Ar Tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel – Out March 15th

[androvsky]

More info and a better scan from Siliconera, via Moonphase (missed my page, eh?)

Gust’s next big game is Ar Tonelico III and it’s a PlayStation 3 exclusive. The game stars Aoto, a strapping lad who is accompanied by two reyvateils, Saki, a lab born Reyvateil on the run, and Phinnel, a pure blood Reyvateil. These characters live on a third tower known as Sol Cluster. (Thanks for the tip Bradley!!)

Song magic is still a key feature of Ar Tonelico III, but the battle system has been revised. Players can make custom songs with the R.A.H. system and change the background music in real time. Diving into the minds of your party members, an Ar Tonelico hallmark, returns and just like the other games, the feature is used to procure more songs. It also looks like Gust shifted the game’s presentation from 2D to 3D.

Namco Bandai will release Ar Tonelico III on January 28, 2010

From some of the bigger scans I've seen, it's quite definite that the battles are 3D now (most likely the same engine as Atelier Rorona), event scenes look like they're 2D portraits (in HD, yummy), but I'm still not sure how the environments/dungeons are handled.

update:

Preview from an Ar Tonelico fan event. Mostly from the intro (guessing), but also has short clips of the main character wandering around environments, and even some short battle clips! Wonderous stuff, really, the intro animation reminds me of Gankutsuou.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IPHcY4qV-M

via rykomatsu from neogaf:

Some tidbits from various event attenders:

-Battle system reminicent of ToA/ToV, free movement on 3D field
-Dive system allows you to obtain Hymma, Hymma are used to synthesize hymnos during battles
-RAH system is rather dynamic...battle music changes quite a bit depending on Hymma combination, battle situation, etc
-Undressing is rather important...

So much new stuff and hype leading up to the Japanese release!

Video of a battle that's probably NSFW!
Another battle video, also NSFW, featuring Saki this time!
Countdown clock, with new goodies (voice clips, videos) every day until the game is released!
A new trailer with even more awesome stuff (including the infamous Saki dance)! Also NSFW! Why are you trying to watch an Ar Tonelico 3 trailer at work anyway?

Back of the box specifications leaked from Japan include 1080p support (dunno if scaled) and 7.1 surround.

[Musashi]

Excellent news here, another RPG for us.

I'm a need to play the other 2 sometime soon.

[MOONPHASE]

Yup very exciting news indeed that considered it imported by me to see how it is but i'm sure it will be just as amazing as the previous 2.

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by androvsky

More info and a better scan from Siliconera, via Moonphase (missed my page, eh?)



From some of the bigger scans I've seen, it's quite definite that the battles are 3D now (most likely the same engine as Atelier Rorona), event scenes look like they're 2D portraits (in HD, yummy), but I'm still not sure how the environments/dungeons are handled.

It is the same engine(or similar I can't remember which) as Atelier Rorona so expect beautiful anime-style graphics and 3D portions of the game but the diving into the Revyateils might keep it's original 2D but in HD. Environments if anything like Atelier Rorona will be bigger and I would say 3D as well. Dungeons not sure about just yet but probably just the usual walking inside of a building or outside and the usual if the bar on the side of the screen turns flashing red a random encounter with an enemy will appear. I'm interested in this new style of battles but I just hope it's the usual you keep attacking until time runs out and then defend the Revyateils in the defense phase. Plus there's always the fact of more hymmnos music to enjoy. The cutscenes is what I want to see since even the cutscenes from the previous 2 games looked beautiful on PS2 and can only imagine what they could look like on PS3.

And sorry for not seeing this thread beforehand but I did look at a couple of pages in the Blu-ray Games and PS3 section but after a couple of pages I didn't think it was posted since I figured it had to be brand new news.

[MOONPHASE]

The Ar Tonelico series takes place on the planet of Ar Ciel. Due to a prior catastrophy, humanity is forced to take refuge on one of 3 towers, called Ar Tonelico, located around the planet.

• Ar Tonelico I takes place on Sol Ciel
• Ar Tonelico II takes place on Meta Falas
• Ar Tonelico III takes place on Sol Clusta

Sol Clusta is dominated by Reyvateils which are the ruling class. The ideal world to them consists only of Reyvateils and purified humans (ie. slaves)

Characters

Saki - Heroine (CV: Gotou Mai)
Reyvateil who was created in a laboratory for a plan that would have far reaching effects on the world (unclear if it's limited to Sol Clusta or the planet of Ar Ciel). She manages to escape shortly before the plan was to be set into motion and runs into the protagonist after being on the run for a number of years. When under sever duress, she exhibits a power called "miracle" on occasion.

