Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana Coming to North America (PS2)

Nippon Ichi is bringing its RPG Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana to North America.
By Rainier Van Autrijve | Sept. 9, 2004

NIS America announced today its plans to release Gust Co.' s Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana (Working Title) for the PlayStation2 in North America.

" The Atelier series by Gust is highly rated by players in Japan. We truly believe that not only will fans of Phantom Brave, Disgaea, and La Pucelle enjoy Atelier Iris, but those who are fans of strategy RPG in general. We are very excited about delivering this latest installment of the series to the United States, please look forward to Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana," said Haru Akenaga, president of NIS America, Inc.

In Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana you play as a young alchemist called Krein Kislinck, son of a famous alchemist who taught him all he knows. Krein longs to surpass his mentor. The game is more of an RPG than other entries in the series as Krein and his party travel around, fighting beasts and collecting mana items as they attempt to open the door to a city in the sky. The game uses the " Cost Turn Battle" system for its battles, giving you two moves per turn but charging turns from you for certain moves. Alchemy is, of course, a central part of the game, as you mix recipes for new items even in the middle of battle! Newcomers are also treated to a user-friendly introduction to the various menus and upgrade systems.

Released in Japan in May 2004, Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana is expected to hit North America somewhere in 2005.