Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia

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Ar-Tonelico: Melody of Elemia / Ar-Tonelico: Sekai no Owari de Utai Tsuzukeru Shoujo
Developer(s)	Gust
Publisher(s)	NIS America/Banpresto
Picture format	480i (SDTV)
Release date(s)	January 26, 2006 February 6, 2007
Genre(s)	RPG
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESRB: T
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2
Media	DVD
Input	DualShock 2

Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia (アルトネリコ, Aru toneriko^?) is a collaborational media-mix work produced by a team of Banpresto and Gust. It is comprised of the PlayStation 2 game "Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia", the comic "Ar tonelico -arpeggio-", the OVA "Ar tonelico", and several drama CDs.

The story begins on the floating landmass named Sol Ciel (ソル・シエール) with a tower named Ar tonelico of extreme height and is mainly about a particular relationship between humans and an artificial race called Reyvateil (レーヴァテイル).

At E3 2006, Nippon Ichi Software America (NIS America) announced that it would pick up Ar tonelico, with an expected release date on October 31, 2006.^[1] However, that release was delayed until February 6, 2007.^[2]

Contents 1 World 1.1 Sol Ciel 1.2 Reyvateil 1.3 Ar Tonelico 1.4 The Hymmnos Language 2 Game 2.1 Battle System 2.1.1 Harmonics 2.1.2 Song Magic 2.2 Characters 2.2.1 Playable characters 2.2.2 Other characters 2.3 Hymns 2.3.1 Artists 3 Animation 4 Audio CDs 4.1 Soundtrack 4.2 Drama 5 Reception 6 Trivia & Tidbits 7 References 8 External links and Sources

[edit] World

[edit] Sol Ciel

The world of Sol Ciel (which translates to Shining Sky in the game's own language) consists only of the tower "Ar Tonelico", and a landmass connected to the lower portion of the tower, known as "The Wings of Horus". The Wings of Horus are kept afloat over the clouds by a large generator below it. Further down the tower lies "the Sea of Death", which effectively operates as an endless storm, capable of ripping apart all known technology. The sky in the upper sections of the tower are covered by an area of plasma called the Blast Line. Whilst life on the planet was originally earth-like with clean air and most of the population living on the ground, a disaster caused by Ar Tonelico's source of power -- Grathnodes -- going out of control destroyed most of the ground and violently erupted, creating the Blast Line, effectively limiting life to the tower itself. This disaster was known as the "Grathnode Inferia". A second disaster, caused by an uprising of the race called "Reyvateils", resulted in the destruction of one of Ar Tonelico's power generators, resulting in half of The Wings of Horus falling into the Sea of Death. At the point the game takes place, the majority of The Wings of Horus is controlled by one of two major organizations: The Church of Elemia, and The Tenba Conglomerate.

[edit] Reyvateil

Reyvateils are a manufactured race, originally created to maintain Ar Tonelico. They're designed to be human in all apparent ways, except in their lifespan and their ability to communicate with Ar Tonelico to create "Song Magic". It should also be noted that there are no known male Reyvateils, even when humans and Reyvateils have children. All Reyvateils possess an "Install Point" in the form of a marking somewhere on their body, which allows Grathnodes to be installed into their bodies to further power up the effects of their Song Magic.

Though the population size of Reyvateil is small, they can be distinguished into several classes by their blood purity.

Origin, β-type and the 3rd generation

Reyvateils can be classified into three different categories. Origin Reyvateils are "the original" Reyvateils, created with a specific purpose in mind, with a perfect connection to the tower. Origin Reyvateils are apparently immortal, though their connection to the tower means that if Ar Tonelico is ever shut down, they "die". The pure-blooded "β-types" are manufactured much like Origin Reyvateils, but the technology used to produce them is significantly less advanced, leaving them as "mortal", though they still live significantly longer than humans. Third generation Reyvateils are the result of humans and Reyvateils "cross-breeding", and due to the effects of the power of Ar Tonelico running through their bodies, tend to have a life-span of about 20 years at best. Because of their short lifespans, many 3rd generation Reyvateils join either the church of Elemia (Japanese: Jere Jermiah) or Tenba (Japanese: Tenba) to obtain a life prolonging substance called "Diquility."

