When the Konami produced Boktai, a three-quarter-view vampire romp hit, to the GBA a few years ago, it brought to the table some very interesting gameplay. Packaged in with the game was a sensor that would gauge the amount of sunlight that was in your vicinity. While the game may have brought some innovative structure to the table, there were too many limitations (cloudy days, night sky) keeping the game from becoming a big hit. So as Konami announces Lunar Knights, the spiritual successor to the Boktai series, for the DS, it’s coming as no surprise that some changes are in store for eager fans.

During the game’s introduction at E3 2006, we learned that Lunar Knights would follow the story of vampire-dueling buddies Lucian and Aaron. Their mission is to foil the vampire’s attempt to blot out the sky with a “digital” replacement. Not only does this digital sky act as a story element, but it’s also what drives the main gameplay mechanic. Because of the sun sensor found in Boktai for the GBA, game time was restricted to only during the day, and outside. Konami must have heard the groans from the fans, and graciously decided to include a more “indoors” friendly sun system.

The digital sky will play a huge factor in how you play through Lunar Knights. The weather, which is displayed on the top screen of the DS, will constantly be changing; from clear and sunny, to cloudy and rainy. This also affects the abilities of the two main characters. Lucian can harness the power of the moon, while Aaron can use the sun’s rays to unleash a powerful attack from his gun. However, the weather aspect goes even farther than just day/night cycles. Temperature, humidity, and even wind will all play a factor in Lunar Knights. For example, if there is high humidity plants will thrive and may provide stepping stones to previously blocked off areas. In very windy conditions, you can hang glide, and hot temperature will evaporate water, possibly unveiling a hidden entrance. It’s a very intriguing weather system that will hopefully provide for some memorable gaming moments.

While Boktai focused more on a Metal Gear Solid style sneak and shoot (this is a Kojima game by the way), Lunar Knights emphasizes more on combat. Lucian excels in close up attacks, which result in some pretty devastating combos, and Aaron takes a more distant approach by blasting enemies with his gun from long range. With the ever changing weather conditions, you’ll be switching back and forth between the two vampire hunters, making sure you have the right one for the current conditions.

Aside from the combat focus, the other major gameplay element comes in the form of fully 3-D spaceship battles. Once you dispatch of a head vampire, his coffin rockets up into outer space, prompting you to follow suit. The action takes place on the bottom screen where you can control the ship with the stylus and tapping on which enemy ships you want to take out. Destroy the head vampire’s ship and you can move on to the next area.

Lunar Knights is shaping up to be quite the worthy successor to the Boktai series. With a much improved day/night function and the emphasis on combat, Knights should appease those waiting for this anticipated sequel set to ship for the DS sometime this winter.

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