Atelier
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Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland transmutes NA and EU in May
Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland, part three of Gust's Atelier trilogy, is currently being localized for western audiences and prepped for launch by NIS in North America and Europe this May. NIS also published the first and second entries in the series, Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland and Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland. As the artful trailer above explains, Atelier Meruru concerns the adventures of Princess Meruru and her quest to become an alchemist while simultaneously growing her kingdom of Arls to its full potential. "Development" is a primary aspect of the gameplay, with story progression changing based on how the player decides to expand and improve the kingdom. Personally, we had no idea that becoming a master alchemist involved so much sweeping.%Gallery-144698%
Tecmo purchasing Atelier developer Gust
In a move that we're almost certain won't add a third name to its post-merger designation, Tecmo Koei is acquiring Gust Corporation, developer of the Atelier and Ar Tonelico RPG series. Tecmo is purchasing all 495 shares of the developer for ¥22 billion ($28.3 million). We're surprised at that price for the tiny Gust, and we're surprised that Tecmo had that kicking around. According to Andriasang's translation, Tecmo Koei sees the Atelier series as a popular IP, and hopes to leverage it in multiple fields. We're guessing it means more mobile games -- at least until Tecmo recoups some of that 22 billion yen.
Atelier Rorona screenshots from NIS's alchemy shop
The many new Atelier Rorona screenshots in our gallery seem to encapsulate the whole of the experience: battling in the field, creating new items and materials in your alchemy shop, and being somewhat embarrassed repeatedly in conversations.%Gallery-98323%
Atelier Rorona gets alchemical on PS3 this September
After next week's crossover RPG Trinity Universe, you'll have to wait until September for your next serving of anime-style, cute role-playing from NIS America.
Trinity Universe coming to US and Europe this June
Did Resonance of Fate and Final Fantasy XIII whet your appetite for JRPGs? NIS America plans to release Trinity Universe this June, just in time for gamers looking for a new adventure. Developed cooperatively by Idea Factory, Nippon Ichi and Gust, Trinity Universe is a crossover RPG similar to Cross Edge, combining the worlds of the Disgaea and Atelier franchises. Unlike NIS America's previous efforts, though, this game will be in full 3D. Trinity Universe is undoubtedly the best looking game to come from NIS America, but it's still likely to struggle in a competitive sales market. Still, hardcore JRPG fans are used to PS2-style sprite graphics from NIS, so the publisher's next offering could be a pleasant surprise. %Gallery-88922%
Trinity Universe debut trailer is very long, very Japanese
Nippon Ichi is working on yet another crossover RPG for the PS3 -- but this time around, it actually looks like a current-generation game. Yay! Welcome to the third dimension, NIS. Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes in an action RPG that's supposedly heavily inspired by Xenogears.The debut trailer for the game (after the break) reminds us that Trinity Universe is a very Japanese game. The video, which runs for over six minutes, highlights the game's various character designs and voice actors. More importantly, though, the trailer also shows some gameplay footage (skip to 3:44). The trailer reassures us that the game's visual quality is far beyond Cross Edge.Trinity Universe has a planned September release in Japan. While it hasn't been announced for US release yet, we're certain NIS America (or another niche publisher) will pick it up somewhere down the line.[Via Siliconera]
Trinity Universe coming to PS3, combines Atelier and Disgaea in 3D RPG
Cross Edge hasn't seen a US release yet, but that's not stopping Nippon Ichi from making yet another crossover RPG exclusively for the PS3. Trinity Universe combines the Atelier and Disgaea universes, but in a refreshing twist for NIS, is presented in full 3D. In fact, this will be the first time you'll see Etna and Prinny as non-sprite characters.Siliconera notes that the combat is similar to Xenogears, with skills assigned to three different action buttons. Players will also have to keep a close eye on time and destroy "gravitation fields" in dungeons before it's too late. Idea Factory is publishing the game in Japan this August. It's expected NIS America will announce the game for US release at their press event tomorrow.[Thanks, Jeffrey C.!]
Atelier Iris screens -- beauty in a frame
For a game that was just recently announced, there has been a lot of coverage for it. Here we are just a few days after Atelier Iris DS was announced and we already have some screen shots for you. And can we just say, in the best southern accent we can manage, these sure are pretty! Though they are few, they do show that the game carries a kind of glow to it. We are happy that Reese No Workshop Atelier Iris is coming to the DS. Good things happen when a familiar and previously accepted RPG is brought to a fun, innovative game system.
Atelier Iris DS website open
A few days ago, we so kindly let you know that the popular RPG Atelier Iris has decided to make an appearance on Nintendo DS. Now we are here to tell you that the site for Atelier Iris DS is up. There are plenty of images to gaze at if you are the type of person who should have taken Japanese instead of Latin in high school (like us). You guys really need to read blogger David Hinkle's personal summary of the game. It's classic and it makes us crave pancakes. You can find it here:
