Atelier Iris Eternal Mana is just an amazing RPG game quite different from most games around, making it special
Eternal Mana feels just like beeing part of an epic anime, full of humorous content, doesn't try to be realistic or too philosophic, instead it just is fun and cute, every character, weapon, enemies, scenery and items. Te game is full of small details that complement the story and make it special and unique
When I played this game at first i was thinking on a regular RPG about a dramatical story, 100 hours of game, violence and fights in every city on the world map, but Atelier Iris is different, it has a huge amount of items, the dream of every collector and alchemist and the classification is so big, about size, colour, special characteristics and use. When you go to a shop, instead of buying stuff you can synthesise items by merging some items together following a recipe to get a brand new item.
The main character is our hero Klein, an alchemist ready to use mana items who travels the world of Regallzine to unlock the hidden secrets of alchemy, as he explores the world, along with a group of friends he makes along the journey, first comes Lita, the cute girl of the party who is always on trouble, the next is Delsius, the easy going fool of the party, and Norn, the cat-girl of the party, which is always hungry or sleepy like cats and finally there is Marietta who is also a powerful swordfighter.
Battles can be a bit slow at times, with turn-based battles, random encounters and experience points for leveling up.
but the battle system itself is intuitive and well designed, and all synthesizing weapons and items can be extremely addictive. A display in the top of the screen shows the order of turns for every character and enemy so that you can use strategic thinking when selecting actions.
Klein is the only character who can use mana items and mana synthesis in battle, as he is the only alchemist. Once the enemies are defeated the party gains experience, gold and possibly items. The game also features several forms of item synthesis. Mana items can be created using elements extracted from objects and enemies.
The game lets you explore the world via world maps, towns and dungeons. You also have a few abilities available to you throughout the exploration part of the game. A few examples are flying, changing into a rabbit, using a Mana as a footstool, or healing the whole party. These actions are gained each time a specific Mana joins the party.
Mana Spirits are the main part of the game, the alchemy system and the item synthesis, exploration tools and leveling up skills on characters by "equipping" a Mana spirit to that character. Some Mana have the power to transform into new, even more powerful Mana forms.
Below is a list of each Mana, and their element.
Dour: The Mana Spirit of Wood. He is with Klein, who named him Popo, at the start of the game. He also provides the player with tutorials on certain aspects of the game.
Uru: The Mana Spirit of Fire. His special ability, Destruction Blast, allows the player to destroy certain objects on the screen.
Plua: The Mana Spirit of Darkness. Her special ability gathers nearby monsters for the player to battle, though it does not always work.
Diemia: The Mana Spirit of Stone. His special ability allows him to act as a stepladder so the player can reach places otherwise inaccessible.
Nymph: The Mana Spirit of Water. Her special ability, Barrier, creates a barrier that allows the player to travel over hazards that would otherwise prove a hindrance, such as lightning and lava.
Silwest: The Mana Spirit of Air. She also has the Barrier action, but some rumors point to her granting flight later in the game.
Aion: The Mana Spirit of Life. She is one of the oldest of the Mana Spirits, second only to the Mana Spirit of Creation, Lilith. She has the ability to heal the entire party at will, when the player calls on her.
Eital: The Mana Spirit of Light. Her special ability drives away monsters for a limited time.
Luplus: The Mana Spirit of Time. He is often seen with Arlin.
Grupt: The Mana Spirit of Power, and final form of Uru.
Fanatos: The Mana Spirit of Evil, and final form of Plua.
Flay: The Mana Spirit of Spirit, and final form of Nymph.
Zeilia: The Mana Spirit of Lightning, and final form of Silwest.
Paltia: The Holy Mana Spirit, and final form of Eital.
Opening Song:
白夜幻想譚 (Byakuya Gensoutan / White Night Illusion) by Haruka Shimotsuki.
Ending Songs:
歩む道 (Ayumu Michi / Walking Path) by Mami Horie (Normal Ending).
Silent Rhyme by Mami Horie (True Ending).