As a huge JRPG fan, I've played a large amount of the JRPGs of this current gaming generation. However, they all seemed to revolve around the premise of saving the world/universe, and eventually I grew bored in the genre. However, Atelier Rorona single-handedly revived my interest in the JRPG genre and has made me very excited for Gust's upcoming game to hit the States, Ar Tonelico Qoga, and has made me hopeful that Rorona sells well enough so that the sequel, Atelier Totori, makes it to the States.
Atelier Rorona is not your typical cliché-filled save the world RPG. Instead, it's a simple game that revolves around an incredibly deep item creation/alchemy system, interaction with the game's colorful characters, and exploring the world while doing quests for the people and your friends. The game's time mechanic makes for very fast-paced and fun, frenetic gameplay, which I've gotten very addicted to. However, if you are looking for a JRPG with a deep combat system, then I would not recommend Atelier Rorona. The game is focused on alchemy, like I said earlier, so the combat system is pretty much your standard turn-based system found in every JRPG. Don't let this deter you from a fantastic game though.
Atelier Rorona also marks the first 3D Atelier game that Gust has made. The cel-shading is very well-done in Rorona, especially the character models. Environments, however, look a little bit bland and blurry sometimes, but you won't notice it too much as you'll be spending a lot of time in your alchemy shop whipping up new items or in the wild gathering materials for that super-awesome item you'll be creating, whether it's a plain pie or even a cannon. Another thing that I really love in Atelier Rorona is the music. Composer Ken Nakamura did a fantastic job in using unusual instruments that gives Rorona's tunes a very "homey" feel to it. You can't help but feel a bit of nostalgia for the good old days of RPGs from the past when you hear the BGM.
If you're looking for something different or a break from the typical save-the-world RPG, or just want to try something new, look no further than Atelier Rorona. With the massive amounts of quests to do and items to create, along with 4 specific game endings and over 30 extra endings based on your friendship with the game's characters, this is one game I'll have in my PS3 disc drive for a long time.
Shameless plug: Buy this so NIS America brings Atelier Totori to the States too! ;-)
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist Of Arland - Playstation 3
3.8 | 87 ratings
Price: 27.3
Last update: 07-03-2024
About this item
Looks like an anime feature; plays like a modern console RPG
Conquer 12 challenging chapters in an original epic adventure
Use alchemy to combine items in to rare and powerful weapons
First in the popular Atelier series designed for play in high definition
Conquer 12 challenging chapters in an original epic adventure
Use alchemy to combine items in to rare and powerful weapons
First in the popular Atelier series designed for play in high definition
Product information
| Publication Date | September 28, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Computer Platform | PlayStation 3 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00813633010953 |
| UPC | 813633010953 |
| ASIN | B003YVP5DE |
| Release date | September 28, 2010 |
| Customer Reviews |
3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars
87 ratings
3.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #6,034 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #20 in PlayStation 3 Games |
| Product Dimensions | 0.5 x 6.61 x 5.31 inches; 4 ounces |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Rated | Teen |
| Item model number | 813633010953 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | TechnoMarine |
| Date First Available | August 18, 2010 |
Top reviews from the United States
Anh Tran
One of the best JRPGs released thus far
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2010wolfmantto
Alchemy without the cool combat.
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2014Sun Jian
First Atelier game, probably the last
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2013