It's been quite a few years since the Japanese release and it didn't even make it here before the sequel came out in Japan but Atelier Rorona has finally made it to the West. Fans of Gust's previous games know that they emphasize item creation more than most other JRPG series but I was surprised how...

While this is certainly my first experience with the Atelier series and I have nothing to really compare it to, Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is one of the best turn-based RPGs that I have played in awhile.

Salutations, everyone! It's time for a history lesson with Prof. Josh (I wanted to go for the eminently cooler Dr. J , but I think that's been taken already). The real world art of alchemy had less to do with one-armed or suit-of-armor brothers (shocking, I know) and more with turning base metals...

A different kind of JRPG for a change; Infectious soundtrack; Multiple endings with varying requirements

Time mechanic controls everything; Repetition can set in

The Atelier series has been around since 1997 in Japan and 2004 in North America, spanning 13 games. The latest game now out in North America, Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is the first to bring alchemy into HD for the PlayStation 3.

The anime style characters and backgrounds from previous Atelier titles remain, but they have been upgraded with a stunning cell-shaded animation style. The basic game play carries over the tradition of the series, using alchemy as the main focal point, where players can craft new items and also...

I really wish the storyline left me feeling like I'd accomplished something. And the game is like a big fetch-and-make quest over and over again. But you still find yourself wanting to play just one more day. Okay... one more day. Alright! One more day...

I admit, I'm a new fan to the Atelier series. I tried the Mana Khemia games, but couldn't really get into them. I'm aware they aren't the same as the traditional Atelier games, but I never played Iris , so this was my only knowledge of the series prior.

Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland is a role-playing game that places an addictive crafting system at its forefront, letting you create numerous items and customizable gear. The series' first foray into 3D entices you to explore, with cel-shaded characters and vivid environments that draw you...

Solid crafting system; Enjoyable gear customization; Charming visuals; Good music

Constraining deadline system; Flat; overshadowed exploration; Dull combat

Given that she's apparently responsible for the prosperity of Arland – for reasons too complex and frankly uninteresting to detail here – junior alchemist Rorolina Frixell isn't particularly well treated by its residents.

Atelier Rorona is a role playing game which is part of the Atelier series. In Japan there have been just under twenty Atelier games and after selling well a few have been brought over to Europe and the United States.

Nice cell shaded graphics; lots of items to make and use; multiple endings

Transfering items from the workshop container to Rorona's basket is rather clunky