One of the biggest gripes I had with the N64 was that there weren't enough RPG's. Nintendo, with the Gamecube, has taken the first steps in filling the gaping hole in RPG's that they left. The first game they are throwing in is Retro Studios' Raven Blade. You might recognize Retro as the software house entrusted with development of the new Metroid Prime Gamecube game. While not much is known about this awesome game, I will try to cover all the aspects. 

First, we have the setting and gameplay. All we know is that this game takes place in a legendary, fantasy-type world. Dragons, wizards, and magic are all common expressions. You play a hero who must hold back the evil, chaotic forces, and only by using the ancient and mysterious Raven Blade can you finally thwart the evil Beastlord. While Raven Blade is classified as a RPG, the gameplay style is more action oriented, like Zelda. However it retains it's RPG qualities probably by having a point system for health, strength, magic, upgradable weapons/armor, etc... Also look for a deep magic system to accompany the game's fast paced style. While we know nothing at all about the music of this game, surely you can see how it would be done. I would pick some of the most dramatic, dark, and inspiring music and put it in this game. It's all about the details, and Retro Studios was recently visited by none other than the master, Shigeru Miyamoto himself for a firsthand look at these games, so his influence should make these games even better. 

So what's so great about this pretty generic sounding game? Well the graphics make it one of the prettier titles shown at E3. Highly detailed models, very geometric buildings, and real-time lighting that rivals Rogue Leader help boost this game into the 'must buy' category. Add to this the myriads of enemies, all detailed, polygon models, to kill, and you have a sleeper hit on your hands. Originally one of five Retro developed Gamecube games, it is now one of two, because Nintendo gave their other three projects the axe. So Retro's resources are divided evenly, 50/50, between Raven Blade and Metroid Prime. So when you buy your Gamecube, make sure you give this title at least a second look, especially if you're a huge RPG fan like myself. This title should be out at launch or near it.