Setting
Located mainly in Japan and the fictional Vigoor Empire, the game draws on Heian period structures for its Japanese locales, including a ninja fortress and village set in the mountains. In contrast the Vigoor Empire, with its capital city of Tairon, is a blend of architectural types from around the world. European-style buildings display Arabic lettering, and the monastery in Tairon exhibits Gothic influences with a vaulted hall, pointed arches, and large stained glass windows. A hidden underground level features statues with the heads of cats, walls covered with carvings and hieroglyphics, and an Aztec pyramid. This hodgepodge of styles was the result of producer Tomonobu Itagaki's deliberate refusal to constrain the game's creative process.1
