Iris no Atelier: Eternal Mana

Released in Japan on May 27, 2004, Iris no Atelier: Eternal Mana is a classic 2D turn-based RPG developed by Gust for the PlayStation 2. As the sixth entry in the long-running Atelier series, it marked a significant shift by focusing more on traditional RPG exploration and a linear storyline compared to the time-management-heavy systems of its predecessors. 

Players follow the journey of Klein Kiesling, a young alchemist capable of communicating with elemental spirits called Mana, as he travels the world of Regallzine to uncover the secrets of a lost civilization. 

The game is celebrated for its beautiful hand-drawn sprite work, a deep "Item Synthesis" system that allows for extensive equipment customization, and a highly praised, upbeat soundtrack by Ken Nakagawa and Akira Tsuchiya.