Ar Tonelico 2 - complete renewal

I was really lucky - just as I had finished Ar Tonelico, the first installment of the series, was 'Melody of Metafalica' released as PAL version. And the super at a price! The NTSC conversion there were earlier and whose reviews I already knew that Ar Tonelico 2 allegedly was able to improve by a mile, compared to its predecessor. (Allerdins I have been very pleased with the 1 Series)

Incidentally, in the NTSC version, there is a known bug that causes the game to crash due to the translation. (Final boss fight) This has been in the PAL version CORRECTED, I have read! (Not even tested yet)

Featuring the PAL implementation, ie cover and booklet are however miserable. I would not know the game, and so saw it at the store, I would have moved only the face and again put it back. The German translations are bad and meaningless.

Just a note - I bought the game here at Amazon and Games it is currently on PC using emulator. The game is 99% run with PCSX2 in beta release (currently beta1474). But you have to adjust something in the settings that you do not fall through the floor at the treasure chests ^^ '

Now for the game, I write my opinion compared to its predecessor:

- The world is now being implemented more in 3D. Previously, the environments were still in 2D. I think the overall appearance has thus deteriorated somewhat. Especially the 3D character depictions are no longer so beautiful, very pixelated. The design of the levels has somehow lost its goodness. Although the dungeons were never so rich in detail anyway.

- The music on the other hand, both background and event themes are as beautiful as ever. She has her own style is consistent to the game and creates a magnificent atmosphere. Many songs, I also like to listen auserhalb the game ^ _ ^

- The English voice actors are like so many times good times bad conversions Japan. Most will probably have liked the language that you have set the first thing / heard. English is to understand better, but Japanese is unique precisely in his singsong and inimitable.

- The combat system has completely overwhelmed me at the beginning. It occurred to Battle Screen still very cluttered, since you all information must bahalten in mind and go to the fights time. In addition, the opponent holding a with their combos also very busy. Tonelico1 was too easy in the reference. In spite of everything, but I have kept the difficulty to normal - and did not regret it, because ...
If you get used to the new system only, it can never really be enough struggles, it makes a Affenfun! As the game progresses, more and more fighting elements are added, so there are several options with different targets in the struggle to defeat an opponent.
Main changes: You can simultaneously fight with 2Reyvateils and the number of songs verfübaren regenerates itself after the battle. (Unfortunately, you can a song only once used in combat) That powerful magic or healing spells in dungeon you do not cancel each other out, the availability is for every fight back.
Auserdem grab opponents speak always to Reyvateils, so that one is constantly in guard position, this is normal. It used to be from time to time so only. However, the preparation time for this falls away. Jenachdem one is as good itself, can be reached at defending any damage up to the full damage protector and Reyvateil.
The element related to magic is unfortunately still not as strong, such as in Final Fantasy. (Strengths / weaknesses)

- There are not so many choices the characters to specialize themselves. Previously you could improve armor or spells with crystals, which no longer exists now. Only Reyvateil can not take in a similar process as before, effects of crystals by chance. Ie that one has to refer to the light status differences alone in selecting the active party members.

- The one on the magic, often there is only strong, stronger, strongest. In 1er I like the songs to a specialized function determine what no longer is. In return, the developers have come up with something different: songs may change depending on the combat warfare and develop other strengths / skills!

- The depth of the story and the characters has increased. Even the main character is no longer as simple knit. Ever for that matter, really is a game now more like a Japanese dating sim (who knows the genre) before, because it is extremely dialogue-heavy. It seems to me as if the battles were more secondary. So who does not want to read a lot, had better leave it alone!
Besides these, I personally find the characters not as lovable, but that is probably a matter of opinion. I think it is because the female characters are no longer so blindly fired and foolish. But I fehlts somehow more flirtations between Reyvateil / main character. Well may be that I'm just on Level 5 of the Cosmo sphere ...

- The crafting system still occupies an important position and has also been further developed. But ranks fall away, all developments have the same price and quality. In addition, you should better not want to understand how the ingredients should lead to the final product. The items produced bring a genuine smile ^^

All in all, you realize really that worked very much at stake. The changes since the previous times are good times bad, but all with the aim to make the game more enjoyable and exciting for the players. And the best things make up the Tonelico are anyway remained. For me, anyway Ar Tonelico is for RPGs unique, iconic and absolutely addicting game! Long-term gaming fun 1A