is a role-playing video game developed by Game Arts and published by Enix for the PlayStation 2 video game console. The game is part of the Grandia series. Gameplay Grandia Xtreme plays very similarly to the rest of the games in the Grandia series, which are traditional role-playing video games with battles that occur within dungeons or during scripted situations. Combat takes place on a three-dimensional battlefield where the characters move around, striking enemies as they get near them. The Battle Gauge displays icons representing characters and enemies currently in battle. The icons move along the Battle Gauge at a rate which corresponds to their "speed" rating. Once an icon reaches the top of the circle, the character is allowed to either attack, use items, defend, or flee the battle. Players progress by going through dungeons and completing puzzle-based problems. "Geo Gates" transport the player back to the city, the only place with a save point in the armory. Some gates are one-way, and can only be used to return to Locca, not leaving an opportunity to return. After using these gates, players are required to begin the dungeon again. Plot and setting The fictional world of Grandia Xtreme is populated by three races: the militaristic and resourceful Humans; the pointy-eared Arcadians, characterized by their magic; and the tribal, beast-like Hazmans. At the beginning of the game, the three races have co-existed in an uneasy alliance for several years, but a natural disaster known as the "Elemental Disorder" occurs and threatens them. In response, the Humans focus their Nortis Army into researching the cause of the disturbances. Representatives from the other races gather to help but tensions and distrust arise along with the possibility of the disasters having been created artificially. The player takes on the role of Evann, a young ranger who can activate the technology present in certain ruins of the world. He has trained himself to use a sword after his father's death, but has not developed a proper work ethic. Evann is thrown into a series of events that will lead him to discover the cause of the Elemental Disorder, the military's real intentions, and hidden truths behind the ruins. Seven characters join Evann as playable characters: Carmyne, a sergeant of the Nortis Army who fights with a saber and dislikes taking orders, but revels in giving them; Brandol, a brave but gentle soldier who wields