Mana Khemia PS2

[mailman187666]

Has anybody been playing this game at all? I ordered that premium box set from rosenqueen.com. I only played it for about a half hour or so because I'm kind of addicted to crisis core, but so far it seems alright. The voice acting in it is pretty over the top for some of the characters but the art seems pretty good and having it upscaled on the PS3 makes it look pretty nice. So far I like this game but I need to play more because I haven't even gotten into the real meat of the game yet.

On a side note, those who pre-ordered the premium box edition, it seems to be selling quite well so far on ebay. Some listings are selling between $70-$200, and as far as completed listings go, there have already been a couple buy it nows that sold for between $109-$150.

[lendelin]

On a side note, those who pre-ordered the premium box edition, it seems to be selling quite well so far on ebay. Some listings are selling between $70-$200, and as far as completed listings go, there have already been a couple buy it nows that sold for between $109-$150.

You never know, but my guess is that it won't sell so well after the first couple of hysterical buys are over.

Already there are thirty of them listed. They don't go well for over a hundred; most of them seem to settle for around 80 already. Some of the high priced auctions completed are obviously artificially spiked, and so are some of the ones still being in progress.

It seems that too many of the boxes were sold with reselling in mind. They will be easily available for well under $100 weeks from now, too many offerings at once decreases the price.

...and I don't know if this affects the price at all, but it might be that the Rosenqueen edition isn't an independent, alternate edition after all.

If the box with the figurine comes just separately with the smaller box every retailer gets w/o having the game in special in-box packaging/content, THEN the box is just a separately shipped pre-order item that comes with the common box set.

Is there something else in the oversized box than the Jessica figurine?...and what is exactly in the other smaller box?

[TonyTheTiger]

Rosenqueen was selling this for cheaper than they would have been expected to. The same collector's package was sold in Japan sans music CD and cost about $100. Add in the fact that so few were made and $80-$100 for this isn't really much of a gouge. It's just up compared to the initial $50 price Rosenqueen was charging. $200 is just crazy though.

I would like to know, myself, how the smaller box compares to the on-the-shelf copy being sold. If there are differences beyond the big outer box and bonus figurine then I might take the plunge. But if there aren't any other differences, I'll just buy the normal copy. It's really the difference between whether or not this is going to be a case of "this PS2 release only had 1,000 printed copies" or something less significant.

[mailman187666]

if the retail version of this game includes a soundtrack CD and comes in an 'Ar Tonelico' style outer box, then you are getting the same thing with the limited package. On the box for the figure, it has NTSC-J on it as well, so its as if the figure wasn't intended to be released in the states. The box also has PS2 logos all over it. I preordered it, thinking it was all going to be in one box, but I was mistaken. I may just keep the game and sell off the figure or something to somebody who only bought the game but wants the complete limited package. I may hold onto it for a while also and see if the game gains any form of popularity out of nowhere also. If not, hey, I got 1 of 1000.

[Bojay1997]

The version available from Amazon and other retailers is identical to what I got from Rosenqueen. The only additional item was the figure in a Japanese box. I think once people figure out that this really isn't a limited edition and is really just a bonus for pre-orders identical to what the Japanese market got, the prices will fall. Heck, if I could sell my figure for enough to cover what I paid for the game, I would do it since it's not even an American version premium.

[lendelin]

The version available from Amazon and other retailers is identical to what I got from Rosenqueen. The only additional item was the figure in a Japanese box. I think once people figure out that this really isn't a limited edition and is really just a bonus for pre-orders identical to what the Japanese market got, the prices will fall. Heck, if I could sell my figure for enough to cover what I paid for the game, I would do it since it's not even an American version premium.

I think with your info and the info from mailman it is pretty clear that the box with the figurine is nothing more than a pre-order item.

It is unclear if that influnces the price or de-evaluates the package for collectors (certainly not for the gamers who are interested in figurines). But my guess is that it won't be in such high demand if it can't be regarded as an edition variant. For completist collectors it isn't certainly a must-buy, and probably they spend their money now on other pricey items they really need.

Rosenqueen was intentionally very unclear about the thing. It might have been that the game comes in the oversized box (which would have made it a variant) maybe with some special pckaging; but as it stands the oversized box is just part of a pre-order package dubbed an 'edition' like Rosenqueen uses so often for other pre-order packages.

Not really bad considering that we still get the regular cardboard box and get the limited box with the figurine for just ten dollars more paying the usual $50 like for other special sets.

