![Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi [Model SHVC-AREJ-JPN]](images/marquees/61042.jpg "Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi [Model SHVC-AREJ-JPN]")
![Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi [Model SHVC-AREJ-JPN] screenshot](images/game/61042_2.png "Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi [Model SHVC-AREJ-JPN]")
ARETHA II アリエルの不思議な旅 © 1994 Yanoman Games.
(Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi)
Aretha II: Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi is the second installment in the Aretha role-playing series, developed by Japan Art Media. The game continues the story of the young heroine Ariel, who finds herself embarking on a new quest across a vibrant, expansive fantasy world. Departing from the more straightforward narrative of the first game, Aretha II expands on the series' core mechanics by introducing a more complex magic system, a larger cast of recruitable companions, and a focus on exploration that encourages players to interact with the environment to uncover hidden secrets. It is a quintessential 16-bit JRPG that balances a lighthearted, "fairy-tale" aesthetic with deep turn-based strategic combat.
![Goodies for Aretha II - Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi [Model SHVC-AREJ-JPN]](images/covermini160/61042_1.jpg)
GAME ID: SHVC-AREJ-JPN
Released on December 2, 1994 (Friday) in Japan. Same day as Breath of Fire II - Shimei no Ko [Model SHVC-AF2J-JPN] on the same platform.
The game was never exported outside Japan. The subtitle translates from Japanese as Ariel's Mysterious Journey.
Refining the Formula: While the first Aretha established the series' identity, the sequel was widely praised for its technical improvements, including more detailed sprite work, smoother character animations, and a more intuitive menu interface, which made managing party stats and spells significantly less cumbersome.
The Magic System: A defining feature of the Aretha games is their unique approach to magic. Instead of just burning through MP, players must manage a variety of spell-types that interact with enemy weaknesses. Aretha II expanded this by introducing more elemental combinations, rewarding players who experimented with their party's magical loadouts.
Ariel’s Evolution: As the protagonist, Ariel undergoes significant character growth throughout the game. Moving away from the "clueless newcomer" trope of many early RPGs, the narrative focuses on her developing agency and leadership skills as she gathers a diverse party of allies to assist her in her quest.
Visual Presentation: The game is often cited for its bright, pastel-heavy color palette, which gives it a distinct storybook feel. This contrasted sharply with the more dark, gritty fantasy games flooding the market at the time, making Aretha II stand out as a visually welcoming and charming adventure.
The "Japan Art Media" Touch: The developers were known for a specific style of RPG design that prioritized "feel" and charm over sheer mechanical complexity. This resulted in a game that, while perhaps not as globally famous as Final Fantasy, offered a highly polished and cohesive experience for its dedicated fanbase.
A Collector’s Niche: Aretha II has maintained a cult following. It is frequently sought after by fans of the Super Famicom’s RPG library who appreciate games that lean into a more whimsical, adventurous tone rather than the high-stakes, brooding drama found in other genre staples of the era.