Finnelle - Heroine (CV: Kitamura Eri)
βtype reyvateil (no human bloodline) born in the kingdom of Clustania. Ditzy girl who works in a restaurant on Tocociez Highway. Her existance appears to have a connection with the Clustania conspiracy but...

Aoto - Protagonist (CV: Sugiyama Noriaki)
Is an apprentice of a master who specializes in construction at high elevations. Doesn't think about consequences when he acts, but has a strong sense of obligation to complete what he's started. Has always had a slight dislike of Clustania, but after meeting Saki, he starts viewing Clustania as an enemy.

RAH System (Hymnos Synthesis)

This title's Hymnos isn't limited to heroines just "singing" them. If you "combine" hymnos parts that are bourne from the heroine's psyche, the player himself/herself can create hymnos.

Merging this RAH system and player's actions, the real-time BGM changes, which the Active Music Generation System accomplishes, brings a presence never experienced before (I'm assuming in regards to game BGM). Creating a good hymn and having the heroines sing it will bring effects such as increasing the vanguard's attack power.

Misc

Some other things I can't make out too clearly or don't deserve their own section.

• Deeper bonds with reyvateils allow them to "unleash" their attire which is probably what is being shown with the twin tailed girl (Finnelle)
• As before, the deeper you dive into the heroine's psyche, the more song magic you can unlock
• Multiple personalities (not sure if singular or plural) exist within each reyvateil. Different personalities prefer different song magics, which will have an effect on the RAH system.
• Aoto's town is at the border of the tower's climate control system, thus it's not completely protected from the elements, resulting in violent winds. The town has wind mills to make use of the winds, however.
• Clustania has the highest level of ameneties in the tower of Sol Clusta and is the central location for Reyvateils. Humans are brought into Clustania to help further develop Reyvateil's skills. Also, anti-Clustania individuals are brought in for cleansing.
• Jumping returns to AT3

http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation-3...#ixzz0Ttv6JBOf

Gameplay system has been revamped. Featuring R.A.H, supposingly a battle feature that affects your Reyvatail’s singing, in short, your Reyvatails will have multiple personalities they can switch between. The abilities alter due to R.A.H during battle. You can pick up parts of songs while diving into the girls’ minds, which you can then put together to form your own magic in the midst of battle.
No direct mentioning of Cocona although a possible resemblance with Finnel might seem the case. It is mentioned that diving into your female partner’s heart and soul is a key feature (as always previous ATs but this seems more specific hint to me)
Graphics will be similar to Atelier Rorona.
Navigation of the world will be same as previous Ar Tonelico 1 and 2
The game is about 80% complete and more details will be unveiled this coming Sunday in Akihabara Entertainment Festival 2009

http://www.thebanzaieffect.com/artic...-playstation3/


Cost: 7,329 yen
44-page Hardcover Art Book for Pre-Orders

Science fiction RPG Ar Tonelico’s third installment is attracting attention for shameless panchira and some distinctly ambiguous dialogue…

The game is lengthily titled Ar Tonelico 3: Sekai Shuuen no Intetsu wa Shounen no Uta ga Hiku, and is due for a PS3 release on the 28th of January 2010.

Along with the expected relationship dynamics the series is known for, the new game appears set to explore its potential as ero-RPG….

Characters have special abilities which involve exposing their underwear
(I would post the link for it but could be banned because of the images that site has if you want to know the site just PM me)

[Cordre69]

Glee! Will be buying the OST for sure!

[MOONPHASE]

Why's the Opening Songs to the Previous 2 Games Doing in Ar tonelico III's Closing Credits?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtn7nmynvhA

Contains small spoilers

[MOONPHASE]

New DVD Includes the Japanese Voice Actresses Discussing the 3D Used In the Game For A Series That Was Previously Only As 2D Sprites and How It Was Made When Developing this 3rd Installment In the Series.







http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql33xP-PGOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-uvz6PHS-o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPWnn0yQTBc


Oh and also to note there is no spoilers towards the story or actual gameplay footage included just lots of innuendos made for this DVD.