[Bojay1997]

I think with your info and the info from mailman it is pretty clear that the box with the figurine is nothing more than a pre-order item.

It is unclear if that influnces the price or de-evaluates the package for collectors (certainly not for the gamers who are interested in figurines). But my guess is that it won't be in such high demand if it can't be regarded as an edition variant. For completist collectors it isn't certainly a must-buy, and probably they spend their money now on other pricey items they really need.

Rosenqueen was intentionally very unclear about the thing. It might have been that the game comes in the oversized box (which would have made it a variant) maybe with some special pckaging; but as it stands the oversized box is just part of a pre-order package dubbed an 'edition' like Rosenqueen uses so often for other pre-order packages.

Not really bad considering that we still get the regular cardboard box and get the limited box with the figurine for just ten dollars more paying the usual $50 like for other special sets.

I agree with everything that you said, except that Rosenqueen was intentionally unclear. As I posted here and at Cheapassgamer.com, I contacted them before I pre-ordered and they were honest about the fact that this was just the Japanese premium in a Japanese box and that the actual game everyone was getting was the same as what would be available at retail. In the hype, everyone disregarded my posts which is fine, but I really don't like the fact that people are now acting all disappointed.

[RadiantSvgun]

I picked up my pre-order from gamestop today. Here is what it comes with:

"Original Soundtrack featuring 33 songs from the game!"

"Beautiful and rare Mini-Poster!"

"Reversible CD cover Insert!"

"Weapon Stat Cheat Sheet!"

I haven't opened it yet, but thats directly quoting the back of the box.

[lendelin]

I agree with everything that you said, except that Rosenqueen was intentionally unclear. As I posted here and at Cheapassgamer.com, I contacted them before I pre-ordered and they were honest about the fact that this was just the Japanese premium in a Japanese box and that the actual game everyone was getting was the same as what would be available at retail. In the hype, everyone disregarded my posts which is fine, but I really don't like the fact that people are now acting all disappointed.

I remember well your posts here and on Cheapassgamer; it ws the best information we could get; maybe I read it wrong, but for me it was still not clear if the game was packaged in the oversized box, or the common retailer box would somehow ship separetely or stashed in side the oversized box; they weren't clear about it on their site (therefore your call), and still unclear when they changed a bit of the text later on.

I'm not disappointed at all since the thing was unclear from the beginning; I'm just interested in the issue because 1) I get the little thingie, and 2) if I have to make two entries (one regular edition, one variant edition) in the list of the RPGs for the PS2.

[lendelin]

I picked up my pre-order from gamestop today. Here is what it comes with:

"Original Soundtrack featuring 33 songs from the game!"

"Beautiful and rare Mini-Poster!"

"Reversible CD cover Insert!"

"Weapon Stat Cheat Sheet!"

I haven't opened it yet, but thats directly quoting the back of the box.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

[TonyTheTiger]

This is what confused me.

What's this about?

Please note that Mana Khemia will be available at other retailers, and will feature on outer box that will contain the game box, mini-poster and soundtrack only. Also, due to the size of the outer box, it will not fit in the Limited Edition Collector's Box that comes with the Scholarship Box Set.

http://www.rosenqueen.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=219

If this version just has the standard retail box inside why are they saying the standard retail box won't fit inside?

[RadiantSvgun]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

No problem! Also, here is the rest of the back of the box description:

"Combat courses help develop your personal strengths."

"Al-Revis celebrates racial diversity of every kind."

"Work with your personal assistants for your alchemic research."

Looks like it should be a good title to play in the summer.

[mailman187666]

This is what confused me.

What's this about?

Please note that Mana Khemia will be available at other retailers, and will feature on outer box that will contain the game box, mini-poster and soundtrack only. Also, due to the size of the outer box, it will not fit in the Limited Edition Collector's Box that comes with the Scholarship Box Set.

http://www.rosenqueen.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=219

If this version just has the standard retail box inside why are they saying the standard retail box won't fit inside?

I think what they are saying is the standard retail box (for the game) won't fit inside the box for the figure to make it all one package. It was basically saying you get two items shipped in one shipping package.

[TonyTheTiger]

Wow, so it really is just a preorder bonus in the strictest sense. Like the Ghaleon punching puppet.

[Bojay1997]

Wow, so it really is just a preorder bonus in the strictest sense. Like the Ghaleon punching puppet.

