Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland (known in Japan as Atelier Meruru: The Alchemist of Arland 3) is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Gust. It was released for PlayStation 3 on June 23, 2011 in Japan.
Atelier Meruru is the thirteenth installment in the Atelier series, and it continues the series' emphasis on item creation and synthesis. It is the third and final game in the Arland series and a direct sequel to Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland, and Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland.
"Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland" is a delightful entry in the 'Atelier' series, developed by Gust Co. Ltd. It follows the adventures of Merurulince Rede Arls, or Meruru, a princess who aspires to become an alchemist under the tutelage of Totori, the protagonist of the preceding game, "Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland." Set in the quaint kingdom of Arls, the game combines traditional role-playing elements with an extensive alchemy system and a heavy emphasis on time management. Players guide Meruru through her journey of improving her alchemy skills and using her creations to aid in the development and expansion of her kingdom, blending the intricacies of crafting with the responsibilities of statecraft.
Characteristic of the 'Atelier' series, "Atelier Meruru" is steeped in charm, featuring vibrant, anime-style graphics and a cast of endearing characters. The game's narrative focuses on the growth of Meruru as she learns the balance between her royal duties and her personal aspirations. The synthesis system is central to gameplay, requiring players to gather materials and recipes to create new items and equipment. With each successful synthesis and quest completion, Meruru earns development points that can be used to construct new buildings and facilities, improving the kingdom's infrastructure and unlocking new areas and features. The game's blend of alchemy, RPG mechanics, and kingdom development, along with multiple endings based on player choices, offers a rich and engaging experience that has made "Atelier Meruru" a beloved title among fans of the series.