Last but definitely not least NIS of America: "We really want to bring this game(At III of course) stateside." Not an official announcement but usually when NIS says that it's pretty much almost a guarantee(though it was guaranteed to begin with and now just to wait for them to get the license and also see when the dlc comes out).

http://scrawlfx.com/2010/05/nis-real...onelico-3-west

[MOONPHASE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2KBl...eature=related

NIS of America Press Event and the Announcement With Reyvateils Included?!

http://www.t-ono.net/Gaming-News/Ar-...e-Pending.html

[Cordre69]

Ooooh! I hope it's not a cruel joke!

[androvsky]

I'm sure it's not a joke. The joke is that the press event doesn't happen until July 15, apparently (I was hoping it'd be sooner). I'm guessing at an early 2011 release for Ar Tonelico 3 at this rate.

Also, looks like a hint at Classic Dungeon with one of the pixel art outlines.

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by androvsky

I'm sure it's not a joke. The joke is that the press event doesn't happen until July 15, apparently (I was hoping it'd be sooner). I'm guessing at an early 2011 release for Ar Tonelico 3 at this rate.

Also, looks like a hint at Classic Dungeon with one of the pixel art outlines.

Yeah that's what I was thinking too since those other pics look kind of similar to something like 3D Dot Game Heroes and so Classic Dungeon would be perfect for that. I also had in mind of maybe Badman 3 but then realized that they just barely released the 2nd game(with the 1st game included) on PSP very recently.

But yeah July 15th will be an exciting day to say the least since after all Ar tonelico III is an amazing game(especially when on the true ending path which is pretty easy to obtain).

[MOONPHASE]

Ar tonelico III Gets 5 New DLC Chapters To Play

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJiqgwS3aD0

Aoto is getting a new set of adventures. Starting on July 13, downloadable Ar Tonelico III episodes will go live on the PlayStation Network. The Binary World chapters take place on Elemina Island. Volume one is free. The other four chapters cost 200 yen a piece.

In addition to the Binary World, Gust prepared some personality changing content for Harvestasya. Use the tsundere pack to make Harvestasya to make her the type of character that warms up to you. The dorodere pattern gives her a hurt on the inside, but sweet on the outside personality.

http://www.siliconera.com/2010/06/30...xtra-chapters/

[Cordre69]

Neat, DLC. Now if only I could play the game in English...

[FinalEvangelion]

NISA did say they are picking this one up, right?

NIS is really becoming my favorite company this generation. They seem to understand their fanbase the best.

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by FinalEvangelion

NISA did say they are picking this one up, right?

NIS is really becoming my favorite company this generation. They seem to understand their fanbase the best.

Well not really an official word on it yet but however with that tease they sent on what they will announce this coming Thursday is just way to obvious that yes they will for sure get it.

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by FinalEvangelion

NISA did say they are picking this one up, right?

NIS is really becoming my favorite company this generation. They seem to understand their fanbase the best.

I'd have to respectfully disagree and say that Atlus is doing a much better job this generation than NIS (see: Demon's Souls PS3, 3D Dot Game Heroes PS3, Persona 3 Portable PSP, Trauma Center Wii, Zeno Clash 360, etc.)

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by Icemage

I'd have to respectfully disagree and say that Atlus is doing a much better job this generation than NIS (see: Demon's Souls PS3, 3D Dot Game Heroes PS3, Persona 3 Portable PSP, Trauma Center Wii, Zeno Clash 360, etc.)

True but NIS does get the better games(my personal preference since I don't buy many Atlus games except for just some) just not doing so well financially. But NIS is cutting back on titles for better quality in their releases and not feel rushed with so many titles to handle with which they hope will be better with their fans so don't have so many problems in their releases. Like Trinity Universe does have bugs in it(minor ones).

[FinalEvangelion]

Originally Posted by Icemage

I'd have to respectfully disagree and say that Atlus is doing a much better job this generation than NIS (see: Demon's Souls PS3, 3D Dot Game Heroes PS3, Persona 3 Portable PSP, Trauma Center Wii, Zeno Clash 360, etc.)

I like Atlus as well. I probably should have said NIS and Atlus. I'm mainly comparing to BN and SE - both of which bet on the wrong horse this generation.

[MOONPHASE]

Live Coverage of NIS America Press Event 2010(no video just pictures). http://twitter.com/tononet