Growlanser

The main character, Carmaine, is an orphan raised by the palace royal magician, Sandra. Prophesied as an infant to become either "the darkness to destroy the world" or "the light which saves it", Sandra carefully watches over him and never allows him to leave Rosaria, his home city, until he becomes old enough to explore beyond its gates. Accompanied by Tippi, his tiny fairy-like companion, Carmaine sets out on a journey to discover his destiny.

The game has a complex storyline with branching paths. During his travels, Carmaine will encounter 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 that there are conspiratorial enemies seeking to cause trouble for the land and its people.

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

Combat between enemies and Carmaine's large party of controllable characters is a mixture of real-time and turn-based styles. Strategic battles occupy the entire location; depending on where the battle occurs, non-party members nearby may help the party by joining in.

The game features a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, with multiple endings and a high level of replayability. The 2009 PSP port adds several new characters, a new story branch, and an alternate ending.