Jack is the only character the player controls directly all other party members are run by the in-game AI. The player has direct control of Jack's movement and actions in all three dimensions, though bringing up menus pauses the action. Battles takes place on a separate screen in real time, though monsters appear on the field screen. Jack may only win a duel against each character once each day. Jack gains experience, money, and possibly items when he wins these duels, but will not lose the game if he is defeated. Kicking NPCs several times will cause them to fight Jack, or summon guards to fight for or with them. Kicking furniture and other inanimate objects will occasionally turn up items or dagols ( the local currency). The game provides the novel ability to kick almost anything. Radiata Stories places great emphasis on its persistent world and non-player characters (NPCs) each with their own lives, lifestyles, jobs, personalities, homes, dialogues and schedules, which are controlled by the game's Day/Night system. Noriyuki Iwadare composed the soundtrack.
The game received mixed reception in both Japan and in North America upon release, though over time it has developed a loyal fanbase. It was released on January 27, 2005, in Japan and September 6, 2005, in North America.
It was developed by tri-Ace and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 2. Radiata Stories is an action role-playing video game.
