"A game that will thrill the average bear but won't tame the lion"

This is another game by NIS (an up and rising rpg company in the Americas) that isn't lasting long on store shelves. There are a few reasons for that. A) Its an import from a company that isn't as well known as many other rpg pumping factories (like Square and Enix) and B) This is a niche rpg as it caters to people who like 2D like graphics and standard old school flat screen battles.

What is Atelier Iris?
This is the 6th installment in the Iris series (don't bother searching for the other 5 as they never hit the stateside) by NIS. It is an rpg with “old school” graphics. I say “old school” because the graphics are 2D for the most part, but they are done very well and it makes you feel in a 3D environment. Also, I don't recall old school graphics that had as much detail as these sprites do.

What is the main difference between this rpg and any other one?
Well basically everything in this game is the same as a regular rpg, with one key element separating it from game play: Alchemy. In this game you are a young upstart name Klein (but it's pronounced like clayne as opposed to klyne) who is in search of alchemy elements for which he can expand his synthesis ability. And this is really the heart of the game. Either you (Klein) or a shop owner can synthesize items. Now this is a lot more complex then simply getting the ingredients and making an item. Firstly, if Klein is going to synthesize an item, he needs to have enough of the right mana type(s) (like wood, fire etc. you know what I'm talking about) which you get by extraction. To extract elements you simply walk up to an extractable item and use your extract ability on it. Once you have enough you click the item you want to make (if you have learned how to of course, and you do that by finding item cards which are basically like ingredient sheets). It then tells you how much and what type of ingredients you need. Then if you have enough you click how many you want (or can) make and its done (it's a little more complicated though as you have to pick which mana spirit you want to help you and there's a whole romance thing involved but that's for you to find out). If you are going to get a shop keeper to synthesize something (a major part of the game) then things become more complex and you have the option of mixing and matching ingredients and then you also get rated on how well the item you made is and it's a real thrill that will keep you entertained throughout the game. Also there's a mini story behind each clerk that adds a nice twist to the game and makes you feel more connected to the NPC's.

What's worth mentioning?
You should know that the level up system is a little odd compared to most rpg's. By that I mean your HP wont be as high as you may think at the end of the game. For example you'll start at 60 and you'll end at 400ish. So there is a real emphasis on strategy instead of just power leveling to smoke a boss.

Some bugs:
-There are some text box issues where the text goes out of the box
-I had an issue with freezing when I beat the game too
They aren't a big deal, but it can be unpleasant at times.

Breakdown:

Graphics: 8
For 2d sprites and 3D (hand drawn) graphics they are pretty good. If you're into SNES nostalgia then this game will be right your ally.

Game play: 8
Personally I am getting tried of regular rpg's. This is basically a standard rpg with a cute twist that you will enjoy. So if I am being unbiased about it, it deserves an 8 for people who are still gung-ho over RPG's. If you are like me and have basically been there and done all that (as in beat all the decent rpg's dating back to the NES days) then you may find this another dull yet ok rpg to hold you over until something really good comes along.

Sound: 8
The sound is decent, and the voices are pretty good. The cat girl voice can be a little over the top though. Also you can listen to the Japanese voice overs which are a nice touch for those who can speak the language.

Story: 4
I am VERY tough on the story when it comes to rpg's because that is one of the biggest points of the game IMO. To me an rpg is basically a big long interactive story, and this game didn't quite give me a real urge to force the plot forward. Regardless, if you don't take it too seriously and are ok with the cliche bad guy then you may enjoy it.

Replay ability: 7
This game can be fun to go through again as there are lots of items you will probably miss your first time through. If you're a real fanatic and try to get everything, it will take you about 70-80 hours, if your someone who just wants to get through the heart of the game with some side quests your looking at about 40-50 hours. If you are trying to rush rush, rush through it, I think you can make it in just under 25 hours.

Overall: This game will probably be off shelves and on eBay for a really high price quite soon. Personally I think you will enjoy this game and it is worth a buy. If you're a bit weary on a 2D rpg then give it a rental.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/12/05