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An amazing adventure

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 35 / 38
Date: July 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Atelier Iris is a truly incredible accomplishment that has everything you could ever want in an RPG: story, gameplay, variety, emotional attachment...and so much more. There's far more to this game than could ever be described in the space allowed, but I'll try my best.

First, the graphics. They may not be the epitome of high-tech, but the nice clean lines, bright colors, and overall smoothness make for an easy-on-the-eyes affair. Plus, the simplicity makes it hard to miss treasure chests and such hidden in the environments. It's my sincerest hope that this magical 2-D style is not lost in the forthcoming round of next-gen systems.

As for the sound, not much to say. Backround music fits the areas it's assigned to, and the tunes will never grate, but they won't move you to tears or stick in your head forever, like the music of Chrono Cross for example.

The story is perfectly tuned. The plot has its share of twists and turns, there's plenty of humorous dialogue (especially in the optional sub-quests), and the characters are compelling. Like the graphics, the story is elegant in its simplicity, avoiding the overblown, head-scratching plotlines of Square-developed RPGs.

The real draw of this game, however, is all the things there are to DO. It's incredibly deep. All the characters have several skills, which can be leveled up in any way you please. There are tons of different Mana (kind of like pet spirits) to collect, which give you new, outside-of-battle powers. Not to mention the ingenious item-creation system. By bringing ingredients to the shopkeepers, you'll be able to create tons of new, useful items, which will subsequently be added to the shop's menu. Better yet, each new item you create results in a short, funny dialogue scene. Also, collecting a few different items that fit into the same category will unlock special bonuses, such as concept art.

Speaking of those shopkeepers, kudos to Gust for its work with the game's NPCs. Instead of creating a huge, spread-out game world with hundreds of identical, boring NPCs, the developers instead chose to keep the world a bit smaller than most, with NPCs that have their own backstories. I found myself really caring about Norman the barkeep, Blaire the breadmaker, and all the rest.

All things considered, Atelier Iris is best described as a towering achievement. Despite adhering to a few tried-and-true conventions, such as a standard battle system, the game's depth, variety, and downright fun carry it to the pinnacle of the RPG peak. I can't tell you how happy I am that Nippon Ichi finally put out a real RPG instead of a "quirky" strategy title, and I also can't wait for more of this stellar series.

Best RPG This Year!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 9
Date: August 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It's a pretty classic RPG, however, you can interact with you environment and some of the game's aspects are original. For instance, you have a pool of different kinds of mana, so you can stock up before major battles. You can also synthesize items and its alot of fun to find out what you can create. Trust me, you'll love this game. Let's support Atlus Software!

THE ABSOLUTE BEST 2-D FIGHTER ON PS2!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 20
Date: July 05, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I LOVE THIS GAME!!! The way u use alchemy is incredible and fun. The characters r great and so funny!!!! Every thing is great about this game!!! BUY IT AND U WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: September 01, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This is a very entertaining game and very rarely gets old. The only downfalls of the game are that there are a lot of conversations and that this is episode six of this game series and the first 5 are only in Japanese. If you like RPGs this is a must buy.

Unique item creative, incredible graphics & full interactivity make this an A+ PS2 game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 19 / 23
Date: June 29, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is the sixth installment in a popular line of alchemy-based simulation titles. Unlike its predecessors which were primarily focused on collecting ingredients, synthesizing items, and supporting economic growth within a particular community, Eternal Mana puts these aspects of the gameplay in the back seat and has a conventional emphasis on story, character development, and exploration. The result is a feast for the senses.

Long ago, there existed Avanberry, a majestic city in the sky. The people who inhabited the land possessed a sacred power known as 'Mana'. In harnessing the ability to purify the elements and synthesize all forms of matter, they became known as 'Alchemists' and enjoyed a prosperous era that they thought would never end. However, their reign of peace came crashing down upon them when the city was mysteriously destroyed by unknown forces. The legacy of Mana was seemingly lost forever. Several generations later, a child is born with the gift of Alchemy. His name is Krein, and from a very young age, he was blessed with the ability to hear the sounds of Mana and communicate with spirits. Krein's grandmother possessed the same talents and impressed him with elaborate stories of the legendary city in the sky. After she passed away, Krein set out to discover the 'ultimate alchemy' and unearth the secrets of the fabled Iris.

