changed forever.

In the wrong position at the right time Vahn absorbs a special form of Seru called the Ra-Seru from the Genesis Tree in the town square. As a last resort from the surrounding fog, the Ra-Seru asks Vahn to have all members of the village surround the tree and pray. The idea is a success and since the Ra-Seru is thought to be contained in all Genesis Trees across the planet, it is now up to you to use the power of the Ra-Seru to trek where man has feared to step for generations.

Legend of Legaia is a 3D action/RPG in the same mold as Wild Arms and Final Fantasy VII. Battles, while still turn-based, use a new "combination" system not unlike the one first introduced to fighting games with the release of Street Fighter II. Labeled the "Tactical Arts System," combinations are grouped into special arts and hyper arts moves that must be learned.

While Legend of Legaia is a RPG at heart (with all the traditional potions, items, plots and sub-plots, puzzles, and battles), it also features many action-orientated mini-games. For example you can play the slot machines or try your luck at fishing. Legend of Legaia is compatible with memory cards for saving your adventure and includes support for the Dual Shock controller's analog control. ~ Brad Penniment, All Game Guide