atelier = love a couple months ago i got so hooked on this series. went from 0 to 9 games and finished the mysterious trilogy. now working my way through the arland games to pick up lulua. SHE'S SO FRIGGIN ADORABLE xD i have no idea if i manage to wait 3 games before getting this one -.-
I haven't play the other Arland series and I just finished Lulua yesterday. And I enjoyed it so much. I'm surprised at how good Lulua is. I set low expectation for this game but after I get in chapter 3 or 4, I get obsessed with it. And yes, Alchemyriddle is so fun!
Never played the series before but it looks fun. Wish money wasn't so tight right now but hearing you gush about it is infectious! Definitely going to keep an eye out when I get a chance.
Jay, thanks for the thumbs up with this one. The Arland Trilogy (DX) is definitely considered the best for a reason - the way it weaves the world into what it is that you're doing has just been fantastic. I started playing Atelier with Mana Khemia and then played the Iris games after, and when I finally got a PS3, I got the trilogy and just loved it. I'm surprised at the lack of English dubs as well, the series has always had superior dubbing, so I'd figure that they'd call on the same people... But I guess it might be because some of the former English VAs phoned in a "No" or something and they couldn't do one authentically.
Well both Atelier Lydie & Suelle and Nelke & The Legendary Alchemists don't have English dubs either. It's probably just Koei Tecmo cutting costs. Atelier is already a niche series so they probably don't see the justification to spend the extra money on English voices for a game that isn't going to sell a ton. At this rate I don't expect to see English voices for any Atelier games ever again, which makes me sad because I love English dubs.
Awesome, been wanting to check out the Atelier series sjnce I loved Gust's Blue Reflection, so nice to hear this can be played without the prior games.
thank you for the review, you sold me on it. and the removal of a timer system is great news. no matter how forgiving a timer is in a game i just cannot avoid worrying about it constatnly. couldn't play majora's mask because of it and have never been able to enjoy a dead rising game
i never played any of these games. the first time i learned about this series was in a game store. i saw *Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland* on the ps3. the only thing that stopped me from getting it. was i;'m not a fan of gathering resources so that i cna use battle skills... i loved everything else about it.
i fucking loved the 2nd one which was a prequel chronologically be great if they put all three games on console digital stores for $20 a piece, i feel that be fair :3
Good Review >.> i think will buy it next month ( only played the mysterious series so far ) and the other Arland games will be played too at some point ^^
Tamikuz there’s definitely some miniscule interesting things that would benefit from playing the original 3 first. But it can be played stand alone. And the new alchemy system could make the older one seem bad with how good it is which could deminish the enjoyment form the older games.
I have a bit of good news for you. Both of the semi-recently released Atelier Trilogy packs (Dusk Trilogy and Arland Trilogy) have English dubs. The Atelier series used to get full English dubs and the trilogy packs are enhanced versions of Atelier games that originally released on the PS3 so they all have their English dubs intact. I wouldn't be surprised if they return to doing English dubs soon, especially if Atelier Ryza 2 turns out to be as popular as the first Atelier Ryza. :)
Nice review. I bought the Arland trilogy a month ago and playing Totori atm, then Meruru. I can't wait to finally play this one after the whole trilogy. Ps. Atelier Ryza looks great, hopefully they'll release some gameplay soon.
Hmmm. I might pick this game up. The no English voice option is a huge turn off as I prefer to hear my entertainment in my own language. I even stopped buying the other games in this series once they stopped offering it (fewer consumer options is always a pet peeve of mine), but I'll see. Either way it's a lovely review Jay! You're my favorite source for RPGs in general
I find it amusing that the blaster is used as a physical attack hitting with the blaster rather than shooting something. I haven’t heard of this game series before but I might pick it up if it goes on sale. Thanks for the review!
Great review! What bothers me with most anime rpg's is that they all seem to be the same kind of thing wheter it's because they take place in modern times or have certain other elements that ruin it for me. But I am happy that your reviews show that most anime games like Atelier are unique!