That's exactly right.

[Aussie2B]

No, no, no, the figure is NOT a pre-order bonus, at least other than in the sense of how Rosenqueen was offering it. The figure is in fact a gutted version of the Japanese Premium Box. It was a limited edition of the game released in Japan for over 10,000 yen (~$100), and for whatever reason, the US branch of Nippon Ichi acquired the box sets, removed the Japanese version of the game (or maybe that's how they received them, who knows), and voila, an extra, special item to offer to its customers.

It's not as limited as they made it out to be since obviously the Japanese got the same thing (but these limited box sets are always produced it pretty small quantities over there), but it's still a great deal, even more so now that we know what's going on. Essentially, we got everything the Japanese did and MORE for half as much money (just with a different region game). Heck, if anyone is interested, I bet you could even piece together a complete Premium Box by buying the Japanese version of the game. There's a possibility that it might have different packaging from the stand-alone Japanese release, but I doubt it considering the Japanese box doesn't seem to mention anything about a special cover or what have you.

[TurboGenesis]

I just get my game (and DJ strat guide) today :D

My question is, are they all have bilingual box and instructions?

[TonyTheTiger]

No, no, no, the figure is NOT a pre-order bonus, at least other than in the sense of how Rosenqueen was offering it. The figure is in fact a gutted version of the Japanese Premium Box. It was a limited edition of the game released in Japan for over 10,000 yen (~$100), and for whatever reason, the US branch of Nippon Ichi acquired the box sets, removed the Japanese version of the game (or maybe that's how they received them, who knows), and voila, an extra, special item to offer to its customers.

It's not as limited as they made it out to be since obviously the Japanese got the same thing (but these limited box sets are always produced it pretty small quantities over there), but it's still a great deal, even more so now that we know what's going on. Essentially, we got everything the Japanese did and MORE for half as much money (just with a different region game). Heck, if anyone is interested, I bet you could even piece together a complete Premium Box by buying the Japanese version of the game. There's a possibility that it might have different packaging from the stand-alone Japanese release, but I doubt it considering the Japanese box doesn't seem to mention anything about a special cover or what have you.

Yeah, it does sound like they just got a handful of Japanese boxes and figurines and set it up as a limited edition but if all you're getting in the end is the standard game release with a completely separate entity (the big box and figurine) then doesn't that separate entity mean there's really only one "version" of the game? You wouldn't say that there are two versions of Lunar...the one that came with the punching puppet and the one that didn't.

Maybe "preorder bonus" is the wrong term as Rosenqueen set it up as a separate sale from the standalone version. "Bundle" might be a more appropriate term here. Either way, it's no different than if they sold the normal game for $40 and then sold this item separately for $10. Bundling them together gave the air of a special edition but in the end isn't anything too special.

[Aussie2B]

I wouldn't call it a separate release of the US game, but the analogy to the Ghaleon puppet doesn't apply. As it was conceived, the figure with the box is NOT a pre-order item, as it's a separate release of the game all together for a different region except the game it normally comes with is missing. The Ghaleon puppet, on the other hand, was created AS a pre-order bonus. I mean, Rosequeen could've thrown in a box of Cheerios with the order, but I wouldn't call a box of Cheerios a pre-order promo item (unless it came in a special box, heh).

[Bojay1997]

No, no, no, the figure is NOT a pre-order bonus, at least other than in the sense of how Rosenqueen was offering it. The figure is in fact a gutted version of the Japanese Premium Box. It was a limited edition of the game released in Japan for over 10,000 yen (~$100), and for whatever reason, the US branch of Nippon Ichi acquired the box sets, removed the Japanese version of the game (or maybe that's how they received them, who knows), and voila, an extra, special item to offer to its customers.

It's not as limited as they made it out to be since obviously the Japanese got the same thing (but these limited box sets are always produced it pretty small quantities over there), but it's still a great deal, even more so now that we know what's going on. Essentially, we got everything the Japanese did and MORE for half as much money (just with a different region game). Heck, if anyone is interested, I bet you could even piece together a complete Premium Box by buying the Japanese version of the game. There's a possibility that it might have different packaging from the stand-alone Japanese release, but I doubt it considering the Japanese box doesn't seem to mention anything about a special cover or what have you.

