Atelier Rorona

[Suwako Moriya]

Official (Japanese) Site (http://atelier-ps3.jp/rorona/)

Sure, I've only played a few games in the series and there are ones I still have yet to try. However I've played enough to know that I have an interest in trying this game. Well, how soon after it comes out I'll actually get and how soon I'll play it is another story.

In any case, I like the lead female aka Rororina. She's got quite the cute look to her and her character portrait has the benefit of giving us a better view of her cleavage. Speaking of which, I browsed the character section of the official site and I approve of Pamela already.

There seems to be other girls of interest as well. Cuderia, Lionela, and Astrid.

On a side note, I wonder if it's better to group the three Iris games into one thread or if they're better of separate. For the record, I have no idea when or even if I'll make a post speaking about Iris. And if I do it might mostly be to praise the lead female. Especially of the second game.

[Fencedude]

Because I have apparently over the last three months become a major GUST Fanboy, I'll definitely be picking this up.

As for the Iris games, since the series is finished, may as well just lump it in one thread, I considered making a single Ar Tonelico thread, but considering that the plot of those is actually a big freaking deal, separating the games probably ended up being the best choice.

[Suwako Moriya]

Because I have apparently over the last three months become a major GUST Fanboy, I'll definitely be picking this up.

I'm hesitant to say I'm a major Gust Fanboy since I only played three of the games, but it is kind of fun to remember how I got into things.

I tried Atelier Iris for the heck of it and found it charming enough to try the second Iris game. Which then convinced me it couldn't hurt to try Mana Khemia.

Which gave me an interest in Mana Khemia 2. A game that I should be playing, but due to backlog related issues I was having, I have yet to get started on it.


As for the Iris games, since the series is finished, may as well just lump it in one thread, I considered making a single Ar Tonelico thread, but considering that the plot of those is actually a big freaking deal, separating the games probably ended up being the best choice.

This is filled with logic and sense. I'll keep this in mind if/whenever I get around to it.

[Skywise]

I bought this in Japan earlier this year, but haven't really had a chance to sit down and play it much. Will maybe do that during xmas. I actually haven't played any of the atelier games before, so wasn't quite sure what to expect.

[Draneor]

I tried Atelier Iris for the heck of it and found it charming enough to try the second Iris game. Which then convinced me it couldn't hurt to try Mana Khemia.

But not Iris 3? Pamela is sad. ;_;

[Betenoire]

But not Iris 3? Pamela is sad. ;_;

I have passed on the third one myself so far. :sd:

I just didn't like what I heard. Would you say it was worthwhile?

[Draneor]

I just didn't like what I heard. Would you say it was worthwhile?

Iris and Pamela are worth it. I didn't like how difficult it was to acquire money without doing part time jobs. Also, the world timer was annoying. The bad ending was really sad too. But it's not terrible or anything. Oh, and Iris and Pamela are <3.

[HitokiriShadow]

I only played about 1/4 or so of the first Atelier Iris game and haven't yet played the other two at all, but I'm really looking forward to this game.

And that's a very different Pamela than the one I'm familiar with but I like the new design. She and Rorona are cute, but Cuderia and Lionela are the one's I'm really liking based on the (gorgeous) character art

[Suwako Moriya]

I tried Atelier Iris for the heck of it and found it charming enough to try the second Iris game. Which then convinced me it couldn't hurt to try Mana Khemia.But not Iris 3? Pamela is sad. ;_;

The reason for that is simple. I got the first game after the price dropped. I then waited for the price to drop before getting the second game. I decided to utilize the same strategy for the second, but then I got distracted by other things and never got around to it.

One of my biggest problems with purchasing in general has always been a conflict between finally getting around to buying X vs putting it off so I can get Y. Sometimes X wins out and other times Y.

[Citizen Klaus]

All I know about Rorona is that Sankaku Complex hinted that it has canon yuri.

C'mon, Rosenqueen -- put up the preorder page, already.

[Draneor]

Atelier Rorona may be getting a sequal (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/10/is-gust-hinting-at-an-atelier-rorona-sequel/). And it looks like Rorona may have grown up. :)

[Fencedude]

Atelier Rorona may be getting a sequal (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/10/is-gust-hinting-at-an-atelier-rorona-sequel/). And it looks like Rorona may have grown up. :)

Thats nice.

CAN I HAS RELEASE DATE NISA!?

[Suwako Moriya]

Atelier Rorona may be getting a sequal (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/10/is-gust-hinting-at-an-atelier-rorona-sequel/). And it looks like Rorona may have grown up. :)

Thats nice.

CAN I HAS RELEASE DATE NISA!?

Seriously, the idea of a sequel to Rorona sounds wonderful. And I'm all for having an older version of a pre-like character. Within reason of course. However I would kind of like to actually play the first game in the series eventually.

So, yes a release date is definitely needed. Atelier Iris 3 isn't going to last me forever. Even at the rate I've been playing it. Ie dedicating only part of my time to it. Ok, I suppose I could pass the time with some other RPGs, but....

[Draneor]

Seriously, the idea of a sequel to Rorona sounds wonderful. And I'm all for having an older version of a pre-like character. Within reason of course.

It does raise an important question. If magical girls grow up and become space police, what do alchemists grow up to be? Alchemy professors?

[cxt217]

Seriously, the idea of a sequel to Rorona sounds wonderful. And I'm all for having an older version of a pre-like character. Within reason of course.

It does raise an important question. If magical girls grow up and become space police, what do alchemists grow up to be? Alchemy professors?

Well...That would be par for the course in the Atelier series. The fact that it has happened in every single game (And not just to the main characters - i.e. Ingrid and Hermina.) does give the show away...

C.T.

[Randall]

Atelier Rorona may be getting a sequal (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/03/10/is-gust-hinting-at-an-atelier-rorona-sequel/). And it looks like Rorona may have grown up. :)

Thats nice.

CAN I HAS RELEASE DATE NISA!?

Come on you know NISA likes to take their time releasing Gust titles with their 9-12 months after Japan has received it. I know i'm getting impatient too but that's just how they are plus the Ar Tonelico II localization probably got them the point that hey we need to pay more attention to our Gust games when releasing them instead of doing a half-assed job with the only redeeming qualities is the English dub, original Japanese voices, (even though some voices were removed) and making a nice package with a lovely artbook and soundtrack with bonus soundtrack for those who reserve at Rosen Queen.

As for the sequel to Atelier Rorona I would be excited but I know that it won't come to America until we receive Ar Tonelico III which is probably going to be Christmas 2010 or Mid-Winter 2011. Of course I can always import it like I did with Ar Tonelico III which is the beauty about PS3.

[angelx03]

Cover art is out!

http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m6d20-Atelier-Rorona-box-art-revealed

Wasn't there supposed to be the cute girl protagonist on it or something? :sd:

[Nork22]

Cover art is out!

http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m6d20-Atelier-Rorona-box-art-revealed

Wasn't there supposed to be the cute girl protagonist on it or something? :sd:

Relevant for the Western market. I mean, if we have a cute girl on the cover, no one but us would buy it, and a lot of people will ridicule it for being a "girly" game. :)

[Draneor]

Seriously. What the hell, NISA? Why do I half expect her name to be changed to Jessica too...

[Fencedude]

Seriously. What the hell, NISA? Why do I half expect her name to be changed to Jessica too...

Because that logic just totally follows. Clearly, the lack of Rorona on the cover means they are going to change her name.

(the cover is bland, but lets not blow things out of proportion)

[Draneor]

NISA does name changes all the time to appeal to whatever the hell they think "stupid" American gemers want from a niche jRPG no one is going to buy anyway. These cover changes are indicative of a repeated pattern of plain disrespect for both the original work and our tolerance for diversity. So yes, it does follow as it would be entirely consistent with their past practices.

[Fencedude]

NISA does name changes all the time to appeal to whatever the hell they think "stupid" American gemers want from a niche jRPG no one is going to buy anyway. These cover changes are indicative of a repeated pattern of plain disrespect for both the original work and our tolerance for diversity. So yes, it does follow as it would be entirely consistent with their past practices.

Except the name on the cover is Atelier Rorona...

And no, using bland coverart is not remotely comparable to those things. Even suggesting such is bizarre.

[Senku]

For comparison, JP Cover art (http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/atelier_roronoa.jpg)

Cute girl is cute, but as long as there is an "LE" version with something good, then I don't care that much.

[Suwako Moriya]

Cover art is out!

http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m6d20-Atelier-Rorona-box-art-revealed

Wasn't there supposed to be the cute girl protagonist on it or something? :sd:

Clearly, we're not worthy of having a cover with the cute girl protagonist. Ah, well, I realize it's not the end of the world and I'll live.

[Rhodes]

cute girls on covers makes it into a girlie game and so they had to nix it... now if she had boobs the size of watermelons pouring out of her top... well then they could of used it.

[Rhodes]

NISA does name changes all the time to appeal to whatever the hell they think "stupid" American gemers want from a niche jRPG no one is going to buy anyway. These cover changes are indicative of a repeated pattern of plain disrespect for both the original work and our tolerance for diversity. So yes, it does follow as it would be entirely consistent with their past practices.

Except the name on the cover is Atelier Rorona...

And no, using bland coverart is not remotely comparable to those things. Even suggesting such is bizarre.

except coming into this game with zero info... i have no idea that Rorona is the girls name... it could be some latin alchemist gobbledygook term... They could change the name and keep the game name and I wouldnt know.

[Mateo_home]

Cover art is out!

http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m6d20-Atelier-Rorona-box-art-revealed (http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner%7Ey2010m6d20-Atelier-Rorona-box-art-revealed)

Wasn't there supposed to be the cute girl protagonist on it or something? :sd:

Judging from the cover. I take this game is about playing as a staff in a fantasy a setting. No humans at all.

[Skywise]

except coming into this game with zero info... i have no idea that Rorona is the girls name... it could be some latin alchemist gobbledygook term... They could change the name and keep the game name and I wouldnt know.

Alchemist? More like painter - when you see "atelier", the first thing to come to mind isn't exactly alchemy.

[Fencedude]

except coming into this game with zero info... i have no idea that Rorona is the girls name... it could be some latin alchemist gobbledygook term... They could change the name and keep the game name and I wouldnt know.

They could do all sorts of things, but assuming they will because of bad coverart is nuts!

Yeah, NISA isn't perfect, but by god, can you at least wait till there is an actual problem before complaining!?

[Rhodes]

I'm not complaining but just saying since I have no preconceived info on this game that they could call the girl Mary and keep the AR title and I'd be none the wiser till I looked it up on wiki.

/shrug

But yeah I am not a fan of the changes NISA makes on the games they release or on the cash grab for the DLC they push out on CE or D3 or their PSP titles. $2 to unlock crap that is on the disc/game?

[Draneor]

All I'm saying is I wouldn't put it past them. NISA is oddly fan-friendly in some respects and not in others. I'd assume we won't be getting actual subtitles, for example, considering all of their past releases have used the dub translation. I don't really care how loose the dub translation is, but it's annoying as hell to hear one thing in Japanese and read something entirely different in English. As for the cover change, I seriously doubt anyone would be dumb enough to buy it and then not return it if they were adverse to cute girls. But whatever. Japanese game companies have tend to have a very odd idea of what US gamers want in a jRPG.

or on the cash grab for the DLC they push out on CE or D3 or their PSP titles. $2 to unlock crap that is on the disc/game?

I don't know. If it's like that in Japan, I doubt it would be cheaper here. DLC is also optional so its price doesn't really bother me.

[Fencedude]

All I'm saying is I wouldn't put it past them. NISA is oddly fan-friendly in some respects and not in others. I'd assume we won't be getting actual subtitles, for example, considering all of their past releases have used the dub translation. I don't really care how loose the dub translation is, but it's annoying as hell to hear one thing in Japanese and read something entirely different in English. As for the cover change, I seriously doubt anyone would be dumb enough to buy it and then not return it if they were adverse to cute girls. But whatever. Japanese game companies have tend to have a very odd idea of what US gamers want in a jRPG.


Name one game that has had an alternate translation of the text for the Japanese voice overs.

Not saying it wouldn't be a good thing (because it would be fantastic) but I can't think of a single example of it ever happening, so pointing it out here is kinda silly.

[Draneor]

Name one game that has had an alternate translation of the text for the Japanese voice overs.

I'm not aware of a jRPG that has had it. It's still fucking annoying despite being industry practice. If I couldn't understand what they were saying, I wouldn't mind. It is, however, entirely consistent with an industry that has had to be dragged kicking and screaming from whitewashing the entire game.

It's not as bad as the days of Woolsey and Spoony Bards. But even FUNimation is worlds better than even the most fan-friendly company. I guess what I'm saying is NISA could do a lot better. They're not Square-Enix.

[Merr]

To be fair, NISA generally changes names only when the original is completely ridiculous or borderline inappropriate. Of course they're not going call the main characters in Mana Khemia "Titil" and "Damm", nor are they going to call a character in Ar Tonelico "Croch". It doesn't matter how much of an otaku you are; those are just bad names.

In other cases, the name changes make for a more believable story. How many girls do you know who go by the nickname "Phil"? And does it really make sense to have a black woman from 1920's Harlem with the last name Weinberg?

That said, I seriously doubt that Rorona is going to be renamed "Rory" anytime soon. Her name is already in the English title.

[Senku]

In other cases, the name changes make for a more believable story. How many girls do you know who go by the nickname "Phil"? And does it really make sense to have a black woman from 1920's Harlem with the last name Weinberg?

While I can agree on one level, I can also understand the want for a faithful subtitle track.

I thought the change in Sakura Wars was fine, but hearing "Philo-chan" and reading "Jess" or whatever annoys me to no end. I mean, MK is a fantasy setting anyway, why does her name need to be more "normal"?

Unless people are willing to speak with their wallets; it'll be an eon before JRPGs get faithful subtitle tracks over here. Just like it took forever for companies to leave in the JP track.

[Citizen Klaus]

That said, I seriously doubt that Rorona is going to be renamed "Rory" anytime soon. Her name is already in the English title.

Not to mention, Rory is a man's name...

[Merr]

That said, I seriously doubt that Rorona is going to be renamed "Rory" anytime soon. Her name is already in the English title.