[edit] Ar Tonelico

The tower is the center of the world of Sol Ciel, and is made technology dated from before the Grathnode Inferia. People have become dependent on Ar Tonelico after losing the sky and the land below to the two disasters of the past. Due to Ar Tonelico's nature as a program, "Viruses" have formed within the tower, and through usage of a technique called "Flip-Flop Conversion", are capable of taking a physical form within the tower and attack people. As a result, the Apostles of Elemia were founded to watch over the entry point for these viruses, and many people climb the tower to obtain some of the ancient culture scattered throughout the tower. The middle of the tower is inhabited by a race of people called the "Teru Tribe". Their city is called "Em Pheyna" and they're known for their ability to use "Magic" without the apparent need for a Reyvateil. Near the top of the Ar Tonelico is the city "Platina", where the Apostles of Elemia are based. Platina is considered to be a holy sanctuary for the Church of Elemia, in spite of the fact that there's no actual way to reach Platina from the Wings of Horus.

[edit] The Hymmnos Language

The Hymmnos language is a language from the time before the two catastophies and used by Reyvateils to interface with the tower. Throughout the game is uses its own unique typeset. Though is used to be a universal language, it was lost through the ages and is nowadays only used for hymns, but the original translations are unknown. It is mainly audible to the player as background music during decisive battles, as well as in the opening and the ending songs, but also during some ingame sequences. Although it is a made up language for the game, it is translatable and not just pure gibberish. Hymmnos' grammar is similar to English and many words seem to be taken from existing languages, mainly French, English and Latin. The game's soundtracks' booklets even feature translations of the Hymmnos parts of almost every song in the game.

[edit] Game

[edit] Battle System

Ar tonelico features a round-based battle system alike to those of the Atelier Iris series. The fighting party consists of up to three fighters in the front plus one Reyvateil in the back. The Reyvateil can't attack directly, but rather charges up different spells by singing and releasing the thus accumulated energy for offensive or defensive purposes. She also can't be attacked directly, instead an enemy will target her and one round later attack, giving the player time to protect her.

[edit] Harmonics

At the bottom of the screen during battle there are two bars which indicate the current "Harmonics", meaning how well the Reyvateil and the rest of the party currently harmonize. One bar grows from the left with each successful attack from the fighters, the other from the right with each successful attack from the Reyvateil. When both bars meet the party's attacks become stonger and the player powers up one Harmocrystal which opens up new special attacks for the front row party - stacking up to a maximum of three. Successful enemy attacks will deplete the bar and can cause the power level to fall, should one of the two bars fall below zero. If an enemy targets a Reyvatiel and the front row party successfully defends, they have the option to use one Harmocrystal to execute a powerful counter attack.

[edit] Song Magic

Song magic makes for an essential part of the battle system. The Reyvateil can charge up a spell by chanting, depleting her MP over time. The strength of the spell depends on the amount of time it was charged and is indicated by four different visual stages during charging or release. While offensive spells only have an effect after releasing, supporting spells, such as healing and status enhancing chants, offer their benefit for the whole time they are sung, growing stronger over time. After a spell is released or aborted, the Reyvateil's MP gradually replete without player interaction, but he can give her special items to instantanously restore some MP, even during chanting.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Playable characters

Lyner Barsett (ライナー・バルセルト, Rainā Baruseruto^?)

Lyner is an energetic teenager. He was born in Platina, a city situated on the mid-upper level of the tower. Fathered by the gouvenour of Platina, Lyner has access to the local Government. However, being bored by it, he joined the Knights of Platina. Because of his natural-born talent, he was promoted to the Knights of Elemia and protects the city with Shurelia.

Voiced by: Masahide Fuse

Misha Arsellec Lune (ミシャ・アルトセルク・リューン, Misha Arutoseruku Ryūn^?)

Misha is a β pure-blood Reyvateil, also known to the Teru tribe as the "Hoshiyomi", or "Star Singer". Having a pure bloodline, she is able to cast much more powerful spells. Her main purpose in life is to sing the song "Chronicle Key" to suppress Mir. She is also a good cook. She seems dispassionate, composed, but sometimes childish. She suffers from acrophobia, and is also quite a klutz.

Misha's specialties are thunder and ice magic.

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese), Karen Strassman (English)
Hymns Voiced by: Akiko Shikata

Aurica Nestmile (オリカ・ネストミール, Orika Nesutomīru^?)

Aurica is a a 3rd generation Reyvateil, born between a human and a Reyvateil. She is classified as a Class-D Reyvateil, the lowest rank of Reyvateils.

