Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is a computer role-playing game developed by Japanese developer Gust for the Playstation 2. This game is the latest in the Atelier series of strategy RPGs that has been released on various consoles in Japan since 1997. Despite its long run and popularity in Japan, Atelier Iris is the first of the series to be released in the U.S.; this release and the English translation are by NIS America. Computer role-playing games (CRPGs), often shortened to simply role-playing games (RPGs), are a type of video or computer game that traditionally uses gameplay elements found in paper-and-pencil role-playing games. ... Wind is the quasi-horizontal movement of air (as opposed to an air current) caused by a horizontal pressure gradient force. ... The PlayStation 2 (PS2) (Japanese: プレイステーション2) is Sonys second video game console, after the PlayStation. ... Nippon Ichi Software is a Japanese developer and publisher of game software titles such as Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, Phantom Brave, La Pucelle: Tactics, and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. ...

The series has long revolved around the game's item creation and customization systems; Iris boasts more than 300 creatable items. Unlike its predecessors, however, item synthesis is not the main focus of the game. Instead, Atelier Iris has a more traditional RPG battle system, augumented by its item creation side quests that adds many more hours of gameplay. In this system, players can use "recipies" written by shopkeepers and the many items throughout the world to create new and powerful items, and unlock hidden scenes. The item creation aside, Atelier plays much like any other RPG, including puzzle solving, random battles, and leveling. Atelier Iris' most striking feature is the game's high-res 2D sprite graphics. A side-quest is an optional section of a computer or video game, usually a role-playing game. ... A puzzle is a problem or enigma presented as entertainment; that is written down, acted out, etc. ... Random encounters is a feature commonly used in computer and console role-playing games to simulate the chaotic nature of a monster-infested wilderness. ... In computer and video games, a level (sometimes called a stage, course, map or landscape) is a separate area in a games virtual world, in modern games typically representing a specific location such as a building or a city. ... The term sprite is used in computer graphics to refer to a two dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene. ...

World and Plot

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is set in the world of Regallzine, long the home of alchemy and mana. Wars and internal disputes have separated the kingdom of Esviore and now, the area of South Esviore where the game takes place is no longer under the control of King Slaith. Instead, each separate city-state of South Esviore runs their own affairs, trading with one another but remaining mostly separate. Alchemy is an early protoscientific practice combining elements of chemistry, physics, astrology, art, semiotics, metallurgy, medicine, mysticism, and religion. ... Mana refers to a supernatural force said to exist within all things, sometimes associated with maternal or lunar magic in mythology. ...

The situation with Regallzine is also tied with the fate of Avenberry, a legendary city of alchemists that existed many hundreds of years before the game's beginning. No one knows exactly what happened, but it is said that Avenberry fell because of the misuse of the alchemy that ran their lives. Many alchemists and treasure hunters have come to Avenberry to try and unlock its secrets since that time, and the city of Kavoc was built for that purpose. However, none have been able to get past the gate that guards the citadel, and Avenberry's secrets have so far been preserved.

Alchemists today are few and far between, most basing their research on the studies of Iris, an alchemist who lived before the fall of Avenberry. They travel the world in search of new alchemaic artifacts for synthesis, ruins of the past, and Mana. The mana are a race of beings that allow alchemists to use their power. They augument the power of the elements which Alchemists extract from objects in the world and use them to create new and powerful magical items. Mana have feelings, emotions, and personalities just as people do, and many become good friends with their alchemist, although some people do forget about this fact.

The protagonist of the game, Klein Kiesling, is one of these wandering alchemists. His adventure begins when he stumbles across a monster in a forest, is rescued by a girl, and gets wound up in her fate and eventually, the fate of the world.

Characters

Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana contains six playable characters. Three characters can be in a battle party, with the player free to switch the others in and out at any time.

Klein Kiesling: The protagonist of the game, Klein is a young alchemist travelling the world. He was raised by his grandmother, Daphne, who was a great alchemist, and who left him her alchemy notebook. He is now on a journey for alchemaic items and more information on Alchemy along with his Wood Mana friend, Popo. Klein becomes involved in greater things when he runs into Lita in the forest and is eventually recruited by her to become a Galgazit, or monster hunter.

Klein is perhaps the most important character in battle as with his ability to create and manipulate mana items, he is the most effective healer and magic user. He uses a cane as a weapon.

Lita Blanchimont: Lita is a spunky girl who works as a Galgazit in the city of Kavoc. She meets Klein when she stumbles upon him being attacked by a monster in the woods. She helps chase it off, insults Klein's fighting ability, and leaves. She eventually meets Klein again and invites him to become a monster hunter with her. Although Lita appears cheerful, outgoing, and perfectly normal, her past is a mystery and the events within may soon come to involve more than just herself.

Lita is one of the most powerful and useful battle characters. Her attacks are strong and can hit multiple enemies, and her speed allows her to take several turns before monsters can counterattack. Lita uses metal claws as her weapon.

Delsus: Delsus is an alcohol-loving, woman-chasing, good natured archer who resides in Kavoc. He first meets Klein in the local bar and eventually helps the alchemist and Lita escape from soldiers who want to force Klein to join their ranks. Although he is something of a pervert, as Lita is quick to note, he is a good man at heart and soon becomes a repository of knowledge and a loyal member of the team.

Delsus becomes more useful as the game progresses, as with his counter and first shot abilities he can hit enemies before they have a chance to attack him. He also has Spirit Shot, one of he most powerful, if mana consuming, abilities. Delsus fights with a crossbow.

Norn: Norn is a catgirl who is an apprentice magician to Zeldalia, an alchemist living in Poto's Forest. She was adopted by Zeldalia at a young age, and was taught many magical techniques. Norn joins the party after she steals Klein's grandmother's alchemy notebook and leads the party to her mentor.

Norn is a versatile character, posessing a magical staff attack that can hit ghost enemies as well as powerful techniques. Her Turn 2 Candy skill is useful as it changes monsters into items, which can then be used in synthesis.

Arlin: Arlin is a mysterious swordsman who is out for revenge against the game's villan, Mull. No one knows his reasons behind this, except he wishes to go to Avenberry for some reason. Arlin has been seen conversing with a strange Mana, although he confides nothing of his plans with the party for some time.

Arlin is a powerful swordfighter, capable of inflicting heavy damage on individual foes.

Marietta Lixiss: Marietta is a former Knight of Alkavana who left the organization when it began to become corrupt and power-hungry. She joins with Klein's group when they help her fight off pursuing knights and ends up staying around to help them save the world.

Marietta is a swordfighter, with strong single attacks, as well as useful techniques including one that heals.