Not to mention, Rory is a man's name...
Not if you watch Gilmore Girls :sweat:

[Fencedude]

To be fair, NISA generally changes names only when the original is completely ridiculous or borderline inappropriate. Of course they're not going call the main characters in Mana Khemia "Titil" and "Damm", nor are they going to call a character in Ar Tonelico "Croch". It doesn't matter how much of an otaku you are; those are just bad names.

And part of the problem is that GUST seems to think they are just way cuter than they actually are by just making up random shit as names.

They are, by far, the worst at making up names of any company in any language I have ever encountered.

(not that this justifies NISA changing names, but I generally just can't get worked up over it due to how incredibly stupid the original names are)

[Draneor]

It doesn't matter how much of an otaku you are; those are just bad names.

What does this have to do with otaku? Course, English-speaking fans have a tendency to throw the word around without understanding what it means.

In other cases, the name changes make for a more believable story. How many girls do you know who go by the nickname "Phil"? And does it really make sense to have a black woman from 1920's Harlem with the last name Weinberg?.

It's a fantasy world from a Japanese perspective. Check your cultural baggage and bias at the door. It's really not that hard to stop thinking like a Westerner and just accept it for what it is. フィロ is an entirely natural Japanese nickname for フィロメール (which is foreign). On the other hand, Jessica reeks of "standard American girl name."

English fantasy novel writers make up names all the time. I don't see why it's so hard to accept it when Japanese writers do. What they consider normal and exotic is very different from what we would.

In any case, NISA's changes generally go far beyond names. Frequently, there are lines that read entirely different. This is what frustrates me. I can't help screaming internally, "this is not what they are saying."

[Nork22]

Teaser trailer (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/06/23/trinity-universe-for-ps3-next-week-atelier-rorona-update/) is up at the PSBlog, along with Trinity Universe.

I'd hazard a guess that Wendee Lee is playing Cuderia and JYB is Yksel.

[cxt217]

Teaser trailer (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/06/23/trinity-universe-for-ps3-next-week-atelier-rorona-update/) is up at the PSBlog, along with Trinity Universe.

I'd hazard a guess that Wendee Lee is playing Cuderia and JYB is Yksel.

I will not hazard a guess on who is voicing whom, but add Julie Ann Taylor to the voices in the trailer.

C.T.

[Draneor]

Can I have a website (http://nisamerica.com/games/roro/)? With, perhaps, the opening playing in the background? Not too much there yet, but we have a character profile!

[Fencedude]

Can I have a website (http://nisamerica.com/games/roro/)? With, perhaps, the opening playing in the background? Not too much there yet, but we have a character profile!

Sounds like Hymmnos.

Not that I'm complaining.

[Draneor]

Sounds like Hymmnos.

It doesn't surprise me since they often use the same artists (namely, Shimotsuki Haruka ). In this case, "Falling, The Star Light" is sung by Yamamoto Mineko (http://vgmdb.net/artist/7516), a newcomer (at the time anyway). It looks like she went on to do Totori as well.

[Fencedude]

Sounds like Hymmnos.

It doesn't surprise me since they often use the same artists (namely, Shimotsuki Haruka ). In this case, "Falling, The Star Light" is sung by Yamamoto Mineko (http://vgmdb.net/artist/7516), a newcomer (at the time anyway). It looks like she went on to do Totori as well.

Who did the arrangement?

[Draneor]

Who did the arrangement?

Nagagawa Ken (http://vgmdb.net/artist/198). He did the arrangement for "EXEC_LINCA/." and "EXEC_RE=NATION/." among others.

[Fencedude]

Who did the arrangement?

Nagagawa Ken (http://vgmdb.net/artist/198).

Oooh...no wonder it sounded familiar.

He even did "Legend of Ar tonelico ~ Mir's Birth"! I love that piece!

[Draneor]

He even did "Legend of Ar tonelico ~ Mir's Birth"! I love that piece!

It was a kick ass way to open a kick ass CD. Even though side Crimson has my favorite song, side Blue was my overall favorite CD.

I wonder if NISA will include a OST? I went ahead and ordered both it and Totori, since NISA usually compresses it down to one disc, but it's not too late to cancel.

[Fencedude]

He even did "Legend of Ar tonelico ~ Mir's Birth"! I love that piece!

It was a kick ass way to open a kick ass CD. Even though side Crimson has my favorite song, side Blue was my overall favorite CD.



I have it leading off the most recent CD I made for listening to in the car. It leads right into...My Soul, Your Beats!, which is odd, but it works.

[Senku]

Can I have a website (http://nisamerica.com/games/roro/)? With, perhaps, the opening playing in the background? Not too much there yet, but we have a character profile!

Oh NISA, using the JP box art as the main page, but not using it as the US box art :P They might be purposefully teasing the people who care about those things.

lol, an Alchemist who secretly wants to open up her own pie shop! This game will be all kinds of awesome.

[Fencedude]

Taking a closer look...lol Japanese screenshots.

[HitokiriShadow]

Can I have a website (http://nisamerica.com/games/roro/)? With, perhaps, the opening playing in the background? Not too much there yet, but we have a character profile!

Looks like they are pretty much doing a straight copy of the Japanese website. In this case, at least, that's a good thing.

[GHDpro]

The weird thing is that Rorona is three years older on the US website, which claims she is 17.

She is supposed to be 14 at the start of the game however. Sure, the main story takes three years so she'll be 17 by the end, but it's still odd.

[HitokiriShadow]

The weird thing is that Rorona is three years older on the US website, which claims she is 17.

She is supposed to be 14 at the start of the game however. Sure, the main story takes three years so she'll be 17 by the end, but it's still odd.

Unfortunately, it seems game companies sometimes get skittish about the ages of young female characters. For another, even odder, example, see Star Ocean: Second Departure, which increased Rena's age by one year... even though the game's character design takes off about 6 years compared to the PS1 designs. However, if Atelier Rorona has any scenes like this one from Atelier Totori (http://www.sankakucomplex.com/2010/06/25/totori-no-atelier-loli-tentacle-rape-action/) (article probably NSFW, site is Sankaku, so definitely not safe for work), then I can see why they would be concerned about the age (not that adding three years makes much of a difference, if they really wanted to do this as a CYA measure, they would make her 18), though I still don't like it.

[GHDpro]

However, if Atelier Rorona has any scenes like this one from Rorona (http://www.sankakucomplex.com/2010/06/25/totori-no-atelier-loli-tentacle-rape-action/) (article probably NSFW, site is Sankaku, so definitely not safe for work)
That's from Totori, which takes place five years after the end the previous game. So Rorona is 22 in the second picture on that site. Totori (in the first picture) is only 13 though.

[HitokiriShadow]

However, if Atelier Rorona has any scenes like this one from Rorona (http://www.sankakucomplex.com/2010/06/25/totori-no-atelier-loli-tentacle-rape-action/) (article probably NSFW, site is Sankaku, so definitely not safe for work)
That's from Totori, which takes place five years after the end the previous game. So Rorona is 22 in the second picture on that site. Totori (in the first picture) is only 13 though.

I know its from Totori, I typed the wrong name in the link. I'm just saying that if there are scenes like that in Rorona as well, then NISA's skittishness about the age would make some sense.

[Senku]

However, if Atelier Rorona has any scenes like this one from Rorona (http://www.sankakucomplex.com/2010/06/25/totori-no-atelier-loli-tentacle-rape-action/) (article probably NSFW, site is Sankaku, so definitely not safe for work)
That's from Totori, which takes place five years after the end the previous game. So Rorona is 22 in the second picture on that site. Totori (in the first picture) is only 13 though.

I know its from Totori, I typed the wrong name in the link. I'm just saying that if there are scenes like that in Rorona as well, then NISA's skittishness about the age would make some sense.

Personally, they can say whatever age they want. We know the "real" age of these girls thanks to the internet. I'm more concerned that NISA may cut out that scene from Totori entirely; no matter what age they may give Totori (if they have the sequel at some point)

[Draneor]

Taking a closer look...lol Japanese screenshots.

I've noticed NISA seems is usually use Japanese screenshots at first. In any case, they're not complicated lines so I can read most of them.

The weird thing is that Rorona is three years older on the US website, which claims she is 17.

17 is getting pretty old for an alchemist. Rorona would almost be an old maid before the game even started. ;) Hmm. Now I'm curious to boot up Annie and see what they did with it.

I'm more concerned that NISA may cut out that scene from Totori entirely; no matter what age they may give Totori (if they have the sequel at some point)

Eh. They've released both Ar Tonelico's uncut and, in fact, definitely added more innuendo to the first one. We're not talking eroge here. Sony might be an issue though (Seriously, fuck Sony. It's hard to believe they are even Japanese at times).

[Suwako Moriya]

The weird thing is that Rorona is three years older on the US website, which claims she is 17.

She is supposed to be 14 at the start of the game however. Sure, the main story takes three years so she'll be 17 by the end, but it's still odd.

Little do people realize that you're not allowed to practice alchemy in the U.S. until you're 17. Keeping her 14 would convince young children to start practicing alchemy before they're legally old enough. Underage alchemy is a huge problem. If only you people would use logic.

In all seriousness, regardless of the reason(s) they may have, I don't like the idea of changing ages. It just seems pointless and silly to me. Even if it may be sound to them.

[Rhodes]

Who's publishing this game in the EU? Normally I'd preorder this but with the cover art and now the age changes (what is this hentai?) I'm afraid of edits/censored graphics for the US release. I'd either have to wait for a full review/comparison... or go with the EU version.

[Fencedude]

Who's publishing this game in the EU? Normally I'd preorder this but with the cover art and now the age changes (what is this hentai?) I'm afraid of edits/censored graphics for the US release. I'd either have to wait for a full review/comparison... or go with the EU version.

*sigh*

Its fucking coverart, and they just changed her age in her profile to avoid annoying questions.

[Rhodes]

Who's publishing this game in the EU? Normally I'd preorder this but with the cover art and now the age changes (what is this hentai?) I'm afraid of edits/censored graphics for the US release. I'd either have to wait for a full review/comparison... or go with the EU version.

*sigh*

Its fucking coverart, and they just changed her age in her profile to avoid annoying questions.

Why change it at all? must be for a reason... does the ESRB have a rule that says heroines must be 17 before they venture out? See when companies do these things it just instill doubt in the mind of some folks... makes me ask why? Maybe it's nothing.

And hey this is the site where folks use to say... oh my god they put that on the cover... no way I am gonna buy it now! Not that I ever said that...

[Fencedude]

Why change it at all? must be for a reason... does the ESRB have a rule that says heroines must be 17 before they venture out? See when companies do these things it just instill doubt in the mind of some folks... makes me ask why? Maybe it's nothing.

And hey this is the site where folks use to say... oh my god they put that on the cover... no way I am gonna buy it now! Not that I ever said that...

They did it because it avoids a lot of issues. Sure its dumb, but then again, her age is entirely informed anyway, so its not like it matters if they say she's 14, 17, 23, 350, etc.

[Nork22]

Who's publishing this game in the EU? Normally I'd preorder this but with the cover art and now the age changes (what is this hentai?) I'm afraid of edits/censored graphics for the US release. I'd either have to wait for a full review/comparison... or go with the EU version.

**sigh***

Well the EU version is being translated and produced by NISA. If I recall it's NISA's Europe division that's going to publish it in the EU, although that's just a ghost company.

[Draneor]

Technically, she is 17 at one point in the game. If they change her starting age in the game itself, it's going to be annoying to hear juuyonsai when the text says seventeen in English. But changing it wouldn't make sense. NISA kept Taiga's age in ToraDora (which also takes place over three years) and she's far more "loli" type than Rorona.

[Draneor]

Rorona is back on top (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/16/atelier-rorona-premium-box-packs-art-book/). We also get an artbook but not the OST. Good thing I ordered it. \0

I don't really like it when PS3 games come in visual novel sized boxes though. Kind of hard to store. ;_;

[Fencedude]

Rorona is back on top (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/16/atelier-rorona-premium-box-packs-art-book/). We also get an artbook but not the OST. Good thing I ordered it. \0

I don't really like it when PS3 games come in visual novel sized boxes though. Kind of hard to store. ;_;

Is this a Rosenqueen NISA Store exclusive or what?

[Draneor]

Is this a Rosenqueen NISA Store exclusive or what?

Good question. The Siliconera article doesn't specify and it's not yet posted to the NISA Store, although Amazon has it for pre-order.

[HitokiriShadow]

Rorona is back on top (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/16/atelier-rorona-premium-box-packs-art-book/). We also get an artbook but not the OST. Good thing I ordered it. \0


Artbook confirmed, woohoo! I'm hoping it will be the same size as the Sakura Wars and Trinity Universe art books. But I'm not sure what to make of the oversized box. Maybe that means the LE won't be NISA store exclusive, so they want a bigger box so it can hold the art book. On the other hand, that might cause them to want to make the artbook smaller. Either way, definitely want info on any possible NISA store exclusives ASAP.

[Nork22]

Rorona is back on top (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/16/atelier-rorona-premium-box-packs-art-book/). We also get an artbook but not the OST. Good thing I ordered it. \0

I don't really like it when PS3 games come in visual novel sized boxes though. Kind of hard to store. ;_;

Is this a Rosenqueen NISA Store exclusive or what?

God it better not be. I want to get the artbook from my preorder at my favourite Canadian store.

[HitokiriShadow]

The English website has been updated with a few more character profiles and RPGamer has a bunch of English screenshots (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/atelier/ar/screens/arss072710-1.html). Between the two, we see a bunch of characters' names so we can see what changes NISA did and didn't make for a good chunk of the cast.

JP>ENG
Cuderia > Cordelia
Yksel > Iksel
Tantoris > Tantris

No changes for Lionela, Astrid, Hom, Sterkenburg, and Gio. And, obviously, Rorona.

All of the alterations seem very reasonable to me. Those aren't even really "changes", they just made them what the Japanese names were trying to approximate in the first place. Or in Iksel's case, the spelling was just changed, while the pronunciation probably has not.

[TheGreenMan]

I really hope that isn't the boxart for the U.S. release. No characters?

[Suwako Moriya]

The English website has been updated with a few more character profiles and RPGamer has a bunch of English screenshots (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/atelier/ar/screens/arss072710-1.html).

After looking through those screen shots and reading the official site, I've come to the conclusion that I want both Cordelia and Rorona in my party as much as possible. Since both appeal to my interests.

On a side note, comparing the Japanese and U.S. versions, it seems Rorona is not the only one to have the "three years" thing done to her in her profile. It seems to be done for everyone.

