Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia (Sony PlayStation 2, 2007)

I wish they had maps. Hey, I wish someone wrote a strategy book. Is it really that unpopular? Controlling the character can be awkward, and the onscreen stats and the hundreds of items I find, all can be overwhelming. But none of that stops the sweet and simple story that if I can follow most anyone can.

Ar Tonelico mixes RPG with alchemy with dating sim. It's quite a mix and, for me, a good one. I like the story, I think they did the personalities well (way better than I'm used to in an RPG), the characters are all lovely of course, and even the music is nice. So I'm having fun. I don't think this game will strain or stretch anyone's ability to solve puzzles, build a strong team, or strategize fights. That suits me. I love to fall in love with the characters and get involved with the story, which I think is what this game does best. All the interactions are kept short and fairly intelligent. I like that. I have trouble with the RPGs that force me to watch a movie, usually a very boring movie.

They do 'alchemy' which for Japanese games is making items, from weapons to healing potions to trousers, by mixing different ingredients. I pick up recipe cards along the way, from shops or just found by the road or in the woods or whatever, that tell me how to mix something, and once I find the ingredients I can make the item. I like the idea, and I've made a few things, but I've found oodles of stuff and I can see I'll never be a master alchemist. I can see how that could be a lot of fun, but I haven't the patience with it. Still, my not making lots of items doesn't stop me from playing the game. I like that, that Gust put so much into the game but still let me pick and choose what I like without undue punishment.

Same with the fighting. It's a mix of real time and turn base, and I'll never be a pro at it. Still I'm good enough to get through the fights and move along with the story. I appreciate that a whole lot. And the fights are fun for me. They mixed the dating sim into the fights, which I can't believe works but it does.
OK, I'm a nerd, I'm easily impressed. I not only rest and save, like most any RPG, but in my bedroom at the inn or in a tent out in the 'wilderness' . . . I'm about to rest and there's a knock on the door, and my gal, my fighting partner, my super looking babe walks in and asks if she can talk to me. We've been fighting all day and there I am in my bedroom and she comes in to talk to me. I know it's corny and so simple but I love it, and I love her for it too. I always come to care about my characters in any RPG that I enjoy, but this dating sim thing is awesome. There's repetition, and it's all very simple, but I think it's well done and for me very effective. I enjoy it. It's more intimate than sexy, and isn't that the point? To be intimate? I mean in a dating sim. And the interactions are just goofy enough to remind me of real dates.
I could say more but I better stop here. I found it sweet, not too hard, fun, and the dating sim adds some simple and nice thrills for a nerd like me.

I bought it since the other NIS titles are great and rare. It turns out taht this might be the best title yet. First is the soundtrack which is different from other rpgs but is catchy and makes the game unique. The graphics are very vibrant and the anime parts are excellent looking. The storyline is excellent with plenty of suprises and will you will want to play through the two characters storylines.
As for the battles its similiar to most other side scrolling rpgs. What makes this stand out is that the character that is in the back has a power gauge; while she sings it gets stronger and when it is released it turns into magic. The other three characters can defend the singer and then after they get hit they can counter attack. Also there are slots in your armor and weapons to power your characters stats and alot of the items and equipment that you want must be made from items that you win in battle.
I have been playing plenty of rpgs for two decades and this title really caught my attention and is worth buying.

Ar Tonelico is a JRPG, and if you don't know what that is you may not like the game. It's a slower paced (althought the leveling in this one isn't), character driven storyline that generally has a turn-based random encounter battle system. The game itself isn't as perverse as a lot of reviewers claim - yes there is some innuendo and if you play it thinking along those lines I'm sure you can make some more. The game has multiple endings, but you probably won't want to play through it a second time as it's a long journey with heavy dialouge. FOR RPG FANS ONLY.

I decided to buy this for the Storyline and in game battle sytem. The story is orginal and a completely different idea. The turn based system in this and Atelier Iris is very good. Being another great game from NIS America.
In my experience so far every game I played under the NIS America logo has been great, with none I disliked. Highly suggested game.

Back in 2007, I saw this game on the shelf and thought it might be something of a distraction before something new comes out. I was so wrong. This game was something worth buying and I only realized that after I sold my PS2. Being an RPG fan, I give all games of this genre a chance and this one did not disappoint. Although I wished for a more updated battle system, it was still worth the money for the story itself.

Ar Tonelico is a series that has taken off and has reached heights that many games can never get up to, especially in the RPG realm.