Atelier games have been a staple of the gaming scene since the late ’90s, with more than twenty-five entries under their belt. Despite this, if you’re not familiar with the series, you’re not alone. However, the arrival of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land on Xbox marks a significant milestone as it’s the first in the series to grace the platform. After spending some time with the game and having a chat with the producer, Junzo Hosoi, it’s clear that this isn’t just another installment—it’s a truly ambitious endeavor.
“As an Xbox enthusiast, I’m overjoyed to introduce the series to this platform,” Hosoi shared in an email. He went on to say that he doesn’t view Atelier Yumia as merely the next game in the franchise, but rather as the launch of a fresh JRPG adventure that incorporates familiar Atelier elements.
During my hands-on session, I discovered that the game merges well-known RPG staples such as strategic real-time battles, crafting, and exploration, but does so in a way that feels refreshingly unique. The standout feature? A deeply intricate crafting system that sets it apart in the genre.
“The heart of the Atelier series lies in synthesis and alchemy,” Hosoi-san pointed out. “Our game cycle stands out with its combination of collecting, battling, and synthesizing, all of which are intricately interconnected.”
This distinctiveness is mirrored in the game’s cast, particularly with the character Yumia Liessfeldt, who represents a more mature protagonist compared to past leading ladies of the series.
Hosoi-san elaborated, “Yumia’s journey is about her transition into adulthood, showcased through her steadfast values of independence and charm. Unlike former protagonists like Ryza and Sophie, who needed guidance to mature, Yumia charts her own path with her originality and decision-making prowess.” Plus, she even rides a motorcycle!
In her new adventure, Yumia finds herself on the continent of Aladiss, where alchemy is viewed with skepticism. Early gameplay demonstrates her quest to prove her worth through a sophisticated building system sure to appeal to crafting enthusiasts. However, it was Yumia’s combat skills that caught me off guard during my playthrough.
Traditionally, Atelier games have employed turn-based combat. Yet, starting with Atelier Ryza, they shifted to real-time battles, and Atelier Yumia further expands on this with a host of combat options for players to master.
“The battle mechanics have been overhauled,” Hosoi-san explained. Now, players can engage in close and ranged combat, move dynamically around enemies, and even team up with companions for stunning combo attacks. “We’re focused on showcasing players’ capabilities during battles.”
Gameplay wise, battles are fast-paced, allowing players to switch control between Yumia and her companions on a whim. Positioning is crucial for evading attacks and performing well-timed defensive moves. While dueling an individual foe isn’t overwhelming, skirmishing multiple adversaries presents a unique challenge that requires both strategy and agility.
With elements like varied enemy vulnerabilities and powerful cooperative moves, this seemingly charming game demands keen situational awareness. Thankfully, the transition in and out of battles is seamless, letting you easily navigate back to exploration or avoid combat altogether when desired.
Yumia’s journey isn’t a solitary one; players will come across a host of companions, each introduced in an intriguing prologue before the storyline rewinds for deeper exploration. One standout character is Flammi, a humorous floating companion, who caught my interest. Surprisingly, Hosoi-san mentioned an iconic Xbox character as inspiration for Flammi.
“Flammi draws influence from Halo’s Cortana,” Hosoi-san revealed. “I wanted that dynamic companion feel in Atelier Yumia, reminiscent of the enjoyment I had from Halo’s narrative.”
Atelier Yumia is releasing at an exciting time for Koei Tecmo, alongside the successful launch of Dynasty Warriors Origins and the unexpected announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4. This positivity, it seems, is contagious.
“Our brand producers at Koei Tecmo have a great rapport,” Hosoi-san said. “We host conferences where concepts are shared for feedback across brands, fostering a collaborative environment. This synergy is key to our goal of making Atelier Yumia a standout, globally recognized title in the series.”