[Citizen Klaus]

The English website has been updated with a few more character profiles and RPGamer has a bunch of English screenshots (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/atelier/ar/screens/arss072710-1.html).

After looking through those screen shots and reading the official site, I've come to the conclusion that I want both Cordelia and Rorona in my party as much as possible. Since both appeal to my interests.

On a side note, comparing the Japanese and U.S. versions, it seems Rorona is not the only one to have the "three years" thing done to her in her profile. It seems to be done for everyone.

Maybe they really are just going by end-of-game age, then. **crosses fingers**

[Draneor]

All of the alterations seem very reasonable to me. Those aren't even really "changes", they just made them what the Japanese names were trying to approximate in the first place.

They're not changes and anyone who says they are does not understand romanization. The only one that qualifies as a change is Yksel/Iksel, although even that could just be to accommodate the fact that English does not use "Y" to represent a vowel when it's the first letter (apart from perhaps rare exceptions). Other languages that use the Latin alphabet do.

[HitokiriShadow]

They're not changes and anyone who says they are does not understand romanization. The only one that qualifies as a change is Yksel/Iksel, although even that could just be to accommodate the fact that English does not use "Y" to represent a vowel when it's the first letter (apart from perhaps rare exceptions). Other languages that use the Latin alphabet do.

Pretty much, though its a tad more complicated since the Japanese site has the names in romaji and they aren't straight romanizations, (Cases in point: Yksel, Lionela, and Cuderia). But that only matters if you assume Japanese creators are automatically correct when writing the romaji names of their creations. "Syureria" says hi.

[Draneor]

Pretty much, though its a tad more complicated since the Japanese site has the names in romaji and they aren't straight romanizations, (Cases in point: Yksel, Lionela, and Cuderia). But that only matters if you assume Japanese creators are automatically correct when writing the romaji names of their creations. "Syureria" says hi.

Exactly. There are plenty of times where Japanese authors have screwed up romanization (Chrno Crusade) or just picked less aesthetically pleasing but equally valid alternatives. There are certainly cases where names are based on specific historical figures or terms (Zero no Tsukaima) so there is one correct English romanization. In this case, I think it's pretty clear the person who made them up, while using Latin letters, was not considering or proficient with how to represent the phonemes in English writing. For example, Tantoris. It makes sense why the "o" is there if you consider the Japanese タントリス. However, English has no issue with three consonants (ntr) being next to each other. The o in the Japanese Latin is a carryover of how Japanese works--not English. This, of course, makes sense when one considers the audience.

What annoys me is when Rorona becomes Susan or they ignore intentional name references (original Disgaea).

[Fencedude]

My opinion on this sort of thing is that as long as its in the general ballpark I'm not going to get worked up over it.

[Nork22]

The English website has been updated with a few more character profiles and RPGamer has a bunch of English screenshots (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/atelier/ar/screens/arss072710-1.html). Between the two, we see a bunch of characters' names so we can see what changes NISA did and didn't make for a good chunk of the cast.

**looks at the Rorona portraits...

Mmmm... definitely looks fine for a "17" year old.

I still can't comprehend why they "chibi" the characters in-game.

Still, the wait is going to be long... :(

[Fencedude]

I still can't comprehend why they "chibi" the characters in-game.


Thankfully they fixed that in Totori.

...I want Totori so badly ;_;

[Senku]

After looking through those screen shots and reading the official site, I've come to the conclusion that I want both Cordelia and Rorona in my party as much as possible. Since both appeal to my interests.

It's going to be tough choosing a favorite; just looking at the tiny bios, I may like Cordelia and Lionela more then Rorona. They all need to be in my party as much as possible.

[Fencedude]

So, I was wondering, is this going to be up at NISA at any point?

[Senku]

So, I was wondering, is this going to be up at NISA at any point?

Unless they say something this week or next; it probably won't come out till October.

The latest update on NISA's Rorona site are some wallpapers of Rorona, Cuderia, and Astrid.

[TheLaughingMan]

I think the date is in the last days of September. It's not rare for NISA to put up their games up for pre-order barely a month before release.
And with the Limited Box they're releasing, they probably don't need to have it up too early to sell their amounts. I know i'll order it the day it's on there for sure!

[HitokiriShadow]

The latest update on NISA's Rorona site are some wallpapers of Rorona, Cuderia, and Astrid.

I guess this is a good time to switch away from the default background, so now I'll have Cordelia greet me every time I turn on my laptop. ... And its when I download it that I realize that I've had the original Japanese version of that wallpaper for months.

Anyway, checking some of my previous Rosenqueen order and shipping e-mails, they have indeed solicited some as little as a month before release, so its possible they won't get it up on their site until the very end of this month and still have it come out at the end of September. It would be nice if they would just hurry up and put it up for order though. The wait is painful enough as it is and I'd really like to know about any NISA store exclusive they might have ASAP. I've been checking the store to see if its been added just about every day.

[Senku]

New update on NISA's site, with a new promo video.

It says "Premium Box Set exclusive through Gamestop" at the end. Will there be no NISA-exclusive for this release at all?

[Suwako Moriya]

It says "Premium Box Set exclusive through Gamestop" at the end. Will there be no NISA-exclusive for this release at all?

That being the case, I guess I should go with Gamestop. It was going to be either Gamestop or Amazon. Not sure if I'll ever actually use the Nisa store itself.

[cress2000]

I still hope this appears on the NISA store (possibly with more goodies thrown in), so I can avoid GameStop.

[TheLaughingMan]

The Limited Box being exclusive to Gamestop? Not even on NISA's site? That would be quite strange, a first for a NISA title.
At any rate i'll keep making a quick 1 minute trip to NISA site eveyday so if it gets there i'll order it then. But if it hasn't shown up yet in early September i'll have to orde this at my local EBgames if/when they can confirm they'll have the Limited Box...

[Senku]

But if it hasn't shown up yet in early September i'll have to orde this at my local EBgames if/when they can confirm they'll have the Limited Box...

Since they haven't said either way, I'm going to assume that there's only going to be one SKU to order at GS.

But I'm totally playing the waiting game now.

[HitokiriShadow]

New update on NISA's site, with a new promo video.

It says "Premium Box Set exclusive through Gamestop" at the end. Will there be no NISA-exclusive for this release at all?

Looks like I'll have to order from GameStop then. It's a little annoying, but at least I shouldn't have to pay $10+ for shipping. *checks* Yeah, $3 for cheap and slow shipping $6-10 for the quicker options. I'll wait a bit longer to order though, just in case there's some other NISA version (this wouldn't be the first time they had special editions in other stores plus an even more special/premium edition at their own store). Hopefully NISA will have full release details soon.

[pathos]

Looks like I'll have to order from GameStop then. It's a little annoying, but at least I shouldn't have to pay $10+ for shipping. *checks* Yeah, $3 for cheap and slow shipping $6-10 for the quicker options.

If you have a gamestop close to where you live, you can order online with in store pick up selected.

Shipping is free, they don't open the packages, you don't have to pay anything till you pick it up, and it gets there the day it would normally get in stock.

Of course, then you have to pay sales tax, so its a pick your poison kind of thing.

I have one about 2 miles from my apartment, so i usually go that route if I order through them.

[HitokiriShadow]

If you have a gamestop close to where you live, you can order online with in store pick up selected.

Shipping is free, they don't open the packages, you don't have to pay anything till you pick it up, and it gets there the day it would normally get in stock.

Of course, then you have to pay sales tax, so its a pick your poison kind of thing.

I have one about 2 miles from my apartment, so i usually go that route if I order through them.

I have one less than half a mile from my house, so it would be a pretty convenient option. But you can't select the in-store pickup option for Atelier Rorona. When you put it in the cart, the in-store pickup option is grayed out and unselectable and it says "Not available for in-store pickup".

[pathos]

I have one less than half a mile from my house, so it would be a pretty convenient option. But you can't select the in-store pickup option for Atelier Rorona. When you put it in the cart, the in-store pickup option is grayed out and unselectable and it says "Not available for in-store pickup".


Hrm, usually the ones that aren't available have been portable titles. First time I've noticed a ps3/360 release with no in store pickup.

Wonder what the cause is

[HitokiriShadow]

Hrm, usually the ones that aren't available have been portable titles. First time I've noticed a ps3/360 release with no in store pickup.

Wonder what the cause is

Maybe its not being released at the B&M stores at all? Or maybe the B&M stores will only have the regular edition, and the premium is online exclusive? But in that case, you'd think the trailer would have said Gamestop.com though, rather than just Gamestop. Well, whatever. 3-day shipping would cost only slightly more if I did in-store pickup and payed the sales tax anyway, and I'd prefer to have it delivered straight to my house anyway. And NISA may yet have a super-premium edition exclusive to their store, making it a moot point.

[Rhodes]

GS has this game listed as 59.99... but no mention of any preorder or bonus exclusive content.

same game is up at Amazon for 49.99...

[HitokiriShadow]

GS has this game listed as 59.99... but no mention of any preorder or bonus exclusive content.

same game is up at Amazon for 49.99...

Actually, I just found that Amazon has a $59.99 version as well (http://www.amazon.com/Atelier-Rorona-Alchemists-Arland-Playstation-3/dp/B003YVP5DE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1282245065&sr=8-5).

[Draneor]

Oh I hope they don't have two premium editions. That would really suck. Kind of like my opinion of GameStop.

[Fencedude]

Well, I'm going to wait for more information before I worry about where to order it from

[Suwako Moriya]

Actually, I just found that Amazon has a $59.99 version as well (http://www.amazon.com/Atelier-Rorona-Alchemists-Arland-Playstation-3/dp/B003YVP5DE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1282245065&sr=8-5).

I wonder when they put that up. Must have been very recent given that I never saw it last time I checked. Well before reading this post anyway. In any case, this complicates things.

Never mind that the most major complication for me right now is a question of when to order it. I was leaning towards October or holding off until November. Although now it seems like I may want to make it the September item.

I guess the issue is whether or not it's one of those "If you don't order in the next five minutes, you're screwed" type items.

I suppose right now, I need to wait to see exactly what is really included with the special version. Hopefully more actual information will come out soon. Like for example, maybe before the game gets released.

[UEHacker]

I'm probably gonna wait to see what's up with this release and order it a day or two beforehand provided it's not put up on NISA's store, thank god my money troubles are almost over.

[UEHacker]

http://store.nisamerica.com/Soundtracks/Atelier-Rorona-PS3-NISA-Exclusive-Set

Well it's up. But 20 dollars for shipping? That takes the value out of it :/

[cress2000]

Priority Mail shipping for me was $11.19. Still not exactly cheap, but hey, that's the post office for you these days.

EDIT: Hmm...it seems NISA does tack on a $3.00 handling charge. Unless it's just a coincidence that 3lb Priority Mail rate is 8.19 to my location.

[UEHacker]

Priority Mail shipping for me was $11.19. Still not exactly cheap, but hey, that's the post office for you these days.

EDIT: Hmm...it seems NISA does tack on a $3.00 handling charge. Unless it's just a coincidence that 3lb Priority Mail rate is 8.19 to my location.

The website doesn't even let me pick priority mail, only from 2 UPS options, with the cheapest being 20 dollars.

[cress2000]

The website doesn't even let me pick priority mail, only from 2 UPS options, with the cheapest being 20 dollars.

There's a drop-down menu right above the shipping options that lets you change the carrier.

[UEHacker]

The website doesn't even let me pick priority mail, only from 2 UPS options, with the cheapest being 20 dollars.

There's a drop-down menu right above the shipping options that lets you change the carrier.

Okay, maybe I'm blind but I still can't find it.
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4753/shippingm.jpg

that's what it looks like for me.

[cress2000]

The website doesn't even let me pick priority mail, only from 2 UPS options, with the cheapest being 20 dollars.

There's a drop-down menu right above the shipping options that lets you change the carrier.

Okay, maybe I'm blind but I still can't find it.
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4753/shippingm.jpg

that's what it looks like for me.

Here's mine:

http://i.imgur.com/KFvOf.png

I note we're using different browsers.

[UEHacker]

Hrm, I just tried doing it in internet explorer and got the same problem

[cress2000]

Hrm, I just tried doing it in internet explorer and got the same problem

I'm getting the drop box in IE just fine. I...don't know. :/

[UEHacker]

Neither do I, both my Java and Flash are up to date :/

[Nork22]

New update on NISA's site, with a new promo video.

It says "Premium Box Set exclusive through Gamestop" at the end. Will there be no NISA-exclusive for this release at all?

Well fuck them...

Oh well, I hope my preorder for the game is for something other than standard.

[Suwako Moriya]

http://store.nisamerica.com/Soundtracks/Atelier-Rorona-PS3-NISA-Exclusive-Set

So let's see if I've got things straight now. Amazon puts up a listing for a $50 version. Next we have mission of an exclusive LE set for Gamestop. One that looks like it has an art book and possibly a CD. It's listed for $60.

Later Amazon adds a $60 version of the game to their site. However it gives no indication of what it may come with. Then again the same could be said of Gamestop's own listing.

Now NISA's store lists its own exclusive at the $60 price. Which seems to mention a CD and art book. Which seems the same as what the Gamestop version is alluded to have.

So either there are three different exclusives. Or this is one of those cases where only select retailers have it. The ones being Amazon, Gamestop, and of course NISA.

Regardless, if the Amazon version is going to be the same as the GS version, it would probably be better for me to order that one sometime in the future....

[Senku]

Here's the Link to Prinny Bomb - Aug. 20th (http://www.nisamerica.com/index.php?nav=n&article=pbomb/PrinnyBomb_Vol70.html)

The important tidbit:
The Premium Box Set includes the 32-page, full-color, hardcover art book! Again, the Atelier Rorona Premium Box Set is a limited edition and ONLY available at GameStop!

Second of all, the NISA Online Store has announced that they have created their own exclusive products for Atelier Rorona! ... The limited edition Atelier Rorona Exclusive Set will include a beautiful art book and soundtrack of Atelier Rorona!

You will only have the chance to get this Exclusive Set (art book and soundtrack) at the NISA Online Store!

