Out Of Nowhere Atelier Totori Plus Hits The Vita

[Earnest Cavalli]

What I can't get behind is the sexualization comment. Sure, it's there to some small degree, but not nearly as prevalent as in other JRPG's like the Hyperdimension Neptunia series and Agarest War titles. Now *those* are games that "appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of sexualizing obliquely underaged anime girls." I mean, that statement kind of demonizes the series unfairly.

My audience primarily consists of American readers, very few of whom are familiar with those games you mentioned so when I describe the Atelier games as prone toward sexualizing apparently underaged anime girls, that's in relation to franchises my readers might actually have heard of. Not esoteric roleplaying titles that may prove your point, but may as well not exist for how popular they are here in the States.

And there's nothing unfair about demonizing the Atelier games as overtly sexual. That's their key selling point. Here or in Japan. I'm not going to debate the claim beyond pointing out that the screenshot attached to the top of the post was the least pornographic image found by a cursory Google search. If that costume isn't a glorification of nascent feminine sexual traits, what is?

 

[Eric the Orange]

What I can't get behind is the sexualization comment. Sure, it's there to some small degree, but not nearly as prevalent as in other JRPG's like the Hyperdimension Neptunia series and Agarest War titles. Now *those* are games that "appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of sexualizing obliquely underaged anime girls." I mean, that statement kind of demonizes the series unfairly.

My audience primarily consists of American readers, very few of whom are familiar with those games you mentioned so when I describe the Atelier games as prone toward sexualizing apparently underaged anime girls, that's in relation to franchises my readers might actually have heard of. Not esoteric roleplaying titles that may prove your point, but may as well not exist for how popular they are here in the States.

And there's nothing unfair about demonizing the Atelier games as overtly sexual. That's their key selling point. Here or in Japan. I'm not going to debate the claim beyond pointing out that the screenshot attached to the top of the post was the least pornographic image found by a cursory Google search. If that costume isn't a glorification of nascent feminine sexual traits, what is?

Me thinks an article about JRPGs would attract those who are familiar with JRPGs. Honestly as it is from a person familiar with this sub-set of the Japanese game market you come off like when a major news network comments on videogames on the whole.

 

[Eric the Orange]

I'm sorta new to this whole JRPG thing, it's safe to assume the whole series is Japanese w/ English subtitles right? If it hasn't had a huge following in states them I can't imagine them hiring english voice actors :S

Which I'm more than fine with, watching anime for so long one gets pretty used to skimming through the bottom of the screen while keeping up with the action.

I was turned-off earlier by the Final Fantasy series (started playing at X:2) but perhaps this will be the game to restore a little faith for me?

Most niche JRPG games have English and Japanese voice options.

As far as liking this game it depends your tolerance with how "Japanese" a ting is. Because these games are VERY Japanese.

 

[Zendervai]

The games 'sexualize' in that odd way of giving the characters somewhat revealing outfits (that really aren't that bad) and utterly failing to draw any attention to them whatsoever. And when I say revealing, I mean really short skirts that are impossible to see under. Otherwise, it's the normal pseudo-Victorian look.

 

[Quiotu]

What I can't get behind is the sexualization comment. Sure, it's there to some small degree, but not nearly as prevalent as in other JRPG's like the Hyperdimension Neptunia series and Agarest War titles. Now *those* are games that "appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of sexualizing obliquely underaged anime girls." I mean, that statement kind of demonizes the series unfairly.

My audience primarily consists of American readers, very few of whom are familiar with those games you mentioned so when I describe the Atelier games as prone toward sexualizing apparently underaged anime girls, that's in relation to franchises my readers might actually have heard of. Not esoteric roleplaying titles that may prove your point, but may as well not exist for how popular they are here in the States.

And there's nothing unfair about demonizing the Atelier games as overtly sexual. That's their key selling point. Here or in Japan. I'm not going to debate the claim beyond pointing out that the screenshot attached to the top of the post was the least pornographic image found by a cursory Google search. If that costume isn't a glorification of nascent feminine sexual traits, what is?