Sure it is. It's no different than an art book or a soundtrack CD or any of the other pre-order bonuses which have been coming with RPGs in the United States from certain retailers since the Playstation One. The game itself is shrinkwrapped and self-contained with all of the premium items in an English box with the exception of a separate Japanese box which houses a figure. You can order an identical game and premium items from Amazon or Gamestop. You can't order the figure and Japanese box, but it has no connection to the English release other than that Rosenqueen got a hold of 1,000 of them and decided to create a bundle for $10 extra. It doesn't require a separate entry as it is exactly the same as any other pre-order bundle. If it helps, you can think of it as similar to the Sonic Birthday pack which came with the US and Japanese release of Sonic Adventure 2. Separate from the game, but included if you pre-ordered. That doesn't get a separate entry in Dreamcast lists and neither should this pack.

[josekortez]

Has anyone actually played the game? I'm trying to find out if it's good or not. I will probably pick this one up from Gamestop since even the regular version seems to have a "Persona 3" air about it, but I will be purchasing to play...eventually.

[Aussie2B]

Sure it is. It's no different than an art book or a soundtrack CD or any of the other pre-order bonuses which have been coming with RPGs in the United States from certain retailers since the Playstation One. The game itself is shrinkwrapped and self-contained with all of the premium items in an English box with the exception of a separate Japanese box which houses a figure. You can order an identical game and premium items from Amazon or Gamestop. You can't order the figure and Japanese box, but it has no connection to the English release other than that Rosenqueen got a hold of 1,000 of them and decided to create a bundle for $10 extra. It doesn't require a separate entry as it is exactly the same as any other pre-order bundle. If it helps, you can think of it as similar to the Sonic Birthday pack which came with the US and Japanese release of Sonic Adventure 2. Separate from the game, but included if you pre-ordered. That doesn't get a separate entry in Dreamcast lists and neither should this pack.

I wasn't arguing that it deserved a separate entry. I already stated that Rosenqueen was offering it as a pre-order bonus (well, in a vague way, but it's clear to us that's what they were doing), but I wanted to explain the true nature and origins of the figure and box. It would be a disservice to collectors if they were lead to believe that it is exactly the same as a little soundtrack or art book that is produced solely with the intention of giving it out as a free promotional item.

[TonyTheTiger]

Rosenqueen is being a bit cheeky with the claims that there are only 1,000. Clearly if these items are identical to the Japanese counterpart then obviously there are more. It'd be like me importing 20 copies of some Japanese only release and saying "There are only 20! Get them while you can!"

[Bojay1997]

I wasn't arguing that it deserved a separate entry. I already stated that Rosenqueen was offering it as a pre-order bonus (well, in a vague way, but it's clear to us that's what they were doing), but I wanted to explain the true nature and origins of the figure and box. It would be a disservice to collectors if they were lead to believe that it is exactly the same as a little soundtrack or art book that is produced solely with the intention of giving it out as a free promotional item.

From my perspective, a promo item made especially for the US market would have been very welcome. The fact that they gutted a Japanese market version of the outer game box and gave us the same figure doesn't make it special, just weird. This is just recycling an item that was never intended for this market and all they really had to do was to produce a US market box which would have qualified it as special in my opinion. As it stands, I have no idea if they printed extras, recycled unsold items or knew all along they were going to do this. Whatever the case, it just feels like an afterthought and I hope other RPG makers don't follow suit.

[Poofta!]

im glad i got it. yes i was a little missled but whatever, got a nippon ichi game + nice figure in box for retail + $10. today i saw the 1 copy the local gamestop received get gutted and shoved on the shelf while the idiot manager tried to shoved 2 dvd cases into the cartboard box to give it strenght, while not understanding that they didnt both fit so he ripped it. made me apppreciate my minty sealed copy + pretty figure box so much more...



god i have getting new stuff at gamestop, unless you reserve it and the manager knows you and wont fuck with it.

[Daria]

From my perspective, a promo item made especially for the US market would have been very welcome. The fact that they gutted a Japanese market version of the outer game box and gave us the same figure doesn't make it special, just weird. This is just recycling an item that was never intended for this market and all they really had to do was to produce a US market box which would have qualified it as special in my opinion. As it stands, I have no idea if they printed extras, recycled unsold items or knew all along they were going to do this. Whatever the case, it just feels like an afterthought and I hope other RPG makers don't follow suit.

Yeah I hate it when my games come packaged with high quality figures for only a $10 mark-up. That shit sucks. The Japanese should keep their boxes scribbled on in moon language. The really should have paid more (and subsequantly charged more) for a region exclusive case.