So it looks like the NISA set WILL come with the OST. (Sorry, Draneor)

To Summarize:
-Amazon's listing seems to be the game only.
-Gamestop will have the Premium box
-NISA has Premium box set plus OST

So... the usual release pattern :sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

To Summarize:
-Amazon's listing seems to be the game only.
-Gamestop will have the Premium box
-NISA has Premium box set plus OST

So... the usual release pattern :sweat:

If that's the case then what's up with the $60 version at Amazon? Wait, let me guess. There's an error and that listing will probably be removed soon and people who tried to order it will be faced with cancellations.

Well, if Amazon isn't getting anything extra, one would hope that the $60 version would be take down and the $50 version stays up. So at least the Amazon version is about saving money.

One thing I wonder about the OST is this. Will it be a "real" OST or one of those ones that has select tracks? I'm going to assume the latter.

[TheLaughingMan]

Ha, i just knew it! I'm incredibly happy they have the OST included though.

But there's this one thing that bugs the hell out of me. The NISA listing doesn't state anywhere that it's the Premium boxset, nor does the picture shows that. It looks like the standalone game plus an artbook and soundtrack. Whatever if that artbook is the same or not as the one included in the Premium Box.

I'd like them to say someting about this. Because if the Box itself is really Gamestop exclusive i'll have to order this twice, from NISA to have the OST and from Gamestop to have the Box...

[wgabriel]

But there's this one thing that bugs the hell out of me. The NISA listing doesn't state anywhere that it's the Premium boxset, nor does the picture shows that. It looks like the standalone game plus an artbook and soundtrack. Whatever if that artbook is the same or not as the one included in the Premium Box.

I'd like them to say someting about this. Because if the Box itself is really Gamestop exclusive i'll have to order this twice, from NISA to have the OST and from Gamestop to have the Box...

Judging from the Prinny Bomb email, It does specifically state that "the Premium Box Set of Atelier Rorona is on sale at GameStop! Yes! It is exclusive to GameStop! "

My guess would be that the version you would get from the NISA store would be the regular retail PS3 case, with the art book and soundtrack separate, as that is what is pictured on the site and they make no mention of it also having a box.

[Draneor]

This is making my brain hurt. Shipping is only $13.89, but do I really want a shortened version of the OST when I just ordered it? Meh. Who am I kidding? But the box would be nice too...

I'd like them to say someting about this. Because if the Box itself is really Gamestop exclusive i'll have to order this twice, from NISA to have the OST and from Gamestop to have the Box...

Why does this conjure up images of a Japanese release in my mind? If you want the box, order through Gamestop. If you want the OST, order through NISA. If you want the normal cover art, order the UK version. If you want a Rorona dakimakura cover...

[HitokiriShadow]

Judging from the Prinny Bomb email, It does specifically state that "the Premium Box Set of Atelier Rorona is on sale at GameStop! Yes! It is exclusive to GameStop! "

My guess would be that the version you would get from the NISA store would be the regular retail PS3 case, with the art book and soundtrack separate, as that is what is pictured on the site and they make no mention of it also having a box.

I wouldn't read too much into the "Box" part. The difference between the Gamestop version and the NISA version is that the GameStop version only has the artbook while the NISA version has the artbook and the OST.

Here's the full text from the Prinny Bomb e-mail regarding the LEs (my emphasis in bold):

We also have more exciting news about Atelier Rorona! Are you ready for it?
First of all, the Premium Box Set of Atelier Rorona is on sale at GameStop! Yes! It is exclusive to GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=78639)! And now you want to know what will be included in the box set, right?

The Premium Box Set includes the 32-page, full-color, hardcover art book!
Again, the Atelier Rorona Premium Box Set is a limited edition and ONLY available at GameStop!
Second of all, the NISA Online Store has announced that they have created their own exclusive products for Atelier Rorona! Wow, another exclusive...!

The limited edition Atelier Rorona Exclusive Set will include a beautiful art book and soundtrack of Atelier Rorona! Like the Trinity Universe art book, the Atelier Rorona art book is hardcover and printed in full color!
You will only have the chance to get this Exclusive Set (art book and soundtrack) at the NISA Online Store!

If the GameStop version does have a box, the NISA version probably has it as well, with the OST included outside the box.

[cress2000]

I just went and assumed you get the choice of either a (flimsy?) box, or an (incomplete?) OST. Best case scenario would be that the NISA package came with both, but I'm not going to assume anything from the information we have.

As for me, neither of the apparent "retailer-exclusive" extras seem all that worthwhile unless the OST turns out to be a truly full one. I'm mostly in for the art book, and would prefer to give my money to NISA directly instead of GameStop.

[Draneor]

I wouldn't read too much into the "Box" part.

The pictures give a better idea. Game Stop Edition (http://i38.tinypic.com/2lwm14m.png), NISA edition (http://nisamerica.com/images/email/rorona_pb.jpg), & UK Edition (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs141.ash2/40384_419493336894_256055541894_5316797_5005061_n. jpg). Note that the NISA edition does not include the box with Rorona on the cover.

[HitokiriShadow]

I wouldn't read too much into the "Box" part.

The pictures give a better idea. Game Stop Edition (http://i38.tinypic.com/2lwm14m.png), NISA edition (http://nisamerica.com/images/email/rorona_pb.jpg), & UK Edition (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs141.ash2/40384_419493336894_256055541894_5316797_5005061_n. jpg). Note that the NISA edition does not include the box with Rorona on the cover.

Oh. I guess it does come with a box then. Well, whatever. I'm slightly annoyed by the lack of Rorona on the game case but I don't care enough to want a bigger box to stick the case in. While boxes are nice, I'd prefer that the game fit on the shelf with my other PS3 games. That box isn't anythign particularly amazing, and between the LE NISA artbook and the Rorona & Totori artbook I'm importing, I have my art needs covered. I'd rather have the OST, even if only part of it and even if I decide to import the whole thing at some point, than the box.

I already placed my order at the NISA store. My main concern now is that they don't take forever to ship it out.

[TheLaughingMan]

Yeah it's not a safe bet to assume the NISA set will include the box. From what i see you get the artbook alone with the OST too. Gamestop's would include maybe the same artbook but with an additionnal box, but no OST.

It's currently how it seems, and i hate it. I need the box AND the OST (artbook is pretty much guaranteed).

[Senku]

Well, if Amazon isn't getting anything extra, one would hope that the $60 version would be take down and the $50 version stays up. So at least the Amazon version is about saving money.

The only listing I ever saw was the cheaper version.


I didn't even think about NISA not having the pretty Rorona box. But if they're going out of their way to say it's an GS exclusive, then it must be so.

So what do I want - Considering the OST is 2CDs, I doubt the included CD will be the full release. But if I get the GS exclusive, do I want to spend another $35 on the OST? Should I forgo the Rorona Box and be happy with the tracks in the NISA set?

Hm...

[Suwako Moriya]

So what do I want - Considering the OST is 2CDs, I doubt the included CD will be the full release. But if I get the GS exclusive, do I want to spend another $35 on the OST? Should I forgo the Rorona Box and be happy with the tracks in the NISA set?

If you're fine with the idea of "gambling" then getting the NISA version of the OST is the better option. Problem of course is you'll be gambling. There's no way of knowing yet how many and which tracks the OST will include.

Plus, if you end up deciding that because the NISA OST wasn't good enough to buy the import version, you'll in a sense be double dipping on the tracks in question.

The box is going to be of limited value. I suspect it will be like other PS2 boxes. Such as the one for Mana Khemia and Ar Tonelico for example. Some pretty artwork and it will hold the stuff just fine.

Thus in the case of the GS version, it's going to be less about "Is this box worth it?" and more about "Is it worth paying the shipping just to get the OST instead?"

Of course if Gamestop doesn't carry the game in stores, I may have to see what shipping at Gamestop is like anyway. One would hope that it would be better than NISA at least...

There's still the idea of just going with Amazon if I decide saving $10 is more important than the artbook, but then again... Meh, this is complicated sometimes.

[Rhodes]

So what do I want - Considering the OST is 2CDs, I doubt the included CD will be the full release. But if I get the GS exclusive, do I want to spend another $35 on the OST? Should I forgo the Rorona Box and be happy with the tracks in the NISA set?

If you're fine with the idea of "gambling" then getting the NISA version of the OST is the better option. Problem of course is you'll be gambling. There's no way of knowing yet how many and which tracks the OST will include.

Plus, if you end up deciding that because the NISA OST wasn't good enough to buy the import version, you'll in a sense be double dipping on the tracks in question.

The box is going to be of limited value. I suspect it will be like other PS2 boxes. Such as the one for Mana Khemia and Ar Tonelico for example. Some pretty artwork and it will hold the stuff just fine.

Thus in the case of the GS version, it's going to be less about "Is this box worth it?" and more about "Is it worth paying the shipping just to get the OST instead?"

Of course if Gamestop doesn't carry the game in stores, I may have to see what shipping at Gamestop is like anyway. One would hope that it would be better than NISA at least...

There's still the idea of just going with Amazon if I decide saving $10 is more important than the artbook, but then again... Meh, this is complicated sometimes.

Doesnt gamestop allow you to pick up at a store? So you dont need to pay for shipping only sales tax.

[broodwars]

Just out of curiosity, does this game take place in some sort of established continuity or is it standalone? I've never played one of the Atelier games, and the graphical look of this game just appeals to me (plus, I could use a good PS3 RPG).

*Star Ocean 4 starts whimpering from his shelf*

Oh shush, you! I can only handle one Mega JRPG at a time, and you'll just have to wait.

[cxt217]

Just out of curiosity, does this game take place in some sort of established continuity or is it standalone? I've never played one of the Atelier games, and the graphical look of this game just appeals to me (plus, I could use a good PS3 RPG).


It seems to be a separate continuity within the Atelier series - GUST apparently likes to reboot the series every several games.

C.T.

[HitokiriShadow]

Just out of curiosity, does this game take place in some sort of established continuity or is it standalone? I've never played one of the Atelier games, and the graphical look of this game just appeals to me (plus, I could use a good PS3 RPG).


The only Atelier game it is connected to is Atelier Totori, which is the sequel to Rorona. Otherwise, the only connection it should share to other Atelier games should be a few recurring monsters and two characters that have an incarnation in most of the Atelier games (and in Pamela's case, a Mana Khemia game as well). But they aren't actually the same character, they just have the same name and similar character design to others bearing the same name.

So yes, its a standalone game. I'm pretty sure it doesn't even take place in the same world as any previous Atelier games. The "Alchemist of ____" subtitle seems to be used to establish continuity in the Atelier franchise, at least among those that have them (the original has no subtitle at all, and the Iris games have subtitles but not "Alchemist of ___"). Atelier Rorona is "Alchemist of Arland", and Atelier Totori is "Alchemist of Arland 2".

As far as I can tell, the Atelier games are connected as follows:
Rorona and Totori
Iris 1 and Iris 2
Marie, Elie, and Marie & Elie
Judie and Viorate

I have no idea if Marie, the very first Atelier game, is connceted to any of the others
The DS games (Lise, Annie, and Lina) appear to each be entirely unconnected to other games
Iris 3 is entirely standalone.

[Fencedude]

The DS games (Lise, Annie, and Lina) appear to each be entirely unconnected to other games


At the very least Lise and Annie are probably in the same world

[HitokiriShadow]

The DS games (Lise, Annie, and Lina) appear to each be entirely unconnected to other games


At the very least Lise and Annie are probably in the same world

*looks around more* Ah, I think you're right. It seems an older Lise appears in Annie at some point. Or at least in some of the promotional art available. Edit: Yeah, its definitely her and she's definitely in the game.

[Draneor]

At the very least Lise and Annie are probably in the same world

Speaking of Annie, my understanding is Rorona will play the most like it (compared to others published in English).

[cxt217]

As far as I can tell, the Atelier games are connected as follows:
Rorona and Totori
Iris 1 and Iris 2
Marie, Elie, and Marie & Elie
Judie and Viorate

I have no idea if Marie, the very first Atelier game, is connceted to any of the others
The DS games (Lise, Annie, and Lina) appear to each be entirely unconnected to other games
Iris 3 is entirely standalone.

Atelier Marie, Atelier Elie, and Atelier Lilie (The first three Atelier games.) are part of the Alchemist of Salburg trilogy. Atelier Lilie is the prequel to both and about Lilie, who founded the academy Marie and Elie attended. Atelier Elie was both the series' and chronological sequel to Atelier Marie, with a large number of characters from Marie showing up in Elie. A few from Lilie also appear, and Hermina from Lilie even got her own spin-off 'game'.

Atelier Judie and Atelier Viorate are the Alchemist of Gramnad series, and are set in a different storyverse from the previous games. There are a few shout-outs to the Salburg trilogy, but nothing major. They were also GUST's first attempt at retooling the series, mainly in gameplay mechanics.

Atelier Iris 3 is separate from the other 2 AI games, but I would argue Atelier Iris 1 and Atelier Iris 2 are not really sequels/prequels of each other, but in separate storyverses of their own. There is a lot of shout-outs, but a lot more inconsistencies.

Curiously, it look likes the follow-up to Atelier Lilie was originally intended to be called Atelier Sera, with Sera having a noticeably different character design to Judie.

Speaking of Annie, my understanding is Rorona will play the most like it (compared to others published in English).

Not very surprising, since all of the console Atelier titles released in the US (Atelier Iris 1 to Mana Khemia 2.) were different game concepts and systems from the first Atelier games. Rorona is goes back to the original gameplay formula (Sorry.) of the first Atelier games, which the DS games also used.

C.T.

[UEHacker]

Ha, so I figured out why I didn't get a carrier drop down list.
I forgot a number on my zipcode. Oops <_<

[Senku]

There's still the idea of just going with Amazon if I decide saving $10 is more important than the artbook, but then again... Meh, this is complicated sometimes.

Well, here's the rationale I came up with.

Went to the local Gamestop today for some games. (got a new 360, Tales is finally mine now; among other things) And they were taking preorders for Rorona. If I went with NISA, I would think of the shipping ($15) as what I am paying for the OST.

So I thought, "If I really like the music, I would want all the tracks; not just an unknown selection". Paying fifteen smackers for the unknown vs. sales tax and pretty Rorona Box.

In the end, I preordered the game at GS. We'll see if I like the music enough where down the road I'll pick up the 2-CD release.

Also, if NISA is going through the trouble of having a GS-only exclusive; I feel like an order at GS is just as good as an order at NISA.

[UEHacker]

So uh, did anyone else get charged immediately for Rorona after ordering it on NISA's site? I thought they changed that so they wouldn't charge until it shipped.

