This summer seems to be a good season for fans of handheld shooters. Nanostray is coming out for the DS and seems to be shaping up nicely. Namco’s Sigma Star Saga will also be coming out in August, but it will be hitting the GBA rather than the DS. It’s important to note that Sigma Star Saga isn’t just a shooter; it’s also an RPG, and that this blend of gameplay is paving the way for one epic game.

Sigma Star Saga puts players in the shoes of Ian Recker, a space pilot submerged in an intergalactic battle with a race known as the Krill. It’s a battle that Ian’s side is losing badly. One fateful day, Ian survives an onslaught of Krill in a devastating battle, and is branded a hero. His race then devises a plan where Ian would infiltrate the Krill hierarchy, and thus the game begins.

Dialogue is delivered through text, and so far it seems witty, well written, and engaging. While there will probably be cut-scenes of some sort to drive the story along, nothing specific has been shown as of now.

Sigma Star Saga’s shooter parts will feel familiar to anyone who’s played such classic games as Gradius, and R-Type. The unique thing about the shooting segments however, is how RPG elements are melded in. Shooting down enemy ships gives you experience points which you can use to increase your firepower, or upgrade your ship.

The maps are also randomized; almost ensuring the replay value will be high in Sigma Star Saga. Weapons are also customizable. If you want a spread shot, you can make it happen, but if you want a powerful straight shot, you can arrange that as well. You can decide on that, or anywhere in between; it’s really up to the player.

With twenty hours of gameplay promised, Sigma Star Saga developers Wayforward seem to be on the right track with what could be a GBA classic. After all, their previous effort Shantae for the GBC became a cult hit. Sigma Star Saga hits GBA’s in North America this August.