Atelier games have been a staple in the RPG world since they first debuted in the late ’90s. There have been over twenty games in the series since then, but the latest installment, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land, marks the series’ first foray onto the Xbox platform. After diving into the first few hours and speaking with producer Junzo Hosoi, I can confidently say that this isn’t just another Atelier title. It’s an ambitious new chapter for the franchise.
“As an Xbox enthusiast, I’m excited to finally launch an Atelier game on this console,” Hosoi shared in an email. However, he perceives Atelier Yumia not merely as another addition to the series but as a fresh take on the JRPG genre, albeit with familiar Atelier elements.
During my hands-on preview, the game showcased plenty of RPG staples like strategic real-time battles, crafting, and exploration. Yet, the way these components blend together is refreshingly unique. The magic ingredient? A deeply intricate crafting system.
Hosoi-san emphasized this point: “The essence of the Atelier series lies in synthesis and alchemy. The gameplay loop of gathering, battling, and synthesizing is uniquely interconnected.”
The game introduces a vibrant cast of characters, most notably Yumia Liessfeldt. Unlike younger protagonists from past titles, Yumia is a 21-year-old character embodying independence and a mature charm.
“Yumia’s journey is about her path into adulthood,” Hosoi-san elaborated. “Her core values—independence and charm—shine throughout her story. With characters like Ryza and Sophie, mentorship was pivotal for their growth. But Yumia stands on her own, equipped with decision-making prowess. Oh, and she rides a motorcycle!”
The setting of Atelier Yumia introduces Aladiss, a new continent where alchemy is met with skepticism. Early in the game, Yumia strives to prove her abilities, not just through alchemy but also in combat. A new crafting system should delight fans of survival crafting games, yet Yumia’s combat abilities were the biggest surprise.
Historically, Atelier games featured turn-based combat. But the recent Atelier Ryza shifted to real-time action. Now, Atelier Yumia takes it further, offering a plethora of combat options based on player feedback.
“Combat has been entirely reimagined,” explained Hosoi-san. “Players can now engage in both close and ranged combat. Within two attack zones, you can move your character freely, guard, dodge, and even execute powerful cooperative strikes when enemies are stunned. Our focus is on showcasing player skill in every battle.”
Practically speaking, battles are fast-paced. You can switch between controlling Yumia and her companions at will. Placement is crucial; while enemy attack areas are visible, perfectly timing your moves isn’t easy—particularly in multi-enemy scenarios where safe zones diminish quickly.
There’s much to consider: enemy weaknesses, timing of Friend Actions, and balancing offensive and defensive strategies—more than you’d initially expect from such a charming game! Luckily, your team flows in and out of battles smoothly, making it easy to rack up combat experience or bypass encounters when you’re eager to return to town.
Yumia’s journey includes a colorful roster of companions, including Flammi, a whimsical sidekick. Hosoi-san shared a fun tidbit about this character’s inspiration: “Flammi draws inspiration from Halo’s Cortana. I loved the idea of a tight-knit duo, constantly in communication. My experience with Halo led me to incorporate a mascot for Atelier Yumia.”
The game’s launch coincides with a busy period for Koei Tecmo. With recent titles like Dynasty Warriors Origins receiving positive receptions and surprise announcements like Ninja Gaiden 4, there’s an energetic vibe at the company.
“Interactions between Koei Tecmo’s brand producers are collaborative and enriching,” said Hosoi-san. “Development feedback loops ensure an exchange of ideas to enhance our projects, driving my ambition to make Atelier Yumia not only a standout series entry but globally recognized.”
This spirit of collaboration and innovation sets the stage for Atelier Yumia’s promising future, not just as a continuation of a beloved series but as a standout in its own right.
