NIS America will be bringing Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland to both North America and Europe in May of this year. The PS3 exclusive RPG has been available in Japan since June. Since then, the series’ western fans have been eagerly anticipating news of just when they’ll be able to get their hands on the alchemy filled and beautifully drawn game.
Developed by the Gust Corporation, the popular Atelier series has been around since 1997, when it debuted on the Sony PlayStation. Since then, there have been thirteen titles released under the banner, with Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland included in that tally. It will mark the end of a linked trilogy within the series, which is known as the Arland Trilogy.
The following story overview, localization press release, prologue trailer and screenshots, are all made available thanks to NIS America:
The tiny kingdom of Arls, located on the northeastern border of the Arland Republic, is where spunky Princess Meruru calls home. Ever since she was exposed to alchemy by famed adventurer Totori Helmold, all she can think about was becoming an alchemist. With Totori’s guidance, Meruru sets out to develop her home kingdom of Arls using the power of alchemy.
On her way, Meruru will encounter new adventures, obstacles, mysteries, and friends, and discover what life is like outside the castle walls. How you choose to guide her through the advancement of her land will determine the final outcome in the tale of Atelier Meruru. With new and updated game systems and returning characters from Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru will once again capture the hearts and minds of all the Atelier fans out there.
Localization Press Release:
Santa Ana, Calif. (January 13, 2012) – NIS America announces today that Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland will bring its alchemic adventure experience to its fans in North America and Europe in May, 2012. Atelier Meruru is the latest installment in the fan-favorite Atelier series. With Atelier Meruru, the Arland trilogy comes to a most enchanting conclusion. Atelier Meruru follows the story of spunky Princess Meruru, who finds herself entranced by alchemy and vows to become Totori Helmold’s apprentice. With new and updated game systems and returning characters from Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru will once again capture the hearts and minds of all the Atelier fans out there.
About Atelier Meruru:
The tiny kingdom of Arls, located on the northeastern border of the Arland Republic, is where Princess Meruru calls home. Ever since she was exposed to alchemy by famed adventurer Totori Helmold, all she could think about was becoming an alchemist. With Totori’s guidance, Meruru sets out to develop her home kingdom of Arls using the power of alchemy. On her way, Meruru will encounter new adventures, obstacles, mysteries, and friends, and discover what life is like outside the castle walls. How you choose to guide her through the advancement of her land will determine the final outcome in the tale of Atelier Meruru.
Game Features:
– New “Development” system: develop new areas and facilities in Arls to gain access to even more lands to explore!
– Developing new areas and facilities will change the appearance of the in-game world! How you develop the kingdom will alter the outcome of the story.
– Classic turn-based battles feature a Time Card turn system, making the battles even more strategic!
– Master item synthesis with the help of the ever-popular Homs!
– Fan-favorite characters from previous Atelier games return with more stories and mysteries to uncover!
