You place blocks on the grid which is filled with squares. Each block can either be a 2-square, a 3-square that is either a vertical or horizontal line, or a 2x2 4-square. Each square can increase INT, MGC, GUT, and CTR. When placed on the grid, these blocks can be combined to increase the level of the block, up to a maximum of 4 levels. Each character has their own grid of squares, which is either a 6x6 in the four center characters or a 3x12 in the two side characters. Each square with a symbol such as a sword can increase specific stats in a block is placed by them. However, these squares can only be activated if each block all connects to the starting pointer that begins in between the character's block area. Once connected to the pointer, this starts a chain and any block adjacent to it activates. Blocks cannot overlap. The game begins with a prologue of Gades, announcing that the Sinistrals will wage war against Humanity. The story then proceeds with its focus on Maxim, a young monster hunter blessed with impressive and mysterious powers. He first approaches the Soma Shrine where he encounters a giant mech-golem-like monster, who is revealed to be Gades, the Sinistral of Destruction. Maxim embarks on a journey to destroy the troubles caused by the land. Within his journey, he meets up with his best friend Tia and also meets up with other warriors around the land to defeat the havoc caused by the Sinistrals. In 2009, Square Enix announced that it was developing a new game in the "Lufia" series for the Nintendo DS. According to Famitsu, "Estpolis: The Lands Cursed by the Gods" would be a remake of "Lufia II". Square-Enix would be making some major changes to the original, the most prominent being that "The Lands Cursed by the Gods" was to be an action RPG, while "Rise of the Sinistrals" was turn-based. "The Lands Cursed by the Gods" would also feature 3D graphics and voice acting. The game was released for Nintendo DS on February 25, 2010 in Japan. The new Estpolis was developed by series creator Neverland Company, with much of the staff of "Lufia II" closely involved with the project. This "Estpolis" is an action-RPG reboot of "Estpolis Denki II", which originally hit the Super NES in 1996.