Terra_Ex
Member
This is getting a physical release in Europe, right? If so, I'll definitely be picking it up, I haven't read all the info yet but this seems to be closer to the first 2 AT games than the third entry and kiryogi's positive impressions across recent threads have convinced me. I've struggled to get into Gust's work post-PS2 (I loved everything they did on PS2 except Iris 2), as a developer they just seemed to lose their lustre for me last gen, their early PS3 works aesthetically didn't hold a candle to their spritework. AT3 was awful outside of a few select scenes and the PS3 Atelier entries never really grabbed me but this game is looking like a return to form for Ar tonelico so I'm willing to give it another chance and am looking forward to playing it.There's no Saki-esque characters in this one are there? I don't think I can suffer through that again.
While AT2 is technically the best one thus far, NISA absolutely botched the translation, I never finished it as the level of english on display on anything outside of the critical path was frankly insulting. The game is good but if you're playing with NISA's translation I'd temper your expectations before diving in. Localisation issues aside, the characters, music and story branches were all pretty memorable for me back when I played it, the cosmosphere mechanics were pretty unique (I think cosmosphere progression was tied into the main story a bit better in the second game too), both PS2 entries did a lot to separate themselves from the crowd and I consider both to be among the most unique and fulfilling rpgs I played on the platform. Which is probably why AT3's mediocrity was so crushing to fans. Personally I'd advise playing AT1 first because at least with that game you won't be doing double takes constantly due to the awful translation. If that game clicks with you, proceed on to AT2.To those that like the series
What is it that makes Ar tonelico 2 (which apparently is the game where the series peaked) so good? Plot? Characters? (And please elaborate why if possible...sell me on these games)
Honestly Qoga is so bad in every aspect I have a hard time imagining that this team is capable of crafting a fine game. The game has like no redeeming qualities at all except for the music and I found that one to be pretty eh.