I think the problem here is you're calling out to what's basically an entire sub-set of JRPGs, ones that've been around since JRPGs existed. Hell, pretty much anything Gust or Idea Factory creates falls into this category. It's not that hard to find that information, in fact it's a Trope of JRPGs at this point. The Atelier series has been around a while, and has been coming to the states for a while. You're free to advertise the series about how 'icky' it is, but as you just proved... it takes a simple Google image search for anyone to go 'oh, it's one of -those- JRPGs'.

 

[Evil Smurf]

I heard about this game on Unskippable.

 

[Draconalis]

Agarest War

This game's failing is that it didn't go full naughty... it strayed the path then pulled back...

I probably would have finished it if that were the case... because as it stood the combat in that game was fucking boring as a pair of balls stapled to a wall.

 

[Hendrik Sunarto]

You americans & your biases
OK, i have to admit, costume changing & new skins are there to cater what you call sex appeal & probably previous fans
But if you ever thinking why this game is above average in japan, because of how it tells the story & how it woven
It makes crysis, mass effect, or whatever gung ho gunners & epic RPG lame story

Then again, while i have to commend tecmo koei for quick translation & release, but why aren't they put announcement for this
They already has customer angry by ayesha release, and not to mention very low advertisement

Nonetheless, day 1 buy along with soul sacrifice

 

[VanQ]

In Japan, it's seen as an above-average, surprisingly deep roleplaying franchise with particular appeal to ... well, there's no other way to put it: The Atelier games appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of sexualizing obliquely underaged anime girls.

What in the actual fuck are you talking about? There's little to no sexualization of ANY of the characters of the game. The only character that ever gets sexualized are the men like Sterk (who is an absolutely deliciously handsome man, coming from a straight male.

Holy shit, I'm mad. How about you actually go play the game and see for yourself before making wild accusations. I think the closest thing to sexualization I ever saw was a brief pantyshot of Totori which lasted like a second.

What I can't get behind is the sexualization comment. Sure, it's there to some small degree, but not nearly as prevalent as in other JRPG's like the Hyperdimension Neptunia series and Agarest War titles. Now *those* are games that "appeal to those who are comfortable with the idea of sexualizing obliquely underaged anime girls." I mean, that statement kind of demonizes the series unfairly.

My audience primarily consists of American readers, very few of whom are familiar with those games you mentioned so when I describe the Atelier games as prone toward sexualizing apparently underaged anime girls, that's in relation to franchises my readers might actually have heard of. Not esoteric roleplaying titles that may prove your point, but may as well not exist for how popular they are here in the States.

And there's nothing unfair about demonizing the Atelier games as overtly sexual. That's their key selling point. Here or in Japan. I'm not going to debate the claim beyond pointing out that the screenshot attached to the top of the post was the least pornographic image found by a cursory Google search. If that costume isn't a glorification of nascent feminine sexual traits, what is?

Wow, just fucking wow. I wonder why the Escapist allows people to report on things they are clearly biased against. That's not how a professional journalist should be.

 

[theultimateend]

Wow, just fucking wow. I wonder why the Escapist allows people to report on things they are clearly biased against. That's not how a professional journalist should be.

People tend to be the most negative about things that they are ashamed of themselves.

The author is just using this soap box to try and rectify enjoyment that they feel is somehow tainted or wrong, it's a natural human thing.

 

[-Dragmire-]

Hmm... well now that's intriguing. Can anyone explain game to me? Is it turn based combat? Is there a lot of micromanagement? Do I need to grind?
That might be second JRPG I buy for Vita after Persona 4 Golden, but I'm not sure if I should just drop $40.

The Atelier games are a pretty unique subset of JRPGs. The games themselves revolve around a young lady usually striving to become a renown alchemist. So unlike most JRPGs, the goals are based on recipes and orders people make, and the set dates they must be completed. The game has a specific set of days you have to complete each chapter, and ends at a certain date as well. You forage and monster hunt to gather ingredients to synthesize recipes which you then sell, gaining you access to new recipes and goals... and the cycle continues. There is a story behind the games, but that's the basic premise of the series. The combat itself is your standard turn-based affair, nothing particularly interesting about it. It's been the alchemy and shop aspect of the game that make it stand out.

