Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana 2 coming to US

[Fatesealer]

Just got this in a NIS newsletter:

Atelier Iris ~Eternal Mana 2~ Announced for
U.S. Release

Hey everyone,

Today we've unveiled plans to release Atelier Iris ~Eternal Mana 2~ for
the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in the Spring of 2006.
Building on the highly praised system of its predecessor, Atelier Iris 2 takes
synthesizing to a new level, with new game play, features, and improved
graphics.

Thanks everybody!

About Atelier Iris ~Eternal Mana 2~
The lands of Eden and Belkhyde were once united in harmony until the time
of the great catastrophe. Eden, a land of Mana and alchemists, distanced
itself from Belkhyde, fearing contact with the humans and monsters there
will lead to their destruction.

All is well until Chaos resorts to the legendary power of alchemy to save
his sister. Now two orphans, Felt and Viese must save Eden from
crumbling. Felt transports to Belkhyde with the power of his azoth. It is up
to Felt to stop Chaos’ mad quest, while Viese struggles to protect Eden
from further destruction.

Features:
-Partner change system to switch between your main characters
-Customizable items and weapons
-New chain attack and break attack system
-Improved 2D anime graphics

[kimsh0t]

eternal mana owns.

[JEKKI]

eee~~!!

let me get called back for testing!

[Epic Wolf]

NIS has atleast another 8 games in the works :), great news on the AI2 Op :applause:
http://www.gamespot.com/company/nipponichisoftware.html?page=1

[spoo]

Anyone picking this up this week? Since the last one was so short I'm just going to gamefly it but I can't wait to play it :D

[CAG 79]

Gamespot says its only about 30 hours. I might give it a rental.

[defiance_17]

I have it preordered. I was incredibly surprised by the last one, and I'm really excited for the sequel.

[Allnatural]

I was thinking of picking this up, but the jumpy camera during battles is nauseating (based on the numerous videos I've seen). I hope it's just a "dynamic" camera option that can be disabled.

[spoo]

Ok I got it in the mail today from Gamefly and after spending a couple hours with it all I have to say is that AI2 feels like it took a few steps backwards from AI. I am not a fan of the new battle system. Also the lack of weapons is a turn off. I am going to play some more this weekend and see if it picks up.

FYI AI was my favorite RPG of last year.

[Fatesealer]

Ok I got it in the mail today from Gamefly and after spending a couple hours with it all I have to say is that AI2 feels like it took a few steps backwards from AI. I am not a fan of the new battle system. Also the lack of weapons is a turn off. I am going to play some more this weekend and see if it picks up.

FYI AI was my favorite RPG of last year.

The battle system is complicated at first but once you stop treating it like 'keep pressing x to finish' and actually pay attention to when you should use the charge attack and when to use break, it becomes a lot better. As for the weapon problem, try playing for a bit longer. It will open itself up as part of the storyline (no spoilers).

[spoo]

I don't think the battle system is complecated, easy would be a better answer. I'm still going through it but it has lost most of the charm that AI:EM had.

[The Mana Knight]

I bought it on release, along with getting the bonus soundtrack. So far, I definitely love it, although not as much as Eternal Mana (My favorite game last year). Still, definitely great and I hope to see the next installment come stateside.