[cress2000]

So uh, did anyone else get charged immediately for Rorona after ordering it on NISA's site? I thought they changed that so they wouldn't charge until it shipped.

I see the amount pending on my account, but it hasn't posted.

[HitokiriShadow]

So uh, did anyone else get charged immediately for Rorona after ordering it on NISA's site? I thought they changed that so they wouldn't charge until it shipped.

It's a temporary/test charge. It will go away after a few days (mine already has).

[mlisette237]

Amazon canceled my order for Atelier Rorona saying it's no longer available and then gave me the link to Atelier Rorona with a $59.99 price:angry:...yeah I'm going with Gamestop.

[Senku]

Amazon canceled my order for Atelier Rorona saying it's no longer available and then gave me the link to Atelier Rorona with a $59.99 price:angry:...yeah I'm going with Gamestop.

Hm, weird. If Amazon isn't getting the GS box; then this may be one of the few times where ordering from them is the worst option :sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

Amazon canceled my order for Atelier Rorona saying it's no longer available and then gave me the link to Atelier Rorona with a $59.99 price:angry:...yeah I'm going with Gamestop.

Hm, weird. If Amazon isn't getting the GS box; then this may be one of the few times where ordering from them is the worst option :sweat:

And here I thought the $59.99 one would have been removed. So much for the idea of paying less in exchange for not getting the extras. Either way, the decision to go with the Gamestop version has already been made before reading this anyway.

[HitokiriShadow]

Amazon's price for Atelier Rorona is now $49.82, so if anyone is more concerned about getting it cheap more than getting the bonuses, there you go.

[mlisette237]

Amazon's price for Atelier Rorona is now $49.82, so if anyone is more concerned about getting it cheap more than getting the bonuses, there you go.

I got it in my quick picks this morning and was able to order it for $47.33:).

[Rhodes]

Amazon's price for Atelier Rorona is now $49.82, so if anyone is more concerned about getting it cheap more than getting the bonuses, there you go.

I got it in my quick picks this morning and was able to order it for $47.33:).

Ditto... this ends up being 16 cents less than what it was before Amazon cnx'd my previous order. Too bad there is not GC with this order unlike with Time Crisis.

[tadakichi]

Amazon's price for Atelier Rorona is now $49.82, so if anyone is more concerned about getting it cheap more than getting the bonuses, there you go.


Frequently Bought Together
Customers buy this item with Halo Reach by Microsoft Xbox 360 $59.99


That's... surprising, assuming it's based on actual preorder data and not MS paying Amazon to cross-promote Reach as heavily as possible.

I might jump on the Rorona deal, since I find myself caring less and less about physical extras and I'm not really that bothered by the cover art.

[cress2000]

Got my shipping confirmation from the NISA store today. The package has been scanned in transit, so I guess I'll be getting it a few days early. I really hope this game does not require firmware 3.42+.

[Fencedude]

Got my shipping confirmation from the NISA store today. The package has been scanned in transit, so I guess I'll be getting it a few days early. I really hope this game does not require firmware 3.42+.

Why?

[cress2000]

Got my shipping confirmation from the NISA store today. The package has been scanned in transit, so I guess I'll be getting it a few days early. I really hope this game does not require firmware 3.42+.

Why?

I'm playing wait and see on the PS3 hack situation. I'm interested in it, but not until it matures a bit. Last I heard, it can't be done on 3.42+.

[Fencedude]

Got my shipping confirmation from the NISA store today. The package has been scanned in transit, so I guess I'll be getting it a few days early. I really hope this game does not require firmware 3.42+.

Why?

I'm playing wait and see on the PS3 hack situation. I'm interested in it, but not until it matures a bit. Last I heard, it can't be done on 3.42+.

Consider what is more important to you, the possibility of maybe being able to hack your PS3 for some purpose that is not yet entirely clear...or playing the damn games

[cress2000]

Got my shipping confirmation from the NISA store today. The package has been scanned in transit, so I guess I'll be getting it a few days early. I really hope this game does not require firmware 3.42+.

Why?

I'm playing wait and see on the PS3 hack situation. I'm interested in it, but not until it matures a bit. Last I heard, it can't be done on 3.42+.

Consider what is more important to you, the possibility of maybe being able to hack your PS3 for some purpose that is not yet entirely clear...or playing the damn games

Rorona's the only US PS3 release I'm interested in until Ar tonelico III, which is still quite a ways away. Rorona's not nearly as important to me as ATIII though, and I have a large enough backlog that I can wait in case it requires newer firmware.

I want to play the PS3 versions of Tales of Vesperia and Graces in English, and this is probably the only way it's going to be possible. Plus, I like the convenience and speedier load times offered by games copied to hard drives and other storage media. All of my other hacked systems have this functionality.

Anyways, final builds of games are typically compiled 1-2 months before their street date, and it appears 3.42 is less than a month old, so Rorona's almost certainly shipping with 3.41.

[Fencedude]

I want to play the PS3 versions of Tales of Vesperia and Graces in English, and this is probably the only way it's going to be possible. Plus, I like the convenience and speedier load times offered by games copied to hard drives and other storage media. All of my other hacked systems have this functionality.

How in the world do you expect those things to be possible? Are there translations for the PS3 versions of those games? Has anyone determined its even possible to hack a theoretical translation into the games?

Hell, the PS2 was much, much easier to do such things to, and I only know of one game that it was ever done for (NamcoXCapcom)

As for the hardrive install feature, yeah, thated nice, but being able to actually play games going forward is even nicer.

Anyways, final builds of games are typically compiled 1-2 months before their street date, and it appears 3.42 is less than a month old, so Rorona's almost certainly shipping with 3.41.

I agree, but I still think this all is very silly. You aren't going to be able to keep going with 3.41 forever.

[cress2000]

How in the world do you expect those things to be possible? Are there translations for the PS3 versions of those games? Has anyone determined its even possible to hack a theoretical translation into the games?

The guys working on the Graces Wii project have put up proof-of-concept screens and videos demonstrating partially translated menus of Vesperia PS3. I don't know how they managed it, but I'll get the links when I go home tomorrow.


I agree, but I still think this all is very silly. You aren't going to be able to keep going with 3.41 forever.

It's (sort of!) a good thing that Ar tonelico III is so far away. I absolutely will upgrade for that game if there's no custom firmware or other solution by the time it's out.

[HitokiriShadow]

Just an FYI for everyone, Atelier Rorona has a mandatory 1400 megabyte install.

[Fencedude]

Just an FYI for everyone, Atelier Rorona has a mandatory 1400 megabyte install.

Probably a good thing.

[Kaikou]

You aren't going to be able to keep going with 3.41 forever.

Actually I think that in time people will be able to play all the new games that are released and keep the 3.41 firmware or modified firmware. A developer recently found out a way to run modified firmware using a USB drive, which does not overwrite the existing firmware on the PS3 itself.

The only thing that will most likely be a deciding factor for those who care to have the jailbreak accessible will be if they want to use the Playstation Network or not.

[broodwars]

Just an FYI for everyone, Atelier Rorona has a mandatory 1400 megabyte install.

Whatever, that's only 1.6 GB. That's nothing these days.

[HitokiriShadow]

Just an FYI for everyone, Atelier Rorona has a mandatory 1400 megabyte install.

Whatever, that's only 1.6 GB. That's nothing these days.

Yeah, its not much and I'm not complaining in the slightest. MGS4, my first PS3 game, was over three times that amount. I was mainly letting people know so that they wouldn't be surprised when they stuck it in and suddenly had to wait several minutes while it installed. Perhaps by being informed ahead of time (I'm assuming not everyone immediately checks what size the install data is or if one is require), a few people could save a bit of time and/or annoyance by having it install while doing something else, instead of while they are itching to start the game. Though on the off chance someone had less than that amount of space on their harddrive, that could save them some trouble too, but I highly doubt anyone is that low on space. Anyone that downloads or installs that much probably swapped out for vastly larger drive some time ago.

[Nork22]

The only thing that will most likely be a deciding factor for those who care to have the jailbreak accessible will be if they want to use the Playstation Network or not.

Don't forget trophy whores.

[superdry]

Just an FYI for everyone, Atelier Rorona has a mandatory 1400 megabyte install.

If, and, when I get around to it playing it, I think this would be the first PS3 game I own that requires a mandatory install. Luckily, I practically have nothing on my 80gb PS3 besides save games.

I am quite excited about the game though...maybe I'll actually use my PS3 again after a few months of neglect and hopefully rekindle my love of playing RPGs.

[Senku]

Perhaps by being informed ahead of time (I'm assuming not everyone immediately checks what size the install data is or if one is require), a few people could save a bit of time and/or annoyance by having it install while doing something else, instead of while they are itching to start the game.

By this point, PS3 owners should just assume that there's going to be an initial install of some sort for any new game they play.

Also, thxs for the info.

[Fencedude]

Perhaps by being informed ahead of time (I'm assuming not everyone immediately checks what size the install data is or if one is require), a few people could save a bit of time and/or annoyance by having it install while doing something else, instead of while they are itching to start the game.

By this point, PS3 owners should just assume that there's going to be an initial install of some sort for any new game they play.

Also, thxs for the info.

Heck, I consider installs to be mandatory for the 360. At least if I want to actually be able to hear the game over the freaking disc drive.

So going back to PS3 sized installs is almost refreshing after lots of time gaming on the 360.

[Fencedude]

Went by Gamestop, in the vague hope they'd actually have it, no luck, will be in tomorrow.

Though I'm probably the only person in the entire area to order it. Though I do know for a fact that at least three copies of Deathsmiles (including mine) and one copy of Agarest (not mine) have been sold at the gamestops in the area.

So all hope is not lost!

Anyway, will be picking this up tomorrow, along with VC2, my other source was unable to come through.

[distantmantra]

Got my copy in the mail today. Thanks, Amazon!

Won't have time to play it for a while, though. Real life beckons.

[Draneor]

Went by Gamestop, in the vague hope they'd actually have it, no luck, will be in tomorrow.

Ah, I thought someone said it was online only. I don't think my order has shipped out, but I also haven't put in for leave yet. Yes, I plan on taking a mini-vacation with Rorona.

[Fencedude]

Went by Gamestop, in the vague hope they'd actually have it, no luck, will be in tomorrow.

Ah, I thought someone said it was online only. I don't think my order has shipped out, but I also haven't put in for leave yet. Yes, I plan on taking a mini-vacation with Rorona.

I seriously doubt many (if any) stores would carry it as normal stock, but anything you can get on Gamestop's site you can get in store, and without shipping charges.

[Draneor]

I seriously doubt many (if any) stores would carry it as normal stock, but anything you can get on Gamestop's site you can get in store, and without shipping charges.

My understanding was the LE bonuses were online only. You could buy the game in store, but you wouldn't get the artbook and box.

Also, I just checked my account: "Backordered." Fuck. Maybe I waited too long to pre-order...

[HitokiriShadow]

I've had mine since Saturday, when I posted about the install size. For the first time since Mana Khemia 1, NISA/Rosenqueen actually gets me the game before the release date. This would be a good thing, since I really want to play Atelier Rorona ASAP, except I made the foolish assumption that their shipping would be about as slow as usual and I wouldn't be getting it until about a week after release, so I started up another 30-50 hour RPG, not wanting to waste several weeks by not playing anything. I refuse to leave Wild Arms 5 incomplete to start Atelier Rorona, because that's exactly how I ended up with a bunch partially completed games in my backlog.

[HitokiriShadow]

Yes, I plan on taking a mini-vacation with Rorona.

Yeah, I'm doing the same thing.

[cress2000]

Mine came yesterday (though it should have been Saturday), installed, and did a quick little test. I told myself I wouldn't play it for real until I finished Annie and the two Mana Khemias, though.

[Fencedude]

I'm trying to stick to a game at a time, but failing.

Anyway, while I'm still stalled in Vesperia, I will have just enough time tonight to finish my second OGs runthrough, which I picked up again in honor of THE INSPECTOR starting this week. I wanted to do Gaiden as well, but no time for that.

I also have SRWAP on the PSP going, and playing Project Diva when I feel like it.

Putting 200+ hours into the two Mass Effect games really screwed me up in terms of game completion.

[superdry]

I seriously doubt many (if any) stores would carry it as normal stock, but anything you can get on Gamestop's site you can get in store, and without shipping charges.

My understanding was the LE bonuses were online only. You could buy the game in store, but you wouldn't get the artbook and box.

Also, I just checked my account: "Backordered." Fuck. Maybe I waited too long to pre-order...

I pre-ordered the game at a GS near my workplace a few weeks ago and according to the employee the bonuses come with the game. He was shocked that I pre-ordered the game (I was probably the only one to do so) and mentioned about the GS premium edition that comes with the artbook (which he read off the computer screen).

I do know that GS txt messaging about pre-orders arriving has been flaky lately so I'll drop by tomorrow night after work to pick up my copy.

[Senku]

I seriously doubt many (if any) stores would carry it as normal stock, but anything you can get on Gamestop's site you can get in store, and without shipping charges.

My understanding was the LE bonuses were online only. You could buy the game in store, but you wouldn't get the artbook and box.

I don't think I've ever seen a preorder bonus that was just available through GS's website. I'll find out for certain tomorrow though.

Interesting side bit; GS Robo-call said that it would be in store "tomorrow evening". Usually it says 'afternoon', makes me wonder if they're getting a separate shipment because of Rorona.

[Nork22]

Once I get the game, it will be to pop it in, install the game, then put it in the backlog. I've got VC2, White Album and Tales of Vesperia (PS3) to play. Goddamit...

[Suwako Moriya]

I refuse to leave Wild Arms 5 incomplete to start Atelier Rorona, because that's exactly how I ended up with a bunch partially completed games in my backlog.

The good news for me is I already completed Wild Arms 5 long ago. The bad news is I have multiple backlog games to work on. Some of which I haven't even started on.:sweat:

[Raiho]

I seriously doubt many (if any) stores would carry it as normal stock, but anything you can get on Gamestop's site you can get in store, and without shipping charges.

My understanding was the LE bonuses were online only. You could buy the game in store, but you wouldn't get the artbook and box.

I don't think I've ever seen a preorder bonus that was just available through GS's website. I'll find out for certain tomorrow though.

Interesting side bit; GS Robo-call said that it would be in store "tomorrow evening". Usually it says 'afternoon', makes me wonder if they're getting a separate shipment because of Rorona.

