Growlanser

The main character, Carmaine, is an orphan raised by the palace royal magician, Sandra. He is prophesied to be either "the darkness to destroy the world" or "the light which saves it". Sandra keeps him isolated from the outside world, but he experiences strange dreams of people and places he knows nothing about. When he becomes old enough, Sandra sends him out into the world with his tiny fairy-like companion, Tippi, to discover his destiny.

The game has a complex storyline with branching paths. During his travels, Carmaine will meet different lands and peoples, including the Growsians, humans who can wield ancient magic, and the Featherians, a winged race of people. As the story progresses, Carmaine discovers conspiratorial enemies seeking to cause trouble for the land and people.

Carmaine's personality, stats, and skills are determined by answering questions at the beginning of the game. Other characters can join his party under certain conditions, with romance elements possible with some party members.

Combat between enemies and Carmaine's large party is a mix of real-time and turn-based styles. Strategic battles take place in the entire location, with non-party members nearby helping or hindering the party depending on where the battle occurs.

The 2001 Windows release includes redrawn character portraits of higher quality, while the 2009 PSP port adds new characters, a new story branch, and ending.