Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy

Tenth in the Atelier series by Gust, and something of a return to the series’ roots, with a strong focus on alchemy, two playable characters and a depressing reminder of how schools are run as businesses as much as educational institutions.


Developer: Gust
Publisher: NIS America
Available on: PS2


Cover Game Articles

Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis – School of Hard Knocks - Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis may be a lot more alchemy-centric than its immediate predecessors in the Atelier Iris series... but it also has one of the most satisfying combat systems out of all the PS2-era games in the franchise!
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis – A Learning Experience - Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis has one of the more unusual progression systems in the Atelier series -- but one that makes good use of the core alchemy theme as a means of measuring your character's overall level of knowledge and power.
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis – Narrative, Themes and Characterisation - The PS2-era Atelier games tend to explore the question of how a power such as alchemy isn't "good" or "bad" in and of itself; it's all about who is using that power. Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis is no exception, albeit from a slightly different angle.
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – Back to School - It's time to return to the world of Mana Khemia for the first direct sequel in the Atelier series for quite a while. Bring on the tenth Atelier -- and let's see what makes this one unique!
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – One Must Fall - The Atelier series' mechanics often reinforce a core theme of the series: togetherness and cooperation. This is especially apparent throughout Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy thanks to its combat mechanics, themed around the idea of "unity".
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – Making the Grade - Like its predecessor, Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy puts alchemy and the crafting of items at the very core of its character progression mechanics. Let's take a closer look at how this works in the context of the game as a whole.
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – Special Measures in the Darkness - Mana Khemia 2 explores some fascinating subjects over the course of its narrative. In this part of the Atelier MegaFeature, we explore female protagonist Ulrika's side of the narrative, and how it provides commentary on tolerance, acceptance... and the modern education system.

Other Articles about Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis

The MoeGamer Top 10 of 2020 - It’s New Year’s Eve! In fact, as I type this, it’s New Year’s Day in some places around the world, so if that’s the case, uh, happy new year, and I hope 2021 looks better than the rancid 12 months we’ve all just endured. As is tradition for video gaming-related websites, it is obligatory for … Continue reading The MoeGamer Top 10 of 2020
The Music of Atelier, Vol. 5: Mana Khemia 2 – Fall of Alchemy - Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy brings us one of Gust's most solid soundtracks from the PS2 era, combining the distinctive "Atelier sound" that would continue to be refined in the following generation with some face-melting rock beats.
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – Life on the Light Side - Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy's two distinct narrative paths provide a very different perspective on the same events that occur throughout a rather turbulent school year. And the Extra scenario that unlocks after clearing them both resolves things nicely!
Waifu Wednesday: Whim - Who doesn’t love a good maid? Everyone loves a good maid. And the only thing that can make a good maid even better is if she’s 1) a bit cheeky and 2) a manifestation of spiritual, elemental energy in service of the resident ojou-sama. Well, okay, there are other things that can make a good … Continue reading Waifu Wednesday: Whim
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy – Doing New Game Plus Right - Let's go round again! How does Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy encourage its players to enjoy two full playthroughs -- plus a bit extra after that -- without feeling like they're going through the motions or retreading old ground?
Waifu Wednesday: Chloe Hartzog - The Atelier series has always been full of excellent female characters. And they’re all much more than just a pretty face. Chloe Hartzog from Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy is a prime example. In fact, Chloe is particularly noteworthy because of the deliberate choice to make her embody pretty much the polar opposite of almost everything … Continue reading Waifu Wednesday: Chloe Hartzog
Waifu Wednesday: Ulrika Mulberry - With Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis done and dusted, this week we’re turning our attention to its direct sequel, Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy. And where better to begin taking a look at this game than with an appreciation of the main female protagonist, one Ulrika Mulberry? After all, we’ve had four Atelier games in a … Continue reading Waifu Wednesday: Ulrika Mulberry

The best of overlooked and underappreciated computer and video games, from yesterday and today.