Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Gust. It was first released for PlayStation 3 on June 25, 2009, in Japan.
It was re-released as a Japanese Best Version on September 23, 2010, due to its sales figures. The North American release followed on September 28, 2010, along with a European release on October 22, 2010 and an Australia release on October 28, 2010.
Atelier Rorona is the eleventh installment in the Atelier series, and it continues the series' emphasis on item synthesis. The game is the first title in the series to be developed for PlayStation 3, and it is also the first to utilize 3D models as opposed to the 2D sprites in earlier titles. A sequel titled Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, which takes place five years after the end of Atelier Rorona, was released in Japan on June 24, 2010.
Atelier Rorona Characters
"Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland" is a charming role-playing game that marked the beginning of the Arland trilogy within the long-standing 'Atelier' series, developed by Gust Co. Ltd. The game introduces players to Rorolina Frixell, affectionately known as Rorona, a novice alchemist who inherits a workshop in the kingdom of Arland. Faced with the threat of closure by the kingdom's officials, Rorona must prove the workshop's value by fulfilling various alchemy-related assignments over the course of three years. The game blends traditional JRPG elements with a crafting-centric gameplay loop, where synthesizing items is just as crucial as combat and exploration.
In "Atelier Rorona," players engage in a slice-of-life narrative that unfolds through Rorona's interactions with the townspeople, her quests to gather ingredients, and her efforts to create high-quality alchemical items. The game is known for its time-management mechanics, where players must balance the ticking clock of deadlines with the meticulous process of item synthesis and character relationships. Visually, "Atelier Rorona" boasts a vibrant and detailed anime art style that brings the quaint town of Arland and its inhabitants to life. The game's emphasis on character development, strategic planning, and light-hearted storytelling provides a refreshing take on the RPG genre, offering a cozy yet engaging experience for players of all ages.