Producer: Gust
Developer: Gust
Releases: 23 giugno 2011 (jap), 22 maggio 2012 (usa), 25 giugno 2012 (pal)
Info varie:
Sure enough, the name for Gust's new PlayStation 3 Atelier game is "Atelier Meruru." The name first popped up in a trademark database earlier this month, so this isn't too surprising.
To keep my head from hurting, I'm going to refer to the game and its titular character as Meryl until I see otherwise.
First solid details on the game have leaked out from Dengeki PlayStation this week.
Meryl is the game's main character, and she's 15 years-old. Her voice actress has yet to be revealed.
(Meryl's full name is, in Japanese, "メルルリンス・レーデ・アールズ" -- I'm not sure what to write that as, but maybe Merilance Lehde Earls?)
The game takes place in the country of Earls (アールズ), which is a bit apart from Arland, the series' past setting.
Totori, star of the previous Atelier Totori game, will also appear in the game. She's 19. Like Rorona to Totori in Atelier Totori, Totori is Meryl's teacher.
Rorona, star of the first Atelier game, will also appear in the game. As suggested by the artwork that appeared in last week's issue, she will appear in young form. This is a bit odd, because Rorona should be older than Totori. The magazine does not explain why Rorona is so young.
Other details that have leaked out:
* The visuals are said to have advanced greatly from past entries.
* There's apparently an illustration showing Meryl hugging chibi Rorona and Totori.
* This will be the end of the Arland storyline.
* There will be a world development component, where Meryl's actions will lead to changes in the land.
* The battle system visual design has been redone, with the movement order shown on the right side of the screen
This issue's coverage introduces Meryl, Totori and Rorona. Next issue will introduce maid and butler characters who take care of Meryl. These two were mentioned at the game's unveiling a few weeks back.
Atelier Meryl will be released on June 23, priced ¥7,140 in standard form and ¥10,290 in limited form. The limited edition comes with a Meryl Nendoroid and a paper weight. Both versions will have a drama CD as a pre-order bonus.
The peculiar catch phrase for Atelier Meruru before it was known as Atelier Meruru was "Princess x Maid x Butler = Kingdom." Today, we found out what the "maid" and "butler" parts of that phrase mean.
This week's issue of Dengeki PlayStation introduces us to main character Meruru's maid and butler. Here are some preliminary details.
The Maid: Keina Sweya
Voiced by Kaori Sato. Meruru's friend since childhood. She's quoted in Dengeki as saying something about being happy only when she's with Meruru (I'd make some off color comment about this, but Meruru is only 15 so I won't). In battle, Keina lends her support by singing and swinging a giant hammer.
The Butler: Rufus Falken
Voiced by Takehito Koyasu. An attractive, young butler who's strict with Meruru and does not show sympathy. He takes care of matters of both house and state.
The magazine also has some gameplay details:
We're going to have to wait for battle system details.
It looks like you may be able to take on quests not just surrounding item synthesis but helping people around town solve their problems as well.
As previously detailed, the game has a world building component. You'll be able to accumulate development points which can be used to build shops, forts and other structures.
Meruru has a rank for her world building skills. Increase this rank, and you'll be able to build things like theaters, markets and weapon shops.
The game also appears to have some sort of population element -- that is, you can make the popular of Arls Kingdom increase with your development efforts.
Incidentally, Meruru (full name Merurulince Rede Arls, blood type O, height 155cm) is the "princess" from that early catch phrase. If you're really feeling leader like, you'll apparently be able to erect bronze statues of Meruru.
Dopo Rorona e Totori, Gust continua a raccontare le vicende di Arland, purtroppo non ci sono ancora dettagli su titolo, nome della protagonista o piattaforma di destinazione, anche se non ci sono dubbi che sia ps3. Maggiori info saranno disponibili nel prossimo numero di Dengeki, per il momento direttamente dal trailer il director ci lascia con la definizione "Princess x Maid x Butler = Kingdom."
screencaps dal trailer e art dal booklet: