Posted on: June 9, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

 

NIS America has just finished their port of the star Japanese title Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland, which was released last June. We received the title a few weeks back and only now have been given an ample enough opportunity to play through this dense and high-replay title. This JRPG places players into the role of Merurulince Rede Arls, an individual that is completely consumed in eir desire to be an alchemist. The goal of Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is to build up the titular city and show that alchemy is a solid pursuit. Fail the various quests and favors asked of you, and Meruru will be forced to stop studying the thing ey loves.

The game itself provides players with 25-30 hours of game play, with the map opening up at the completion of an array of quests. Unlike more grinding-based forms of RPGs, combat is ancillary to the main quest line. These different activities – questing, gathering, fighting – make for a title that players will not burn out on. The game’s unique look will keep players firmly planted in their seats; there seems to be a more manga style to character design that presents itself throughout.

For their Grand Finale Set, NIS America has included a number of bonus pieces. There is a shirt, art book, and OST that are offered for $65. The package is unavailable at the current, but keep a keen eye out for a restock on the NIS America site. Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is a stellar RPG and harkens back to an earlier style of game play. In a period of action RPGs, the style cultivated by this game is a welcome change of pace.

Rating: 9.3/10

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland / 2012 NIS America / http://www.nisamerica.com

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