Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland:
The Atelier series, a role-playing game franchise, has been developed by Gust Corporation since 1997. Initially exclusive to PlayStation consoles (PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PS4), it has also seen portable versions on platforms like Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, and WonderSwan Color. Two games from the series were even adapted for Sega Saturn and Dreamcast.
Although primarily launched in Japan, recent titles have been localized for international audiences. The series revolves around the concept of an alchemical atelier, where players engage in finding, collecting, and combining items in recipes to craft better items, thereby progressing in the game. Several manga adaptations and two anime series based on the franchise have been created. As of December 2020, the series has amassed a total of more than 5 million units in sales.
Key Features of 'Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland':
- Alchemy-Centric Gameplay: Embrace the core theme of the Atelier series, alchemy, as you gather, collect, and combine items to create a wide array of objects, including weapons, armor, and items for various purposes.
- Synthesis Mechanics: Engage in the intricate synthesis system to concoct more potent items through alchemy. Transfer properties from one item to another, experiment with substitutions, and unlock new recipes for added depth.
- Turn-Based Combat: Challenge your strategic prowess with a turn-based combat system that integrates items created through alchemy, offering versatile options for offense, defense, and support.
- Lighthearted Storytelling: Immerse yourself in lighthearted and humorous narratives that often revolve around conflicts unrelated to traditional antagonists. Build connections with a diverse cast of characters and explore the game world together.
- Time Management: In most entries of the series, master the art of time management, where you must complete main objectives within a limited in-game time frame. Efficiently allocate time for gathering, traveling, and synthesizing while considering the consequences of failure. However, some newer installments remove or relax time limits for a more relaxed gameplay experience.
Atelier Series Overview:
The Atelier series is a long-running franchise of role-playing video games developed by the Gust Corporation since 1997. These games have primarily been released on various PlayStation consoles, including the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. Additionally, portable versions have been developed for platforms such as Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, and WonderSwan Color. Notably, two games from the series were also ported to the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast.
While the Atelier series was initially limited to Japan, it has gained international recognition with recent titles being localized for global audiences. The central theme of the franchise revolves around the concept of an "atelier," a workshop specializing in alchemy.
Gameplay Mechanics:
The hallmark gameplay mechanic of the Atelier series is alchemy. Players assume the role of alchemists and embark on journeys to gather, collect, and combine various items to create new and improved objects. These crafted items range from cooking ingredients, recovery items, tools, weapons, armor, to accessories.
A key feature in these games is the synthesis system. Alchemists can synthesize objects, and this often involves transferring properties from one item to another. Experimentation is encouraged, allowing players to unlock new recipes and discover the full potential of alchemical creation.
The games typically feature turn-based combat systems, where items created through alchemy play a crucial role. These items can enhance character abilities and serve as offensive, defensive, or support tools during battles.
Narrative and Storytelling:
Atelier series games are known for their lighthearted and humorous storytelling. While conflicts do exist, they often stem from sources other than traditional antagonists. Players are usually accompanied by a diverse group of characters, and the games encourage players to build connections and explore the game world together.
Time Management:
In most titles of the series, players are presented with a unique time management mechanic. They must complete one or more main objectives within a limited in-game time frame. Various actions, such as gathering items, traveling, or synthesizing, consume portions of this allocated time. Failing to accomplish these tasks within the time limit can lead to different outcomes, including an abrupt game ending or a negative conclusion. However, it's worth noting that some newer installments have removed or relaxed these time limits to offer players a more leisurely gameplay experience.
Series Subdivisions:
The Atelier series is expansive, with 24 main games categorized into seven sub-series. These sub-series include Salburg, Gramnad, Iris, Mana-Khemia, Arland, Dusk, Mysterious, and Secret. Each sub-series may introduce unique characters, settings, and gameplay mechanics while preserving the core elements of alchemy and exploration.
This diverse range of games has contributed to the enduring popularity of the Atelier series among fans of role-playing games, particularly those who appreciate intricate crafting systems and engaging narratives.
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