Game Details

Size 352 MB
Region USA
Genre RPG
Format 7z / ISO
Release Year March 30, 2010
Console PSP

 

Mimana Iyar Chronicle (2009) is a classic-style JRPG that feels like a spiritual successor to the Lunar or Tales series. Developed by Kogado Studio and Premium Agency, it was brought to the West by Aksys Games. While it looks like a high-budget anime on the surface, it is known for its polarizing “old-school” grind and quirky, often irreverent sense of humor.

The Plot: A Jerk and Seven Gems

The story follows Crais Sewell, a down-on-his-luck, cynical mercenary with a gambling problem.

  • The Job: Crais is hired by a mysterious young girl named Sophie to act as her bodyguard while she searches for seven elemental gems.

  • The Harem: Along the way, Crais is joined by a group of female adventurers, including Melrose (a mad scientist sorceress), Tinon (a warrior who insists Crais must marry her because he saw her naked), and his own cousin Patty.

  • The Development: While Crais starts as a “jerkass” protagonist, the story focuses on his gradual emotional softening as the group uncovers the truth behind the gems and a mysterious Black Knight.

Key Features: Side-Scrolling Combat

  • 2D Real-Time Battle: Combat takes place on a 2D plane similar to early Tales of games. You control Crais directly, performing combos and special moves, while your AI partners provide support.

  • Dating Sim Elements: After major story beats, you can choose which party member to spend time with. These “Affinity” scenes influence the ending and unlock special character interactions.

  • Random Encounters: The game features a high encounter rate. However, a “Secret” mechanic allows you to hold the Circle button while walking to avoid most battles—though this prevents you from leveling up for boss fights.

  • Fully Voiced: The game features a significant amount of voice acting for its time, with high-quality anime cutscenes and dialogue sequences.

Secrets & Password Unlocks

The game includes a specialized “Lucky Cat Bakery” (or Shop) where you can enter passwords to get powerful gear early.

Effect / Item Password
Sexy Swimsuit (Costume) LITTLE DEVIL
Arcanum of Life LITTLE ANGEL
Light Mail GUNGNIR
Dark Mail SACRIFICE
Golden Kit ETHER BLAST
Aksys Games Food Kit AKSYS GAMES

 

Short Review: “Tales” of Mediocrity?

The Good

  • Localization: Aksys did a fantastic job with the translation, infusing the dialogue with a lot of wit and personality that makes the “harem” tropes more bearable.

  • Aesthetics: The character sprites and anime cutscenes are crisp and colorful, capturing a late-90s JRPG charm perfectly.

  • Simplicity: It’s a straightforward RPG that doesn’t overcomplicate its mechanics, making it a decent “comfort” game.

The Bad

  • Artificial Stupidity: The AI teammates are notoriously bad at pathfinding and often stand still during combat unless managed constantly via the tactics menu.

  • Dungeon Design: Dungeons are long, repetitive, and often look like a series of identical hallways, which can be exhausting given the high random encounter rate.

  • Abrupt Pacing: The story feels like it’s just getting started when it suddenly hits the finale, leading many fans to believe it was meant to be the first part of a never-produced trilogy.

Screenshots

Mimana Iyar Chronicle PSP ISO
Mimana Iyar Chronicle PSP ISO