VM Japan: Vantage Master - Mystic Far East

VM Japan is a fantasy-themed turn-based strategy game, and the sequel to Vantage Master. The gameplay is extremely similar to its predecessor; as in the previous game, battles take place on a hex map, with each player controlling a Master who summons Genma creatures to fight for them which each have an elemental alignment, the goal being to defeat the opposing master. The setting has been changed to a far-east fantasy theme, set in the fictional country of "Wakoku". There are 16 playable characters, and four main game modes: Scenario Mode is the main story mode, in which the player selects a Master and proceeds through a series of challenges against the CPU. There are four difficulty levels Expert Mode is a second campaign against the CPU, but tuned for expert players. All Genma are unlocked from the start, the CPU is at the same level as the player, and the maps in this mode are often designed with the player starting at a disadvantage. Free Battle lets the player set up a match against the CPU however they like in order to practice different techniques. Network Battle lets two players connect via various network services to play against one another head-to-head. The initial Windows release had two editions: DVD-ROM and CD-ROM. The DVD-ROM release of the game includes higher-quality audio, and a CD soundtrack as a bonus. The later PS2 release of the game adds voice acting for all major characters, as well as several additional story scenes to flesh out the scenario, but is otherwise the same game.