Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time

Like other games in the Growlanser series, Wayfarer of Time features some dating sim elements. The player can improve or damage the protagonist's relationship with others based on the conversation options chosen and what decisions they make in the game. A character's portrait in the status menu gives how good their relationship is with the player character; the happier they look, the better their relationship. Also, the familiars have the ability to see the party members' opinions of the protagonist. Wayfarer of Time features a new vacation system where players spend time with their party members to form close friendships or pursue romances. Completing a character's back-story quest will unlock features such as ultimate armors, skills and one of the 40 possible endings.

Screenshot of a battle in Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time

Like its predecessors, Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time utilizes a free-range movement tactical RPG battle system. Unlike grid-based TRPGs, a character's movement range is represented by a circular area in which the character can move anywhere within its confines. In addition, movement speed is based on the number of MOV points a character has in the game. Another unusual aspect of Growlanser's system is that it is active time-based rather than strictly turn-based. Instead of each side taking its turn in waves, both sides move and act based on individual unit's speed stats. Physical attackers must move towards the enemy to connect the blow within its range while magical attackers must take the time to chant their spells in exchange for being able to hit much farther ranges. Because characters' actions play out in real-time, a player can interrupt an action at any time to perform a new action.

The Growlanser series features cooperation magic, in which two members of the party can cast stronger support or offensive spells (for ex: Co-op Heal or Co-op Sleep). In Wayfarer of Time, the player's party can only cast area of effect spells through use of cooperation magic. However, some enemy bosses are capable of casting AoE spells on their own.

Wayfarer of time features "limit abilities" which are similar to limit breaks in Final Fantasy. Depending on specific circumstances, characters may activate their limit abilities that vary from powerful attacks to extremely useful support magic.

Major events in the story have unique battle objectives, such as the ability to rescue an NPC from enemies rather than simply 'defeat all enemies'. Reinforcement enemy forces sometimes show up in battle, making it prudent to plan a strategy, rather than rushing blindly into battle. There are a wide array of mission goals that vary from the normal "defeat all enemies" such as: escape the battle without killing anyone, protect the NPCs, search out areas where enemies are trying to ambush the player, don't let the enemy escape, set fire to different points on the enemy camp, and more. If the player's entire party dies it is Game Over, but if the player survives a battle they can achieve four outcomes: Mission Failed, Mission Passed, Mission Clear, and Mission Complete. All of which let the player continue the game and may unlock an alternate story branch.

Wayfarer of Time takes place on a continent called Noievarl, which is divided into four countries. While Noievarl's civilization is currently similar to that of medieval Europe, they once possessed many futuristic technologies that appear in sci-fi. The countries have become increasingly hostile towards their neighbors and are now in the midst of war. South of the mainland is Lamplast Island, where the Arten Schwart mercenaries are stationed to defend Noievarl from foreign invaders.[2]

2000 years ago, the people of Noievarl progressed in magic and science, and built a highly advanced civilization. Then powerful Angels attacked the humans, and brought them to the brink of extinction. A young man named Crevanille, who was raised as a mercenary at Arten Schwart, witnesses a seraph in the sky. Knowing that it is a sign that the angels are returning to oppress humanity, he sets out to battle the angels for the sake of the world. Crevanille must discover how to defeat the angels and save the fate of humanity. He will become a new Savior of Light; the Growlanser.[3]

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time has been stated by Atlus to have over 40 possible endings. The PSP version has three possible story branches that the player may choose from which will lead to a different outcome of the main storyline. Additionally, the player can unlock a unique epilogue for each of the playable characters, as well as most of the NPC allies, if the protagonist romances or becomes best friends with the character and completes his or her sidequest. It is possible to achieve multiple endings in one playthrough (by reloading saved games), but requires a minimum of four playthroughs to achieve every possible ending.