Atelier games have been a staple in the RPG genre since the late ’90s, delivering more than two dozen entries over the years. However, if you’re new to the series or only familiar with its PlayStation roots, you’ll have a good reason to pay attention now. “Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land” is set to make history as the first Atelier game to land on Xbox. After diving into the opening hours and chatting with producer Junzo Hosoi, it’s clear this isn’t just another installment—it’s Atelier’s most ambitious project yet.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the series come to Xbox,” Hosoi shared through email. “But I wouldn’t just label Atelier Yumia as the next game in the series. To me, it’s more like a brand new JRPG that incorporates the hallmark elements of Atelier.”
From what I’ve experienced, players will definitely recognize the classic RPG ingredients—strategic, real-time battles, crafting, and exploration—but these elements are woven together in a refreshingly new way. The standout feature? A wonderfully intricate crafting system that elevates the whole experience.
Hosoi emphasized, “The magic of the Atelier series really lies in synthesis and the alchemy process. The game cycle is something unique; it involves gathering, battling, and using the synthesis system, and all these activities interconnect beautifully.”
This magic also extends to its cast, especially Yumia Liessfeldt, the protagonist who embodies a more mature character than those we’re used to in the franchise.
Hosoi elaborated, “At 21, Yumia is on a journey to adulthood, discovering her own identity and making independent decisions. Previous heroines like Ryza and Sophie needed guidance to grow, but Yumia comes into her own from the start. Plus, she’s got a motorcycle!”
The adventure unfolds in Aladiss, a new continent that’s skeptical of alchemy, and as Yumia seeks to prove herself. Her expertise in synthesis sets her apart in a game where even crafting enthusiasts will find the mechanics to be robust, but it was her combat prowess that really caught me off guard.
Traditionally, Atelier games revolved around turn-based combat. However, since the Atelier Ryza series, there has been a shift towards real-time action, and for Atelier Yumia, fan feedback has led to a combat system with an incredible depth of options.
“The combat mechanics have been revamped. We’ve introduced close- and ranged combat styles where players can maneuver the active character around enemies freely. You can also dodge and block attacks real-time, and pull off powerful cooperative strikes with teammates,” Hosoi explained. “Our focus is now on showcasing the player’s combat skills.”
In practice, battles are fast and dynamic. You can control Yumia or seamlessly switch to her companions. Strategic positioning is crucial—predicting attacks and timing defenses requires skill. While straightforward against a lone foe, things heat up with multiple adversaries crowding the field.
The game features diverse enemy weaknesses and opportunities for stunning Friend Actions, demanding a balance between offense and defense across different ranges. This kind of strategic demand is surprising in a game with such a charming aesthetic, but it’s an adventure that keeps you engaged. Your party maneuvers seamlessly through encounters, whether for experience or just to rush back to town.
As the story progresses, you’ll meet various companions early in the game before it rewinds. Among these, Flammi stands out as both entertaining and unexpected.
Surprisingly, Flammi’s creation was inspired by an unexpected source—Halo. Hosoi shared, “Flammi was actually inspired by Cortana from Halo. I wanted a close conversational dynamic between Yumia and a constant companion. Playing Halo was immensely enjoyable, and I wanted to bring a similar mascot dynamic to Atelier Yumia.”
Koei Tecmo finds itself in an exciting phase with multiple hits. Fresh off a successful launch of “Dynasty Warriors Origins,” they’ve also thrilled fans with the surprise announcement of “Ninja Gaiden 4.” According to Hosoi, that wave of enthusiasm is palpable across all their projects.
“Our Koei Tecmo team collaborates closely. We have sessions where producers discuss projects and review each other’s games in development. By sharing insights and feedback, we improve each other’s work. It helps me in my mission to make Atelier Yumia recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of the series.”