A few years ago, her home, Skuwat Village, was attacked by the Teru tribe, and her parents have gone missing in the process. She was later told that they have died but she has not seen their bodies firsthand. This causes a harsh mental trauma for her. After that, she joins the Church of El Elemia to work as a Reyvateil, in hopes of becoming one of the Holy Maidens.

Aurica seems to specialize in fire and wind magic.

Voiced by: Ui Miyazaki (Japanese), Kari Wahlgren (English)
Hymns Voiced by: Haruka Shimotsuki

Shurelia (シュレリア, Shureria^?)

Shurelia is the administrator of Platina, and the leader of the Knights of Elemia. As her direct subordinate, Lyner both admires and respects her. Although it is well-known that she is a Reyvateil, and a very powerful one at that, the identity of her Reyvateil type is left as a mystery for most of the game. It is only revealed partway through Phase 3 that she is in fact a Reyvateil Origin, meaning she is a first-generation Reyvateil, and in terms of sheer power, is second only to Mir.

Voiced by: Sakai Kanako
Hymn Voiced by: Mitose Noriko

Jack Hamilton (ジャック・ハミルトン, Jakku Hamiruton^?)

Jack is a wandering gunman, and is the first person in the Lower World Lyner meets. His real name is Harmonica, and he is a former member of the Teru Tribe, who had been searching for Misha for six years.

Voiced by: Nobutoshi Canna (Japanese), Spike Spencer (English)

Krusche Elendia (クルシェ・エレンディア, Kurushe Erendia^?)

Krusche is a Grathmelder specializing in airship repairs. She also does the repairs for Jack's arm, and has quite the competitive streak, especially around Misha.

Voiced by: Yoshino Nanjo

Radolf Schnaizen (ラードルフ・シュナイゼン, Rādorufu Shunaizen^?)

Radolf is a cardinal in the El Elemia Church, and their best swordsman. He has looked after Aurica for some time.

Voiced by: Masakazu Handa (Japanese), Vic Mignogna (English)

Ayatane Michitaka (絢胤 箕嵩 (アヤタネ・ミチタカ), Ayatane Michitaka^?)

Ayatane is a Knight of Elemia, and Lyner's best friend. He seems to have great admiration for Shurelia, possibly even romantic feelings for her.

Voiced by: Kibe Shouta (Japanese), Liam O'Brien (English)

[edit] Other characters

Claire Branch (クレア・ブランチ, Kurea Buranchi^?)

Friend of Aurica. She comes from the same village as Aurica. She is currently a bartender in the Airport City. She plays the lute.

Voiced by: Yuka Shioyama (Japanese), Wendee Lee (English)
Hymns Voiced by: Yuko Ishibashi

Bourd Rade (ボルド・レード, Borudo Rēdo^?)

Antagonist of the game in the beginning. Works for Tenba. He also plots with Kyle Clancy (Bishop Falss)to reawaken MIR in phase 2 after Aurica gains the Hymn Crystal [Linker] .

Voiced by: Kawai Tomoya (Japanese), Richard Epcar (English)

Donsuke (Don Leon) (どんすけ, Donsuke^?)

Mind Guardian for Aurica. Originally distrusting, but he is helpful inside the Cosmosphere. He looks like a stuffed lion with quirky objects and a sword hilt on his hip.

Voiced by: Nobutoshi Canna (Japanese), Dave Wittenberg (English)

Hama (波摩, Hama^?)

Mind Guardian for Misha. She has black hair and cat ears, as well as bells. She is always seen with an ocarina.

Voiced by: Ui Miyazaki (Japanese), Mona Marshall (English)

Spica Neal (スピカ・ニール, Supika Nīru^?)

A merchant with wide resources available. She is originally met in Firefly Alley with Misha, and she is the best source of Grathnode Crystals all over the game.

Voiced by: Jun Miruno

Lyra Ross Reitel (リルラ・ロス・レーテル), Rirura Rosu Rēteru^?)

Voiced by: Jun Miruno (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)

Leard Barsett (レアード・バルセルト, Reādo Baruseruto^?)

Lyner's father and governor of Platina.

Voiced by: Banjō Ginga (Japanese), Kirk Thornton (English)

Flute Ross Loria (フラウト・ロス・ロリア, Furauto Rosu Roria^?)

The chief of the Teru Tribe.

Voiced by: Shōta Kibe

Tastiella de Lu (タスティエーラ・デ・ルゥ, Tasutiēra De Rū^?)

