Once Upon a Time in Japan announced

Abborado Studios today announced the first game in their series of adventures based on Japanese culture, Once Upon a Time in Japan. Earth is the first title of a three part series that aims to introduce players to various parts of Japan's history, showing off the inner struggles of a country that is bound by tradition and ruled by the warrior class.

Unlike many other adventures that are based on historical eras, Once Upon a Time in Japan is a traditional third-person, point-and-click adventure that tells the story of Zenjiro, a samurai who searches the Etchu province for his lost family. In his quest, Zenjiro will discover that not everything is as it seems outside the province, and that the rising military campaigns have left little freedom for the people.

According to Abborado, Earth will include high-resolution handpainted scenes and animations inspired by Disney and Studio Ghibli, as well as an original score and authentic Japanese voice acting. Earth is scheduled for release towards the end of 2007.