Ar Tonelico - The closest thing rpg nerds will ever get to a girlfriend
 

Just a heads up, NIS America has started taking preorders (sort of) for "Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia" for the PlayStation 2. This is the first deluxe box package by NIS America and comes with a hardcover art book and soundtrack (NIS America Online Store-exclusive).


http://www.onfulfillment.com/estore/...rT_pre_w_t.jpg

Yep. Pre-ordered this sucker the second I got the email. NIS America is getting good at this pre-order bonus stuff.

I've been waiting for this game for what seems like forever now, and I'm glad to see valid confirmation that it's coming to the USA. Even if it doesn't come to PAL, I've always got my swap magic...:beer:

Wonder if this'll apply to in-store preorders, such as those at GameStop/EB Games.

Doubt it. Their Disgaea preordering didn't work like that.

Fuck, they dropped the r. That's going to be hard to get used to. I'll probably pass, just because I was never a big fan of the Atelier games and they (Gust) co-developed. Makes me a skeptic.

Damn, that's an awesome preorder bonus. Wasn't this the game that was essentially a dating sim with battles being nothing more than an escort mission (protect the ladies so they can destroy the enemies)? Also, the game where the VAs or characters hate the protagonist?

Hopefully it isn't, since I don't like the idea of having most of my characters being nothing more than guards, and I'd love that artbook.

Jumped on that immediately. I was going to buy the game anyway, and this makes it all the better. Always love getting artbooks + soundtracks or other collectables when I buy a game.

Hopefully they don't charge too high for shipping.

Nope. From what I've read you can only get the soundtrack by ordering through the NIS America online store. I never buy NIS games anywhere else just because you won't get the bonus.

Definitely good news...I was worried this one wouldn't make it across the pond after it basically fell off the radar. Awesome news. The modern locales from screenshots (but done in the Atelier storybook-prerendered style) has caught my eye already and I can definitely vouch for the music being awesome.

Now how about some AI: Grand Fantasm love to top it off?

Well, now I'll have to cancel my pre-order at EB.

I guess the NIS site doesn't do international orders huh?

God fucking damnit.

Hehe, I jumped on this too. Also those bonus goodies make it all the more intriguing for a game I'd get at some point anyway. :p

I've been really waiting for this game. I fucking adore their sprite work in previous games, and this one looks like a blast.

What is this game like? I'm tempted to order, but is it as good as the hype claims?

http://www.nisamerica.com/games/artonelico/

Official website is up now. I'm not sure if the game is as good as it's hyped out to be, but I'll buy it either way just because I support unique titles like this getting localized. Gust games are usually fun too.

Well, I just wrote this, if it helps: http://www.rpgland.com/games/artonelico/preview.html

It's a pretty excellent game. My Nostradomous-like prognostication tells me it will be a consideration/nominee for some RPG of the Year awards in '07.

Silly, random question at this point but it is relevant to my interests:

Anyone happen to know a general play-through time for this one?

I heard the game is about 30 hours long. If you go for all the extra stuff it could go a bit beyond 40.

Pre-orders have opened. That is, you can use your pre-order code to actually pay for a copy now. I just took care of that so I don't spend the money on anything else.

It's scary how "well" the preorder works the first time you shop on NIS America online store. I mean, I don't see any protection sign telling me the transaction is well secured. It kept tellling me to enter an billing address, which I did.... Anyway, really odd way this store works. I'm glad I'll get the bonuses.

Ah... pre-order completed, just so I don't forget to later.

I wish the site was better-looking. It just seemed so shady. =p

I've shopped on NIS before and had no problems. They're fully legit, children. Relax.

I've never had problems either. I know skills has with his Disgaea 2 pre-order. But he did get an extra game out of it. :3

Oh, they fucked up one of my orders. They sent me the wrong guide. But they fixed it super quick at no charge. Good company.

As well, any of those planning on picking this up, I'd highly recommend this pre-order so you can get the bonus soundtrack. The game's music is quite good.