Atelier Iris : Eternal Mana

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For todays game sections, I will presents about Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana that created for PS2 platform. It is developed by Japanese developer Gust. The game is released in Japan in 2004 and has been released in US in America in 2005. The English translation of the series is done by NIS America.

Now, we will see about its plot, characters and gameplay.

PLOT

Eternal Mana is set in the world of Regallzine, long the home of alchemy and mana. Wars and internal disputes have separated the kingdom of Esviore and now, the area of South Esviore where the game takes place is no longer under the control of King Slaith. Instead, each separate city-state of South Esviore runs their own affairs, trading with one another but remaining mostly separate.

The situation with Regallzine is also tied with the fate of Avenberry, a legendary city of alchemists that existed many hundreds of years before the game's beginning. No one knows exactly what happened, but it is said that Avenberry fell because of the misuse of the alchemy that ran their lives. Many alchemists and treasure hunters have come to Avenberry to try and unlock its secrets since that time, and the city of Kavoc was built for that purpose. However, none have been able to get past the gate that guards the citadel, and Avenberry's secrets have so far been preserved.

Alchemists today are few and far between, most basing their research on the studies of Iris, an alchemist who lived before the fall of Avenberry. They travel the world in search of new alchemaic artifacts for synthesis, ruins of the past, and Mana. The mana are a race of beings that allow alchemists to use their power. They augment the power of the elements which Alchemists extract from objects in the world and use them to create new and powerful magical items. Mana have feelings, emotions, and personalities just as people do, and many become good friends with their alchemist, although some people do forget about this fact.

The protagonist of the game, Klein Kiesling, is one of these wandering alchemists. His adventure begins when he stumbles across a monster in a forest, is rescued by a girl, and gets wound up in her fate and eventually, the fate of the world.

CHARACTERS

There are about 6 playable characters. Each one has its own skills and advantages. Player are free to use and switch it during battle.

Klein Kiesling
Protagonist of the series. He is an alchemist and can synthesis alchemic items for battle and gameplay. His weapon is Cane.

Lita Blanchimont
Spunky girl who work as a Galgazit in a city of Kavoc. Lita is among the most powerful character. Her attack are strong, fast and can hit multiple enemies. Her weapon is Metal Claw.

Delsus
An archer who resides in Kavoc. Among his traits are alcohol-loving, anti-sweet and woman-chaser. Among the most useful character, he can counter attack and has first shot abilities. He use crossbow.

Norn
A catgirl and an apprentice to an alchemist called Zeldalia who lived in Poto Forest. She can cast magic and also can attack ghost enemies. (You cannot physically attack ghost..). She uses Magical Staff.

Arlin
A mysterious swordsman. He is also a powerful swordfighter, capable on inflicting heavy damage on individual foes.

Marietta Lixiss
Former Knight of Alkabana. Like Arlin, she is a swordfighter. Among her speciality is recover HP (Heal)

p.s : There are also numerous non-playable characters in the game. But, I will not put it here. Some other NPC can actually support you as the game progress. For example, produce a better an more quality product in shop.

GAMEPLAY

Battle System : Turn-based systems.

Synthesis : A special traits for Alchemy-based games. Among the things that you can synthesis.

- Mana Items are created by Klein using elements extracted from objects and creatures. The extraction process destroys the target, and can thus be used in combat or to destroy obstacles. To create lasting Items, Klein requires the help of the Manas, whose health is spent in the process.

- Normal Items are synthesized by shop owners if the characters bring them the right items. These includes both healing items (often in the form of food items) and pieces of equipment.

- Weapon Synthesis involves creating "mana crystals" by combining Mana stones found through the game. Each crystal can have up to three abilities, and can be inserted (or removed later) on certain pieces of equipment.

Mana :
The main drivers in the games. All alchemist need mana spirits in order for them to synthesis product. Thus, the driving force behind the alchemy in the game.
Some of the mana are Mana of Wood, Mana of Water, Mana of Wind, Mana of Fire, etc....

Uru, Mana Spirits of Fire

WRITER COMMENTS

The storyline is unique. The progress of the game is also great.
I mostly used Klein, Lita and Arlin throughout the game. But, there will be a time where you need to use different characters. Each characters has its own background and conflict.. and sometimes you cannot use them in battle. The key is to use all various Mana Items in the games to your advantage during battle. Sounds easy but believe me.. its really hard....

But one thing I can assure you.. it really worth it.. =)