The Atelier series, known for its niche crafting JRPG gameplay, is making a shift towards mainstream international appeal with its upcoming release – Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. Producer Junzo Hosoi acknowledged that certain aspects of previous Atelier games did not meet the standards set by other RPGs, but were forgiven due to the series’ loyal fanbase. This time around, the goal is to create a high-quality RPG that will attract new players who have never experienced the Atelier universe before.
Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg initiated the series in 1997, and over the years, there have been a total of 25 mainline entries and 17 spinoffs. While the existing player base has kept the Atelier series alive and thriving, Gust, the studio behind the game, aims to broaden its audience. With a larger budget from the success of previous spinoff series, Gust is introducing an open-world map for more adventurous gameplay. Hosoi mentioned a new wall-jumping feature for vertical exploration and hinted at a blend of real-time and turn-based battles for a fresh experience with strategic elements.
One of the key features of Atelier Yumia is its revamped alchemy system, building on the foundation laid by Atelier Ryza 3. The Link Morph-style synthesis system has been enhanced with a more user-friendly interface to cater to both seasoned Atelier players and newcomers. For instance, an automatic material addition feature has been included to streamline potion-crafting. Additionally, the game introduces a comprehensive housing system, a first for the series, which allows players to construct their dream home from scratch with a variety of customization options.
Gust’s ambitious goal with Atelier Yumia is to attract a wider audience beyond its traditional fanbase. The game is set to release on multiple platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, showcasing the studio’s determination to reach a diverse player base. The success of Atelier Yumia in achieving mainstream appeal remains to be seen, but the promising features and improvements suggest a major step towards its goal.
Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land represents a turning point for the Atelier series, aiming to captivate a broader audience while retaining its core elements that fans have come to love. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, a compelling storyline, and a more extensive world to explore, this upcoming title has the potential to establish Atelier as a prominent name in the RPG genre. Keep an eye out for Atelier Yumia’s release on March 21st, and witness the evolution of a beloved franchise.