The Atelier series has been a staple in the world of gaming since the late ’90s, releasing over two dozen titles. However, many Xbox gamers may not be familiar with these games as Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land is the first to grace the console. After diving into the first few hours of this game and having a chat with producer Junzo Hosoi, it’s clear that this isn’t just another Atelier title. It’s arguably the most ambitious one yet for the series and particularly for its debut on Xbox.
Hosoi shared his excitement with me via email, saying, “As a huge Xbox fan, I’m thrilled to finally bring the series to the system. But when I look at the game as a whole, I don’t describe Atelier Yumia as the next Atelier game. I describe it as a completely new JRPG series that has Atelier features.”
During my hands-on time with the game, it was evident that while you’ll find the familiar RPG staples like strategic real-time battles, crafting, and exploration, they all come together in a way that feels fresh and unique. The star of the show is the deeply intricate crafting system.
“The charm of the Atelier series is about synthesis and the alchemy process,” Hosoi-san confirmed. “The gameplay loop is pretty unique because there’s collecting in the field, battling, and utilizing the synthesis system, which are all interconnected.”
This charm extends to the cast of characters, especially the titular Yumia Liessfeldt. Unlike some prior series protagonists, Yumia is a more mature character.
Hosoi-san elaborates, “Since Yumia is 21 years old, the story is about her growing into adulthood. This is shown throughout the story through her strong core values… independence and charm. With previous heroes like Ryza and Sophie, they were younger, so they needed mentors to grow, but with Yumia, she has her own identity and decision-making skills.” Plus, she rides a motorcycle!
In the game, the continent of Aladiss, where most of the adventure unfolds, is suspicious of alchemy, leading Yumia to prove her worth in its early stages. Her synthesis skills set her apart, enhanced by a new building system that crafting enthusiasts will enjoy. Yet, in my gameplay experience, it was Yumia’s combat abilities that truly impressed me.
For most of its history, Atelier games were known for their turn-based combat. Recently, with games like Atelier Ryza, there was a shift to real-time and this evolution continues with Atelier Yumia. The development team listened to player feedback and introduced a broad array of combat options.
“The mechanics of battle have been completely redesigned for this game,” Hosoi-san explains. “Close and ranged combat has been added. Within the two attack zones, players can freely maneuver around enemies or between zones in battle. You can guard and dodge in real-time and even execute powerful cooperation attacks when an enemy is stunned. For Atelier Yumia, we are focusing on showcasing the player’s skills during battle.”
In practice, battles feel fast and dynamic. Players can switch control between Yumia and her companions at any time. Strategic placement is crucial, as knowing when and where attacks will land helps players time their guards or strategic retreats. Handling a single foe is manageable, but multi-enemy encounters demand strategic thinking, as there are fewer safe areas to escape.
As you explore, seamlessly transitioning in and out of battles, it’s quick and enjoyable to gain combat experience or avoid encounters when you’d rather get back to exploring. Along the way, Yumia isn’t alone; you’ll meet a host of companions throughout the game’s prologue before a narrative rewind takes you back in time. One companion, in particular, captured my attention because of their lively personality. Hosoi-san surprised me by mentioning Flammi, Yumia’s floating companion, was inspired by Xbox’s very own Cortana.
“Flammi was inspired by Halo’s Cortana. I wanted to create a dynamic where the main character has constant interaction with someone close to them,” Hosoi-san shared. “Playing Halo gave me the idea to add a mascot for Atelier Yumia.”
Atelier Yumia’s release comes during a burst of productivity for Koei Tecmo. With the successful launch of Dynasty Warriors Origins, the unexpected announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, and surprise releases like Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Warriors: Abyss, the studio is buzzing with creativity. Hosoi-san credits this vibrant energy for invigorating all projects under the Koei Tecmo umbrella.
“The brand producers at Koei Tecmo have a great camaraderie. We have conferences where we openly give feedback on each other’s projects,” Hosoi-san revealed. “This collaboration not only helps in developing better games but also supports my goal of making Atelier Yumia known worldwide as the best game in the series.”
