Developer: Gust
Publisher: Tecmo Koei
Genre: Crafting Simulation / Turn-Based Role Playing Game
Platform: PS4 (Digital), PC (Steam), Switch (Digital/Asian Physical)
Release Date: January 14th, 2020
Price: $39.99 ea. ($89.99 bundle price)
PC Specs:
Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10 (64bit required)
Processor: Core i5 2.6GHz or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX660 or better,1280x720 (Graphic Memory 2GB or better)
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 17 GB available space
Sound Card: 16bit Stereo 48kHzWAVE
Recommended:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10 (64bit required)
Processor: Core i7 3.4GHz over
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX960 or better, 1920x1080 (Graphic Memory 2GB or better)
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 17 GB available space
Sound Card: 16bit Stereo 48kHzWAVE
The Deluxe (DX) versions of the games are remastered versions including most (but not all) DLC from previous entries. They take all the new features and content of the Vita (Plus) versions of the games along with a sizable chunk of downloadable content such as costumes, music, and more and roll it all into one package. Each of the games can be purchased separately, but there is a discount for buying all three (typically 25% discount).
Run / Sprint
The ability to run/sprint has been added into the game, allowing for faster traversal across fields. While it may seem minor, this can assist greatly when gathering across the larger maps and also help in escaping powerful enemies who seem hellbent on destroying you when all you're trying to do is pick some flowers.
Fast Forward (Battle)
Battles can be set to fast forward, allowing players to breeze through encounters that they typically have no trouble with or to assist with farming materials from particular creatures.
Plus Features
Costumes, accessories, bosses, difficulty modes, challenges, story expansions, and more are included in the Plus versions of the game. Additionally, new art albums, quality of life changes, and extra music has been included in the re-releases as well.
Atelier Ayesha follows the story of an apothecary living in the outskirts, far removed from the general populace. Not too long ago, her little sister disappeared in the nearby ruins without a trace. After a fateful crossing of paths with the illustrious yet aloof Keith in the ruins, Ayesha becomes introduced to the art of alchemy and learns it may help her in the search for her sister Nio.
Atelier Escha & Logy (see: eschatology) takes place four years after Ayesha to the west of the Twilight Land. The citizens of the land have started to re-ignite the art of alchemy to prevent the End of Dusk, an ominous black day looming in the worlds horizon. Escha and Logy are assigned to the same project, leading their fates to be linked as they seek to develop the town and learn the secrets of alchemy.
Atelier Shallie takes place ten years after Ayesha (and six after Escha & Logy). Follow Shallistera, the daughter of a chieftain, or Shallotte who runs her late father's atelier. The two embark on an adventure to discover the mysteries of Dusk and seek to learn more about the world and its decline.
Q. I've never played these games before. What are these games like?
A. These games are typically Slice of Life Crafting Sims mixed with JRPG elements. You spend a lot of time crafting, exploring, and battling alongside also getting to know a large cast of characters over the course of multiple games. You're usually not going on an adventure to save the world or anything.
Can I start with this? Which one should I start with?
A. Dusk is its own trilogy, but Ayesha is the first entry. It's recommended to enter into the start of a trilogy/sub-series.
Q. I've only played Ryza, how is this trilogy different?
A. Ryza had no time limit or calendar system. The Dusk series has a light time limit and a notable calendar system with events happening on certain dates or specific scenes happening in certain days or seasons. However, Shallie has no time limit and is instead focused on tasks that need to be completed to continue on. Dusk also features a turn-based battle system.
Q. Is there a physical version?
A. Not in the US. There appears to be an Asian Switch version that can be imported, though there haven't been any impressions yet regarding what it includes (e.g. Dubs).
Q. How often do these go on sale?
A. Atelier games don't often go on sale. There has been a 10% discount at launch on the Arland trilogy, a 25% bundle discount for the entire trilogy, and there was a sale recently on eShop and Steam.
PC users can utilize the Steam wishlist or IsThereAnyDeal.com to follow sales, though console may need to resort to following Koei Tecmo's twitter. Good times to look for sales are during seasonal and holiday times.
Q. How do I tell all these Atelier games apart?
A. They're generally divided by sub-series. These sub-series often contain 2-3 games that are tied together but sub-series generally do not link to one another directly (e.g. Arland is not linked to Mysterious).
Below are all the games available in English.
Iris consists of Atelier Iris 1 (2005), 2 (2006), and 3 (2007).
Mana consists of Mana Khemia 1 (2008) and 2 (2009).
Arland consists of Rorona (2010), Totori (2011), Meruru (2012), and Lulua (2019).
Dusk consists of Ayesha (2013), Escha & Logy (2014), and Shallie (2015).
Mysterious consists of Sophie (2016), Firis (2017), and Lydie & Suelle (2018).
Annie (2009) is a spinoff for the Nintendo DS that is more akin to original game, Atelier Marie.
Nelke (2019) is not an Atelier game but a crossover celebration game focused on city management.
Ryza (2019) is the latest installment and a new series/trilogy with no ties to previous entries.
Thanks to the friends in the Atelier OT for being ever helpful, the lovely people at the Atelier wiki for all the info, and KT for finally giving into our screaming about Dusk ports/remasters.
Community OTs
Atelier Community Thread
RPG Community Thread
Other Atelier OTs
Atelier Arland Trilogy (Arland 1, 2, 3)
Atelier Lulua (Arland 4)
Nelke & The Legendary Alchemists (20th Anniversary Spinoff)
Atelier Lydie & Suelle (Mysterious 3)
Atelier Ryza (Newest entry, new sub-series/trilogy)
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