Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland

Game review by Mark Raby, Common Sense Media
Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Item-collecting RPG packs mild violence, sexy banter.

PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita 2014
Rate game

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate game
  • Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland Game: Screenshot #1
  • Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland Game: Screenshot #2
  • Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland Game: Screenshot #3

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland is a fantasy role-playing game that revolves around completing various missions and collecting items to advance through the story. Players will fight through turn-based battles where the primary focus is on strategy, not quick, frenetic violence. Though battles are an essential component of the game, and combat is frequent, the visual effects and magic attacks keep violent content at a minimum. Expect clear references to alcohol, with dialogue about characters being drunk, as well as swearing ("damn," "s--t") and some sexually suggestive banter.

Community Reviews

mitsukik
mitsukik Adult
September 19, 2015
age 12+

A relaxing, slice of life RPG with positive messages

The unique thing about the Atelier series is that unlike most RPGs, it isn't about going on a grand adventure to save the world. In fact, it only takes place in one town and the surrounding outskirts. Instead of a big guy with a sword, it's a coming-of-age story about a young girl simply trying to save her alchemy workshop. Throughout the game she makes new friends, clears assignments, and improves her alchemy. Throughout the three in game years, you can see that she grows up, too. I would compare it to Kiki's Delivery Service. It takes place in a fantasy world, magic (well, alchemy) clearly exists, but these tropes are used in a very mundane fashion, and they're just accepted as a part of life. The goal of the games are non violent. While there is combat, the main goal is to gather ingredients and synthesize items. It's an RPG from the perspective of someone other than the hero. As for objectionable content, aside from some mild language and fanservice, there is practically none. The violence is very cartoony and not even the main focus. It's a cute, heartwarming coming-of-age story with a unique setting and premise. I think girls will like this, just like I did when the very first edition of this game came out in 2010.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

ATELIER RORONA PLUS: THE ALCHEMIST OF ARLAND doesn't have the kind of massive, multi-layered, larger-than-life story line that many similar role-playing games have. Instead, it has a more subdued plot to provide a more casual gameplay experience and allow the mechanics of the game to be the main focal points. Players take on the role of Rorona, a young alchemist trying to keep her workshop open by accomplishing tasks set by the king. Along the way, she acquires new friends to help her complete her tasks -- collecting components and using "alchemy" to create new items.

Is It Any Good?

Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland sets itself apart from many other titles in this genre because of the fairly basic story line. That doesn't necessarily make it a bad game. In fact, it adds a level of authenticity to the experience, making the characters and gameplay experience more relatable. It also gives the game a more "casual" feel, allowing players to go at their own pace without needing to keep track of winding plot lines. But missions do end up having a repetitive feel.

That would be forgivable if there was a grand payoff upon the completion of later missions, but that never really happens. What's left is a game with a rigid formula and a solid gameplay system (the battle mechanics are great), but it's missing that final component that brings it all together. For players who may want to just play through the game in the background and enjoy the strategies of the nicely built combat system, it fits the bill. But those looking for something more may come away without feeling fully satisfied.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the swearing and language in Atelier Rorona Plus. Do you think it's necessary for the game? Why do you think the game designers included this content?

  • If you had to embark on a journey with the people you trust the most, who would you choose, and why?

  • Did you get a sense of accomplishment from completing the various tasks? When do you get the same sense of accomplishment in real life?

Game Details

  • Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
  • Pricing structure: Paid
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: NIS America
  • Release date: June 24, 2014
  • Genre: Role-Playing
  • ESRB rating: T for Fantasy Violence, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
  • Last updated: March 8, 2019

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate