> As it turns out, Maken X is evolving into more of a straight Action title with little to no emphasis on adventure as previously reported.  I do know that there will be plenty of slashing with your sword along with up close combat, which naturally results in blood gushing everywhere.  The game's 3D engine is said to be smooth with a constant 60 fps.  Add some acrobatic abilities to your character and you have what's shaping up to be an exciting game.  The latest pictures (below) don't seem to sport the Nazi connection anymore, but I haven't heard that it got the axe.  For some early pictures, check the lower two rows of pictures below.

01.31.1999

     > Maken X is a hard-edged game coming from Atlus, who have been known to make such games before.  It's an Action/Adventure loaded with violence and dark overtones from the Nazi era.  You become the "Devil Sword", enter the minds of other characters and take over their actions.  The combat will be of the first person sword-to-sword variety. 
     > Here's a story outline.  The leader of China, Giant Sleeping Dragon, plans to overtake the United States as leader of the world.  They begin using political and military means to accomplish this evil goal.  Meanwhile, a japanese scientist studies Ima-ji, a mind altering treatment.  Suddenly, the lab is overrun with terrorists, the scientist is killed and the scientist's daughter picks up the Maken sword (which takes over her thoughts) to begin the battle...
     > As noted above, the graphics contain controversial symbols like Nazi swastikas.  This alone jeopardizes this game's chances of "maken" it to the US.  Unless, of course, they neuter this game for the fragile American public (who seem to be able to take quite a bit of controversy... I might add).
     > So far, this looks like a good candidate for importing.  The amount of adventure in the game is unclear right now, but I'll update the preview as necessary.  If you want this game, importing may be the only option anyway for the reasons I gave before...