Part 13: Bonus Update 2

Bonus Update 2

Art

Successful Synthesis
Failed Synthesis
Weapon Synthesis
A Short Break
First Synthesis
The Magician and Captain
Blue Shadow and Black Steel
A New Sign

Music

Atelier Rorona: For Lulua

The "Atelier" series kicked off with the series featuring protagonists whose names ended with "ie". For the 11th title, we had this idea that the protagonist's name should end in "na", but unable to come up with a suitable name in time, two blank squares followed by "na" was instended as a placeholder in the proposal. It was then that someone mistook this provisional name, as Rorona, having misread the blank squares as the Japanese letter "ro". And so the name Rorona was born...or so they'll have you believe. (Nakagawa)

A story that's so silly it pretty much has to be true. Also, indeed, Rorona was the 11th Atelier title, but only in that ACTUALLY way. The games before Rorona, from earliest to latest, were Atelier Marie / Elie / Lilie (Salburg Trilogy), Atelier Judie / Viorate (kinda breaking the naming scheme, the Gramnad games), Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana / Azoth of Destiny / Grand Phantasm (Iris Trilogy), and Mana Khemia 1 and 2.

From my understanding, the Mana Khemia games are not explicitly Atelier games, in the sense that they're more combat-focused and don't have a lot of the usual Atelier conventions, but nonetheless Gust considers them part of the overall series, a connection only strengthened by Mana Khemia characters showing up in Nelke.

Oh, and speaking of ateliers and the decision not to have the Wagon Atelier's theme not be called "Atelier Lulua", I mentioned at the time it did seem like a conscientious reason not to call that theme "Atelier Lulua", but it also works from a story perspective as well, because very little of the game actually happens in the place explicitly called "Atelier Lulua", so it doesn't feel right keeping with convention on that front. It's just a hard distinction to explain to someone not familiar with the plot and somehow only knows about this game from the OST, that yes, there is a place called "Atelier Lulua" but you don't do anything there, really, so it wouldn't make sense keeping up the tradition in this case.

Let's Go Out: For Lulua

I was the first to add the now unified notation "For " to track titles of adaptations, to differentiate them from the original versions. This was mostly because I was in charge of quite a number of arranagements myself, and because this notation helped differentiate my music in general, as I tend to use similar melodies in my works in comparison to others. When I first utilized the notation, I actually only mean for it to be used by me, of course. I think it was originally used for Mana's theme music. Are you familiar with Mana? (Nakagawa)

Yeah...we've heard of her...

The Angry Blacksmith

I do think it's about time Hagel settled down and started a family. He could name his son Shigeru, and his daughter Fusako. Hold on, though. Those sound too Japanese. Maybe Miguel would be more apt. But wait. If we were to be faithful to the remote German countryside setting for this title, then I guess a middle name would be a requisite. What about something like Croka Michael? (Nakagawa)

I like it, I like it. Croka Michael Boldness just rolls off your tongue.

Liquor Waltz

Was I wrong in assuming Lionela was the easily flustered type? Is that now how she was envisioned? I was so sure she was, until I went back to hear my rendition of Lionela's theme song, and realized my own music was responsible for the flustered impression I had. (Nakagawa)

Visiting the Castle on the Hill

This is the second time I've written a piece for an ancient castle. You know, I'm not familiar of any other game outside the "Atelier" series that lets you explore inside an old castle. Ruins, maybe. It's very exciting. Much like visiting a World Heritage sight. Don't you agree? (Nakagawa)

Shu Shu Waltz: For Lulua 2

Here, I alternated the melody from the original piece with a new melody every two bars. In fact, there is a secret version of this, only in reverse. (Not included in the game). If you were to play both versions alongside each other, the verses intertwine, and you can hear both the original and new melody at the same time. (Nakagawa)

Lulua Chasing Stars: Cave

This is the caves version of the generic map track. No need to go crazy here. I had contemplated just working with a simple rhythm, but when I tried my favorite santur, it fit perfectly, so this is the end result. Modest and translucent, yet with an added oriental touch. (Achiwa)

It'll All Work Out...Somehow!

This is the generic boss battle music. Envisioning one of the smaller bosses, I created a delicate piece. The tempo and melody are kept quite serene. There might have been heated discussions of [it] in terms of, "If it's a boss track, it should be dynamic and impressive!" and "If you play somethings like that for a minor boss of a fantasy world, that's no better than a joke!" ...As I said, might have been. The chorus is in three-on-the-floor, rather than four-on-the-floor. It's my current obsession. (Yanagawa)

Surly Knight: For Lulua

You know, I don't recall Sterk being as surly as this in the past. I think we called Cordelia's theme music "The Boisterous Lady", so Sterk's had to match that with "The Unsociable Knight". (Nakagawa)

I do agree Sterk isn't usually surly, but I wouldn't call him "unsociable", either. His biggest problem is his face leaves the wrong impression he's almost always mad about something, but aside from that, he's generally a pleasant guy.

