Players return to the Hogwarts-esque Al Revis Academy for this PSP entry in NIS America's spiritual successor to the Atelier Iris series. Gamers play as Vayne Aurelius, a young alchemist who, when not interacting with professors and fellow students, spends his time battling monsters and solving mysteries in and around the campus. Most of the gameplay involves Vayne collecting raw materials through purchases, battles, or academic quests, and then using his skills in alchemy to formulate new weapons, potions, and armor.
Gamers can hone their character's skills by gaining experience, but Student Alliance features a "crafting" system whereby avatar skills are not bound by character class, meaning warriors can have highly developed magical abilities and magicians can be adept at shooting. There are a number of different endings, and the conclusion players see is ultimately dependent upon which characters they choose to help, and how well they perform their academic quests. Those tired of playing alone can join a friend for multiplayer co-op monster battles that yield especially rare items.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
NIS America
MPN
857823001260
UPC
0857823001260
eBay Product ID (ePID)
65911181
Product Key Features
Rating
E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Genre
Role Playing
Video Game Series
Atelier Series
Platform
Sony PSP
Game Name
Mana Khemia: Beginner Alliance
Additional Product Features
Release Year
2009
Number of Players
1-2
Country/Region of Manufacture
USA
Control Elements
Gamepad/Joystick
LeafCats
139973
ESRB Descriptor
Language, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes