Atelier Lulua details Meruru, Keina, Benon, Primal Arts, and more
More Arland series characters return.
Koei Tecmo and Gust have released new information and screenshots of Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland introducing returning characters Merurulince “Meruru” Rede Arls and Keina Swaya, new sub-character Benon Armster, more on the Alchemy Riddle and Lulua’s journey, more on Lulua and the game’s other original characters, and the “Primal Arts” system.
Get the details below.
■ Characters
Merurulince “Meruru” Rede Arls (voiced by Satomi Akesaka)
Once the princess of the Arls Kingdom. In Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland, she worked hard to learn alchemy in order to develop Arls Kingdom enough for its merger with the Arland Republic. With that important task now ended, she is currently traveling the world. Originally a naive girl, she has been freed of her “prinCESS duties,” and is now more motivated than ever.
Keina Swaya (voiced by Yuki Iwabuchi)
Meruru’s childhood friend and former caretaker. Now a government official of the Arls Kingdom, she runs city hall. The battle skills that she honed during her time helping Meruru are still in tact. She tackles her duties as a government official with the desire to create “a better Arls” with Meruru.
■ Sub-Characters
Benon Armster (voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda)
A kind man and the director of Armster Nursery School in Arculis, whose top priority is the happiness of the children. While the children love him, he works non-stop in hopes of their happiness, and nowadays feels worn out. He is often reckless and each time is scolded by Lulua and Eva. He seems to have worked a different job before becoming director.
■ A Threatening Figure Creeps Up on Lulua
The “Alchemy Riddle” is an ancient text that only Lulua can read. She will borrow its power in times of need. A book that even Totori, one of Arland’s representative alchemists, cannot grasp the reality of, through the Alchemy Riddle’s guidance, Lulua will experience rapid growth as an alchemist. But that is not to say things are smooth sailing for Lulua.
The Ancient Text that Guides Lulua / Advice from Totori
Even Totori, one of the leading alchemists of Arland, has not heard of a mystery-filled book such as the Alchemy Riddle. As such, Totori seems worried about Lulua, who relies on the ancient text. Totori repeatedly advises her not to rely too much on the book, and to steadily move forward with her own strength.
What Lulua Lacks / Her Resolution
Lulua begins her growth as an alchemist thanks to the help of the Alchemy Riddle. However, at certain times the Alchemy Riddle will not respond, or Lulua will not be able to decipher it. In order to read and understand its pages, Lulua resolves to further travel the world with her supportive friends to broaden her horizons.
■ Non-Main Story Character Events
In addition to the main characters that travel with you on your journey, many events are being prepared for the characters that live in towns like Arculis. By progressing through the story and deepening your relationships with these characters, you will be able to experience all sorts of character events.
—By using the shortcut command in town, you can see where events are occurring. Check the places marked with a star to visit various characters.
■ Lulua and the Others’ Traits and Abilities
Lulua: A Girl Traveling Arland While Developing Her Skills
Friendly and always full of energy. Her feelings towards her mother can sometimes be quite strong, and she feels the pressure of Rorona’s reputation hanging over her as well. In battle, in addition to the ability to synthesize items as an alchemist while powerless, she also plays a recovery role in that she can restore her party members’ MP and the like.
—Not only does Lulua love her mother Rorona, she has the utmost respect for her as an alchemist. There are times Lulua feels the pressure of Rorona’s greatness.
—Lulua is a friendly girl who opens her heart to anyone she meets. That friendliness is her biggest charm.
—The always-curious Lulua takes interest in a rumor known as the “Two Great Beauties of Arculis.” Could Lulua be one of those chosen…?
—Lulua in battle.
Eva: A Girl Who Supports Lulua and Always Stays By Her Side
A girl who has always stayed by Lulua’s side. While something like a saint, she shows a normally hidden side when it comes to Lulua. In battle, she can use skills that change her attack range between one and several enemies, making her good for battle against a large group.
—Eva is harsh towards those who try to get close to Lulua, such as directing an intimidating air to Fickes, who is trying to get Lulua’s attention.
—Although they find someone to look after the nursery school, Eva’s expression is somewhat sad. She seems to be hiding her feelings.
—Even Lulua has no idea—who is the person that Eva loves?
—Eva in battle.
Aurel: The “Prodigy Knight” Aiming to Become the “Strongest”
While Aurel has a reputation as a prodigy knight, he still has a long way to go before he is satisfied. What is the ambition he embraces? He is also worried about his career being tied to his last name, which is the name of the country Arland. In battle, he overpowers enemies with quick sword techniques. If placed in the rear, he can also support the party with various abilities such as healing.
—Aurel bears the Arland name. Where could he be from?
—A heated situation in which Aurel, who is aiming to become the strongest knight, confronts Sterke, the series’ leading knight? It seems that there is a reason Aurel wants to become the “strongest.”
—Aurel in battle.
Piana: Lulua’s Guardian and One of the Alchemists that Carries Arland
Piana is the teacher that Lulua relies on. Her skills as an alchemist are quite reliable, and while she watches over the growth of her disciple with kindness, she can sometimes be mischievous. Since she is an alchemist like Lulua, she can also synthesize items in battle. When placed in the front, she can use skills that not only deal direct damage, but also inflict enemies with status ailments.
—Although Piana is sometimes mischievous in that she gives Lulua challenging tasks, she possesses a kindness that supports her disciple to the fullest extent.
—While Lulua relies on Piana, it seems that Piana has had all sorts of experiences in her lifetime. Piana may share those memories with Lulua.
—Piana is delighted at Lulua’s growth. What is the dream that Piana mentions?
—Piana in battle.
■ An Introduction to Primal Arts
While each character possesses abilities that act as their specialties in battle, the bonds between characters will manifest new powers. The “Primal Arts” that manifest depending on the combination of characters in the front will help you gain the upper hand in battle.
Forming a party of your favorite characters is one way to enjoy the game, but if you want to discover all sorts of Primal Arts, try forming the strongest party suited to your play style. Try out various combinations and enjoy the fun of party formation.
—When Lulua and Nico are in the front, the Primal Art “Muscle & Slender” can be activated. By taking damage, the waiting time between turns will shorten.
—When Lulua and Piana are in the front, the Primal Art “Power of Master and Disciple” can be activated. In addition to reducing the increase in stun value when taking damage, it also shortens the waiting time between turns after using an item.
Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland is due out for PlayStation 4 and Switch on March 20 in Japan, and for PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC on May 21 in North America and May 24 in Europe. A demo is included with the February 21-released issue of Weekly Famitsu.
