Comments on: Button Trance: Ar tonelico 2 http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/ Modern Visual Culture Digest Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:41:50 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Mou Yamete! » Blog Archive » Boy Meets Girl http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-83783 Mou Yamete! » Blog Archive » Boy Meets Girl Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:43:23 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-83783 [...] game, but I continued on playing. I’d call this practice “button trance”, but Jetfuel in his entry of Ar tonelico 2 already used the term, plus he’s the one who coined it! I find it an appropriate one, though, [...] [...] game, but I continued on playing. I’d call this practice “button trance”, but Jetfuel in his entry of Ar tonelico 2 already used the term, plus he’s the one who coined it! I find it an appropriate one, though, [...]

]]> By: Shingo http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81616 Shingo Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:52:37 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81616 >>blacklotus Jetfuel = fetjuel. I'm not sure why, but he uses both interchangeably. ^^;; >>blacklotus
Jetfuel = fetjuel. I’m not sure why, but he uses both interchangeably. ^^;;

]]> By: blacklotus http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81553 blacklotus Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:35:16 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81553 Wow! Thanks, Jetfuel, for the review. It's very good and you explained why this game is so much different from the other RPG type games. Gamespot reviews and like cannot compare with yours, and they're supposedly pros. (It's Jetfuel right? Shingo wrote fetjuel. Freudian slip? 8)) And again, thanks to shingo. It's the variety of good articles like these that makes your site worth visiting and supporting. Between you and Jlist's Peter's emails about Japan's current happenings, I hardly go anywhere else for Japan hobby news anymore. Wow! Thanks, Jetfuel, for the review. It’s very good and you explained why this game is so much different from the other RPG type games. Gamespot reviews and like cannot compare with yours, and they’re supposedly pros. (It’s Jetfuel right? Shingo wrote fetjuel. Freudian slip? 8))

And again, thanks to shingo. It’s the variety of good articles like these that makes your site worth visiting and supporting. Between you and Jlist’s Peter’s emails about Japan’s current happenings, I hardly go anywhere else for Japan hobby news anymore.

]]> By: fetjuel http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81424 fetjuel Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:08:52 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81424 Zeroblade: I think the series is in pretty good hands with NISA. I hope they can do At2 justice! Hemisphere: By the way, I appreciated your extensive coverage of At2 at your own blog! I would absolutely recommend Sakura Taisen, but for the full experience you should definitely go back and start with the first game. The way the games flow one into the next, and pull out surprises from earlier installments, are a major part of the enjoyment. If you <em>really</em> want to know more, check my <a href="http://jetfuel.metalbat.com/sakura.txt" rel="nofollow">old Sakura Taisen essay</a>. Link: Megami Tensei and Persona have definitely caught my eye as series that could provide a similar reward. I have picked up Persona 2 and SMT 3 over the years, but have yet to dive in... Zeroblade:

I think the series is in pretty good hands with NISA. I hope they can do At2 justice!

Hemisphere:

By the way, I appreciated your extensive coverage of At2 at your own blog! I would absolutely recommend Sakura Taisen, but for the full experience you should definitely go back and start with the first game. The way the games flow one into the next, and pull out surprises from earlier installments, are a major part of the enjoyment. If you really want to know more, check my old Sakura Taisen essay.

Link:

Megami Tensei and Persona have definitely caught my eye as series that could provide a similar reward. I have picked up Persona 2 and SMT 3 over the years, but have yet to dive in…

]]> By: Link http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81408 Link Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:07:26 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81408 This sounds like my love of Persona 3, which will only be renewed now that I have FES... This sounds like my love of Persona 3, which will only be renewed now that I have FES…

]]> By: Hemisphere http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81394 Hemisphere Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:14:54 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81394 I know this is a bit off-topic, but out of curiosity: would you recommend Sakura Taisen 3 and 4 to someone if they were planning to play it? I know this is a bit off-topic, but out of curiosity: would you recommend Sakura Taisen 3 and 4 to someone if they were planning to play it?

]]> By: Zeroblade http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81254 Zeroblade Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:03:02 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81254 I am totally looking forward to Ar Tonelico 2, and considering that NIS-A said that they "wouldn't disappoint" on a certain game, I'm pretty sure this'll make it out sooner or later. Ar Tonelico was the probably the first RPG I've ever spent more than 2 hours playing (and I haven't even gotten through the first run, god forbid) and I really cannot wait to get my hands on the second, considering the vast improvements it has. I am totally looking forward to Ar Tonelico 2, and considering that NIS-A said that they “wouldn’t disappoint” on a certain game, I’m pretty sure this’ll make it out sooner or later.
Ar Tonelico was the probably the first RPG I’ve ever spent more than 2 hours playing (and I haven’t even gotten through the first run, god forbid) and I really cannot wait to get my hands on the second, considering the vast improvements it has.