Really though, I don't see what all the fuss was about. I knew exactly what I was buying. Got exactly what I ordered. And as someone who has really enjoyed the series, am thrilled to have something to display from it. I'm sorry for everyone who was hoping to cash in big for a $50 investment. Perhaps you'd have more luck with the stock market.

[Bojay1997]

Yeah I hate it when my games come packaged with high quality figures for only a $10 mark-up. That shit sucks. The Japanese should keep their boxes scribbled on in moon language. The really should have paid more (and subsequantly charged more) for a region exclusive case.

Really though, I don't see what all the fuss was about. I knew exactly what I was buying. Got exactly what I ordered. And as someone who has really enjoyed the series, am thrilled to have something to display from it. I'm sorry for everyone who was hoping to cash in big for a $50 investment. Perhaps you'd have more luck with the stock market.

Actually, if I had purchased the game at Amazon, it would have been $21 cheaper since I had to pay California tax and shipping, as well as the extra $10 for a useless item. I'm not a speculator or someone who bought the package due to the hype. I bought it because I own all of the NIS games and this one looked interesting. I would have paid more for something that was an actual collector's edition for our market rather than just a thrown together package of Japanese market extras or cast-offs. Having said all that, I also knew exactly what I was getting and don't necessarily know why everyone is either overly excited about it or totally disappointed by it.

[mailman187666]

Has anyone actually played the game? I'm trying to find out if it's good or not. I will probably pick this one up from Gamestop since even the regular version seems to have a "Persona 3" air about it, but I will be purchasing to play...eventually.

yes I have played the game and its not really like Persona 3. The art slightly is, but thats about it. Its turn based on a 2d kinda playing field, and exploration is done in an isometric kinda view. It's pretty much the opposite of Valkyrie Profile 2 in a sense, except the battles are put together more like a traditional turn based game. I haven't gotten too far with mixing items and whatnot yet since I haven't played enough of the game, but so far it is fun to play. Story I can't really say anything about yet because I'm too early into the game.

[TonyTheTiger]

I don't think it's a bad thing that they charged only $10 more for a big Japanese box (with Cero rating and all) and a Japanese figurine. In fact, that's a damn good deal and it's no wonder why the people who bought them to resell are making quite a bit more than they paid.

But, given that this is identical to the Japanese items, Rosenqueen was playing games (and subsequently fooling the Ebay sellers and buyers) when they said there were only 1,000 and by being ambiguous over whether or not this was an actual collector's package wholly different than the standard retail release. It wasn't until this thread that I actually understood exactly what the deal was. They weren't lying or anything but they definitely weren't being clear.

[josekortez]

yes I have played the game and its not really like Persona 3. The art slightly is, but thats about it. Its turn based on a 2d kinda playing field, and exploration is done in an isometric kinda view. It's pretty much the opposite of Valkyrie Profile 2 in a sense, except the battles are put together more like a traditional turn based game. I haven't gotten too far with mixing items and whatnot yet since I haven't played enough of the game, but so far it is fun to play. Story I can't really say anything about yet because I'm too early into the game.

Thanks, mailman. I know this is a collector's site, but I think we sometimes get too engrossed in the possible rarity and value of games so much that we don't even care to discuss how they play or how good they are, so I appreciate it. Since I didn't pre-order, I don't particularly care about how rare it is as an investment.

And when I mentioned Persona 3, I was referring to the speculation growing around this game and the possibility that it might be hard to find or more expensive in the future (like Persona 3 is now), which would make me buy it now while it's readily available instead of later. I know it's one of the games in the Atelier Iris series, which is nothing like Persona 3 gameplay-wise...

[Aussie2B]

Rosenqueen is being a bit cheeky with the claims that there are only 1,000. Clearly if these items are identical to the Japanese counterpart then obviously there are more. It'd be like me importing 20 copies of some Japanese only release and saying "There are only 20! Get them while you can!"

Actually, as far as these limited edition Japanese box sets go, it's not unusual for them to be produced in rather small quantities like 1,000 units, but, yeah, if there were 1,000 available to American gamers, there were obviously more total. Although, my guess is that's there's probably no more than, say, 5,000, so it's still very limited in terms of general game releases.

