Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Play Magazine
    70
    As much as I enjoyed most of what Mana Khemia had to offer, actively disliking three of the game's main characters(Vayne, Jess and Flay)made it easy to be apathetic every time a storyline cutscene kicked in. [Apr 2008, p.61]
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  2. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    70
    Mana Khemia is hardly innovative, but if you're a fan of classic Japanese-style RPGs, you don't want to miss it. [May 2008, p.87]
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  3. Game Informer
    70
    Mana Khemia is different in name and structure, but it still hangs on tight to the process of item synthesis that drives "Atelier Iris", making it a spiritual sequel in most respects. [May 2008, p.94]
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  5. games(TM)
    70
    A rare game in which you really need to take an interest in all of its components in order to progress with any of them. [May 2009, p.119]
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  6. PSX Extreme
    67
    The control is fine, the gameplay as a whole is fine, the characters and atmosphere are acceptable and even amusing, and Gust does hit the correct note when it comes to presentation. But the Academy aspect of the game drags big time, the voice acting and graphics are sub-par, and although the Alchemy is involving, the overall depth isn’t as intricate as you might believe.
  7. Vandal
    65
    Because of the wide RPG library in PS2 and PSP, and especially on PS2 during its ten years of life, Mana Khemia can sneak modestly between hardcore Atelier Iris fans. There are not many surprises in this game, which is too conservative, but can offer some hours of fun.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    61
    If you are a fan of past Gust RPGs like Atelier Iris and Ar tonelico, Mana Khemia may be something worth looking into. However, be forewarned that this game in no way features the same amount of freedom to roam and spend as much time as you please.
  9. GamerNode
    60
    This niche title does little to captivate its audience and its main gameplay mechanics will act as deterrents to the average gamer.
  10. GamesRadar+
    60
    Even if the storyline is somewhat intriguing and the battles (eventually) excite, sitting through one lengthy dialogue tree after the other while alchemists-in-training spout empty phrases about homework diminishes the experience.
  11. IGN
    57
    The lack of challenge across the board, from accomplishing class tasks to battle and even skill acquiring will disappoint most players. It's not a horrible title, but it definitely is weaker than the series it's trying to take over for.
  12. GameZone
    55
    Been there, done that, and don’t want to do it again.
  13. 1UP
    50
    The core gameplay is sound, so it's a shame that it's burdened by a derivative plot, generic characters, and archaic visuals (reminiscent of the 32-bit era in a bad way).

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS2 Game of 2008
13
#13 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 56
  3. Negative: 9 out of 56
  1. blakfayt
    Mar 29, 2011
    10
    Mana Khemia is the absolute best JRPG on the PS2. The characters are inventive and original, the story is interesting, and at times a bit of aMana Khemia is the absolute best JRPG on the PS2. The characters are inventive and original, the story is interesting, and at times a bit of a mystery, and the leveling system is innovative. Simply put if you own a PS2 and enjoy JRPGs such as Final Fantasy, Tales of, and especially the Atelier series, you should own this game. The graphics aren't great, but if graphics are all you care about then JRPGs probably aren't your thing, the music is great, and memorable, plus with 8 different endings the replayability is sky high. Believe me when I say this game is must have for your PS2 collection, it's so great I personally had to buy 2 copies, one got scratched up so bad I couldn't play it because I played it so much. If you have managed to skip over this game, stop, and pick it up, the used price tag isn't bad nowadays, and if you already have it, you could always buy the PSP version on the PSN for 9.99, either way, it's a great deal for a fantastic game.… Full Review »
  2. [anonymous]
    Apr 9, 2008
    10
    Worth checking out, best PS2 RPG thus far this year... might be the last good game for this system.
  3. ThankYouTheFang
    May 2, 2023
    8
    Pros:
    -The battle themes slaps
    -Combat is pretty solid
    -The characters are charming

    Cons
    -Taking classes are hard
    -Time constrains
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