]]> By: fetjuel http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81235 fetjuel Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:21:09 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81235 NegativeZero and Hemisphere: Thanks for your comments! I did consciously shy away from the technical points that are sure to be made in traditional reviews, but I made sure to let Gust know that the loading at inopportune times, especially during the <em>time-based battle system,</em> was a problem. As for which system Gust will move to next, it seems that at least Mana-Khemia 2 is staying on the PS2. I'm not sure that even Gust themselves know for sure what's next, as the past couple of Gust surveys I've taken have asked a lot about what current-generation console I'd like to see new games on. At the moment, Gust is the only likely reason I'd have for buying a new system. NegativeZero and Hemisphere:

Thanks for your comments! I did consciously shy away from the technical points that are sure to be made in traditional reviews, but I made sure to let Gust know that the loading at inopportune times, especially during the time-based battle system, was a problem.

As for which system Gust will move to next, it seems that at least Mana-Khemia 2 is staying on the PS2. I’m not sure that even Gust themselves know for sure what’s next, as the past couple of Gust surveys I’ve taken have asked a lot about what current-generation console I’d like to see new games on. At the moment, Gust is the only likely reason I’d have for buying a new system.

]]> By: Hemisphere http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81145 Hemisphere Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:06:58 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81145 I'm glad to see that someone else also enjoyed Ar tonelico 2 as much as I did! I agree with all of your points, though I do have to say something about the Cosmosphere and Infelsphere escapades that you have with Luca and Croche as opposed to those with Jakuri. For the most part, Chroah's relationship with the two girls seems not so much as equal as you'd think, but rather something "therapeutic", in a sense that Chroah's time is mostly spent acting as support for either Luca or Croche as they face their worst fears in the Cosmo/Infelsphere and come to accept it. He helps guide and comfort them as you would expect, but that's pretty much his only role in either of their Cosmo/Infelspheres. But with Jakuri, I'd say that the two are in a completely mutual relationship, and you can see this from the way the two interact in her Cosmosphere (once you start getting past her Lv. 5). While Jakuri makes the occasional banter and insult towards Chroah, as does Luca and Chroche, it's only in Jakuri's Cosmosphere that we can see Chroah talk back to Jakuri in the same level as she is, something lacking from the other two heroines. I would say that this puts the relationship that you can have with Jakuri on a more mature, equal footing than you might have with either Luca or Chroche. I'm not trying to put down both of them, since Luca <b>is</b> my favorite character, and the level of relationship that they can have with Chroah makes sense when you consider that they've yet to fully accept themselves and are quite "young" and "immature" (in a loose sense) as compared to Jakuri (who has gone through quite a lot for her character to be like that). That, and the focus of Ar tonelico 2 is mostly on Metafalica and on the Priestesses of Metafalica, which gives good reason as to why Luca's and Croche's stories are written as such. As for the differences in the nature of their relationships, this is actually a good thing because this gives the player the chance to actually pick and stick with the heroine of his choice and <b>not</b> get the generic level of relationship that some eroges or games fall into, wherein relationships that you can form with the available heroines are pretty much the same. I'm rather surprised, however, that you didn't include the battle system in your review. Gust changing the battle system from Ar tonelico to the one we have now in Ar tonelico 2 was quite a rather jolting, but fun, experience. I remember all the buzz that was generated after those of us who got our hands on the game the moment it came out played it and saw how the battle system worked, which was quite an exhilarating experience. It added to the overall value and playability of the game, aside from the conversations you could have with your Reyvtails that made this game totally worth it. This is one of those games where complete concentration is a must-have when it comes to combat. Also, the Song Magics are much better this time around, not only because of their improved damage and effectiveness, but also because of the feature of Synchronity Chain. Not only are Synchronity Chain spells more powerful and impressive than their regular song magic counterparts, they also feature a short song sang by the Reyvtail who initializes the Dual Spell. As for Ar portal, yes, I'm rather thrilled at the sight (pun not intended) of Gust coming out with new materials, promotions and whatnot to cater to and please their fans. They even give you the option to have your own Reyvtail - rather, Supportail - and host her on your own website! I’m glad to see that someone else also enjoyed Ar tonelico 2 as much as I did! I agree with all of your points, though I do have to say something about the Cosmosphere and Infelsphere escapades that you have with Luca and Croche as opposed to those with Jakuri. For the most part, Chroah’s relationship with the two girls seems not so much as equal as you’d think, but rather something “therapeutic”, in a sense that Chroah’s time is mostly spent acting as support for either Luca or Croche as they face their worst fears in the Cosmo/Infelsphere and come to accept it. He helps guide and comfort them as you would expect, but that’s pretty much his only role in either of their Cosmo/Infelspheres. But with Jakuri, I’d say that the two are in a completely mutual relationship, and you can see this from the way the two interact in her Cosmosphere (once you start getting past her Lv. 5). While Jakuri makes the occasional banter and insult towards Chroah, as does Luca and Chroche, it’s only in Jakuri’s Cosmosphere that we can see Chroah talk back to Jakuri in the same level as she is, something lacking from the other two heroines. I would say that this puts the relationship that you can have with Jakuri on a more mature, equal footing than you might have with either Luca or Chroche. I’m not trying to put down both of them, since Luca is my favorite character, and the level of relationship that they can have with Chroah makes sense when you consider that they’ve yet to fully accept themselves and are quite “young” and “immature” (in a loose sense) as compared to Jakuri (who has gone through quite a lot for her character to be like that). That, and the focus of Ar tonelico 2 is mostly on Metafalica and on the Priestesses of Metafalica, which gives good reason as to why Luca’s and Croche’s stories are written as such.

