To get to that end point, the plot structure borrows some from the arland and dusk trilogies to make its own unique setup. Each chapter has its own focus, whether it's crafting a certain item, helping fend off monster invasions or — in a nice nod to the first arland game — working yet again to keep the government from closing rorona's atelier.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Lulua gets important sub-quests in the alchemyriddle, a special book that falls onto lulua's head early in the game and acts as a sort of alchemy guide.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom there are some riddles, hence the name, with hints for places to go or items to collect, and upon fulfilling these requirements, lulua can decipher the book's meaning and unlock a new recipe.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Like the dusk games, lulua also has an overarching plot that isn't directly related to the main character's quest to become an alchemist. Alongside the mysterious ruins next to lulua's hometown of arklys that no one can figure out how to fully explore (but, as you'd expect, is very, very important), there's a strange bird connected to judgement and salvation that makes a recurring visit every time something important happens to lulua.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Lulua comes across a variety of characters in her journeys that help out in one form or another, either by joining her party or acting in a support role of some kind.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom A big draw for series fans is the return of many familiar characters from previous arland games, including the three main alchemists — rorona, totori, and meruru — along with several others, such as piana from totori, keina from meruru,and sterk from rorona.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

There's always something to do, whether you're trying to move the story forward, unlock new items, or are simply taking time to complete the never-ending barrage of sidequests available in each major location.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it does mean the element of weighing decisions to find the best option for moving forward is gone, which might not please longtime fans.

It's a system that seems shallow on the surface, but quickly becomes addictive.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom that's ultimately a bonus, because you'll be doing a lot of synthesis. The majority of sidequests involve creating a certain number or quality of items, main quests involve crafting items, progressing forward in general means you — surprise!Cognitive learning theory in the classroom — have to craft items.

There's no shortage of areas to gather items from in atelier lulua either. In fact, you can pretty much gather items anywhere; even towns have some spots lulua can raid for synthesis materials.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom synthesis requires a cauldron, though, so lulua has to go back to her mobile atelier to make something, which is okay, given the initial cap on how many items fit in the basket.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Combat is equally customizable. Most atelier games, with the exception of iris and escha & logy, don't make combat a central feature outside of boss fights, monster hunting requests, and getting certain materials as item drops.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom since the emphasis is always on crafting, monster fights are sort of just a necessary bump in the road, to be dealt with quickly so you can move on.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In other words, it's very easy. It's even easier once you get support members in your combat party, which happens very early. You can't control support members directly, but they have special skills that activate under certain conditions — for instance, using a specific combat member's skill attack.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these support attacks add substantially to the damage dealt and make battles even easier.

Game of the year material, atelier lulua is not. However, it does what it sets out to do very well, and criticizing a lack of innovation is difficult because of that.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom hopefully, future atelier games change things up even more, but either way, atelier lulua is easily the best arland game and one of the better, if not best, atelier experiences in general.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom