Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer of Arland (PS VITA)

The "Atelier" (meaning: "an artist's workshop") series of RPGs has been around for quite some time now. You'll find that there has been an impressive amount of releases on both consoles (PS1, PS2, PS3, Dreamcast), and handhelds (WonderSwan Color, Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP, PS Vita) throughout the years (1997 - 2013). These games range from Japan only releases to limited stateside releases, and even remakes. Gust Corporation who were the developers behind this unique series of alchemy based RPGs have always stuck to their tried, and true formula of introducing a new alchemist with each game release along with a unique story to accompany that individual. The gameplay of each title as one might expect is centered mostly around alchemy, and the crafting of various items. Throw in an alchemist against an ominous threat/situation, and you'll have the experience in a nutshell.

As an RPG fanatic I have actually owned, and played one of the stateside console releases of the "Atelier" series. It was out of sheer curiosity that I picked up "Atelier Iris - Eternal Mana" for my PS2 years ago. I absolutely enjoyed the game, but never returned to the series due to time, and money constraints. While I can vaguely recall my playthrough of "Atelier Iris" I know that it was definitely worlds different from the latest release of "Atelier Totori Plus" for the PS Vita. The differences though mainly pertain to the improved graphic art style, and the gameplay that was applied.

Like the previous installments of the series, 'Atelier Totori Plus' takes the gamer on a standalone adventure with a new protagonist, and new in-game offerings. The protagonist this time around just so happens to be Rorona's pupil. For those of you who were unaware of it Rorona had her own game, and adventure before Totori ever came into the picture. As with every new story in the Atelier series this tie-in plot begins with the introduction of Totori, her family, and her friends as well as her association with Rorona. The developer eases us into Totori's world through her actions/reactions, and allows us to become familiar with the plot while learning about the game's many features.

Totori, or Totooria Helmold as it were, is a young female alchemist who lives in a quaint little fishing village known as Alanya. This "Moe" inspired character finds refuge in her home along with her father (Guid Helmold), and her sister (Ceci/Cecilia Helmold). During her daily activities she loves to talk about adventuring with her childhood friend, "Gino Knab" as well as her chat it up with her sister's friend "Melvia Siebel" about her interesting outings. Her mother who was out of the picture when the game began was believed to be lost/dead by Totori's family as well as the fellow villagers. Totori however holds onto the hope that her mother is still alive somewhere, and that she will eventually find her. This in itself is her driving force behind her desire to become an adventurer. It is also the driving force behind the plot that unfolds as you play through the game in Totori's shoes

In the world of Arland, where Alanya lies you'll find that adventuring is a huge part of society, and that Totori fully understands this, as naive as she may seem. Anyone, and everyone capable of fighting monsters is out there seeking their official adventurer's license, and like everyone else in this vast fantasy world Totori, and her friend Gino are also seeking such a license. In order to do so though they have to not only prove themselves worthy to their own community, and to their own friends/family, but must also impress the person who hands out the license as well. The first part of the game which acts as the introduction to the game's characters, gameplay, and of course alchemy will get you familiar with Totori's capabilities, and her abilities to interact with the environment, other persons of interest, and the many menu systems that make up the game.

Aside from the basics the developer also introduces the gamer to an intricate time based schedule system that must be maintained correctly in order to initially obtain your license, renew it when need be, and continue on about your adventuring/daily activities whenever possible. As Totori is maturing through her experiences she will have to take on responsibilities as any adult would. This is where the time management that I mentioned before comes into play. Everything you do in this game whether its traveling, fighting monsters, or preparing alchemy recipes will take up days at a time. As such certain quests/requests that are taken on must be done on time, and reported to the appropriate person within a certain calendar date. When you actually begin taking on such quests, and requests it will be done through a local bar keeper who uses Totori's alchemy, and adventuring skills to fulfill his needs. Later on, when you get your adventuring license though you/Totori will be able to take on requests from the adventurer's guild as well as from other individuals within the game's world. Completing a task successfully in the game will result in a reward, and if done quick enough will result in an even more exceptional reward. These rewards, as you will find out are ingredients that can be used in Totori's alchemy recipes, and range in value from "S (Exceptional)" to "F (Poor)".

With the proper ingredients in hand Totori can create various types of things assuming she has leveled up enough to do so. Seeing that Totori is just learning the basics through her teacher during the beginning of the game she must better her skills through continual hands on experience. This of course can be done by successfully creating an item/s in one of Totori's workshops. Being the alchemy oriented game that it is you'll find that "Atelier Totori Plus" will have you taking Totori out, and about often to gather the needed materials for specific recipes. Once the necessary items are obtained through combat, quest rewards, or simple gathering Totori can transfer the items from her basket to her current workshop's container where she can then use the items to craft the item in question.