The tale of Eternal Mana is enhanced greatly due to the inclusion of a strong character-driven storyline. The cast of characters who accompany Krein along his journey are not particularly original, but are thoroughly developed in a three-dimensional manner which fleshes them out and renders them easy to become attached to. Throughout the course of the game, the player not only witnesses the poignant moments which expose each individual's humanity, but also humorous occurrences with companions like Delsas, a roguish and arrogant character who manipulates a Mana Spirit into helping him hit on a woman in the bar. Typically monotonous tutorial lectures are brought to life by the slapstick comedy routines of Popo and the other Mana Spirits, making the process of learning the ropes all the more enjoyable.

Given the complicated nature of Eternal Mana's ever-expanding array of gameplay systems, such tutorials quickly become essential to realizing the full potential your entourage is capable of. Skills are relatively limited upon starting the adventure, but as the player proceeds through the game, an increasing number of options are made available to tweak and customize. Aside from traditional equipment, each character learns various spells and techniques which can be enhanced through a point distribution system upon leveling up. Eventually, Krein's Mana Spirit friends will be able to assist the party in this process; equipping a particular spirit allows a character to gain bonus points in particular abilities. Mana Spirits are also required in order to utilize alchemic synthesis; given the correct 'elements', Krein is able to create consumable Mana Items for use in and out of battle. Collected in colored test tubes, Fire, Sky, Water, Light, and Dark are a mere handful of the fourteen elements Krein is able to obtain by smiting enemies in battle with his staff, or smashing various objects scattered throughout each area in order to extract their essences. In addition to elements, 'synthesis ingredients' are also abundant throughout each zone and can be collected for a different purpose altogether. Given a specific recipe and the right combination of synthesis ingredients, shopkeepers in town are able to create new items and make them available to purchase. If a truly exceptional item is made, the shop's popularity can increase and give yield to even better recipes for the player to experiment with. Money is relatively hard to come by, so item synthesis becomes a crucial factor contributing to the player's success.

Despite the restrictions of a traditional turn-based battle system, the ability to fully interact with each environment is a definite plus. Krein is able to run, jump, and climb his way through magnificent cities and dense forests in search of treasure. It becomes easy to forget that Eternal Mana is an RPG when presented with so many platform and action elements which continually keep the gameplay fresh and interesting. In addition to extracting elements by smashing objects with his staff, Mana Spirits are able to grant Krein various powers such as fireballs, levitation, manipulating the encounter rate, and so forth. Understandably, Mana Spirits can become fatigued from the amount of hard work they are subjected to, so they must occasionally be provided with 'presents' in the form of synthesis items in order to maintain their health and happiness. Although it is often difficult to appease each Mana Spirit due to their different tastes and preferences, keeping them all happy quickly becomes an important factor in maintaining the team's efficiency.

The old adage holds true: a picture is worth a thousand words when discussing Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana's impressive graphical presentation. Featuring some of the most gorgeous two-dimensional artwork and animation available on the PlayStation 2, the amount of care and detail invested here truly shines forth. Unfortunately, Eternal Mana suffers from 'Tales syndrome'; the world map design is absolutely atrocious and seems like little more than an afterthought. Dull, lifeless paths connect each area to be conquered, and the gamer is restricted from outside exploration by the need to trigger specific key events in the ultimately linear storyline. Upon doing so, new paths will instantly open up and make themselves available for the entourage to traverse. This faux pas in Eternal Mana's design is among the game's most severe flaws in terms of both graphical presentation as well as execution. On the other hand, Eternal Mana's soundtrack rises above and beyond all standards of video game composition. Ken Nakagawa, Daisuke Achiwa, and Akira Tsuchiya have provided us with a collection of songs that are diverse, unique, and overflowing with inspiration. The opening theme, "White Night Imagination," is the among the best vocal songs to grace an RPG since Yasunori Mitsuda and Joanne Hogg's "Pain," from the Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht OST. "Ferocious Drive" and "Deceitful Wings," two of several boss battle themes, make excellent use of electric guitars in order to produce an amazing, adrenaline-filled rush during combat. Every track blazes with energy and does an excellent job of breathing life into each scenario experienced in Eternal Mana.

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is an ambitious title which exceeds expectations in almost every regard imaginable. Given the series' track record, a domestic release is seemingly improbable, but we can always hope that publishers will begin to take note of quality titles like these and grant them the exposure they deserve.

Best Imported Version of a Game to date

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 14
Date: July 10, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I have to say that this game is very under rated. Its got everything from great sound, impressive storyline, a cross between Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger battle system. The Implemented Alchemy system is quite amazing and simple to understand. The Graphics I give 10/10 and for anyone who puts this game down because its not in 3D is a fool. The soundtrack and SFX are decent (The Japanese Voice Overs of the music and character voices go well with the story). The replay value is extremely well implemented into the story because beating this game once is not enough. I highly reccommend this game to any fan of the RPG or Strategy Genre. Plus the bigger the fanbase the more chance the sequels will be released in America too. Good Luck and Enjoy the adventure of Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana 1.