That sounds like Mana Khemia but alchemy goals were for school due dates.

 

[Strazdas]

I know about atelier TOtory becasue of Unskippable.
GOGO LRR team.


As for sexualization, this comes from a nation that gave us tomb rider, ***** please. You dont know what oversexualization is. in fact america is so obseesed with sexuality it does not see the forest for the trees.

My audience primarily consists of American readers

your audience primarily consists of humans. this is an international website if you havent noticed. polls on this site shows that americans take up less than 30% of site visitors. well, at least for forums. to be completely biased about a subject with lack of knowledge even i, a person who dont play jrpgs, have and then claiming "but because my readers are dumb" (because yes, by claiming that they would not be albe to underand you if you used other examples is claiming thier dumb) is no excuse for poor journalism. this article is poor journalism. Its ok, your a human and humasn do mistakes. At least be man enough to admit it.

 

[Treaos Serrare]

I'll give you that much... the crimes of this series specifically are pretty lightweight. Hell I'm a fairly big fan of the Ar Tonelico series, and that series is one of the kings of the 'artificial girl objectification' meme.

Oh god, please don't remind be about anything Ar Tonelico, jesus the dialogue in that game was bad Especially the life extension crystal scenes

 

[Lvl 64 Klutz]

Hmm... well now that's intriguing. Can anyone explain game to me? Is it turn based combat? Is there a lot of micromanagement? Do I need to grind?
That might be second JRPG I buy for Vita after Persona 4 Golden, but I'm not sure if I should just drop $40.

The Atelier games are a pretty unique subset of JRPGs. The games themselves revolve around a young lady usually striving to become a renown alchemist. So unlike most JRPGs, the goals are based on recipes and orders people make, and the set dates they must be completed. The game has a specific set of days you have to complete each chapter, and ends at a certain date as well. You forage and monster hunt to gather ingredients to synthesize recipes which you then sell, gaining you access to new recipes and goals... and the cycle continues. There is a story behind the games, but that's the basic premise of the series. The combat itself is your standard turn-based affair, nothing particularly interesting about it. It's been the alchemy and shop aspect of the game that make it stand out.

That sounds like Mana Khemia but alchemy goals were for school due dates.

Mana Khemia is sort of an unofficial Atelier title, made by the same team and all.

 

[Quiotu]

Mana Khemia is sort of an unofficial Atelier title, made by the same team and all.

Yep, Gust as a developer is known for three game series: Ar Tonelico, Atelier, and Mana Khemia. All have plenty of fanservice in them and involve alchemy... Gust loves themselves some alchemy.

Oh god, please don't remind be about anything Ar Tonelico, jesus the dialogue in that game was bad Especially the life extension crystal scenes

So you don't approve of the scenes where the main character has to insert life-sustaining Diquility crystals in his Reyvatiels' Installer Ports? Heh, you should check out the third game... the MC has to UNinstall a crystal from one of the heroines in that one. Wear headphones... you'll still feel embarrassed, but you won't be publicly embarrassed.

Why is it ALWAYS their first time?

 

[Treaos Serrare]

Mana Khemia is sort of an unofficial Atelier title, made by the same team and all.

Yep, Gust as a developer is known for three game series: Ar Tonelico, Atelier, and Mana Khemia. All have plenty of fanservice in them and involve alchemy... Gust loves themselves some alchemy.

Oh god, please don't remind be about anything Ar Tonelico, jesus the dialogue in that game was bad Especially the life extension crystal scenes

So you don't approve of the scenes where the main character has to insert life-sustaining Diquility crystals in his Reyvatiels' Installer Ports? Heh, you should check out the third game... the MC has to UNinstall a crystal from one of the heroines in that one. Wear headphones... you'll still feel embarrassed, but you won't be publicly embarrassed.

Why is it ALWAYS their first time?

yeah i hadnt played the third one, and honestly it's hard to tell which is worse the Mind-dive scenes with their "adventurous" side or the virginity breaching crystal scenes, and as to your question if memory serves its their first time with someone else doing the inserting, so i guess its a masturbation joke as well as a"it's my first time so be gentle" joke