Voiced by: Yoshino Nanjō

Bishop Falss (ファルス司祭, Farusu Shisai^?)

Voiced by: Susumu Kaseda (Japanese), Jamieson Price (English)

Ayano Raizer Elduke (亜耶乃・ライザー・エルデューク, Ayano Raizā Erudūku^?)

Voiced by: Yuka Shioyama

Mei-Mei (メイメイ, Meimei]^?)

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)

Gertzheln Luke Rald (ガルツベルン・ルク・ラルド, Garutsuberun Ruku Rarudo^?)

(C.V.:Unknown)

Mir (ミュール, Myūru^?)

Voiced by: Ui Miyazaki (Japanese), Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (English)

[edit] Hymns

[edit] Artists

Hymns are powerful, it can be used for killing and healing. In the story, the Reyvateils practice magic by “singing it". Moreover, these hymns "coincide" with the songs sung by singers: Akiko Shikata (志方あきこ), Haruka Shimotsuki (霜月はるか), and Noriko Mitose (みとせのりこ).

Of the trio, two have worked on theme songs to other RPGs. Haruka Shimotsuki is well-known for singing "Byakuya Gensoudan" (白夜幻想譚), the theme song to "Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana" (イリスのアトリエ～エターナルマナ～), and "ETERNAL STORY", the theme song to its sequel, "Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny" (イリスのアトリエ～エターナルマナ2～). She is slated to sing the theme song to the upcoming game "Atelier Iris: Grand Fantasm" as well.

Noriko Mitose has sung the theme to another well-known RPG: "Chrono Cross". Its theme song is "RADICAL DREAMERS ~Nezumenai Houseki~" (RADICAL DREAMERS～盗めない宝石～).

[edit] Animation

The OVA for Ar tonelico was released on March 22, 2006. The OVA follows for the most part the first few hours of game play; the end of the OVA does not represent any part of the game aside from battle mechanics. The OVA also shows just the adventure side of the story, leaving out most of the romantic and drama aspects of the game.

[edit] Audio CDs

[edit] Soundtrack

• アルトネリコ Original Soundtrack / Ar tonelico Original Soundtrack

• 「月奏~ツキカナデ」-Ar tonelico hymmnos concert Side 紅- / Ar tonelico Hymmnos concert Side Crimson -Song for the Moon ~Tsukikanade~-

• 「星詠み～ホシヨミ」-Ar tonelico hymmnos concert Side 蒼- / Ar tonelico Hymmnos concert Side Blue -Chant for the Stars ~Hoshiyomi~-

The original soundtrack includes all music from the game, but lacks all hymns except for the opening and the ending songs. They can instead be found on the concert side CDs, along with some additional songs not present in the game.

[edit] Drama

• ドラマCD「アルトネリコ」 第1巻 side.オリカ - Orica

• ドラマCD「アルトネリコ」 第2巻 side.彌紗 - Misya

• ドラマCD「アルトネリコ」 第3巻 side.シュレリア - Shureria

• ドラマCD「アルトネリコ」 第4巻 side.Extra

• クレア ～そよかぜの約束～ Ar tonelico hymmnos musical - Claire

• スピカ ～心が紡ぐ贈りもの～ Ar tonelico hymmnos musical - Spica

[edit] Reception

Ar tonelico has been criticized across the board for being 'too easy' and not presenting much of a challenge. GameSpot said "There's no challenge whatsoever to the battles, constant use of overt sexual innuendo isn't the least bit clever or entertaining, and the courtship aspect of the game makes very little sense," with IGN chiming in that "Some game flaws in standard RPG elements, like the battle system and exploration keep this from being a stand out game." On the other hand, it has been looked upon kindly by other members of the press, with VGRC saying "If you're looking for the next epic RPG, you will not find it here. However, if you want something fresh in this tired and stale genre, Ar tonelico will most certainly deliver." It was also given an 8/10 by Deeko.com, stating "It is easily one of the more light hearted role playing games on the market and the characters are interesting, to boot, but it is the unique way in which you interact with characters that truly makes this title stand out."

[edit] Trivia & Tidbits

• During the last level of the Cosmosphere of both Aurica and Misha, there is a bonus level called Level E. This world is a reference to the worlds of Atelier Marie and Atelier Elie made by GUST in reference to the Atelier series.

[edit] References

[edit] External links and Sources

• Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia Official English website
• Ar tonelico Official Japanese Web Site
• Ar tonelico Hymmno Server