Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. RPGamer
    90
    Rorona continues the grand tradition of creating an RPG experience that is all about the simplicities of life, coupled with the usual great cast of characters, and is a complete must for fans of the series.
  2. RPG Fan
    85
    I know that while I definitely enjoyed this game, it was difficult to work within the time constraints. There was more I wanted to enjoy, but I wouldn't be able to; not without repeating a lot of the same stuff in a second or third play through the game.
  3. PSX Extreme
    82
    Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland is a darn good RPG with an admitted emphasis on item creation, which won't be alien to those familiar with the Mana Khemia or past Atelier titles.
  5. Digital Chumps
    82
    Atelier Rororna should appeal to series fans and newcomers alike. Gust did a fine job with this game and it's well worth your consideration if you're in the market for a solid JRPG.
  6. ZTGD
    80
    The gathering and creating of items, weapons, and armor are what really makes this game addicting, much like a toned down version of Monster Hunter.
  7. TotalPlayStation
    80
    I really wish the storyline left me feeling like I'd accomplished something. And the game is like a big fetch-and-make quest over and over again. But you still find yourself wanting to play just one more day.
  8. Play UK
    Dec 25, 2010
    77
    A comparatively shallow RPG, but fun and accessible. [Issue#198, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. 1UP
    75
    The move to a new console is rarely without a few bumps, but Gust seems to have weathered the transition nicely; as such, I'm happy to recommend Atelier Rorona to anyone looking for a good JRPG or slice-of-life sim on the PS3.
  10. Worth Playing
    75
    Atelier Rorona: Alchemist of Arland isn't a bad game, but it isn't a particularly great one, either. Like Atelier Annie, it's focused more on the social aspects instead of the RPG aspects, almost to the point where the RPG elements drag down the rest of the game.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 63
  3. Negative: 8 out of 63
  1. seieko_pherdo
    Jul 31, 2011
    3
    I'm not going to lie I haven't played the pre-Iris days of this franchise. Mana Khemia was what got me into this series. Now I don't mind notI'm not going to lie I haven't played the pre-Iris days of this franchise. Mana Khemia was what got me into this series. Now I don't mind not having to save the word or playing a game where I'm not going on some grand quest. For the most part you'll be finding ingredients to make a bunch of things for a kingdom, some of your friends, and other people. And I'd be perfectly content doing that. However this game walks in with a serve injury that cripples it the entire time. The imposing time limit which is attached to everything you do. I could only play this game for 4 hours before the seer claustrophobic feeling made never want to touch it again which really is a shame since I might have liked everything else the game had to offer. Now for those who can handle the overbearing feeling of time may enjoy this but I wouldn't recommend this game purely for how overbearing the time limits are.… Full Review »
  2. Sieghardt
    Oct 21, 2010
    9
    A charming cast of characters and entertaining script elevate this RPG above the crowd. If you're looking for a save the world story, lookA charming cast of characters and entertaining script elevate this RPG above the crowd. If you're looking for a save the world story, look elsewhere but if you love character interaction and lovable personalities this is top drawer stuff. As with most Gust games it also boasts a fantastic soundtrack.

    In gameplay terms the battle system is quite average, standard fare turn based combat. Thankfully combat is not the core of this game. Instead the item synthesis system takes center stage and this is incredibly well fleshed out. The game employs an addictive time management system where you'll hunt for ingredients, use these ingredients to make items, and use these items to fulfil requests for townspeople, improving your reputation and unlocking further quests.

    Overall a fun slice of life piece of pure enjoyment, free of the melodrama so many RPGs are plagued with.    … Full Review »
  3. KnightSaber
    Jan 23, 2011
    10
    Great JRPG game!! Sure the background are simple texture but the cel-shaded 3D is excellent and most of the time it's 60fps @ 1080p!! The handGreat JRPG game!! Sure the background are simple texture but the cel-shaded 3D is excellent and most of the time it's 60fps @ 1080p!! The hand drawn artwork are nice, the music is catchy and the story is simple and fun... for any true JRPG fans out there, I recommend this game!! This game has a time limit as you need to complete assignments and such at a certain time. If you love to mix things and Alchemy is one of the skills you enjoy, this game has it all...… Full Review »
See all user reviews »