Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland

Bibliographic Information: Gust, Inc.  (2012).  Atelier Meruru: The apprentice of Arland.  Japan: NIS America, Inc.

PS3 Game Site - Atelier Meruru:
The Apprentice of Arland

NIS America Website - Atelier Meruru:
The Apprentice or Aland

Plot Summary: Meruru, the princess of Arls, forces her way into being Totori's, the alchemist, apprentice. Meruru does this as a means of helping her land be prosperous once again. Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is the last game in the popular Atelier series. Teens will be able to step into Meruru's shoes and determine the fate of the land through a series of different game decisions. 

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Meruru dreams of using alchemy to change the fate of her land. Will she be able to??
 

Information About the Maker: Gust CO., Ltd is a Japanese game developer. Information is not provided in English by reliable sources. Here is the Gust Co, Ltd website: Gust Co., Ltd.

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland
Game Trailer

Genre: Video game

Subgenre: Manga-style Role Playing Game (RPG)
 

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: N/

Reading Level/Interest Age: ESBR*: Teen (13 & up) (ps3.com, 2012)

*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please see the ESBR Website for more information.

Challenge Issues: May include some suggestive themes, including the use of alcohol. If this item was challenged, I would the following arguments as my defense:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml).  Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this video game in the titles you selected?: I chose this video game because of its role playing aspects. Teens who are interested in manga will be excited to be able to create their own reality and society in this game. Much like the SIMS games, Atelier Meruru allows teens to control the outcome of their digital worlds. This will allow teens to take a look at the result of their actions and decisions when playing. I also got the inspiration to add this game to my collection from the Caroll County Public Library in Windsor, Maryland who owns a large video game collection. 

Reference Page:

 ps3.com.  (2012).  Atelier Meruru. The apprentice of Arland.  Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-ps3.html
 
cover art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelier_Meruru:_The_Apprentice_of_Arland