Ingredients within the game come in a large variety of perishable, and non-perishable items. As you might guess the perishable items are best kept in the workshop container while the non-perishable items can be taken with Totori in her basket for ease of access. These gathered alchemy items which are graded alphabetically come with a variety of different traits that can either improve, or lessen the effects of the crafted creations. In Totori's workshop/s you'll find that you can craft everything from decorative workshop items to character equipment, and even usable items that can be used during one of Totori's many adventures. Things like healing items will definitely come in handy in the more ominous enemy encounters that you'll face. All alchemy in "Atelier Totori Plus" must be done in the workshop, and at the cauldron located therein.

As far as the actual alchemy process goes you'll find that the developer has put into place an easy to understand system where you have to combine the appropriate ingredients according to trait numbers. Each recipe that Totori buys, or collects in the game requires the use of a certain type of ingredient. These types of ingredients range from plants to minerals, and even food based items. With each gathered ingredient you will find that it's traits have an attached number that must match the recipe's requirements in order to be successfully crafted. For example, if you are preparing a recipe that has a base number of "1", you can only add ingredients with traits that have "1" associated with them. Even with these limitations multiple ingredients can be added as long as the numbers match. In the end though only a select number of traits can by applied, and they must add up to the numerical value of the chosen recipe. As complicated as that may sound it is definitely explained better within the game's alchemy tutorial feature.

Another very important aspect of "Atelier Totori Plus" gameplay is the combat system. For those of you familiar with turn-based RPGs such as "FFVII (Final Fantasy VII)" you'll be at home with this particular game. Battles in "Atelier Totori Plus" happen in a lot of ways though. You can simply be traveling from place to place via the world map, and run into a random battle, or even encounter battles with monsters as you are scouting a particular area for ingredients. Either way Totori, and her two chosen friends will have to take turns about attacking, using character specific skills, using items, and even defending. In order to gain an upper hand in any battle scenario (preemptive strike) though you will have to strike the approaching monster with Totori's staff in the 3D represented field. This can be done by pressing the "SQUARE" button within striking distance. Successfully doing so will result in a burst of stars, and will allow you to strike before your enemies have a chance. If an enemy should touch Totori before sh has a chance to strike with her staff they will have the chance to start off the fight.

When it comes to recruiting friends to the battlefield you'll find that Totori has to do a proper meet & greet first in order to gain their favor. In some instances potential friends must be gained through proper interactions with Totori, and at other times they are made available with little effort required. At any given time past the game's intro phase you will have the ability to recruit up to two of these friends to accompany you on the battlefield. The more you play through the game though, the more friends you will find, and switching between them will become a must if you hope to complete certain quests/requests. Some allies, or friends in the game for example, are definitely best suited for particular areas while other friends are bested suited for certain monster fights. Even so all characters will eventually level up in stats through completed battles, and become a formidable force against the many evils of Arland.

Whether your brewing up items to your hearts content, or adventuring throughout the vast lands of Arland you will find plenty to do as you take on the role of Totori. You'll even find fun times with your newly introduced in-game friends, and like Tototri will grow with your knowledge of proper time management as well as the knowledge of proper person-to-person interactions. Just like the coming of age story that it is this tale of hope, and friendship will not doubt reach the hearts of many RPG gamers with it's familiar true-to-life lessons.

Now on to the graphic & sound quality ...

When it comes to the artistic nature of a game such as "Atelier Totori Plus" you'll find that the art included within it is always one of my main focal points, especially when it comes to my video game reviews. Thankfully Atelier Totori Plus's artistic offerings are grand enough to capture my praise. The graphics definitely take advantage of this current generation of handheld's capabilities in that respect. This particular PS Vita RPG certainly exclusive takes graphics to the next level with it's gorgeous anime inspired artwork, landscapes, and characters who all come to vivid life at your fingertips. The fact that extra content such as unlockable/collectible character expressions, in-game artwork, and a changing room for all you pervy moe fans out there is included only makes the artistic journey all the more noteworthy. I loved watching Totori's world come to life as I guided her from place to place, and from person to person. All of the animations involved in her coming of age adventure were breathtakingly beautiful, and awe-inspiring to say the least. Add in the amazing soundtrack, and the option to hear the characters' voices in their native Japanese language, and you have yourself an RPG that is not to be missed.

Now on to the verdict ...

Collectively the game will no doubt have, and hold your undivided attention until the end. Everything from the alchemy to the turn-based combat will have veteran RPG players busy doing what they love to do best. Not only that, but the cast of characters, and their stories are so well made that paying close attention will become a second nature sort of thing. Long time fans of the series will no doubt revel in it's continued charm, and addictive gameplay. There's plenty to do, and plenty to discover as you follow, and guide Totori on an adventure of a lifetime. I highly suggest that anyone who is into RPGs add this to your collection. You can actually find the disc based version for the PS3, and PS Vita for cheap right now, but sadly the version that your reading about here that includes the bonus DLC costumes (imp bikini, angel swimsuit) was a limited time release that is no longer available. Had I known about the offer being offered in the past I would have taken on this review a lot sooner, and for that I apologize. Even so it's a game worth having in any form that you can find it!