John-ShepardThe Atelier franchise has been a blessing for old-school role-playing fans, but the latest – Atelier Rorona – wasn't initially confirmed for North America.
Released in Japan last week, it's the latest in the critically acclaimed series and the first installment on the PlayStation 3, and followers have been waiting for some localization news. Well, according to this message by NIS America's PR/Marketing Coordinator Nao Zook, the team is currently working on the necessary processes. He said they can't announce anything for certain, but they're "working on bringing the game over here," so perhaps you won't have much longer to wait. If you're not familiar with the franchise, you can always go back and locate the Atelier games on the PS2, or perhaps you'd rather try the spiritual successor, which is Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis . The titles boast those cutesy sprite models RPG fans have enjoyed for years, along with some humorous dialogue and in-depth item creation/customization systems (known as "Alchemy") that is typically the biggest draw for micromanagement freaks. Here's hoping NIS realizes there are a respectable number of fans in this country, and they'll announce Atelier Rorona for the US soon.
If they don't, you can always hope that either Konami reveals Suikoden VI for the PS3 or Square-Enix's mystery title is something you want to play…
Related Game(s): Atelier Rorona
Hey hey! a 3D Atelier? I'm in.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 6/28/2009 10:49:39 PM
3D as in not sprite?
YES! AS you say, I'm in!
Sprite still tastes pretty good though.
🙂
From what I've seen from gameplay videos the graphics aren't exactly going to blow anyone away, but yeah, it's a little shocking to see Gust actually make a true 3D game. The art style is nice, at least. The cell-shaded characters are the logical evolution from sprites.
I just hope NISA does a better job localizing this one than they did with Ar Tonelico II…
As long as it's 3D fully rendered character models moving in a 3D environment rather than 2D sprites on a static background, I don't really care if it's cell shaded or what. Personally I thought that the watercolor/cell shaded look in VC was magnificent. Nor would I be complaining if the game was rendered in a style approaching the quality of any run of the mill Anime series.
Either would be a vast improvement over 2D sprites and static backgrounds.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I like the cell-shaded look. It feels entirely appropriate for this game. But it's nothing we haven't seen before and the game isn't exactly pushing the envelope.
The thing is that there are some people out there who really prefer the sprite look. It's a niche thing, but a niche that Gust has long catered to. Well, trying to expand out of that niche is probably a good thing in the long run for them.
Last edited by Kevadu on 6/29/2009 11:16:45 AM
This would be nice news…..
Mmmm!
This sounds good
This fall will mark 3rd anniversary of the ps3 and not single Square Enix game has graced the console. Why even bother suggesting they might put something out soon for the ps3?
Square Enix fails, thank you
It is rather pathetic of them not to have released a single game for the PS3 in three bloody years. And no, before anyone says it, FFVII doesn't count.
But really three years? They had dev kits for about 6 months before launch, and big Sony partners had platform specific information and other tools prior to that. Not that they really needed to begin programming at that point, they could at least have designed their game, written the story and finished the artwork…And yet, amazingly here we are, no game, and no likelihood of seeing one from them for another 9 months or so.
It is a big fat fail isn't it?
Not only that but they have taken every possible opportunity to piss on us and tell us it's raining. I'm just glad braver, better companies grounded in reality (Knowing where the RPG audience lies) are starting to pick up the slack.
Yeah, and it's definitely about time to. I've been dying for a good RPG since Fallout3 ….Fallout3! That's just terrible 😛 I used to be an insane RPG fan, I played whatever I could get my hands on but ..All I've played (and enjoyed) is FFXI since 2004 😛 and then X before that. Terrible… FFXIII better be the best frickin game I have ever played, and I better get 100+ hours outta it and never want to put it down because it is just that addicting 😛
I completely agree Highlander. Square Enix are acting like Sony stole their puppies and I'm tired of hearing about them.
Square Enix is the Activation of RPG's
I completely agree Highlander. Square Enix are acting like Sony stole their puppies and I'm tired of hearing about them.
Square Enix is the Activation of RPG's
sweeeeet
Any word on how it faired in Japan? Anyone know any reviews or anything?
great news!
btw, can we add Dragon Quest 8 to the poll? easily the best rpg of modern times. Or Dark Cloud 2/chronicles?
Can't believe I haven't played DC2, I should be ashamed of myself.
Dark Chroncle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still playing it.
What!? What!? It's out in Japan already!? Why didn't I know about this. I'll check it out! Thanks for the info Ben.
Last edited by cegmp on 6/30/2009 9:57:31 AM