When I went into my GS to preorder the person called it Limited Edition. And, when I called and asked yesterday if they had it in yet the guy I talked to also called it Limited Edition.

So, I'm willing to bet that the stores are suppose to have the artbook and box.

[Fencedude]

Gahhh....it still hadn't come in.

I saw the screen where they tracked the shipment though, and it clearly said "Atelier Rorona Gamestop LE"

So yeah. Anyway, should have it tomorrow. Was able to grab VCII though.

[Suwako Moriya]

So, I'm willing to bet that the stores are suppose to have the artbook and box.

I can confirm this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Probably because the game in question which was ordered from a Gamestop store was brought home today and it came with the LE stuff.

[Senku]

Holy crap, this thing is like a mini-LP!

Big, Pretty Rorolina cover art is pretty! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/Ranma824/RoronaLouise.jpg) :bigsmile:

(Louise is for reference, and awesomeness)

EDIT: As I flip through the artbook... Pamela!!! I didn't know she was in the game!

[Suwako Moriya]

EDIT: As I flip through the artbook... Pamela!!! I didn't know she was in the game!

I take it you never checked the character section of the official site.

[Senku]

EDIT: As I flip through the artbook... Pamela!!! I didn't know she was in the game!

I take it you never checked the character section of the official site.

I don't like to spoil myself too much before playing an anticipated game. But I had to flip through the artbook, so that was ok.

[TnAdct1]

EDIT: As I flip through the artbook... Pamela!!! I didn't know she was in the game!
Isn't that character usually in every Atelier game (as well as Trinity Universe)?

[HitokiriShadow]

Isn't that character usually in every Atelier game (as well as Trinity Universe)?

Not all, but she's in a lot of them and most of the ones that have been released in the U.S. (Atelier Iris 2 and maybe Annie are the only ones she's not in), as well as the first Mana Khemia game and Trinity Universe.

[Fencedude]

Haha...got my Robocall from "Ashley", saying it will be available tomorrow.

She did a good job on "Atelier" (better than I do, honestly) but her "Rorona" was very amusing.

[superdry]

Haha...got my Robocall from "Ashley", saying it will be available tomorrow.

She did a good job on "Atelier" (better than I do, honestly) but her "Rorona" was very amusing.

I went the GS I pre-ordered the game at, picked it up and went home. I arrive at my door and I get a phone call from Gamestop telling me that the game should be arriving tomorrow.

This is after I talk to the employees about how inconsistent Gamestop has been lately with phone calls or txt messages about pre-ordered games.

I do have the say the box is quite lovely. I'll be keeping it sealed for now since I await for my K-On! game to arrive soon.

[broodwars]

I was tempted to go out and pre-order the game this week (well, that or Front Mission Evolved, but the continual silence from the gaming press on that title tells me that probably didn't turn out well), but I ended up doing my usual pre-release research and found some gameplay videos. And...ok, I have to ask: besides the item crafting, is there anything really noteworthy to this series, because I'm having trouble finding it? Looking at some battle footage, it looks like a cutesy by-the-numbers JRPG. Yeah, I think I'll just sit this one out unless the random youtube videos just didn't do the game justice.

[Fencedude]

I was tempted to go out and pre-order the game this week (well, that or Front Mission Evolved, but the continual silence from the gaming press on that title tells me that probably didn't turn out well), but I ended up doing my usual pre-release research and found some gameplay videos. And...ok, I have to ask: besides the item crafting, is there anything really noteworthy to this series, because I'm having trouble finding it? Looking at some battle footage, it looks like a cutesy by-the-numbers JRPG. Yeah, I think I'll just sit this one out unless the random youtube videos just didn't do the game justice.

No, this is pretty much "Item Crafting: The Video Game"

Thats the entire point. Well, that and general cuteness. I'm only really interested in this because it leads into Atelier Totori, which is the same, only more so, and Totori is waaaaaay cuter than Rorona.

[HitokiriShadow]

I was tempted to go out and pre-order the game this week (well, that or Front Mission Evolved, but the continual silence from the gaming press on that title tells me that probably didn't turn out well), but I ended up doing my usual pre-release research and found some gameplay videos. And...ok, I have to ask: besides the item crafting, is there anything really noteworthy to this series, because I'm having trouble finding it? Looking at some battle footage, it looks like a cutesy by-the-numbers JRPG. Yeah, I think I'll just sit this one out unless the random youtube videos just didn't do the game justice.

Here's a review of it. (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/atelier/ar/reviews/arstrev1.html) You don't play the game for the battles, it IS a very simplistic battle system. So yeah, its pretty much the game you think it is.

As for the "silence", it seems like NISA games usually aren't terribly high priority games by the general gaming press (unless its Disgaea or has Disgaea characters in it). But then, I really only read reviews at RPGamer and in my game magazines (Game Informer and EGM, now that they are back).

[broodwars]

As for the "silence", it seems like NISA games usually aren't terribly high priority games by the general gaming press (unless its Disgaea or has Disgaea characters in it). But then, I really only read reviews at RPGamer and in my game magazines (Game Informer and EGM, now that they are back).

Well, I was actually referring to the media silence on Front Mission Evolved (I'm really in the mood for a good mech game. It's been too many years since Mechwarrior 4), but that works too. ^_-

[Fencedude]

As for the "silence", it seems like NISA games usually aren't terribly high priority games by the general gaming press (unless its Disgaea or has Disgaea characters in it). But then, I really only read reviews at RPGamer and in my game magazines (Game Informer and EGM, now that they are back).

Well, I was actually referring to the media silence on Front Mission Evolved (I'm really in the mood for a good mech game. It's been too many years since Mechwarrior 4), but that works too. ^_-

GameInformer gave it a...8? Something like that.

The review boiled down to "its a decent Third Person Shooter with nice customization"

[HitokiriShadow]

As for the "silence", it seems like NISA games usually aren't terribly high priority games by the general gaming press (unless its Disgaea or has Disgaea characters in it). But then, I really only read reviews at RPGamer and in my game magazines (Game Informer and EGM, now that they are back).

Well, I was actually referring to the media silence on Front Mission Evolved (I'm really in the mood for a good mech game. It's been too many years since Mechwarrior 4), but that works too. ^_-

Oh, yeah, so you were. :sweat: I read it right the first time and then somehow re-mixed your post in my head and made the mistake of not re-reading your post before I hit reply.

[Draneor]

Also, I just checked my account: "Backordered." Fuck. Maybe I waited too long to pre-order...

Looks like it shipped today. Phew. I ended up paying both sales tax and shipping though. But it's my fault for believing what I read on the internet without checking with Gamestop first.

[Senku]

Isn't that character usually in every Atelier game (as well as Trinity Universe)?

Not all, but she's in a lot of them and most of the ones that have been released in the U.S. (Atelier Iris 2 and maybe Annie are the only ones she's not in), as well as the first Mana Khemia game and Trinity Universe.

Well, I didn't think of assuming she would be in the game. :sweat:

Half the freak-out was in reaction to her tweaked character design, which I approve of. Actually, all the design and art in this game is very good and agreeable. (and it's kinda mind-blowing how Totori takes it to the next level)

It's kinda weird that Mel Kishida has only done a handful of jobs.

[Senku]

I was tempted to go out and pre-order the game this week (well, that or Front Mission Evolved, but the continual silence from the gaming press on that title tells me that probably didn't turn out well), but I ended up doing my usual pre-release research and found some gameplay videos. And...ok, I have to ask: besides the item crafting, is there anything really noteworthy to this series, because I'm having trouble finding it? Looking at some battle footage, it looks like a cutesy by-the-numbers JRPG. Yeah, I think I'll just sit this one out unless the random youtube videos just didn't do the game justice.

No, this is pretty much "Item Crafting: The Video Game"

On that note, I think this is the most hardcore atelier game I've played when it comes to item crafting. They've definitely stepped up the alchemy in the game. For example, the amount of days and HP used are now apart of alchemy. (days I get, but HP? Is Rorona spiking every creation with a drop of her blood?)

[broodwars]

On that note, I think this is the most hardcore atelier game I've played when it comes to item crafting. They've definitely stepped up the alchemy in the game. For example, the amount of days and HP used are now apart of alchemy. (days I get, but HP? Is Rorona spiking every creation with a drop of her blood?)

That's the principle of Equivalent Exchange, I guess. -_-'

[Senku]

Cordelia: "Why is he here?"
Rorona: "He said he'll help us, and isn't it better to have at least one boy with us?"

NO!! No it isn't!

Seriously though, the extra party member is helpful; even if I do have to "hire" him.

Enjoying the game so far. The battle system is very simplistic, but I don't mind it. Still getting used to how to juggle days in relation to assignments and alchemy.

[Draneor]

Cordelia: "Why is he here?"
Rorona: "He said he'll help us, and isn't it better to have at least one boy with us?"

NO!! No it isn't!

You'll be able to dump him soon enough, I'm sure. At least it's not a fairy. God damn fairies.

[wgabriel]

Cordelia: "Why is he here?"
Rorona: "He said he'll help us, and isn't it better to have at least one boy with us?"

NO!! No it isn't!

You'll be able to dump him soon enough, I'm sure. At least it's not a fairy. God damn fairies.

Unfortunately the next option is...also a guy. You won't be able to boot all guys out of your party until after the third assignment is complete.

[Fencedude]

Alright, first assignment is completed!

I got three stars, out of...I have no idea how many, but I passed. I don't seem to have gotten an award for it either.

Managing time in this game sure can be...hectic.

The battle system is nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done. Cordelia is awesome <3

Currently Adventurer Level 7 and Alchemist Level 9

[Fencedude]

Assignment 2 complete. Pretty straightforward. I'm still working out how to get good quality stuff, but I think a lot of it has to do with me only having access to crappy ingredients. Finally managed to synth some new weapons, going to try to do some armor upgrades next.

Still using Cordelia and Iksel. Sterk charges way too much.

Adventurer Level 9

Alchemist Level 16

[wgabriel]

Still using Cordelia and Iksel. Sterk charges way too much.



Your loss...at the time he becomes available, Sterk is MUCH more powerful than everyone else in your party. I booted Iksel for Sterk. Massive damage (and a group attack) vs. Mr Frying Pan. No contest.

[Fencedude]

Hey, Cordelia, if you want to keep paying me 1000 Cole for pebbles I have no objections...

Anyway, nearing the end of assignment 3, I don't think I'll score quite as well this time, but I just don't have time to get better ingredients, ah well. We'll see.

Just ran into Lionela a few times. Good god she's hot.

[Senku]

Still using Cordelia and Iksel. Sterk charges way too much.

Your loss...at the time he becomes available, Sterk is MUCH more powerful than everyone else in your party. I booted Iksel for Sterk. Massive damage (and a group attack) vs. Mr Frying Pan. No contest.

I didn't think his hiring price was that bad. Don't know what his original price is, but it was under 200 cole for me since I've done some Friend quests for him. Plus, he's so much more powerful that it doesn't even make sense for Rorona or Cu-chan to attack at all (unless they can take an enemy out before it's Sterk's turn again). I just have the girls defend a good part of the time.

Did I mention how much I like healing salves? Yeah, it's awesome that they'll multi-use. Still can't make them myself though.

I was able to max out the stars on the first assignment; except for the "amount" stat. There just wasn't enough time to max that out.

Almost done with the second assignment; I've maxed out progress, but need to turn in more for the other two stats.

[pathos]

Almost done with the second assignment; I've maxed out progress, but need to turn in more for the other two stats.

Do any of the stats matter except the complete stat? I know I got 3 stars for the first assignment, and the only thing I did was get the completion finished.

I've wondered if you get something extra for bothering to max out the other stat(s, I think 2?). If so, it would have to be pretty amazing for me to bother trying for them.

[Fencedude]

Assignment 3 complete!

Liona is hot and adorable~~

Also Rorona is very popular with the girls. Not that I'm complaining at all!

Adventurer Level 12
Alchemist Level 20

[Fencedude]

Assignment 4 complete!

Rorona is now CABBAGE MUSUME!

Adventurer Level 13
Alchemist Level 22

Liona is still terribly hot.

[ABCBTom]

I decided to buy this today because I enjoyed Recettear so much and because the box was very pretty. A pretty big $60 gamble on a pretty box considering I'd never played an Atelier game before, and that IGN (yeah, I know, my fault for even looking there) gave the game a 5.0.

I gotta say this game is stupid fun, and it's the first game in forever where I just sat down and played for 7 hours straight. I'm on the third assignment, and I've filled out the basic stars, but not all of the ones for quantity and variety yet.

The big gaming sites have lost their credibility with me forever. They seemingly exist only to funnel good review scores to FPSs and whatever controversial game Rockstar put out this quarter.

Fuck them.

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, I read or at least skimmed through the instruction booklet. Does that count as progress? In any case, I get the feeling I can just rely on my experience from Iris and Annie to help me get by. Well, I suppose the experience from Annie will be more important. Now I just need to do some arrangement to my entertainment based schedule and fit playing this game in there somewhere soon.

[ZenErik]

Where can I buy this game in-store, or do I have to look online? No big deal either way.

[Fencedude]

Where can I buy this game in-store, or do I have to look online? No big deal either way.

You might be able to find a copy in Gamestop, otherwise your best bet is online.

[kjoneil]

I decided to buy this today because I enjoyed Recettear so much and because the box was very pretty. A pretty big $60 gamble on a pretty box considering I'd never played an Atelier game before, and that IGN (yeah, I know, my fault for even looking there) gave the game a 5.0.

I gotta say this game is stupid fun, and it's the first game in forever where I just sat down and played for 7 hours straight. I'm on the third assignment, and I've filled out the basic stars, but not all of the ones for quantity and variety yet.

The big gaming sites have lost their credibility with me forever. They seemingly exist only to funnel good review scores to FPSs and whatever controversial game Rockstar put out this quarter.

Fuck them.

For contrast, 1up gave it a B, which is good for a 1up review. (Then again, unlike IGN, 1up usually puts a reviewer on a title that is familiar with the genre.)

The variety rating is giving me trouble. I think I need to go look up just what that entails because my rating barely moved!

[ABCBTom]

The variety rating is giving me trouble. I think I need to go look up just what that entails because my rating barely moved!

