Update: October 27, 2005
The limited edition of Atelier Marie + Elie is packaged with a 7.08" tall diorama of the two alchemists where they lounge in front of a workstation with a kiln. On the top shelf of the workstation sits two flasks of varying size, a red hardcover book, and a white mortar. On the mantle of the workstation are two more volumes (since the girls have to look up their concoctions), a beaker, and other assorted tools of alchemists. Elie hefts a decanter filled with reddish liquid while Marlone eyeballs a flask that she's holding in her right hand. Marlone's wearing a black bra and skirt which shows a little leg while Elie is more conservative and covers herself from head to toe. NCS Game Writeup
Alchemists in training named Marie and Elie relive their original adventures in remakes for the PS2. New to the PS2 versions are redrawn graphics for more visual impact and enhanced mini-games. In the game that started the whole series, Atelier Marie, players control an alchemist in training named Marlone who hasn't been doing too well in her studies. In an effort to give the young girl some incentive, Marlone's teacher Ingrid demands that she produce a notable and noteworthy creation in five years or lose her apprenticeship at the school. With fear propelling her newfound ambition, Marlone explores, gathers ingredients, and creates various items until reaching her redeeming masterwork. In Atelier Elie, a new girl named Elie receives inspiration from Marlone's adventures and escapades and sets out to become an renowned alchemist herself. Ingrid returns as the school teacher and gives Elie the keys to a storefront atelier. A mysterious disease is spreading through Salburg and Elie must find a cure before it's too late. To make the ducats to keep the shop running and fund the search for a cure, Elie hunts for ingredients to create items that command a goodly coin. Most items have a buyer and some rare items command a healthy amount of money. All orders will include a bonus Marie and Elie postcard booklet packaged in a red plastic envelope. NCS Game Notes
* In Atelier Marie's introduction sequence, teacher speaks as if in an echo chamber for added emphasis and reverb. Less attuned Japanese listeners may mistake the words but the text of her speech is printed on the bottom portion of the screen. She warns Marlone of her impending dismissal from school and the wilting student responds in a sheepish manner. * At the outset of Atelier Marie, Marlone is shown in her little studio from an overhead isometric perspecitve. There's a big cauldron of boiling water on the left potion of the screen, assorted books in bookshelves and piled in neat clumps, and a little work table with a couple of flasks on top. On the lower-right portion of the screen is an enlargement of the cauldron where all of Marlone's creations are bubbled up. * Voice acting accompanies each conversation which is printed on the bottom of the interaction screen. * The D-pad or the L-Analog pad may be used to move Marlone around the lab. She walks so smoothly that she appears to glide over surfaces. To leave the studio, move Marlone to the door and acknowledge your exit when the game prompts. Five destinations may be visited including the tavern, weapon shop, the castle, and other locales. View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCS site.
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