Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PlayStation 3
Developers: Gust
Publishers: Gust, NIS America

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland (2011)

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Gust Co. Ltd. and published by Tecmo Koei. It was released in Japan in June 2011 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, and in North America and Europe in February 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and Windows. It is the third and final game in the Arland series, and a direct sequel to Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland.

The game follows Meruru, a young woman who dreams of becoming a great alchemist like her mother. She sets out on a journey to learn the art of alchemy and help her kingdom, Arland, prosper. Along the way, she meets a cast of colorful characters who help her on her quest.

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is a turn-based role-playing game with a strong focus on character development and item synthesis. Players control Meruru as she explores the world, gathers materials, and creates new items. Items can be used in battle to attack enemies, heal allies, or provide other benefits.

The battle system in Atelier Meruru is based on the idea that Meruru is the leader and those accompanying her are considered “escorts.” Meruru can use items in battle and depending on the conditions in battle, her escorts can chain attacks and the power of the items can be increased.

One of the unique features of Atelier Meruru is the kingdom management system. As Meruru progresses through the game, she will be able to invest in different projects to help Arland grow and prosper. These projects can include building new facilities, upgrading existing ones, and developing new technologies.

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and fun gameplay. It was also praised for its beautiful visuals and music. However, the game was criticized for its repetitive fetch quests and lack of innovation.

Overall, Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is a solid JRPG with a lot to offer fans of the genre. It has a charming cast of characters, an engaging story, and fun gameplay. However, the repetitive fetch quests and lack of innovation may be a turn-off for some players.

Characters

Meruru – The protagonist of the game. She is a young woman who dreams of becoming a great alchemist like her mother. She is kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others.
Totori – Meruru’s best friend and a returning character from Atelier Totori. She is a skilled adventurer and a loyal friend.
Keina – A young man who is Meruru’s childhood friend. He is a skilled swordsman and a bit of a flirt.
Gio – A mysterious young man who appears in Meruru’s dreams. He is a powerful alchemist and a skilled swordsman.
Pamela – A skilled alchemist who is Meruru’s teacher. She is a kind and patient woman who is always willing to help Meruru learn.

Gameplay

Development

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland was developed by Gust Co. Ltd. and published by Tecmo Koei. The game was directed by Yoshito Okamura and produced by Keisuke Kikuchi. The character designs were done by Mel Kishida.

The game was developed using the same engine as Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland. However, the game features a number of improvements over its predecessor, including a new battle system, a more robust item synthesis system, and a more detailed kingdom management system.

Reception

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland was released to positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and fun gameplay. It was also praised for its beautiful visuals and music. However, the game was criticized for its repetitive fetch quests and lack of innovation.