Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana

You may not like it as much as I did, but in the end, you will have enjoyed this game more than a lot of other PS2 games out there.

If you are looking for a good RPG to sink into for a while, buy this. For RPG and Anime fans, it's not to be missed.

One the best RPG experiences to grace the PS2 in a while, ranking up there with Final Fantasy X and Disgaea. Every aspect from story to gameplay to audiovisual appeal is well executed, making it a fresh, unique experience.

The biggest complaint is that some of the English voices are really lacking, especially comparing them to how the Japanese voice actors sound doing the same (or similar) lines, and the entire jumping mess. Outside of that, this is a very solid title, and quite possibly a contender for 2005 RPG of the year.

Atelier Iris isn’t without its faults, and it will not appeal to everyone – the humor is consistently tongue-in-cheek which will drive some people away. In all, though, this game is a rare treat for the traditional RPG enthusiast.

A wonderful game and recommend it for any RPG fan who needs a game to spend 40-80 hours on.

Characters may seem clichéd and the plot itself may feel repeated, but the game offers up a gameplay experience that is simply fantastic.

Like an old shoe: you know it so well, and it's made so sturdily, that every time you slip back into it, it feels like it belongs there. It's a comfortable, deeply satisfying game, the type of game that you'll find yourself taking more from than just a fun story, despite yourself.

The icing on this cake of RPG happiness is the clever and relatively gaffe-free localization. [June 2005, p.128]

For those who pine the 16-bit days, Atelier Iris is a wonderful bit of nostalgia that's good fun to play.

If you like RPGs and games that have a sense of humor you should get this now. You'll be happy that you did.

A more-than-solid RPG throwback that does much more right than it does wrong.

With over 400 items to be discovered or created in the game, Eternal Mana is a micro-manager's dream. [Apr 2006, p.103]

A decent localization, really likeable characters (despite the bland main quest), some rather funny dialogue, and the meaty synthesizing feature are simply too satisfying to pass up. [July 2005, p.84]

This is a quintessentially Japanese videogame reminiscent of classic 16-bit titles such as Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger, albeit married to a Nippon Ichi-style fanaticism for detail and Pokemon's kleptomaniacal Gotta Catch ‘Em All mechanic.

Atelier Iris Eternal Mana may not be as polished as other similar titles but does provide a fun and addictive RPG that should appease old school RPG gamers.

While this is very much a linear experience, the pacing is relaxed and gamers could enjoy the puzzles and the diversity of the crafting experience.

Stylistically, the game borrows heavily from many predecessors, including Lunar, Grandia and all entries of Squaresoft’s Secret of Mana franchise. But with just the right amount of borrowing and combining of different elements into something new, alchemy becomes wholeheartedly amusing, entertaining and rewarding.

A potent concoction that should appeal to any RPG fan. [July 2005, p.112]

As a lighthearted, beautifully drawn RPG, Atelier Iris delivers exactly as promised, a deep, non-violent, involving, at times engaging fantastical quest, which is surely more than suitable for its niche. [June 2005, p.52]

A purely traditional -- some might say dated -- role-playing game that's so engrossing and charming that its lack of innovation is forgiven.

With its unique sense of humor and style, Atelier Iris will more than likely appeal to fans of previous Nippon Ichi titles.

The innovation is there, and what’s expressed is done well. But Atelier Iris suffers from some really stupid mistakes. In a genre that relies heavily on keeping gamers interested, the backtracking, silly errand missions and slow progressing story don’t help at all.

With its simple, turn-based battles, storybook universe, and saccharine characters, Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana feels like a throwback to the glory days of the SNES role-playing games--which is the best thing that can be said for a game like this.

While at times a throwback to the last generation of RPGs, it's surprisingly full-featured and charming; fans of the item crafting in "Star Ocean" will be in heaven. [July 2005, p.75]

Atelier Iris Eternal Mana relives the glory days of 16-bit RPGs with a fine polish to it. Although, many RPG gamers are into the genre for the story, which is Atelier Iris Eternal Mana's weakness.

It's a visual treat; it has extremely solid gameplay and an enjoyable story. While there's nothing new here, everything is crafted with care and the polish shines through.

The game’s inimitable character bursts at the seams of what was clearly a limited budget. There is none of SquareSoft’s dull-eyed cinematic waste here, which will no doubt alienate swarms of both genre fans and critics. But the charm of the title coupled with its breathtaking breadth and depth will win over more discerning gamers. [Aug 2005, p.91]

The use of alchemy and the ability to turn almost anything in the environment into base ingredients for your magic is a fun and unique take on the RPG genre.

Patience with Atelier Iris, however, comes with its own rewards as the game manages to open up in more creative ways (besides the mastery of the simple but solid fighting system) once you begin amassing Mana and mana. [Sept 2005, p.106]

Unfortunately complex systems and a light atmosphere can’t replace the features it needs to be a solid RPG.

You'd have to be a die-hard devotee of the art of the Japanese RPG to find delight in [Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana]; the rank-and-file gamer will find it as slow as mud and about as thrilling. [July 2005, p.98]

Even when padded with so many routine elements, RPG players will probably enjoy Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana, and why not? What seems routine to a non-fan is just genre convention to an insider.

A cookie-cutter RPG lifted by characterization and sustained exploration vibe, but hurt by sub-PSone visuals. [Feb 2006, p.92]

The dullness of the story, the combat, and the character development ultimately overshadow the game's main draw. [Sept 2005, p.88]

As an RPG, Atelier Iris undoubtedly fails. As competently constructed as it is, as bright its script and characterisation may be, its principal design elements simply do not offer enough to consistently provide much beyond a standard role playing experience.