[Daria]

I don't think it's a bad thing that they charged only $10 more for a big Japanese box (with Cero rating and all) and a Japanese figurine. In fact, that's a damn good deal and it's no wonder why the people who bought them to resell are making quite a bit more than they paid.

But, given that this is identical to the Japanese items, Rosenqueen was playing games (and subsequently fooling the Ebay sellers and buyers) when they said there were only 1,000 and by being ambiguous over whether or not this was an actual collector's package wholly different than the standard retail release. It wasn't until this thread that I actually understood exactly what the deal was. They weren't lying or anything but they definitely weren't being clear.

Actually they said they were only taking 1,000 orders. That's a little different then saying that there's only 1,000 in existence.

As for it not being a real collector's edition. The picture of the set clearly showed the standard release beside the figure case. The figure case even has Japanese writing on it. I don't see the deception.

http://www.rosenqueen.com/ProductImages/games/mana_khemia/3D_RQ_pack.jpg

[TonyTheTiger]

The 1,000 orders vs. 1,000 copies is true. I'll concede that. Though that's not stopping everyone on Ebay from misinterpreting it.

I think the "deception" (though that's too strong a word for what I'm aiming at) is that they were vague about how the Collector's Box version differed from the retail release. It wasn't active deception but it was a more passive "let's not explain it as clearly as we could" scenario.

I'm not the smartest person in the world but I think I would have understood their description a bit better if it were more clearly stated. The excerpt from their website I posted on the last page is a good example. It's not a lie but it is worded in a confusing manner. What made things more confusing (at least for me) is that when I'm told there's a big box I assume things go into it. Not that it's a separate big box the game can't fit inside and the game itself comes in a separate smaller box. Clearly my assumption (and probably the assumption of most people as it took this long for me to get a clear answer) is that the Collector's Edition comes with the big box and inside is the figure, game, soundtrack, poster, etc. Their explanation (the excerpt), does little good as it doesn't help to dispel the logical conclusion (though I suppose not in this case) that a big box should have everything inside.

It would have made much more sense if they said something like "Limited to 1,000 orders, buy Mana Khemia and get an additional figurine in it's own deluxe box!" There wouldn't be any confusion with that and it's a pretty easy way to describe the item. NIS isn't stupid. They know their games are collector magnets. I can only imagine the reason they didn't explicitly state that the figurine and big box were a completely separate entity was to allow people to misread and assume that this was going to be a separate SKU.

[Daria]

The 1,000 orders vs. 1,000 copies is true. I'll concede that. Though that's not stopping everyone on Ebay from misinterpreting it.

I think the "deception" (though that's too strong a word for what I'm aiming at) is that they were vague about how the Collector's Box version differed from the retail release. It wasn't active deception but it was a more passive "let's not explain it as clearly as we could" scenario.

I'm not the smartest person in the world but I think I would have understood their description a bit better if it were more clearly stated. The excerpt from their website I posted on the last page is a good example. It's not a lie but it is worded in a confusing manner. What made things more confusing (at least for me) is that when I'm told there's a big box I assume things go into it. Not that it's a separate big box the game can't fit inside and the game itself comes in a separate smaller box. Clearly my assumption (and probably the assumption of most people as it took this long for me to get a clear answer) is that the Collector's Edition comes with the big box and inside is the figure, game, soundtrack, poster, etc. Their explanation (the excerpt), does little good as it doesn't help to dispel the logical conclusion (though I suppose not in this case) that a big box should have everything inside.

It would have made much more sense if they said something like "Limited to 1,000 orders, buy Mana Khemia and get an additional figurine in it's own deluxe box!" There wouldn't be any confusion with that and it's a pretty easy way to describe the item. NIS isn't stupid. They know their games are collector magnets. I can only imagine the reason they didn't explicitly state that the figurine and big box were a completely separate entity was to allow people to misread and assume that this was going to be a separate SKU.

That's true. I can agree with this. :P

Except the separate SKU part. I don't think that it even occurred to them as it being an issue. Hardcore collectors are really a minority. Variant collectors even more so. I think the listing was just plain sloppy. It happens. I doubt it was intentional. They had nothing to gain from being misleading and the CAG hype had to be totally unexpected. I check Rosenquen frequently and shit never sells out that fast.

[lendelin]

The lesson learned -- sometimes there is a cardboard-thin line between a bonus item/bundle set and an edition variant.

If the game were part of the special packaging we had two editions for the game. As it stands the oversized box is a bonus item.

