Written by Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: Atelier Arland Series Deluxe
Developer: Gust Co. Ltd.
Publisher: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Genre: RPG
Gamers who want to experience the first three releases in the Arland subset of the Atelier series can do much worse than purchase them on Steam, where they’re currently being offered at a 25% discount. Their personal computer versions are decidedly superior to those available on consoles, and offer precise controls and sharp feedback even on entry-level rigs. Note, though, that playing these titles after Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland could show their age, and not simply because they seem personal and less pressing by comparison.
The flipside, of course, is that every title in the Arland subset is as much self-contained as integral to the appreciation of the overarching narrative. Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland has the main character scrambling to save her Atelier from being shuttered by the Kingdom by fulfilling the latter’s quarterly requests and ultimately gaining recognition. Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland begins eight years after the first game and finds Totooria Helmond, Rorona’s student, venturing beyond Alanya in search of her mother Gisela. Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland follows Princess Merurulince Rede Arls as she aims to make her kingdom part of the Arland Republic by increasing its wealth and influence and ultimately claiming support for the development.
Significantly, each game in the Arland subset becomes progressively better than its predecessor. That said, all releases share elements that underscore their standing as parts of a whole: exploration and combat are crucial features, but the emphasis on crafting and alchemy is obvious. How studiously and steadfastly gamers tackle the latter may well determine the endings in store for them. As an aside, the imposition of time limits to tasks does make proceedings artificially difficult, especially when juxtaposed with the strides Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland has made in eschewing them altogether.
Still and all, the Arland Trilogy is a can’t-miss affair. If nothing else, going through them provides gamers with a much better perspective of the Republic and characters in the subset, not to mention the entire Atelier series.
THE GOOD
- Best version of the series
- Outstanding controls and precise feedback
- Runs extremely well even on entry-level rigs
- Each progressive release gets better, and adds to the Arland Series lore
THE BAD
- Titles can show their age
- Time limits make proceedings artificially difficult
RATING: 9/10
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