Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
Eleventh Atelier title, first on PlayStation 3 with 3D graphics.
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Gust Co. Ltd. It is the eleventh installment in the Atelier series and the first title in the series developed for the PlayStation 3, also the first to use 3D models instead of 2D sprites. The game was first released in Japan on June 25, 2009, and later saw releases in North America, Europe, and Australia in 2010.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
- Developer
- Gust
- Publisher
- JP · Gust · NA/PAL · NIS America
- Director
- Yoshito Okamura
- Artist
- Mel Kishida
- Composer
- Ken Nakagawa
- Series
- Atelier
- Engine
- PhyreEngine
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Genre
- Role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Atelier Rorona is the eleventh installment in the Atelier series and continues the series' emphasis on item synthesis. It is the first title in the series to be developed for PlayStation 3 and the first to utilize 3D models as opposed to the 2D sprites in earlier titles. A sequel titled Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, set five years after the end of Atelier Rorona, was released in Japan on June 24, 2010. A remake titled Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland was released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita on November 21, 2013, in Japan, and in June 2014 in the West, with a Nintendo 3DS version in 2015. A port titled Atelier Rorona DX for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 was released on September 20, 2018, in Japan, and on December 4, 2018, in the West along with an additional Microsoft Windows release worldwide.
Reader's Guide
Atelier Rorona is notable as the first Atelier game on the PlayStation 3 and the first to use 3D graphics, marking a significant technical shift for the series. The game sold quickly in Akihabara on its first day, with many stores sold out of the limited edition by 1:00 PM. It sold 43,243 copies in its first week in Japan, becoming the third best-selling game that week, and eventually reached 121,256 copies sold in Japan by December 2009. Worldwide sales exceeded 200,000 copies, which the company considered 'good numbers for an HD generation RPG'. The game received average reviews in Japan, with Famitsu scoring it 26/40, and mixed Western reception, with GameSpot awarding 6.0/10 and IGN being more critical. The remake Atelier Rorona Plus received a 5/5 score from US Gamer and improved Famitsu scores of 34/40. The game's success led to sequels and remakes, cementing its role as a foundational entry in the Arland subseries.
Did You Know?
- Atelier Rorona is the first Atelier title to use 3D models instead of 2D sprites.
- The game sold 43,243 copies in its first week in Japan, ranking third for that week.
- A remake titled Atelier Rorona Plus was released in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.
- The game's director, Yoshito Okamura, previously served as main planner for the Mana Khemia series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland?
It is a Japanese role-playing game developed by Gust Co. Ltd. that follows a young alchemist named Rorona as she learns to craft items in the small village of Arland. It serves as the eleventh entry in the long-running Atelier franchise.
What makes Atelier Rorona different from earlier games in the series?
It was the first Atelier title built for the PlayStation 3 and the first to replace the series' traditional 2D sprite visuals with fully 3D character models. This marked a noticeable visual and technical shift for the franchise.
When and where was Atelier Rorona released?
The game launched in Japan on June 25, 2009, and arrived in North America on September 28, 2010, in Europe on October 22, 2010, and in Australia on October 28, 2010. All releases were for the PlayStation 3.
Why is Atelier Rorona considered a turning point for the Atelier series?
By moving to 3D models and the PS3 hardware, it set the visual and technical direction for every subsequent Atelier title. Fans often point to it as the moment the series stepped into a new generation of gaming.
Who is the main character in Atelier Rorona and what is her role?
Rorona is a shy young woman living in Arland who is apprenticed to a local alchemist and gradually learns to synthesize potions, tools, and other items. Her growing skill as an alchemist drives the core gameplay loop of crafting and selling goods to villagers.
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