This is the third and last game in the Arland Alchemist series, Atelier Meruru! Once again, this is the normal version that I'm talking about, and not the plus version. Let's get started!
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Gameplay:
It follows the same formula as the other two games where it has "Atelier" styled gameplay. Like always, turn-based battle, alchemy and the fluffy story in general. What's Meruru's take on it though? Well...
In this one, the icons and words were DRASTICALLY BIGGER, making it easier to see, which wasn't really a problem for me to begin with, but I do own a 50-inch TV so... that might be why. It's not awkwardly bigger either, it's a good size. In terms of the actual alchemy, the core system remains the same, but they slightly changed it. Instead of obtaining the item traits written on the schemata, you can now obtain new traits by experimenting. It certainly fits in the storyline, as Meruru, our main protagonist, is learning about alchemy, and is most likely learning new item traits. The alchemy is still fun to do, and therefore, it is good.
((By the way, I REALLY like Lias. <3 ))
In terms of the battle system, you wouldn't believe how much better it is. Like I had said before, in Totori, they improved the battle system, by somewhat letting us know who's going next by looking at the turn order on the screen. In here however, there are blank boxes, and images of your characters and of the enemy. When it is your turn, you can choose a skill to use, and see how long the character will take to move again, as different moves have different waiting times. The characters still expand MP to use their moves, and they still have the "assist bar" and the "special move bar", and they are MUCH easier to see in this version. So, the battle system one-ups its predecessor.
Concerning super-moves, in each game, characters can perform super-moves once their "special move bar" has filled up, and this game is no different. HOWEVER, in this one, if you finish the enemy with a super-move, each character has their own theme to accompany it, with the move itself lightly changing. In fact, Sterk cuts the moon. PRETTY COOL EH.
As far as exploration goes, I love it here! The areas are big and vibrant, and they took the elements that I missed back from Rorona and implemented them! What I mean is, Rorona had sub-areas, and Totori basically only had one dungeon with sub-areas. Well, guess what folks, IT'S BACK. Furthermore, the areas "evolve", due to Meruru's efforts of developing the land, which makes it fun to revisit some areas to see the fruits of your work. Oh yes, there's still complete free-roaming. :3
The map in this game basically follows the way Totori had done it, but like the areas you can visit, the map also evolves due to Meruru's efforts in developing it. Furthermore, the more you develop, the more the map theme also evolves, become more and more pumped up throughout the story. Pretty nifty~ Also, it's much more colorful than the previous map, really fitting of the Atelier image.
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Graphics:
(( I also like how Gino grew up. <3 ))
It's relatively similar to Totori's art style, I don't really think it improved. Nice and anime-like as always.
((You're welcome.))
The CGs are also basically the same quality. Can't say too much about it. Still love 'em though. <3
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Music:
THE BATTLE MUSIC IN THIS ONE HAS LYRICS IN IT. FREAKING YES.
... *ahem*
It's as good as all other Atelier music. Which is gold really. The music fits our young princess, who while is a part of the royal family, is quite more adventurous.
Just try 'em:
Alchemist Girl Meruru's Song ((MEMEMEMEME))
Crystallized ((Remix from Mana Khemia))--
Voice-acting:
OH JOY, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS AGAIN. :T
Well, let's get it over with.
The English voices in THIS ONE, somewhat irk me. Sadly, I just couldn't bear listening to this one in English. Why?
Well, here's my reasoning. While they ARE IN A NEW LAND, some people from the previous games reappear. Okay, that's fine. Years have passed though. Not many, BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOME CHARACTERS. With the exception of Rorona ((which, btw, sounds like her teen voice in English)), who has turned into a baby ((not really a spoiler, don't worry)), STERK FOR ME, SOUNDS YOUNGER. Mimi still sounds really arrogant, I've never liked Gino's voice, and sometimes, it sounds like they're not trying. :T
On the other hand, in the Japanese voices, the returning characters sound as though they have matured, and FREAKING TRY HARD.
Like, I try not to bash on English voice-acting, but really? I don't get it either, some of these people are reputable. Sterk's VA is Liam O'Brien, and we ALL KNOW he's really good at his job. *sigh*
You can have ALL the gold you want, but if you don't know what to do with it, you might as well be handling sh*t.
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Story:
It has a pretty good storyline, in fact, it builds up quite nicely. I like Totori's better, because emotional impact just gets me more. Objectively, they're probably the same quality.
The story is about Meruru's quest. She wants to use alchemy to develop the land of Arls, and if she fails to do so, she can't continue her training as an alchemist. The story develops from there, she gains population trust as she develops, but there's also an ancient monster that awakens due to development. How does it end? Play to find out. :3
It's a good plot. :)
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Difficulty:
Well, it's pretty fine. Normal difficulty. Other than the DLC, you most likely do not need to grind excessively to either make uber items or get the highest level really. It makes it easier though. And everything is fair play, so if you lose, you have no one to blame but yourself! :)
No difficulty jump, with the exception of the DLC level.
As for the alchemy, there's no difference in the difficulty level of the achievements. It's all well-paced.
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Little extras:
I don't know how many times I have to say this but, EVERY. ATELIER. GAME. HAS. THE. POTENTIAL. TO. HAVE. MINI-GAMES.
It's not even that serious of a game so. ._.
Other than that, it's great to know that you have access to all the OSTs and the CGs you've unlocked in the game. Sadly, unlike Totori, you can't see the endings that you've unlocked. The character commentaries are still there though! :D
Though as usual, it's all in Japanese with no subtitles. I mean, I'm fine with it, but not all players. ._.
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Overall:
I liked it! :D
Same rating as 7.5/10 to 8.0/10, since it is slightly better than Totori.
My favorite game out of the three is Totori though. :T
Anyways, I hoped you're boredom was slightly quelled and that you're as hyped as me for the Rorona remake! :D
Toodles~
Alice Lieberg
