The latest entry to GUST’s popular Atelier franchise continues the fan-favorite Arland trilogy; set several years after Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland.
Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland invites players to assume the role of Elmerulia “Lulua” Fryxel, a young aspiring alchemist training under former student turned mentor, Piana. Lulua studies diligently to fulfill her dream of becoming a great alchemist just like her mother, Rorolina Frixell; but during her training Lulua discovers a mysterious Codex, awakening an ancient power within her that enables Lulua to decrypt but a single page – with many more riddles for her to unravel. Players will be tasked with performing actions focused around the core Atelier series gameplay – Gathering, Battle, and Synthesis – to allow them to decipher more of the text, as well as learn exciting new types of alchemy.
Lulua sets off to Arland in the hopes that she can improve her powers and uncover the riddles of the Codex. When arriving, she learns that her mother’s atelier shop has been forced to close. Relying on the help of the Codex, Lulua works hard to save the shop before it is too late. The first steps into her new adventure are filled with excitement; little does Lulua know that Arland is home to many mysteries yet to be awoken.
Alchemists exploring Arland for raw materials should always be prepared for battle -- these beautiful lands are not only home to important resources but dangerous creatures waiting to attack. Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland features a turn-based battle system where players can form a party consisting of five members: three attackers and two taking a supportive role. Support members automatically perform Assist Attacks to compliment the attacker's actions, and aiming to trigger these regularly will ensure that maximum damage is dealt to enemies.
Attackers have an arsenal of unique skills they can use to strike enemy weaknesses. For example, the talented Eva can use the Range Shift skill; expanding her area of attack for a few rounds. These abilities can also aid in the decryption of the Alchemy Riddle, helping players unlock new synthesis recipes and further skills. Depending on the formation of attackers at the start of an encounter, a special dormant ability known as a Primal Art can also be awakened. These arts automatically activate to offer the party support through their battle in the form of increasing Item Damage, or even increasing Attack Damage, for the entirety of the fight.
In Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland, alchemists are able to utilize the new Interrupt ability, offering the chance for them to perform a special Interrupt Skill and use a pre-equipped item, outside of their turn. Once the gauge is full from performing attacks, the skill can be triggered and the pre-equipped item will not be consumed when used – giving the attacking team the upper hand against powerful foes.
In addition to the new gameplay details, KOEI TECMO America also revealed early purchase DLC bonuses. All aspiring alchemists who purchase the game either digitally or physically within the first month of launch will receive the “Innocent Fairy” and “Fish Girl” costumes for Lulua via DLC. This special DLC will not be for sale in the future.
On their adventure, players will meet a compelling cast of companions, with some familiar faces joining the line-up, including: the most renowned alchemist and mother of Lulua, Rorolina Frixell; the ex-apprentice of Rorona and influential alchemist, Totooria Helmold; keen adventurer and private guardian of Totori, Mimi Houllier Von Schwarzlang; and former knight turned chief of the ‘Guardian Force’, Sterkenburg Cranach.
Blending the Arland-style gameplay with the latest Mysterious series opens a variety of exciting new possibilities.
Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland will be coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC (Steam) on May 21, 2019 (May 24 in Europe).
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