《阿蕾莎》（日文原名：アレサ，英文名：Aretha）是由Japan Art Media（JAM）開發、Yanoman Corporation發行的角色扮演遊戲，最初於1990年在Game Boy平台推出，僅限日本市場。同名系列的第一部作品，其後於1993年推出Super Famicom版本的續作《Aretha the Super Famicom》，並衍生出二、三代及外傳作品，包括《Aretha II: Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi》、《Aretha III》以及單獨外傳《Rejoice: Aretha Ōkoku no Kanata》，系列作品陸續於1991至1995年在相同平台推出。

劇情圍繞主角Ariel展開，她是智慧老奶奶的孫女，但在故事開始時卻被變成十歲的小孩。Ariel接到一個看似簡單的任務：穿越森林前往附近的Nineveh小鎮，去見一位特定人物。在完成這個任務的過程中，她逐漸鍛鍊自己的魔法能力，最終準備迎接對抗邪惡勢力的最終決戰。整個故事融合奇幻冒險與成長元素，玩家將隨著 Ariel 的探索，逐步解鎖新的魔法技能、挑戰更強大的敵人，並體驗角色從平凡任務到英雄成長的完整旅程。

在操作上，Super Famicom版本採用全方向的隨機遭遇回合制戰鬥系統，敵人可以從前方、側面或後方發動攻擊，使戰鬥策略更加多樣化家需要仔細選擇攻擊或防禦動作，利用魔法技能與道具應對各種敵人。與傳統線性RPG不同，在探索地圖時隨機觸發戰鬥，增添不確定性與挑戰感。其他主要角色有Doole，他們各自擁有不同能力與技能，需要靈活運用以應對冒險中的各種情況。

在市場表現上，Super Famicom版本於1994年初曾登上當時平台的前十大暢銷遊戲榜，顯示其在日本市場受到玩家的熱烈歡迎。評論指出，《阿蕾莎》的戰鬥系統雖然基於回合制，但加入全方位攻擊與魔法成長要素，使其在當時的RPG遊戲中具有一定的創新性和可玩性。此外，豐富的故事線與角色成長設定也為玩家帶來沉浸式的冒險體驗。

總體而言，《阿蕾莎》是融合奇幻冒險、策略回合制戰鬥以及角色成長元素的經典 RPG。無論是初代Game Boy版本還是後續Super Famicom版本，它都為玩家提供豐富的探索內容、策略戰鬥挑戰以及充滿魅力的角色劇情，成為1990年代初期日本RPG市場的重要作品，也為後續續作和外傳奠定穩固基礎。

Aretha (Japanese: アレサ) is a role-playing game developed by Japan Art Media (JAM) and published by Yanoman Corporation, originally released in 1990 for the Game Boy, exclusively in Japan. It is the first entry in the Aretha series and was later followed by the Super Famicom sequel Aretha the Super Famicom in 1993. The series also includes Aretha II: Ariel no Fushigi na Tabi, Aretha III, and a standalone side story, Rejoice: Aretha Ōkoku no Kanata, released between 1991 and 1995 on the same platforms.

The game’s story centers on Ariel, the granddaughter of a wise old grandmother, who has been transformed into a ten-year-old. At the start of her adventure, Ariel is given a seemingly simple task: to travel through the forest to the nearby town of Nineveh and meet a specific person. Along the way, this journey becomes a training ground for Ariel to develop her magical abilities, ultimately preparing her to face the forces of evil in a climactic battle. The narrative blends elements of fantasy, exploration, and character growth, allowing players to witness Ariel evolve from an ordinary child into a capable young heroine.

Gameplay in the Super Famicom version features an all-directional random encounter turn-based battle system. Enemies can attack from the front, sides, or rear, adding a strategic layer to combat that requires players to carefully choose Ariel’s actions, balancing attacks, defense, and the use of magical skills. Unlike traditional linear RPGs, battles are triggered randomly during exploration, creating unpredictability and challenge. Players also encounter various supporting characters, such as Doole, each with unique abilities that can assist in both combat and puzzle-solving throughout Ariel’s journey.

Aretha achieved notable commercial success in Japan, with the Super Famicom version reaching the top-ten bestseller list in early 1994. Critics praised the game for its innovative combat mechanics, which combined standard turn-based battles with directional strategy, as well as its engaging story and character progression. The game offered players a more immersive and tactical RPG experience than many contemporaries.

Overall, Aretha is a classic RPG that combines fantasy adventure, strategic turn-based combat, and character development. Both the original Game Boy release and the later Super Famicom version provide players with extensive exploration, challenging battles, and a compelling narrative, cementing its status as a key title in early 1990s Japanese role-playing games and laying the foundation for its subsequent sequels and spin-offs.