Mine as well. I'm wondering if it has to do with the effects of the individual product. My Witch's Salve was classified as a "pesticide" I think, so maybe I need more variety in kinds of Salve? Since one of the three ingredient types in "poison", of course, I'm not sure the effects will move beyond kinds of poisons.

I'm also wondering how important getting a high rating for an assignment really is? If I've maxed out the main stars, should I keep trying, or would I be better off spending that time making ingots and cloth, or something similar?

Also, I was able to pick mine up at GameStop. They had the big box behind the counter.

[ZenErik]

Got a copy today. Hope it's good. I have played very few games recently that keep my attention. Also picked up tales of the abyss for ps2.

[Suwako Moriya]

Haven't done much yet, but I decided to get through some of the opening stuff and establish a save, while playing another game on the PSP.

Poor Rorona, Astrid is an "evil" master. Yes, I know evil is the wrong word.

I haven't even progressed that far and I already like the idea of Corey X Rorona!

One thing that will make this different from Iris is that since "days" can pass, there's more reason to consider the idea of actually paying for ingredients on occasion to save time. Or I could be wrong.

I love Rorona's outfit as it makes it clear as to the first two successes Rorona has had.

[Fencedude]

Haven't made any progress since the last update (been doing other things), but I did get in the Atelier Rorona and Totori Kishida Mel artbook. And oh god its gorgeous.

CAN I HAS TOTORI NAO NISA?

[Senku]

One thing that will make this different from Iris is that since "days" can pass, there's more reason to consider the idea of actually paying for ingredients on occasion to save time. Or I could be wrong.

Oh no, you're so right.

Sometimes I forget to check how long an item will take. I needed some Ingots for a quest, so I just thought "ok, I'll make some" without realizing how long they would take. It took me down to the LAST day to turn in the item! After being in mini-shock, I turned it in and everything was fine; but I thought, "Damn, I should have just bought those."

[HitokiriShadow]

Haven't made any progress since the last update (been doing other things), but I did get in the Atelier Rorona and Totori Kishida Mel artbook. And oh god its gorgeous.


Mine just arrived this morning. Gorgeous indeed. I just skimmed it a bit, so that I don't accidentally spoil myself on anything, but I really like the Lionela/Rorona pajama picture near the beginning and the Rorona/Lionela event image on page 111. I didn't see much of Cordelia on my skim read, though her pajama image is also very nice.

[pathos]

I'm also wondering how important getting a high rating for an assignment really is? If I've maxed out the main stars, should I keep trying, or would I be better off spending that time making ingots and cloth, or something similar?

I can't find any value in upping the star counts in any fields. But, I'll admit I haven't tried very hard either.

Basically, I fill in the progress bar to max now. It always earns 3 stars for the assignment, which is, as far as I know, the best you can get.

Perhaps you might get something extra for filling up one of the other bars, but I dunno what. I'd have to let someone else who might have done that answer that question.

I haven't had any trouble with any assignments, until 1 that was all fetch from a dungeon. That one took almost the entire 3 month period to do, mostly because I was underleveled for the dungeon, and the dungeon took 16 days to get there and back round trip (not counting how long each area took).

Currently on the last assignment, and I just can't get 12 stars on it, no matter what I turn in. I can get 10, but the last 2 seem beyond me. Well, I wasn't planning on getting a decent ending on this playthrough anyway, since I've been ignoring alot of th requests for just about everyone.

I think I'm going to spend the last half of this quarter doing my best to earn money, for my next playthrough :P

[Fencedude]

Assignment 5 complete!

Pamela~~ And that dress certainly shows off her best assets.

Also Lionela came over and she and Rorona "got to know each other better"

[Fencedude]

Assignment 6 complete!

That was actually the easiest one so far.

Still rolling with Cordelia and Lionela, since I doubt I'll be getting any other girls on the team, thats fine with me.

[Fencedude]

Assigment 7 complete.

FYI, you can max this one with just 10 high quality Spring Cups. Though this assumes you have a large number of Ingots on hand *cough*Hom*cough*

Also...bikinis!

[Fencedude]

Assignments 8 and 9 done!

...I have no idea how you are supposed to beat Sterk at the martial event other than just being hideously over-leveled.

[ABCBTom]

Assignment 5 complete!

Pamela~~ And that dress certainly shows off her best assets

Just got to this point myself. Wow, Hom shows up just when you really start to need her. Good pacing.

[pathos]

Well, just finished my second playthrough. First ending I got was normal ending b or c. Second ending was the Cordelia ending, which is a true ending. I'm considering going back and playing one more time, and shoot for the Lionella ending. It would be easier to get than the Cordelia for sure, since its a bad ending. But, even with the game being as short as it is, that might be pushing it.

Apparently Totori follows the Cordelia ending, as far as I can tell. Of course, there will be 1 character missing in Torori, that should be around from the Coo-chan ending, I think, but everything else seems to fit.

I would consider the Astrid ending. But, that looks like way way way to much work.

[Draneor]

Finished the intro section. Rorona is super, super, super, super cute. Moe.~~
I love her ditsy, bubbly personality. Also, her chest is rather nice too. >_> Total love. <3

Kuu-chan is also tsunderely adorable. I love how she and Rorona play off of each other. Best friends forever. \0/ Kitamura Eri and Kadowaki Mai are just perfect in those role. In particularly, Kuu-chan's voice reminds me of Yui and Rorona's of Illya (I realize this one makes no sense).

The CGs and character profiles are exceptionally pretty too. I love what Kishida Mel did with them. It definitely makes up for the lackluster CG.

Sigh. I wish my copy of the artbook wasn't backordered at HLJ. ;_;

[Draneor]

50 days left until it's due, and I still haven't found where you gather water.^^;

The game plays an awfully lot like Atelier Fuuko, as I suspected. However, I don't recall ever feeling this rushed for time in AF. In addition, combat is a lot harder. In AF, you could just role over the enemies. But in Rorona, I'm constantly having to manage my HP, since it's also used for special abilities. Healing salve takes up precious bag space and is really expensive. I'd make it but... we're back to needing water.

[Fencedude]

50 days left until it's due, and I still haven't found where you gather water.^^;



Exit the Atelier and go to Artisan Ave (the street itself).

Go down the stairs, there's a well. You get water (40 quality) there.

[Draneor]

Exit the Atelier and go to Artisan Ave (the street itself).

Go down the stairs, there's a well. You get water (40 quality) there.

Ah thanks. So it's like Iris 3 then? I kept looking in the forest thinking it was like Mana Khemia.

[ABCBTom]

Exit the Atelier and go to Artisan Ave (the street itself).

Go down the stairs, there's a well. You get water (40 quality) there.

Ah thanks. So it's like Iris 3 then? I kept looking in the forest thinking it was like Mana Khemia.

The basic water can be found just around the corner from your shop, although it's a pain leaving the Atelier goes to the map screen instead of just outside. There is better water located in a well at a later dungeon, though

[pathos]

Exit the Atelier and go to Artisan Ave (the street itself).

Go down the stairs, there's a well. You get water (40 quality) there.

Ah thanks. So it's like Iris 3 then? I kept looking in the forest thinking it was like Mana Khemia.

The basic water can be found just around the corner from your shop, although it's a pain leaving the Atelier goes to the map screen instead of just outside. There is better water located in a well at a later dungeon, though

If you want better quality water at the start of the game, you can also buy some at the sundries store. It will have no traits on it though, like any other store bought items.

[HitokiriShadow]

I finally got around to starting Atelier Rorona today and just finished the third assignment. I love the explanation for why Astrid took Rorona as a pupil and Rorona's.... talent. (Not really a spoiler, but tagged just in case)

As expected, Cordelia is my favorite character. Even better, using her as a party member is free. Her quests have been my #1 priority, so I've done a good number of hers and not much at all of anyone else's, other than Esty's to raise Rorona's reputation.

My party has been Cordelia and Iksel, for obvious reasons. Iksel is a cheap hire and he has a healing ability. I'm generally not a big fan of using HP for attacks rather than having an MP stat, but I like it here because it effectively gives Iksel unlimited uses of his healing ability. I'll probably keep him in the party for at least a little while after Lionela becomes available because his healing ability is too useful. But at some point, I should start taking in enough money that ~250 gold for Healing Salves is an acceptable alternative.

I forgot to switch the audio to Japanese before clicking "New Game" and decided to just stick with it for this playthrough. I was planning on listening to at least some of it at some point anyway, so I figure I might as well do it now and then enjoy the Japanese voices on my secondary playthroughs. The voice acting is pretty good as far as I'm concerned. Cordelia sounds a bit older than she should for the character design's apparent age, but aside from a slight aural/visual disconnect, I like the voice. Same for Rorona and Lionela, minus the age issue. The guys all sound fine.

Gameplay wise, I haven't run into anything to complain about yet. The game makes it very convenient to get from place to place, and I especially like that the game labels the most prominent ingredients in the field areas. Oh, I guess there were a couple of things the game didn't really explain, like how to transfer items to the container other than when you return from the field or how to get them back. It's simple enough, but my first move was to try to find a container in the workshop to interact with. There was something else I had to figure out on my own, but I can't remember what it was.

Speaking of Rorona's room, I like how it changes as the game progresses and items Rorona synthesized start appearing in the room.

[HitokiriShadow]

But in Rorona, I'm constantly having to manage my HP, since it's also used for special abilities. Healing salve takes up precious bag space and is really expensive. I'd make it but... we're back to needing water.

I don't want to mess with making Salves because those are precious resources and days I can use for other things. I'd much rather spend the money. That said, early in the game there's a good way to get Healing Salves for free. (It's available later as well, but its probably not worth spending the days just to get the salve once the enemies stop being worth the experience and you don't need the resources in the area). The Wolf Nest (or something like that, it has Wolf in the name and its full of Wolves) in the Forest has a chest with a Healing Solve in it, and in this game, chests refill every time you re-enter the area and its always the same thing. So once you have Iksel and can take on wolves with minimal difficulty, its a good spot to level up, grab materials and get a free Healing Salve while you're at it.

[Senku]

The Wolf Nest (or something like that, it has Wolf in the name and its full of Wolves) in the Forest has a chest with a Healing Solve in it, and in this game, chests refill every time you re-enter the area and its always the same thing.

It's a very nice bonus if I had to get resources there, but I don't know if I'd go there *just* to pick up the free salve. Since it takes 3 days, and I'd rather have the days then the salve.

[HitokiriShadow]

The Wolf Nest (or something like that, it has Wolf in the name and its full of Wolves) in the Forest has a chest with a Healing Solve in it, and in this game, chests refill every time you re-enter the area and its always the same thing.

It's a very nice bonus if I had to get resources there, but I don't know if I'd go there *just* to pick up the free salve. Since it takes 3 days, and I'd rather have the days then the salve.

Well no, of course not, I wouldn't either. That was kind of my point in the part after what you quoted. I only took advantage of it when I had some days to kill and was using them to level up. Sadly, I didn't realize that the chest refilled for my first few times through and didn't even check it until about my 3rd or 4th trip through, when I finally noticed "Oh, the chest is shut, maybe I can open it again". :sd:

[Senku]

FINALLY getting back to this...

Maxed out all stats with 20 some odd days left; time to take some friend quests.

I love it when Rorona catches her Dad at Tiffani's :sdsmiley:

Also, Shit! I made Rorona activate a Trap! :depressed: I'm sorry!

[HitokiriShadow]

I didn't make nearly as much progress as I wanted to today, only finishing one more assignment and finishing out the first year. Rorona is now Cabbage Girl.

Failing to complete Esty's assignments on time is pretty devastating to Rorona's reputation. I'm currently at a measly 2%, as each missed deadline (or giving up) just wiped out everything I had gained. The highest I've ever gotten it was 6%. Failing friend quests doesn't hurt nearly as bad, only knocking a few points off when you can't meet the deadline.

Anyway, here's where my party is at the beginning of the second year: Rorona, Cordelia and Iksel are all at level 17. No idea what level anyone else is at because I haven't used them at all. Rorona is at Alchemy level 21 and has a piddly 2% Trust Level, as mentioned before. Cordelia has 48 Friendship points and Iksel has 32. I finally upgraded Rorona and Cordelia's armor a couple days before the deadline when I finally noticed that pressing R1 accessed an armor menu.

[wgabriel]

Failing to complete Esty's assignments on time is pretty devastating to Rorona's reputation. I'm currently at a measly 2%, as each missed deadline (or giving up) just wiped out everything I had gained. The highest I've ever gotten it was 6%. Failing friend quests doesn't hurt nearly as bad, only knocking a few points off when you can't meet the deadline.


If you want to up your trust level, this is how I did it. I hit 100% trust some time during the 6th assignment, so you should still have time to get there before the end.

Never take a quest from Esty that you don't either already have the materials for or that you can't buy the needed materials from a store. I never wasted time synthesizing for Esty quests - its not needed at all. What I would do is pick up only the quests that needed materials I already had in my container or that I knew were sold by a merchant, pick up the materials, and turn them in that same day. The quests that would require me to either synthesize something I didn't have, or I'd have to go out side of town to gather materials - those I skipped. Unlike the friend quests, each day Esty's list refreshes so there will always be 2-3 quests you can do on any particular day. There are a few quests that don't pay as much as it costs to purchase the goods needed, but most of them at least cover costs. Repeat this every time the date advances either by exploring or synthesizing, and you'll find yourself overflowing with both money and trust.

I also skipped most of the monster hunting ones except the "boss" ones when I knew I was about to visit a specific area for materials. There are more than enough quests you can't fail to need to mess with quests that you can fail. :)

[HitokiriShadow]

I just realized that the festival gave me a ton of high quality Forest Cabbages. Before, I had one that had a quality level of 80 and the rest were topping out in the mid 50s. Now I suddenly have a ton with a rating of 70 and higher, including a 99 and a 98.

I barely had time to explore and gather from the new area available in the previous month and I'm being given another one. On the other hand, I just completed my assignment goal instantly, getting all 10 progress starts in one shot. So now I have 78 days to do whatever the hell I want.

Edit: Yeah, that's what I figured the reason for the brother/sister question was. I chose "sister", naturally.

[HitokiriShadow]

I'm just not going to worry about Rorona's reputation in town for the time being. Maybe its because I failed several requests, but it seems like her reputation is going up much slower than before. Worse, I went a while without accepting any requests from Esty and Rorona's reputation dropped from 2% to 0%.

I've maxed out Cordelia's friendship points, so I guess I should start focusing on some other people.

