Video games - Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana

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	Video games - Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is a computer role-playing game developed by Japanese developer Gust for the PlayStation 2. This game is the latest in the Atelier series of strategy RPGs that has been released on various consoles in Japan since 1997. Despite its long run and popularity in Japan, Atelier Iris is the first of the series to be released in the U.S.; this release and the English translation are by NIS America.

The series has long revolved around the game's item creation and customization systems; Iris boasts more than 300 creatable items. Unlike its predecessors, however, item synthesis is not the main focus of the game. Instead, Atelier Iris has a more traditional RPG battle system, augumented by its item creation side quests that adds many more hours of gameplay. In this system, players can use "recipies" written by shopkeepers and the many items throughout the world to create new and powerful items, and unlock hidden scenes. The item creation aside, Atelier plays much like any other RPG, including puzzle solving, random battles, and leveling. Atelier Iris' most striking feature is the game's high-res 2D sprite graphics.

World and Plot

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is set in the world of Regallzine, long the home of alchemy and mana. Wars and internal disputes have separated the kingdom of Esviore and now, the area of South Esviore where the game takes place is no longer under the control of King Slaith. Instead, each separate city-state of South Esviore runs their own affairs, trading with one another but remaining mostly separate.

The situation with Regallzine is also tied with the fate of Avenberry, a legendary city of alchemists that existed many hundreds of years before the game's beginning. No one knows exactly what happened, but it is said that Avenberry fell because of the misuse of the alchemy that ran their lives. Many alchemists and treasure hunters have come to Avenberry to try and unlock its secrets since that time, and the city of Kavoc was built for that purpose. However, none have been able to get past the gate that guards the citadel, and Avenberry's secrets have so far been preserved.

Alchemists today are few and far between, most basing their research on the studies of Iris, an alchemist who lived before the fall of Avenberry. They travel the world in search of new alchemaic artifacts for synthesis, ruins of the past, and Mana. The mana are a race of beings that allow alchemists to use their power. They augument the power of the elements which Alchemists extract from objects in the world and use them to create new and powerful magical items. Mana have feelings, emotions, and personalities just as people do, and many become good friends with their alchemist, although some people do forget about this fact.

The protagonist of the game, Klein Kiesling, is one of these wandering alchemists. His adventure begins when he stumbles across a monster in a forest, is rescued by a girl, and gets wound up in her fate and eventually, the fate of the world.

Characters

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana contains six playable characters. Three characters can be in a battle party, with the player free to switch the others in and out at any time.

Klein Kiesling: The protagonist of the game, Klein is a young alchemist travelling the world. He was raised by his grandmother, Daphne, who was a great alchemist, and who left him her alchemy notebook. He is now on a journey for alchemaic items and more information on Alchemy along with his Wood Mana friend, Popo. Klein becomes involved in greater things when he runs into Lita in the forest and is eventually recruited by her to become a Galgazit, or monster hunter.

Klein is perhaps the most important character in battle as with his ability to create and manipulate mana items, he is the most effective healer and magic user. He uses a cane as a weapon.

Lita Blanchimont: Lita is a spunky girl who works as a Galgazit in the city of Kavoc. She meets Klein when she stumbles upon him being attacked by a monster in the woods. She helps chase it off, insults Klein's fighting ability, and leaves. She eventually meets Klein again and invites him to become a monster hunter with her. Although Lita appears cheerful, outgoing, and perfectly normal, her past is a mystery and the events within may soon come to involve more than just herself.

Lita is one of the most powerful and useful battle characters. Her attacks are strong and can hit multiple enemies, and her speed allows her to take several turns before monsters can counterattack. Lita uses metal claws as her weapon.

Delsus: Delsus is an alcohol-loving, woman-chasing, good natured archer who resides in Kavoc. He first meets Klein in the local bar and eventually helps the alchemist and Lita escape from soldiers who want to force Klein to join their ranks. Although he is something of a pervert, as Lita is quick to note, he is a good man at heart and soon becomes a repository of knowledge and a loyal member of the team.

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