For those who’ve followed the gaming scene since the late ’90s, the Atelier series might be a familiar name, boasting over two dozen releases. But if you’re not quite in the loop, no worries—many are still catching up. Making its grand debut on Xbox is Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land, marking a significant first for the series on this console. After a deep dive into the early stages of the game and a chat with producer Junzo Hosoi, it’s evident that this is not just another addition but the most daring endeavor yet for the Atelier franchise.
"As a self-proclaimed Xbox enthusiast, I’m absolutely delighted to finally bring the series to the platform," Hosoi shared with me in an email exchange. He elaborated, expressing that he doesn’t simply see Atelier Yumia as the next step in the series, but as the birth of a novel JRPG saga that embraces beloved Atelier elements.
My hands-on session confirmed Hosoi’s sentiments. Classic RPG mechanics are alive and well, with strategic real-time battles, engaging crafting, and open exploration. However, they integrate in a unique way that feels fresh. The standout feature? An intricate crafting system that sets it apart.
Hosoi-san highlighted, "The soul of the Atelier series revolves around synthesis and alchemy. The gameplay cycle is distinctive, intertwining gathering on the field, engaging in battles, and mastering synthesis. These elements are inextricably linked."
Not only does the gameplay shine, but so do the characters, especially Yumia Liessfeldt, the titular heroine, who exudes maturity compared to her predecessors.
Hosoi-san provided additional insight: "At 21, Yumia’s journey is all about embracing her transition to adulthood, demonstrated by her strong principles of independence and charisma. With characters like Ryza and Sophie, who needed mentors, Yumia forges her path with her identity and decision-making prowess." Plus, she’s got a cool motorcycle!
As for Aladiss, a new continent making its debut in Atelier Yumia, there’s an inherent skepticism toward alchemy. In the game’s opening stages, Yumia is out to earn her stripes. While her crafting skills set her apart in the game world, fortified by a robust building system likely to thrill crafting enthusiasts, I was taken aback by her combat skills in my gameplay.
Historically, the Atelier series was known for its turn-based system. However, recent titles like Atelier Ryza introduced real-time combat, and Yumia’s team took players’ feedback to heart, innovating a wide array of combat tactics.
“The battle mechanics have been revamped completely for Atelier Yumia,” Hosoi explains. “By adding both close-range and ranged combat, players now have the liberty to maneuver Yumia or switch to her companions freely during a fight. You can guard, dodge, and execute powerful cooperative attacks when the enemy is vulnerable. This installment focuses on showcasing player skill during combat sequences.”
In practice, battles are swift and dynamic. You have the flexibility to control Yumia directly or switch to her allies at any point. Strategic positioning is crucial, echoing when and where the blows will land, but perfect timing is key for effective guarding or evasion. Simple when faced with an individual adversary, it becomes challenging in larger brawls with confined safe zones.
The game ratchets up the complexity with variable enemy weaknesses and opportunities for spectacular Friend Actions, demanding a balance between offense and defense across different distances. It’s surprising that a game with such a charming exterior demands significant tactical awareness. Thankfully, transitioning in and out of battle is seamless while exploring, allowing for quick experience gain or bypassing fights if you just want to zip back to town.
Yumia’s journey isn’t a solitary one; several companions rally to her side in the game’s prologue, offering a rich narrative. Particular standouts like Flammi, Yumia’s whimsical floating aide, bring unexpected charm. Discussing Flammi, Hosoi-san unexpectedly drew parallels with an Xbox legend.
“Flammi took some inspiration from Halo’s Cortana; I envisioned dynamic dialogue between a main character and a constant companion. My enjoyment from Halo fueled the desire to add an engaging mascot for Atelier Yumia."
These developments come at a busy time for Koei Tecmo, fresh off the success of Dynasty Warriors Origins and the surprising reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4, as well as stealth launches like Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Warriors: Abyss. According to Hosoi-san, this invigorating positive atmosphere permeates all Koei Tecmo projects.
"Our brand producers across Koei Tecmo maintain strong camaraderie. We hold regular discussions where we exchange feedback across projects, and seeing each other’s developments enriches our work. These interactions refine our creations, aiming to elevate Atelier Yumia to global recognition as the pinnacle of the series."