I was very interested in this becasue I wanted to know if I HAVE to get this box in order to get a complete collection, and if I have to make two entries in the list of the PS2 RPGs.

I'm not disappointed at all how it turned out. We got for $10 a figurine and a VERY nice box sold in a very limited quantity in the US. Considering that we paid the same amount for less or the same (Persona 3 and Wild Arms 5) it is a very good deal. I'm not into figurines, but I certainly think that the box is something special and will look very attractive on a shelf.

However, I also think that Rosenqueen was unclear about this so called "Scholarship Edition." The description of the bundle was unclear, everyone would have understood if they had advertised it as the retailer box with items xyz in it plus the oversized box with figurine.

I also think that the box as a 'mere' bonus item will decrease the price of the bundle set maybe not in the short run, but certainly in the long run. As a 'must-have' edition it would be more in demand than as a bundle set.

I already noticed this in my reaction about my Rosenqueen pre-order that still wasn't at my doorsteps. I'd be more concerned if it were a legit second edition.

(btw, Daria, I remember you pre-ordered from Rosenqueen around a day later than me....did you get it already? I, of course, went like always for the cheapest shipping. My account at the Rosenqueen site says just 'Order Complete' like it says since January)

[Daria]

Yeah I got it. I'm not sure when exactly it came in as I have packages shipped to my parents house. But sure enough I stopped in yesterday and it was waiting for me on the couch. I don't remember what shipping I chose, I can't imagine having paid extra as I knew it would already take a month to arrive. :P

[PapaStu]

I had forgotten all about pre-ordering this for the figure when the link was posted quite a while back. I just did the regular reservation (via GameStop) and though it wouldn't have been a bad thing to not get the figure, it being loose (as in not part of a bigger outer box, say like the .Hack//GU Vol. 1 figure) would have bugged me. I must be slipping in my old age of PS2 variant collecting.

At least this isn't like the Armored Core 3 LE that got put out. Big ass bunch of hodgepodge in a big plain white box with a simple sticker saying Armored Core 3 LE.

[mailman187666]

IGN only gave this game like a 5.7 or something. I think this game AT LEAST deserves a 7. Its really not a bad game and although it has some issues, I think it came out great. I couldn't put it down last night and stayed up till about 1:30 am when I had to be in work for 8. I don't normally do that.

[TurboGenesis]

IGN only gave this game like a 5.7 or something. I think this game AT LEAST deserves a 7. Its really not a bad game and although it has some issues, I think it came out great. I couldn't put it down last night and stayed up till about 1:30 am when I had to be in work for 8. I don't normally do that.

I've not started it up yet (finishing up Metroit II and a little F-Zero GX) but with a weekend off I plan to dive in.

How is it in compare to Atelier Iris games (the first two-USA)?
I really enjoy the Atelier Iris games and have played both to completion (have not open up Grand Fantasim :embarrassed: )

[mailman187666]

I've not started it up yet (finishing up Metroit II and a little F-Zero GX) but with a weekend off I plan to dive in.

How is it in compare to Atelier Iris games (the first two-USA)?
I really enjoy the Atelier Iris games and have played both to completion (have not open up Grand Fantasim :embarrassed: )

I can honestly say I haven't played any Atelier Iris games, so I can't make any form of comparison. If you want to think of it as its own game, then I think it is pretty fun to play. One of the things that I've heard for reviews is the alchemy and synthesis part of it is a little watered down compared to the Atelier Iris games. The leveling up system is similar to the sphere grid in FFX. Except in this game you have to synthesize a specific item before it lets you unlock the raised stats it gives. I kinda like it.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[Aussie2B]

It is limited. It's Japan's limited edition, retail release of the game, except the game itself is missing. It's just not AS limited as Rosenqueen made it seem.

I didn't play a whole ton of it yet, but for what little I tried, it seems like a decent, if not derivative, RPG. It gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling of a dating sim. :P I was a little disappointed with the graphics, though. I have no idea how they compare to the other Atelier Iris games, but both the 2D and the 3D are pretty sub-par. It makes me sad that just about the only games that are still made with 2D graphics aren't pushing the hardware whatsoever nor treading any new ground. The art of 2D spritework hasn't really advanced in at least a decade. :/ It's especially frustrating because the sprites and animation in battle are actually quite nice. Anyway, that's about the only complaint I have. I know some people have been complaining about the dubbing, but I chose to play with Japanese voices anyway. Plus there's way more voice acting in Japanese than in English since they didn't have the time/money/desire to dub everything (so thus a lot of spoken parts are now silent when you select English voices). Music is pretty nice and the gameplay seems fine too.