Citizens of Arland

It appears even the style of music has changed throughout the course of the "Atelier" series. That's why it should be possible to work out the extent of a player's "Atelier" experience just by seeing if this track yields a sense of nostalgia, or none at all. (Nakagawa)

Sea Breeze: For Lulua

This is Totori's music. The arranagement focuses on the use of woodwind instruments. Due to the popularity of the "Arland" series (thank you all very much), we have been able to revel in the adventures of Arland over a long period of time. I am once again thankful that we are able to watch over our favorite characters as they develop. For those who don't know Totori as a protagonist, I urge you to try out the earlier titles. (Yanagawa)

It is pretty fun having the old protagonists demoted in a future title, but still are prominent characters. Having Atelier characters grow up and mature between titles is a constant pleasure in these games.

She's a Latchkey Kid

When I was first invited back to work on the newest title, little did I know I was about to enter an Arland I no longer recognized. Originally, the "Atelier" series was working towards creating the famous "World Masterpiece Theater" feel, with characters that were "proper" and "refined", but the new title introduces an array of simple-minded and foolish types, cracking jokes left, right, and center. It was startling. (Nakagawa)

Unusual commentary if you ask me. Part of this is the reason why I'd certainly be interested in playing the older games, like the Salburg Trilogy, just to see how the series has evolved over the years.

A Catnip for Puppies Too

My instructions were to compose a decidedly cheerful piece. My initial composition had a more comical touch to the melody, but after much discussion, it was toned down a little. I particularly like the melody of the chorus. It incorporates a chord progression that is only rarely seen in my works (or perhaps not). (Yanagawa)

Creating Our Future

This is an adaptation of the opening track, which has now become one of our perennial favorites. When it starts playing at crucial moments, it doesn't disappoint. A true classic. I did think of making it more grandiose, but I opted for a level of intensity that would be considered classier and more subtle. (Yanagawa)

Blacksmiths Here!

I do often find myself wondering things like, if there was a blacksmith I knew, would they repair my pots and knives for me? You'd at least want your favorite things repaired wouldn't you? These days it's rarer to mend clothes. You just go and buy new ones. But I guess that's not ideal... You know, I like seeing things being repaired. Maybe I should read up on how to mend various things. (Yanagawa)

Bonuses

Ficus Finis - Wataru Hatano

Hello, this is Wataru Hatano, charged with playing the role of Ficus. It was a true honor.

Firstly, a big thanks to you all for playing the game.

I admit playing Ficus was truly perplexing, at times. He has an air about him that is just inscrutable. He always seems to be enjoying an inside joke, for one thing. When you read the script, and almost all the lines start off with a chuckle, you soon realize you've landed an interesting role, to say the least. The corners of my mouth have been left upturned, as a result, which now means I can't speak normally. There are numerous other bonus voices like this for you to find and enjoy, so I hope you will all keep playing the game.

Well... Thank you all for your time. This was Wataru Hatano, bringing Ficus to you. Hah hah hah!

Sterkenburg Cranach - Jurota Kosugi

I hope you all enjoyed Atelier Lulua. I'm Jurota Kosugi, who played the voice of Sterk.

I must admit recording certainly had its issues. For one, Sterk is undeniably much older, as you'd expect. But this is natural. However, time has been a little harsher on me. With age, it's been hard to keep your voice up, I tell you. Well, such is life.

But I can assure you that my love for the series and my fondness for Sterk remains resolutely unchanged from the first time we met. Believe me. It's the honest truth. And, none of this would even exist, if it were not for your love and devotion for the "Atelier" series, so please let me express my sincere gratitude here. Thank you, to each and every one of you.

I hope you will continue to enjoy this fourth title, "The Scion of Arland". Play away and explore to your heart's content. Till next time. That's right, I said "next time". Can't a guy dream?

I really enjoyed this one. Sterk has such an old, harsh voice but the seiyuu himself is so lively and excited to be talking about his role in this game.

Lionela Heinze - Kei Shindo

Congratulations on clearing the game. Kei Shindou here, the voice of Lionela.

It's been ten years now since the release of "Atelier Rorona", and quite apart from my pure delight at being able to play Lionela once again after so long, I admit I was also shocked. The memories came flooding back. At the age of 37, I was glad to see Lionela had matured into a capable woman, dedicating herself to working at the tavern.

During the "Rorona" days, Lionela was still very shy and very much depended on Rorona. Now, though, she is an accomplished proprietress of her own tavern. This was a little surprising, though pleasing nonetheless. It was like seeing my own daughter grow up.

I'm actually an avid fan of the "Atelier" series, and my favorite way to play the game is to keep fulfilling as many requests as possible. So I've had numerous interactions with the facilitators of requests, like Lionela is now. As a player, I can now interact with her, so I'm excited about that. I like this worldview, and will stay an "Atelier" advocate, both as a cast member and player.

I don't suppose those who joined the series from this title would be familiar with Lionela. When you get the chance, why not tackle "Atelier Rorona" then return to play "Atelier Lulua" once again, to witness Lionela grow up. I think I just convinced myself to play it one more time myself.

I'm glad to be back to these familiar lands. A true honor. I hope you will be back for more too. Thank you for listening. Kei Shindou, here, signing off.

Wow. Now that's a woman who was born to play this role.