Games Database
PS2
Adventure: Role Playing
Full Metal Alchemist 2: Akaki Elixir no Akuma - PS2
Also known as: Full Metal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir', 'Full Metal Alchemist and The Broken Angel
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure: Role Playing |
| Media: | DVD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Publishers: | Square Enix
(US) |
Released: | 18 Jan 2005
(US) |
Summary
Ah, the ancient and mystical science of alchemy. Over the ages, many a man has toiled to understand the secret art, by which base metal can be transmuted into gold. But the mystic pursuit has one even greater goal: that is, the search for the Philosopher’s Stone, by which its possessor can, so legend says, transmute or prolong human life itself.
The fascinating art, or science, of alchemy is at the centre of Japanese anime series Hagane no Renkinjutsushi, or to call it its English name, Full Metal Alchemist. Its story is the story of budding alchemist Edward Elric who, with his young brother Alfonse, attempts to resurrect their dead mother. But their knowledge is insufficient, and the laws of nature exact a heavy price. Edward is left with a metal arm and leg, whilst Alfonse’s very soul is encased in a living suit of armour. Seeking to restore their bodies to their natural states, they embark on a quest to find the only thing that can help them, the Philosopher’s Stone itself. But they are by no means the only ones on the trail of this mythic artefact…
Now the second video game inspired by this popular series comes to PS2: Full Metal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir, published under the banner of Square Enix, famed for its long running anime-esque Final Fantasy series. The work of Japanese developer Racjin, the game takes the form, like its forbear, of an action RPG. The first striking differences from the first game are the graphics. A fully cell-shaded look has been implemented which reproduces the look of the series far more faithfully. Indeed, Hiromu Arakawa, who draws the manga comic version of the story was involved in development. And the cut scenes are the work of Bones, responsible for the Anime series. If you’re familiar with the series, then you’ll notice some differences in the plot, which diverges from the anime story round about episode 5 or 6 to follow a mysterious terrorist who is knocking off alchemists one by one, and is in fact a prequel to the first game. You control fast talking Edward, and can conjure all manner of weapons out of the very ground, but you’ll also be assisted by Al, who is on hand to offer the occasional bunk up. You’ll also receive help from other popular characters from the series, such as Roy Mustang, Hawkeye and Armstrong.
The series has been a big success in Japan, and has a burgeoning audience in America. Who knows when we will see it come to the small screen in Europe, or whether the movie version in production will come to our cinemas. But for the meantime, fans of this exciting franchise can immerse themselves in its world on PS2.
The fascinating art, or science, of alchemy is at the centre of Japanese anime series Hagane no Renkinjutsushi, or to call it its English name, Full Metal Alchemist. Its story is the story of budding alchemist Edward Elric who, with his young brother Alfonse, attempts to resurrect their dead mother. But their knowledge is insufficient, and the laws of nature exact a heavy price. Edward is left with a metal arm and leg, whilst Alfonse’s very soul is encased in a living suit of armour. Seeking to restore their bodies to their natural states, they embark on a quest to find the only thing that can help them, the Philosopher’s Stone itself. But they are by no means the only ones on the trail of this mythic artefact…
Now the second video game inspired by this popular series comes to PS2: Full Metal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir, published under the banner of Square Enix, famed for its long running anime-esque Final Fantasy series. The work of Japanese developer Racjin, the game takes the form, like its forbear, of an action RPG. The first striking differences from the first game are the graphics. A fully cell-shaded look has been implemented which reproduces the look of the series far more faithfully. Indeed, Hiromu Arakawa, who draws the manga comic version of the story was involved in development. And the cut scenes are the work of Bones, responsible for the Anime series. If you’re familiar with the series, then you’ll notice some differences in the plot, which diverges from the anime story round about episode 5 or 6 to follow a mysterious terrorist who is knocking off alchemists one by one, and is in fact a prequel to the first game. You control fast talking Edward, and can conjure all manner of weapons out of the very ground, but you’ll also be assisted by Al, who is on hand to offer the occasional bunk up. You’ll also receive help from other popular characters from the series, such as Roy Mustang, Hawkeye and Armstrong.
The series has been a big success in Japan, and has a burgeoning audience in America. Who knows when we will see it come to the small screen in Europe, or whether the movie version in production will come to our cinemas. But for the meantime, fans of this exciting franchise can immerse themselves in its world on PS2.
Artwork
