Tecmo Koei made a strong showing at this year’s E3 with six new games, and we had hands-on time with all of them.
Tecmo Koei may not be the biggest player in the game, but it frequently releases titles that gain a loyal following in the market they are targeting. Sometimes that market can be somewhat obscure. With several games based on Asian myths and history, like the Dynasty and Samurai Warriors series, plus properties based on existing Japanese properties, like the new Fist of a North Star game, Tecmo Koei may not be a publisher you are familiar with, but those that are eagerly await each new installment of its properties.
At E3 this year, Tecmo Koei may not have had the biggest booth. They may not have had the flashiest games that stole the show. What they do have are some satisfying games that will appeal to certain fans, and could win over others if they can convince them to try them out.
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland
(PS3)
September 2010
If you are big into playing imports, this may be an old game to you. Originally released in June of 2009 in Japan, this RPG is the 11th game in the Atelier series. While not well known in the States, this will be the sixth game in the series to be released in North America, and the first to be released for the PS3, although this game is not directly connected to the previous entries.
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland is an RPG that follows a young alchemist who is trying to save her workshop. In traditional Japanese fashion, many other impossibly young girls are looking to sabotage her in adorable and bubbly ways. If you have ever watched anime, you will understand and recognize the Japanese archetypes. If you haven’t you will wonder what the hell is going on. This game is not for everyone.
For those that are willing to give it a try, the first thing you will notice is the graphics that look as close to an actual anime as the current level of console technology can possibly generate. It is amazing visually, and anime fans will love it. As for the game, it is an RPG in the most traditional Japanese style. The turn-based combat is standard for the genre, and the alchemy system allows players to spend countless hours mixing various ingredients to create new items. The game looks amazing, and fans of the genre will flock to it.
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