[PS2] Ar Tonelico - The closest thing rpg nerds will ever get to a girlfriend

Godai · Dec 20, 2006, 02:39 AM

Just a heads up, NIS America has started taking preorders (sort of) for "Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia" for the PlayStation 2. This is the first deluxe box package by NIS America and comes with a hardcover art book and soundtrack (NIS America Online Store-exclusive).

Miles · Local time: Dec 19, 2006, 11:44 PM

Yep. Pre-ordered this sucker the second I got the email. NIS America is getting good at this pre-order bonus stuff.

Muzza · Local time: Dec 20, 2006, 06:47 PM

I've been waiting for this game for what seems like forever now, and I'm glad to see valid confirmation that it's coming to the USA. Even if it doesn't come to PAL, I've always got my swap magic...

SouthJag · Local time: Dec 20, 2006, 01:53 AM

Wonder if this'll apply to in-store preorders, such as those at GameStop/EB Games.

GB · Local time: Dec 19, 2006, 11:54 PM

Doubt it. Their Disgaea preordering didn't work like that.

Fuck, they dropped the r. That's going to be hard to get used to. I'll probably pass, just because I was never a big fan of the Atelier games and they (Gust) co-developed. Makes me a skeptic.

Metal Sphere · Dec 20, 2006, 03:04 AM

Damn, that's an awesome preorder bonus. Wasn't this the game that was essentially a dating sim with battles being nothing more than an escort mission (protect the ladies so they can destroy the enemies)? Also, the game where the VAs or characters hate the protagonist?

Hopefully it isn't, since I don't like the idea of having most of my characters being nothing more than guards, and I'd love that artbook.

Kostaki · Local time: Dec 20, 2006, 03:46 AM

Jumped on that immediately. I was going to buy the game anyway, and this makes it all the better. Always love getting artbooks + soundtracks or other collectables when I buy a game.

Hopefully they don't charge too high for shipping.

Miles · Local time: Dec 20, 2006, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by SouthJag

Wonder if this'll apply to in-store preorders, such as those at GameStop/EB Games.

Nope. From what I've read you can only get the soundtrack by ordering through the NIS America online store. I never buy NIS games anywhere else just because you won't get the bonus.

Goldfish from Hell · Dec 20, 2006, 11:55 PM

Definitely good news...I was worried this one wouldn't make it across the pond after it basically fell off the radar. Awesome news. The modern locales from screenshots (but done in the Atelier storybook-prerendered style) has caught my eye already and I can definitely vouch for the music being awesome.

Now how about some AI: Grand Fantasm love to top it off?

Denicalis · Local time: Dec 20, 2006, 11:47 PM

Well, now I'll have to cancel my pre-order at EB.

Elixir · Local time: Dec 21, 2006, 08:54 PM

I guess the NIS site doesn't do international orders huh?

God fucking damnit.

nazpyro · 02:49 PM

Hehe, I jumped on this too. Also those bonus goodies make it all the more intriguing for a game I'd get at some point anyway.

Denicalis · Local time: Dec 21, 2006, 01:39 PM

I've been really waiting for this game. I fucking adore their sprite work in previous games, and this one looks like a blast.

Kairi Li · Dec 21, 2006, 07:09 PM

What is this game like? I'm tempted to order, but is it as good as the hype claims?

Miles · Local time: Dec 22, 2006, 02:32 PM

http://www.nisamerica.com/games/artonelico/

Official website is up now. I'm not sure if the game is as good as it's hyped out to be, but I'll buy it either way just because I support unique titles like this getting localized. Gust games are usually fun too.

Hindman · Local time: Jan 4, 2007, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Kairi Li

What is this game like? I'm tempted to order, but is it as good as the hype claims?

Well, I just wrote this, if it helps: http://www.rpgland.com/games/artonelico/preview.html

It's a pretty excellent game. My Nostradomous-like prognostication tells me it will be a consideration/nominee for some RPG of the Year awards in '07.

Cetra · Local time: Jan 4, 2007, 02:13 PM

Silly, random question at this point but it is relevant to my interests:

Anyone happen to know a general play-through time for this one?

Miles · Local time: Jan 4, 2007, 02:29 PM

I heard the game is about 30 hours long. If you go for all the extra stuff it could go a bit beyond 40.

Taco · Jan 8, 2007, 08:08 PM

Pre-orders have opened. That is, you can use your pre-order code to actually pay for a copy now. I just took care of that so I don't spend the money on anything else.

cubed · Jan 9, 2007, 01:21 AM

It's scary how "well" the preorder works the first time you shop on NIS America online store. I mean, I don't see any protection sign telling me the transaction is well secured. It kept tellling me to enter an billing address, which I did.... Anyway, really odd way this store works. I'm glad I'll get the bonuses.