Classic RPG on the PS2

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 02, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This game feels like a stroll down memory lane. With all the action junkies these days, it is rare to see a classic RPG with a turn-based combat system.

That's right, this is a classic RPG, not a strategy or action RPG which some people have mistook it for. However, it does have some elements of strategic formations. Too bad these mean very little to actual combat. In fact, a regular attack will reset your character's position even if they've been pushed back.

The mana and store synthesis features are fairly unique. You can get different results if you use different items in synthesis. The stores also gain a popularity and approval rating based on the items you synthesis in them.

The game also has a lot of side quests to keep you running around. However you can only undertake one at a time and can't accept others until you're done with the current one.

The story's nothing special. We all know this type of plot. There are some humorous dialog though.

In conclusion, a good game if you miss the old style of RPGs. If you're looking for quick action or in-depth combat, this is not the one.

Atleier Iris: Eternal Mana

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 12, 2006
Author: Amazon User

So I got this game last christmas since I loved the screenshots and heard that it's based on alchemy. The game starts off with an amazing CGI scene with phenomenal music. The battle system is quite easy is to follow except you have a lack of HP. I like the idea of using mana synthesis to create more duplicates of items such as a heal jar, to heal your HP when your running out. As well as using your mase to turn an object like a barrel to a certain element to use to create more and more duplicates of items. The only problem is that you can only create 9 items for each instead of more. I love the animations, as well as the character sprites which reminds me of the good ol times when RPG's first came out. Anyway this was a pretty underated game from an underated company.

Marred by second tier graphics...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 4
Date: July 22, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I'm going to review the Atelier Iris series in the opposite order from what I played them, primarily because I felt some disappointment with this first game, Eternal Mana. I came to it straight from Grand Phantasm and it was a bit of a shock. And I didn't think that Iris #3 was a technical tour de force either. It seems to me that while Eternal Mana's contemporaries were in the process of proving that a PS2 was a lot better a machine than people though it was, this game's developers were happy taking a good concept and story and using graphics that were strictly based on the style of game that marked the original PSOne. Putting it simply this is a good game marred by middling technical grades.

The characters are good. Take a young boy looking or alchemical artifacts and a girl who is a member of the local monster killing club and you have an interesting case of gender reversal that gives things a wry twist. There are plenty of extras to keep them busy and an alarming number of creatures to kill. Throw in the usual looming danger to the world that keeps getting bigger and you have all the fixings of an RPG with enough complexity to keep up your interest.

The mana system is the brilliant addition that makes the game click. You get to wander around collecting ingredients and recipes, making all kinds of useful items that will help you solve puzzles and leave trails of monster parts around. This is almost a subgame of its own - between quests and alchemy the game keeps the player engages. The battle system isn't particularly complicated (or graphic) so old men like me can cope without and embarrassing 'twisted thumb' moments.

Three years ago I would have probably thought this was a five star game had I not played many PC based rpg's. Now, with games like Shining Force EXA in the market, Eternal Mana gets 4 stars at best for story and the alchemy system. Later Atelier Iris stories will be better illustrated and animated, but they never really push the PS2's limits. But they are all more than just humdrum playable - Atlus (and Koei) deserves credit for that. Although this game has gone out of print it is still available at a good price. Just the thing to fill the time waiting for Final Fantasy XIII...

Had potential to be a great rpg

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: March 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game was really great. I was disappointed in how easy the game was but that is about it. The games good aspects are the item creating, the mana skills, and the storyline. The games storyline is pretty interesting if you talk to one person in a shop then talk to another person in a shop it triggers a little dispute thing. The good thing is if you do the little talking to merchants thing and making the story line better it doesn't affect the main storyline at all. It just makes the game alot longer which is a plus. The item creating is just awesome. Merchants give you a list of things you need to make the item and if you make a plate of food or clothing or something like that. You can make the food spicy or the clothing silk which might get better reviews. The item creating may sound stupid but once you get into it. It can be very time consuming and really fun. This is definitely a game worth playing. When you beat the game there is a flag so when the sequel comes out you might start out with something better or something like that. When the sequel comes out if they make the game harder it could be a very good game that can be really well known like the final fantasy series if the game is made harder.

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