GamersInfo writes: "As such, Mana Khemia: Student Alliance is not an easy game to recommend, especially to RPG fans. Part of the problem is all of the complaints that have been voiced. The other part of the problem is the price; this game costs $35 while the original PS2 version now costs $20. So essentially you are paying more money for a weaker gaming experience. With this in mind, if you want to play this game and you have access to a PS2, go buy or rent the PS2 version. Sure, it has its own quirks, but it is a much more enjoyable game overall - especially if you are new to the RPG genre. If you do not own a PS2, then go rent this game. See if you can tolerate its quirks better than I. But sadly, you are not missing much if you decide to pass on Mana Khemia: Student Alliance. In all honesty, I hope this is not some sort of omen of things to come regardless of the system a game is released on".
There are a lot of Atelier games out there, and Gust keeps adding to the lineup with new installments in the main series and spin-offs to keep track of. It is a lot to deal with. Also, the major installments tend to come out in trilogies, which share storylines and sometimes gameplay mechanics. One line might not be as interesting for specific players, but another could be a perfect fit.
Arland best. Couldn't finish Mysterious. Dusk is good. The ones before those are good but I prefer the 3d games
Pretty good article. The Atelier series is a very weird one. As each game have it's own ideas and can play vastly differently than another title even in the same trilogy.
But to get to know the franchise or at least what was the fundation of it. I would argue that the Arland is the best one, even though I prefer other sub-series even more.
411mania talks about this week's game releases. Highlights include Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy, Metroid Prime Trilogy, Cursed Mountain, and Harvest Moon: Magical Melody.
Mana Khemia is a relatively solid game. Despite its numerous clichés and poor choices in graphic design, the game presents a fun and relatively addictive battle system and alchemy system. Backed with solid audio, Mana Khemia balances its cons with its pros. However, these remarks apply only for the PS2 version from 2008. 2009's Mana Khemia: Student Alliance deserves little praise.
The port's errors transform an average game into an abomination barely worth touching. Atelier fans that have not yet checked out this spinoff series or readers interested in the combat and alchemy should avoid Student Alliance and hunt down the PS2 version.