As for the differences in the nature of their relationships, this is actually a good thing because this gives the player the chance to actually pick and stick with the heroine of his choice and not get the generic level of relationship that some eroges or games fall into, wherein relationships that you can form with the available heroines are pretty much the same.

I’m rather surprised, however, that you didn’t include the battle system in your review. Gust changing the battle system from Ar tonelico to the one we have now in Ar tonelico 2 was quite a rather jolting, but fun, experience. I remember all the buzz that was generated after those of us who got our hands on the game the moment it came out played it and saw how the battle system worked, which was quite an exhilarating experience. It added to the overall value and playability of the game, aside from the conversations you could have with your Reyvtails that made this game totally worth it. This is one of those games where complete concentration is a must-have when it comes to combat.

Also, the Song Magics are much better this time around, not only because of their improved damage and effectiveness, but also because of the feature of Synchronity Chain. Not only are Synchronity Chain spells more powerful and impressive than their regular song magic counterparts, they also feature a short song sang by the Reyvtail who initializes the Dual Spell.

As for Ar portal, yes, I’m rather thrilled at the sight (pun not intended) of Gust coming out with new materials, promotions and whatnot to cater to and please their fans. They even give you the option to have your own Reyvtail – rather, Supportail – and host her on your own website!

]]> By: NegativeZero http://heiseidemocracy.com/2008/04/22/button-trance-ar-tonelico-2/comment-page-1/#comment-81105 NegativeZero Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:10:03 +0000 http://heiseidemocracy.com/?p=6465#comment-81105 Here's hoping that someone does a US release. Despite its significant flaws - the most glaring being the awful framerate and sound lag caused by the fact that Gust weren't using the PS2's memory properly, causing every single asset to be reloaded repeatedly and never cached, resulting in framerate drops because it was constantly hitting the disc to load graphics and sounds - I really enjoyed Ar Tonelico, though I have to admit that I only played it through to the various endings for Misha and Shurelia, due to the fact that I accidentally overwrote an earlier save and didn't want to completely replay the game to see Aurica's endings. There's been rumblings about it potentially being NISA's next game so fingers crossed... On another note, I wonder when Gust will move to a newer platform, and if they do which one they'll choose. I've got a mounting pile of PS2 JRPGs to play through and the main thing stopping me from doing so is that my PS2 looks terrible in HD. Need to find a genuine S-video cable but I don't think they ever made them available in Australia. Here’s hoping that someone does a US release. Despite its significant flaws – the most glaring being the awful framerate and sound lag caused by the fact that Gust weren’t using the PS2’s memory properly, causing every single asset to be reloaded repeatedly and never cached, resulting in framerate drops because it was constantly hitting the disc to load graphics and sounds – I really enjoyed Ar Tonelico, though I have to admit that I only played it through to the various endings for Misha and Shurelia, due to the fact that I accidentally overwrote an earlier save and didn’t want to completely replay the game to see Aurica’s endings.

There’s been rumblings about it potentially being NISA’s next game so fingers crossed…

On another note, I wonder when Gust will move to a newer platform, and if they do which one they’ll choose. I’ve got a mounting pile of PS2 JRPGs to play through and the main thing stopping me from doing so is that my PS2 looks terrible in HD. Need to find a genuine S-video cable but I don’t think they ever made them available in Australia.

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