genre most think of as being “pick-up-and-play.” This was especially true
during the 80s and 90s when RPG quests generally took no less than 30 hours to
complete (and on occasion exceeded the 50-hour mark). But as the genre
retracted from the growth spurt it experienced after 1997, developers needed a
way to intrigue newcomers – and keep the remaining fans from fleeing. This
caused a shift in the genre, leading to a new breed of simplified RPGs with
less strategy required to win the average battle.
Atelier Iris is one such
series. Each chapter is set in a world where scavenging for items is the most
important task. Atelier Iris 3:
Grand Phantasm is no
different in that respect. It is not, however, a sequel that tries to capture
the magic of its ancestors. Rather, the game aims for new success with the
inclusion of a guild system. In other words, it delivers a series of
fight-for-profit objectives that are posted at the town’s bulletin board.
Fought By Association
Though not as creatively
introduced as the guild systems in FFXII and Rogue Galaxy (who were the first
to demonstrate the idea in a single-player console RPG), Atelier Iris fans
will be pleased with the changes that have been made. This guild system – no
matter how simple or tedious (expect it to fluctuate) – is much more
satisfying than the previous game’s journeys, which were more narrowly focused
on each task. The quests are faster and more clearly explained, giving players
the chance to enjoy the journey instead of worrying about where the next key
item is going to come from. This time you will be slightly overwhelmed with
the dozens of objectives that can be completed simultaneously. Many intertwine
in some way, but the game rarely announces this fact.
Use your sword to interact with the land outside of battle.
In most cases you will
stumble upon a needed item while seeking something else entirely. It is also
possible that you will unknowingly battle a monster from the guild list. The
proof comes after you’ve won, as the game reveals whenever a listed monster
has been defeated. However, it does not confirm when a listed item has been
found. That has to be checked manually, which is where a good, sturdy wall
comes in handy – just incase your head needs to bang itself against something.
You may very well have an item needed for a specific quest before
accepting that particular quest!
To be certain, talk to
the guy or gal who posted the job on the bulletin board. If you’ve already
completed the task, the conversation will change from “[enter request here]”
to “Thank you.” That objective will then be eliminated from your quest screen,
which can also be checked to verify the status of any accepted job.
It will not be long
before you’ll see postings that can’t be accepted yet. Those are reserved for
characters of a higher rank. Players raise their rank by completing missions
(lengthier quests that involve the assassination of a particular monster). Now
if this were an MMO that might be something to worry about. But since this is
a single-player game, you have all the time in the world to finish each quest.
None are in danger of disappearing just because you decided to take your time
and thoroughly explore each land.
But don’t take too long.
Quests and missions are completed by visiting worlds that are separate from
the rest of the game. These worlds – comprised of castles, woods, dungeons,
etc. – are each given a time limit. Once the time is up, your party will be
booted from the area.
Dot-dot-dot – the trademark response from an RPG character who has nothing to
say.
If time is of the
essence, then the essence of Atelier Iris 3 would be its inability to
waste your time. The battles could not be any faster – otherwise the game
would belong in a whole other genre (menu-based action, perhaps? Nah, that’d
never work). The speed comes courtesy of the new card system that determines
who attacks and when. Several cards are lined up at the top of the screen,
each containing a picture of the ally and enemy characters. The cards move
from left to right and will realign as the characters take their turns.
Atelier Iris 3’s story is
not its best feature. The characters are likable, the overall premise is
intriguing, and the dialogue is well voiced for an RPG that draws most of its
gameplay inspiration from an era where voice-overs were not yet possible. But
this is not a story-driven journey. It’s a journey driven by objectives. The
dialogue that occurs in between each objective is not overly amusing.
Pokemon has successfully
used this formula since the days of the original Game Boy. But other RPGs will
not be able to follow suit until players stop expecting something more from
these so-called epics. Overall, Atelier Iris 3 is a very good game. But you
have to wonder – if an action game like Odin Sphere can produce TV-caliber
storytelling, why can’t an RPG?
Mix items to create…new items!
PlayStation 2’s RPG
dominance shows no sign of slowing. Those of you who have not yet played an
Atelier Iris game should skip the first two and jump right into Grand
Phantasm. As the most entertaining game in the series, Atelier Iris 3 will
entrap players with its battles and rewarding guild system.
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Gameplay: 8.2
Menu selections
are as quick as possible. The game instantly reacts to your actions, dishing
out attacks without holding back. Battle choices, which do not stretch far
beyond attack and magic / special moves, are displayed as connected icons that
form above the character. On average, one to three clicks are all that is
necessary to strike an enemy or heal a comrade.
Graphics: 7.8
A fun and
carefree set of characters and environments that harkens back to the SNES. But
while this does look like a retro RPG, the intricate beauty of Atelier Iris 3
would not have been possible on a previous console.
Sound: 8.1
Moving.
Memorable. Warming to the heart. Atelier Iris 3’s music is one of depth. It’s
one of epic proportions, taking the player much further than the simple art
style. Next to the gameplay, this is the number-one reason to play AI3.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
An RPG for
everyone, Atelier Iris 3’s main quest is neither easy nor particularly
difficult.
Concept: 8
None of the
changes – no more random encounters, new battle timing, new quest assignment
system – are groundbreaking. You won’t find a drop of innovation in this game.
But you will discover an inspired, enamoring RPG that grabs its players in a
way that few RPGs have.
Overall: 8.1
For fans of the
original, its sequel, and for anyone who loves RPGs, Atelier Iris 3 is a
retro-infused, highly inspired classic. The quest layout can be a little
daunting, but the lightning-quick, get-in-and-get-out battle style prevents
the game from dragging. The cast is likable and the music is positively
startling. I am consistently blown away when I boot up an Atelier Iris game
for the first time – an effect usually reserved for games titled Final
Fantasy.
