[E3 2006] NIS America Readies Ar tonelico
Who? Wha? Huh? Read on and find out.
Published: May 10, 2006
We love the games industry. It's perhaps the only entertainment medium left where a publisher can release a product with a name like Ar tonelico and not be accused of being horribly pretentious and intentionally quirky. This is just the way some game names work -- particularly in Japan, which is where the sim/strategy/RPG hybrid was birthed by way of Bandai spin-off Banpresto. Funny how things work, innit?
Luckily, the good folks at NIS America are all too happy to bring obscure and perhaps under-loved games over to RPG-hungry US gamers, and along with their now-famous localization and translation, the game finally has a proper publisher this side of the Pacific.
“Ar tonelico signals a welcome change to ordinary RPGs. It’s ambitious, with a new range of unique characters, frequently shifting moods, and a witty story line, it is a title that hardcore RPG fans will rejoice about and also satisfy the North American gamers. Please look forward to this spectacular new game”, pleaded NIS America President Haru Akenaga.
NIS describes the game thusly (and trust us, this is better left up to the people who have played the game):
"Ages ago, the world was like any other. But, two apocalyptic wars changed everything. The sky has been sealed off by a deadly electromagnetic field and the ground is now an ocean of death. Humanity lives life peacefully suspended above the sea on continents powered by the magical tower of Ar tonelico and protected by the knights of Elemia. However, evil is lurking upon humanity threatening the peace and balance of Ar tonelico."
Fortunately, this seems to be the perfect kind of game for fans of Nippon-Ichi's other SRPGs like Disgaea and Atelier Iris 2. Through extensive item and weapons crafting systems, nearly everything in the game can be customized. 300+ items can be created from scratch, characters can be influenced in mood, and NIS is promising "stunning animation." Yes, it's safe to say we're interested. As soon as we can learn more, we'll let you know.
Luckily, the good folks at NIS America are all too happy to bring obscure and perhaps under-loved games over to RPG-hungry US gamers, and along with their now-famous localization and translation, the game finally has a proper publisher this side of the Pacific.
“Ar tonelico signals a welcome change to ordinary RPGs. It’s ambitious, with a new range of unique characters, frequently shifting moods, and a witty story line, it is a title that hardcore RPG fans will rejoice about and also satisfy the North American gamers. Please look forward to this spectacular new game”, pleaded NIS America President Haru Akenaga.
NIS describes the game thusly (and trust us, this is better left up to the people who have played the game):
"Ages ago, the world was like any other. But, two apocalyptic wars changed everything. The sky has been sealed off by a deadly electromagnetic field and the ground is now an ocean of death. Humanity lives life peacefully suspended above the sea on continents powered by the magical tower of Ar tonelico and protected by the knights of Elemia. However, evil is lurking upon humanity threatening the peace and balance of Ar tonelico."
Fortunately, this seems to be the perfect kind of game for fans of Nippon-Ichi's other SRPGs like Disgaea and Atelier Iris 2. Through extensive item and weapons crafting systems, nearly everything in the game can be customized. 300+ items can be created from scratch, characters can be influenced in mood, and NIS is promising "stunning animation." Yes, it's safe to say we're interested. As soon as we can learn more, we'll let you know.