It looks like there's only space on the world map for one more area, directly north of the town. However, I haven't even touched the forest I just gained access to, I haven't been able to fully explore the lake because I can't find a second exit even after freezing the water in one of the lake areas, and I haven't been able to do anything in the mountain area because the enemies there just wipe the floor with my party (the wolves cheat by getting two attacks per turn, on top of being able to deal 60HP per hit). So I still have a lot of exploring to do.

[Fencedude]

I haven't been able to fully explore the lake because I can't find a second exit even after freezing the water in one of the lake areas,

Don't worry, it'll be really obvious when you get the item that lets you explore more. Here's a hint, think Mana Khemia 2.

[HitokiriShadow]

I haven't been able to fully explore the lake because I can't find a second exit even after freezing the water in one of the lake areas,

Don't worry, it'll be really obvious when you get the item that lets you explore more. Here's a hint, think Mana Khemia 2.

Ah, that makes sense. It would also explain why "Lake Whateveritwas" kept popping up when I was near it. I was thinking either something would rise out of the lake at some point or I would get something letting me get up on top of that nearby rock which would let me access an area some Punis fell down from.

[HitokiriShadow]

2nd year complete! Rorona is now Titan Girl!

I've still only ever used Cordelia and Iksel. Iksel's healing abilities are becoming less useful with the stronger enemies, but I haven't taken him out into the field since I upgraded his armor and he gained an ability that "expands" his My Meal attack, so hopefully that makes it stronger.

Anyway, all three of them are level 29. Rorona's Trust Level is up 28%, and I think I raised it there from 2 or 3% in about the last two months. Esty just gave me her monster quest (which seems to trigger when you hit 10% approval ratings) in the 11th month and I still haven't finished it because I never left town after she gave it to me so I could focus on synthesizing to fulfill requests.

After I maxed out Cordelia's friendship points, I started working on other people, but I'll probably be lucky to max out even two or three of them at this point. I don't think the other party members and NPCs will offer enough requests that I can actually fulfill between now and the end of the third year. I probably needed to get them up a lot earlier in the game to actually get much out of it anyway, I'm probably too late to trigger most of the flags.



...I have no idea how you are supposed to beat Sterk at the martial event other than just being hideously over-leveled.

Nope, over-leveling is not necessary. I discovered a really easy way to beat him. I lost the first time but I thought I might have a chance if one particular healing item healed enough and I had enough of them. Then I one-hit KOed him in the second round with a Blitz Symbol when it did 1000 points of damage. I decided to bring it after noticing it did large fire damage and I had nothing else did more than medium damage of any type, but I didn't expect it to work that well.

[pathos]

...I have no idea how you are supposed to beat Sterk at the martial event other than just being hideously over-leveled.

Nope, over-leveling is not necessary. I discovered a really easy way to beat him. I lost the first time but I thought I might have a chance if one particular healing item healed enough and I had enough of them. Then I one-hit KOed him in the second round with a Blitz Symbol when it did 1000 points of damage. I decided to bring it after noticing it did large fire damage and I had nothing else did more than medium damage of any type, but I didn't expect it to work that well.

I wasn't overleveled either. I just used that auto healing potion, whatever its called. Made 1, put it up for sale at the sundries store, and then bought about 10 of them right before the event. Sterk could do alot of damage, but he couldn't 1 shot me, so at the beginning of the round I was healed to full hps again. Took me around 6 rounds to actually beat him, since I was to afraid he'd crit me to use any hp draining skills, and I just melee'd him down.

[HitokiriShadow]

Nope, over-leveling is not necessary. I discovered a really easy way to beat him. I lost the first time but I thought I might have a chance if one particular healing item healed enough and I had enough of them. Then I one-hit KOed him in the second round with a Blitz Symbol when it did 1000 points of damage. I decided to bring it after noticing it did large fire damage and I had nothing else did more than medium damage of any type, but I didn't expect it to work that well.

I wasn't overleveled either. I just used that auto healing potion, whatever its called. Made 1, put it up for sale at the sundries store, and then bought about 10 of them right before the event. Sterk could do alot of damage, but he couldn't 1 shot me, so at the beginning of the round I was healed to full hps again. Took me around 6 rounds to actually beat him, since I was to afraid he'd crit me to use any hp draining skills, and I just melee'd him down.

I had a bunch of those cross looking things that granted auto-healing, which I had also put up for sale so I had a bunch, but I guess the quality wasn't high enough because Sterk did significantly more damage with each hit than the auto healing did, and Rorona already got 10 HP per turn with some effect either her weapon or armor had. I think it healed about 60-70 per turn while Sterk was capable of doing about 125 per hit. So the auto-healing just gave me an extra turn or two before the inevitable.

[Isuzu Inugami]

I picked up the game over the weekend, and it's a lot of fun. I could watch Cordelia doing her pound-them-on-the-head attack all day.

First assignment, make three things, got it. Made the first, made the second, explored, did quests, checked my progress bar. Nothing. Checked the quality, and one of them at least is normal, so you'd think I'd have at least one star's worth of progress, right? The assignment doesn't say anything about quality level anyway. Oh well, whatever. Explore, craft, quest, opened up a new area and now I can make the third item, yay! Progress still says none, zero, no stars for you! What the hell? What's the point of a progress bar that doesn't report progress? I mean, I've made all three items, so I've done the assignment. Well, they say higher ranking for more items, so I finish out the time making things in bulk. Combat and alchemy levels somewhere around 8, and finishing with 9 or 10 of each item, last batch completing on the due date. Well, I'm feeling fine, but Rorona is running about in a panic, and hey, Assignement: Fail! (At which point Astrid steps in and blackmails Sterk into making sure we pass, LOL.)

Obviously the fact I couldn't get anywhere with the progress meter in spite of doing the assignment means this was an auto-fail mission. Which seems kind of cheap, but I guess I'm supposed to feel more pressured or something. Hey! I wonder how the AoD gang reacted to the auto-fail first assaignment?

Alright, first assignment is completed!

I got three stars,

I was able to max out the stars on the first assignment

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RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE!!!!!

Oh god, I am made of not-win and lead! You can mock the hell out of me now. What blindingly obvious game elements did I ignore? I expect I'm not getting bailed out a second time....

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh god, I am made of not-win and lead! You can mock the hell out of me now. What blindingly obvious game elements did I ignore? I expect I'm not getting bailed out a second time....

You have to talk to Sterk to turn in the items you made. You will also need to make more than one of each in order to get full progress. However, I discovered around the 6th assignment that you don't need to fill the progress bar and reach "Complete" to pass or even get three stars. On at least two occasions, I received 3 stars with only 9 progress starts (at least I think it was 9, there was only one that wasn't filled, I assume there are 10 total but I never actually counted).

Anyway, the key part you missed is talking to Sterk to turn them in.

[pathos]

I had a bunch of those cross looking things that granted auto-healing, which I had also put up for sale so I had a bunch, but I guess the quality wasn't high enough because Sterk did significantly more damage with each hit than the auto healing did, and Rorona already got 10 HP per turn with some effect either her weapon or armor had. I think it healed about 60-70 per turn while Sterk was capable of doing about 125 per hit. So the auto-healing just gave me an extra turn or two before the inevitable.

hrm, strange. I don't remember what grade and such mine were now, but mine were giving me 400 health heals every turn.


Oh god, I am made of not-win and lead! You can mock the hell out of me now. What blindingly obvious game elements did I ignore? I expect I'm not getting bailed out a second time....

You have to talk to Sterk to turn in the items you made. You will also need to make more than one of each in order to get full progress. However, I discovered around the 6th assignment that you don't need to fill the progress bar and reach "Complete" to pass or even get three stars. On at least two occasions, I received 3 stars with only 9 progress starts (at least I think it was 9, there was only one that wasn't filled, I assume there are 10 total but I never actually counted).

Anyway, the key part you missed is talking to Sterk to turn them in.

From what I understand, you would be better off paying attention to the small stars on the progress bar, and don't pay attention at all to the 3 star grades for the assignment.

Basically, if you count all the small stars across all the assignments, it comes to something like 120, I think. In order to get the better endings, you need at least 96 or so. Of course, this is without failing any particular assignment.

So, it's fine not to get perfect 10's for every assignment ever. But, if you start turning in 7's and 8's every assignment, you're pressing your luck.

I only found 1 assignment actually difficult (a collection). But, there was only 1 assignment I was never able to get a 10 on. that was the last. First playthough I got 8, second a 9.

[Isuzu Inugami]

You have to talk to Sterk to turn in the items you made.

Talk.
To.
Sterk.

<facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm facepalm>

Sing, O muse, of the fail of Inugami, who made tea for the arbiter of his destiny, yet ne'er again crossed paths with him; who carried a basket laden with treasures, held close, for himself alone.

[HitokiriShadow]

I only found 1 assignment actually difficult (a collection). But, there was only 1 assignment I was never able to get a 10 on. that was the last. First playthough I got 8, second a 9.

I decided to try my luck with only 9 on the wolf hunting mission because I didn't want to waste 3 days on the last enemy infested area for that last star. For the other one, since I knew I could pass, but both or all of the items I could turn in for that assignment would take 2-3 days to synthesize and I felt I was better off spending those days doing something else. In both cases, I could have easily obtained it, I just didn't feel like doing it.

I'm not concerned about what ending I get this time around, but I certainly won't have any problem getting a total of over 96.

[pathos]

I decided to try my luck with only 9 on the wolf hunting mission because I didn't want to waste 3 days on the last enemy infested area for that last star. For the other one, since I knew I could pass, but both or all of the items I could turn in for that assignment would take 2-3 days to synthesize and I felt I was better off spending those days doing something else. In both cases, I could have easily obtained it, I just didn't feel like doing it.

I'm not concerned about what ending I get this time around, but I certainly won't have any problem getting a total of over 96.

The assignments are much, much easier the second time around, honestly. The only thing that carries over on a new game plus is money. Doesn't sound like it's that much, but it really does make a huge difference.

There were several assignments I finished on my second playthrough the day i got them. Basically, either from buying store goods and just turning those in, or by stocking items I knew I'd need later on in the sundry and armor store, and then buying those and turning them in.

And I only started the second playthrough with 30k or so. I wish I'd spent more time making money so I could start with, say, 100k

[HitokiriShadow]

I'm on assignment 10, working on getting the items from Night's Domain to turn in. This assignment is incredibly time consuming, in terms of in-game time; if you're going to just throw in the towel on an assignment and eat the star loss, this is the one to do it on. 8 days just to get to the place, then several 3 day sub-areas, at least one of which requires multiple trips to open both paths. And you have to in order to get the items for the assignment. Each of the three items the assignment requires grow in only one are each, and you have to go through just about the whole dungeon to get some of each item.

Exploration of the area went pretty well, I managed to explore every area in only two trips. Cordelia is a powerhouse, able to one-hit kill the wolves most of the time, which really helps. I even managed to kill both the Bloodache and the Dragon (the one that gives a trophy) in my first attempt, and I wasn't expecting them though I brought some attack items just in case I ran into anything really dangerous like those things, and the Blitz Symbol really helped against the Bloodache (not so much with the dragon, as they didn't do enough damage to justify reducing Rorona's HP to 1). Unfortunately, the only healing items I had were a few Elixers and one Healing Salve (which is useless in battle at this point in the game). Then I reached the last area of Night's Domain, and just as I go for a chest, an enemy pops up and slaughters my party. I'm guessing its the game's hardest enemy. Thank god this game just sends me back to town with all of my items and experience, I would have raged if I lost all that progress. And I returned right on the expiration date for a request to kill the Shadow Bird enemies the inhabit the area.

I'm pretty sure I'm on track for getting the Cordelia ending, as I've recently gone through some story events with her. Admittedly, I accidentally read something that tipped me off on something I had to do that I otherwise wouldn't have done. You have to fail a synthesis to get an item, which then triggered some stuff with Cordelia the next time I took one of her really high reward quests. By the time I did it, I already had a 89% success rate for the Elixer, the only item that wasn't at 100%. I'm not sure what the requirements are beyond that though.

I was able to complete assignment 9 instantly, which gave me lots and lots of time to focus on doing quests. The only time I left the city was to do a few monster quests, and I think I spent about 10-15 day total doing them. I think I spent about 4-5 hours on those two months. In that time, I was able to raise Rorona's popularity from 28% (where it was at when I finished year 2) to about 60-65%. Considering that taking Cordelia's request dropped my popularity by 5-10 points, that means I increased my popularity by about 40 points in one assignment period. After doing a few quests in the few days I wasn't exploring Night's Domain, Rorona's popularity is currently at 80%. I shouldn't have much trouble maxing out her popularity.

Oh, and after my first trip through Night's Domain, I received something nice upon returning to the Atelier: a bigger bag! I can now hold 100 items instead of 60. Soooooooo nice.

I have enough stars to pass the assignment now. I have about 3-4 of each of the required items in my inventory but I'd rather save them for synthesizing items. I'll spend my remaining 29 items exploring some other areas. I think I'll do the Lost City for now. Hopefully one of them will have the recipe I need to complete Esty's current request.

[HitokiriShadow]

I've just started assignment 11. This assignment is ludicrously easy and was a good way to dump some excess inventory from my Container, which I've hit the limit for several times now. I have 109,000 cole and Rorona's popularity is at 97%. I now have 87 days left (the only reason its not 89 is because I spent two days to synthesize something for a request) to have fun exploring and doing a bit of synthesizing.

It looks like at some point in year 3, a bunch of "super dangerous monsters" start appearing in each area. When you enter the main area and look at the sub-area information and enemy info, one area will have one that, in addition to the standard enemy list, will say something "Super dangerous monsters!" on the third line. I just encountered one called "Thousand Spirits" in the Catacombs. Like the Dragon and Bloodache, its HP isn't listed, but it seems to have something like 8000-10,000 HP, considering how much of the bar was left after I did ~1700 HP of damage to it. It's not nearly as strong as the Demon that wiped out my party before, but my current Blitz Crystals won't do the job. The damage they do is great, but one of the effects is that it reduces my HP to 1. I either screwed up when I made them or I need to use a particular item or effect when I synthesize it to neutralize that effect. I need those things to be able to beat enemies of this level, but they are worthless with that kind of side effect.

Edit: Woohoo, Trust maxed out on 7/6. Now the only reason to bother with assignments is for money or to fight special monsters for the heck of it.