Yes Atelier fans, NIS America has announced on Friday that they will be releasing the third Arland installment, Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland in North America and Europe this May. Full details as well as the prologue trailer inside.

 "Santa Ana, Calif. (January 13, 2012) – NIS America announces today that Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland will bring its alchemic adventure experience to its fans in North America and Europe in May, 2012. Atelier Meruru is the latest installment in the fan-favorite Atelier series. With Atelier Meruru, the Arland trilogy comes to a most enchanting conclusion. Atelier Meruru follows the story of spunky Princess Meruru, who finds herself entranced by alchemy and vows to become Totori Helmold's apprentice. With new and updated game systems and returning characters from Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru will once again capture the hearts and minds of all the Atelier fans out there.

About Atelier Meruru:

The tiny kingdom of Arls, located on the northeastern border of the Arland Republic, is where Princess Meruru calls home. Ever since she was exposed to alchemy by famed adventurer Totori Helmold, all she could think about was becoming an alchemist. With Totori's guidance, Meruru sets out to develop her home kingdom of Arls using the power of alchemy. On her way, Meruru will encounter new adventures, obstacles, mysteries, and friends, and discover what life is like outside the castle walls. How you choose to guide her through the advancement of her land will determine the final outcome in the tale of Atelier Meruru.

Game Features

-New "Development" system: develop new areas and facilities in Arls to gain access to even more lands to explore!

-Developing new areas and facilities will change the appearance of the in-game world! How you develop the kingdom will alter the outcome of the story.

-Classic turn-based battles feature a Time Card turn system, making the battles even more strategic!

-Master item synthesis with the help of the ever-popular Homs!

-Fan-favorite characters from previous Atelier games return with more stories and mysteries to uncover!

About NIS America

In 2003, NIS America was established in Southern California to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind Japanese culture to North America. NIS America's team members devote themselves to the fans. Their respect for their fans is at the heart of everything they do. As an established entertainment publisher in the U.S., NIS America is committed to continuous growth and improvement. NIS America is a subsidiary of Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., a Japanese company famous for its unique line of strategy RPGs with titles such as Disgaea, Phantom Brave, and Makai Kingdom. NIS America has also become a publisher of Japanese anime titles, such as Toradora!, WAGNARIA!!, and Katanagatari."