Regardless of its years, Atelier Iris:Eternal Mana retains its uniquness of style, and unreplicable flavors as a JRPG.

User Rating: 9 | Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana PS2
By Lebaneze_RPGist | Review Date:
Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is one of the semi-early games developed for the PS2 by NIS America. Positively surprising, its ratings which ranged from 7-8 were enough to continue the series. Its sequels are still played even today with the introduction of the ps3 and x-box.

We come to the graphics. It would be an understatement to say that a bland cell-shading system was used, since the characters alternate in look and mood according to the atmosphere of the situation. They look more like La Pucelle Tactics fighters in combat, and WA3 characters when having a conversation. The villians looked decent for their personalities, and the addition of "living" Mana kept the imagery interesting.

The storyline may have ended up in showing us the "saving the world" theme, but its alchemy-based environment packed with twists and turns keep the game worthwhile. Who knew Mana had humors and opinions? Even the characters express human emotion, such as sarcasm, irony, and just plain irritation, which is why they made a very likable and formidable party. The bosses were a bit annoying, though. The whole setting and plot reminds you of the medievil times, but modernized to fit in with today's RPG alchemy spice and teenage minds.

It's not a too-long game, but it can't be finished in a matter of hours either. And by finish, I mean getting to minimum level to be able to beat the final boss. This brings us to the battle system, (ah my favorite kind) A traditional turn-based system which allows maximum convinience to the inexperienced, and sheer combat fun to the veteran. The battles themeselves, however, are not that a cake walk, for no matter how high one's level, Atelier Iris's key to fighting is all in its elements. It's NOT like DDS where one could train for hours and be able to plow through everything later on. (you can... but I'tll take what? weeks?) And then there's the selection of characters; usually, alternating spreads experience, placing the player in confusion when selecting the appropriate characters to a certain boss, and that's if you already have a good elemental battle-plan set up.


Overall Equation:

-Storyline: 40/50 x 1.25 + 37.5
-Graphics: 10/14 x 4.5 + 37
-Content, Style, Mechanics: 83/100
-Duration: semi-long. 5/6.5
-Playability rate: once every 2 years.

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