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NIS America’s Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis for Sony Corp.’s Playstation 2 is a decent RPG that combines classroom alchemy with standard battles. The title includes many magic gameplay options to spruce up new items and weapons for a light, efficient RPG experience.

In Mana Khemia, the lead character Vayne is recruited to Academy. He is quickly introduced to classmates who join his party and start to learn the basics of alchemy and battle.

The title is divided into chapters that include Events to relay story elements, and Class to complete assignments. Assignments can range from gathering items to create a specific product, or defeating an enemy in the battlefield.

Players can head to different parts of campus through a menu-based map, including the Workshop to synthesize new items, the Classroom to attend class, the Faculty Room to speak to teachers, and head Off Campus to gather materials and battle.

Synthesis can occur by combining found elements at the Workshop. Players can create their own heal potions, forge enhanced weapons and armor to customize their RPG play. Many of the basics are laid out in the first hour to ease any player into the game.

Battles are quick and snappy, with basic play features like Attack, Item, Spell, and Run. Added features include the Burst Meter that builds upon each enemy hit, and a knock out function that will dizzy enemies that are beat repeatedly.

The graphics engine is sharp at 60 frames per second. Sprite-based characters are crystal clear against polygonal backdrops, and standard anime voice acting brings the occasionally quirky dialogue to life.

Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis is a good achemic title for the PS2. The basic battle system may be too generic for hardcore players, however, the lighthearted story and alchemy-based gameplay provides a unique offering to RPG fans.