Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana review

It would be so easy for Gamestyle to immediately dismiss Atelier Iris as a role playing adventure of a bygone age. Yet, as we mostly discover with releases from this genre pool, only through the commitment of hours can the player fully appreciate the final product - which is a real slow burner. Eternal Mana shuns the lavish production standards that many have come to expect from an RPG released on a home console today. Lavish graphics are dismissed in favour of two-dimensional sprites and delicate backgrounds, which have a wonderful hand drawn (and fresh) quality. Without a doubt this is a retro-inspired piece that harks back to the golden age of RPGs on the SNES and Mega Drive. Cut sequences are also noticeably missing, instead replaced by rare anime-inspired shorts that go hand in hand with the in-game graphics, but lack that cartoon connection as seen in Wild Arms 3. This could, in retrospect, be a sibling from the Grandia series, with only the battle system suffering from such a comparison. The foundations of the storyline are also reminiscent of so many others; it's all based on mana, the elements and the skill of alchemy. This should be a tiresome experience - Gamestyle, like so many others, has been here before - but the strength of the script and its characters shines through. Surprisingly the humour element has survived the translation as Eternal Mana entertains and amuses in almost equal measure, with some haphazard voice acting adding to proceedings. Unfortunately the game does not challenge any seasoned RPG player, lacking formidable bosses or intricate puzzles to boost the game's length. The game takes place in the world of Regallzine, which is divided into three continents, each with its own style and main town. You take the role of Klein Kiesling, who is only just learning the skills required to become a great alchemist like his grandmother. This right of passage takes Klein across Regallzine, meeting unique characters and forming a memorable team. Oh, and there is a top-notch alchemist intent on using his powers for evil - just to keep things in perspective. As this is the sixth release in the series (never before released outside of Japan), Gust have had plenty of practice to develop the story and characters - and it does certainly does show. At times the whole experience is more linear and predictable than it should be, but with the introduction of new areas, characters and alchemy items, any boredom factor is soon vanquished. The alchemy dynamic is no mere novelty inclusion or mini-game; instead, by collecting various items, you can utilise new attacks in battle and earn yourself some bonuses as well. To get the most enjoyment out of Eternal Mana, you have to get to grips with alchemy, just like your onscreen character. However, if you decide against this route, you might as well return the game itself. As previously mentioned, the battle system is perhaps the weakest element of Eternal Mana. Previous releases in the series seem to have focused more on the alchemy element (buying and trading) with only the combat playing a minor role in proceedings. This inexperience shows in Eternal Mana, where the combat system (and its possibilities) is fairly ordinary. This is turn-based fighting at its most average, and without its strengths elsewhere, this release would be doomed. However at times your experience is actually doomed, as the game suffers from problems not normally associated with a console release. It's been a while since Gamestyle came across a video game that crashed (see Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness), but you will reload not because of a difficult encounter, but rather a glitch in the system. Despite this oddity the whole experience is pleasantly refreshing, as it requires little thought from the player to reach the latter stages. Eternal Mana is a thoroughly enjoyable read, but in the context of a video game, Gamestyle expects more. A story and its characters will overcome many things but with Eternal Mana the temptation is there to give up when confronted by another dungeon. Most players will unfortunately do so, instead seeking out a superior PS2 RPG offering.