[TonyTheTiger]

I was a little disappointed with the graphics, though. I have no idea how they compare to the other Atelier Iris games, but both the 2D and the 3D are pretty sub-par. It makes me sad that just about the only games that are still made with 2D graphics aren't pushing the hardware whatsoever nor treading any new ground. The art of 2D spritework hasn't really advanced in at least a decade. :/

The greatest irony is that it's SNK of all companies that's stepping up and going HD with King of Fighters.

[RadiantSvgun]

Has anyone tried playing this on a ps3? It won't work on my 80 gig.

[incubus421]

**May contain spoilers (only about game features, not story line)**

To add a little more opinion on the actual game:
I love it, it's actually pretty much all I am playing right now. I only played the first Atelier game and I really enjoyed that...but I think Khemia blows it out of the water.

While Khemia does have some not-so-good voice acting...the segments of voice overs are few and far between. The way the synthesis system is set up is excellent...having to advance and gain more knowledge of skills/patterns for synthesis and than gather the materials to craft those...in-turn unlocking more skills on your ability grid to beef up your characters.

Battles are fun...but I havent played far enough into it to come across anything too difficult....wiped once in like the third area before I really understood how all the synthesising worked together with each other.

The entire system that the game is set upon is great. Starting out on campus as a freshman and earning grades for each new task/course you complete...getting good grades grants you free time at the end of semesters to do side quests and unlock hidden storyline. As a lower classman there are areas in the game that you are not allowed to enter/explore...another feature I think is cool.

This game, even right now, as I am into my final week before becoming a sophmore has a minimal storyline. Though I find my self getting so involved in my Alchemy and material gathering that I hardly care.

Hope this helps someone in their decision to or not to buy this great game!~

[MrSparkle]

Has anybody been playing this game at all? I ordered that premium box set from rosenqueen.com. I only played it for about a half hour or so because I'm kind of addicted to crisis core, but so far it seems alright. The voice acting in it is pretty over the top for some of the characters but the art seems pretty good and having it upscaled on the PS3 makes it look pretty nice. So far I like this game but I need to play more because I haven't even gotten into the real meat of the game yet.

On a side note, those who pre-ordered the premium box edition, it seems to be selling quite well so far on ebay. Some listings are selling between $70-$200, and as far as completed listings go, there have already been a couple buy it nows that sold for between $109-$150.

one word of advice, japanese voices the american ones are AWFUL and ruin the dialogue. its a pretty fun little rpg though once you get into it. has some shortcomings though (all enemies look exactly the same until you get into battle) once in battle though they all look pretty damned good.

[Daria]

I don't think I posted in the thread since actually playing the game, but I fucking loved it. And the voices while jarring at first, grew on me as I played the game. Even Flay sounded natural by the end. Vayne was actually quite good.

[carlcarlson]

I don't think I posted in the thread since actually playing the game, but I fucking loved it. And the voices while jarring at first, grew on me as I played the game. Even Flay sounded natural by the end. Vayne was actually quite good.

Did you finish it then? How long did it take you? I have yet to play any of these alchemy games, but I kind of want to give this one a go. If it's too long though I'm afraid I'll lose interest.

[Daria]

Yes I finished the game, I may have spent 60 hours on it, not exactly sure. If it was a long game, it didn't seem that way. The semesters break the gameplay into definite, easy to swallow chunks of gameplay. I always felt driven to finish "that one last class". Even leveling up was a set goal with the grow chart. I've always like the Atelier series, but I loved this game.

[carlcarlson]

Cool, thanks for the info. 60 is a bit long for me right now, but then again I haven't actually found the game yet either, so maybe by the time I do I'll have more free time. Glad to hear it's broken into sections, I like having definite short-term goals in my rpgs. They keep things from getting overwhelming.

[vincewy]

FYI, this game is already hard to find, earlier when it was released I was thinking about getting it new at Frys, but held off. Big mistake, now I felt lucky just to get a like new copy at Gamedude. Now let's hope GQD will reprint this title.

[RadiantSvgun]

Best Buy still has new copies of it. Its a great game, one playthrough was 50 hours for me.

[dao2]

is it actually a good game :o never heard of it till now.