I thought it was just ok, some places are similar in Lulua as the previous games, so there weren't so many surprises if you played the previous games. But the synthesis was more complicated in that game compared to the other newer games so there is that, only the synthesis though, the endings aren't restrictive at all.
I’m choosing to buy this game or Atelier Lydie & Suelle since both are the same price. Which one do you recommend? I played most of the Arland and mysterious series so I have no problem playing both.
For me it looks like sailor moon cuteness meets zelda botw game mechanics. I really liked the exploration and gathering in botw. Is it similar gameplay kinda?
There's no fuckin' way I remember what even happened in the Arland trillogy - I played like 10 other atelier games since then. Which was pretty much the main reason why I didn't really feel inclined to play this one. I mean sure the story is something new but there's a ton of old characters and I don't like missing things I should know but I don't because my brain is made of cheese. I really have to get into it tho'.
I can finally play an atelier game. I own all of them released in North America but i always stop playing them eventually because i am annoyed by the deadline. Most rpgs dont have them and its the worst part of any rpg to me if they have a time limit. So i will play this one to the end once it goes down in price enough.
Thanks for the review! I have never heard of this game series before but between you and Ircha Gaming it sounds like something I should check out. I like games where you can get lost in accomplishing little quests and stuff, and this looks like it's right up my alley. One question I have is that I am not getting a sense as to how linear this game is? Is it more open world? Can you tackle quests in whatever order you please?
The main story is linear but Atelier isn't generally a strictly linear experience. You can go to any of the zones at any time, complete side quests, and view character events (that aren't part of the main story) as you please. For Lulua specifically, you need to complete the main page of the alchemyriddle before you can progress to the next chapter but the side content and advanced goals can be done at any time and in any order.
Jay’s answer is good. I’d also add that you can technically complete the next chapters riddles ahead of time too. Is for example I got most of chapter 10’s riddles done before doing a single story point for chapter 9. And did the same with 6/7. Usually 1 or 2 riddles requires the story progression to unlock a zone you need for the next riddles. But you can play at your own pace and do whatever you want until you feel the need to unlock a new zone.
Red SaltedEgg i would love the old one more if it doesn’t has the stupid time limit to farm certain item to beat bosses without starting the game over.
Gotta be honest. Story is lackluster compare to Atelier Escha & Logy. The part in order to get the true ending in this game just didn't click for me. It's like with just the power of Yur.. I mean friendship anything is possible.
MazinroboX2 yes and no. I think the systems in this game are so well done it could make the older systems less enjoyable. But you don’t need any of the original arland saga to get your moneys worth out of this one. You just get some small extra enjoyment out of seeing things and remembering where they came from. I found after playing meruru for example totori is less enjoyable. Because meruru took totori a systems and improved them.
I got the game and have to say I loved the other Atelier The book and Firis a lot more than this one. I don't know what... but I haven't touched the game since a week. The other games i just mentioned I played for days and kept playing. This one lost my attention already. Maybe I will start over eventually. But on PC the frames dips quite a lot. I hope they will fix it. Not normal for a game with such graphics has big fps drops in some areas. When it rained the game even crashed. Not good
So you can take your time and go anywhere you want without "wasting time" in this one? That's the one thing that prevented me from getting into these games. If it's gone then I'm totally sold.
JAMES C yes imo. The machina dungeon dlc that is coming out later is the real test for atelier games. I’ve played only this one and the arland 3 but I find the game itself is usually not that hard then machina dungeon is like hard mode on steroids. If you just want the enjoyment of the story though the other perks form the extra cash are negligible to gameplay
They just recycle the same engine making new games. Not that I have a problem with it, but 60 bucks for new releases? I always end up getting older versions. The game is fine, but the Atelier series definitely made this style of game a genre of it's own. I can say the same for the Tales of ---- games too. I just wish they didn't recycle the same types of stories every time. Like maybe have a male main character but surround him with cute female support cast - keeping that part of the game loyal to it's fandom.
Finally! I can get back into Atlier games lol i stopped playing after Totori. Couldn't enjoy the game with those constant deadlines hanging over my head. I can't take time pressure lol
This one has a couple of light hearted romance stuff in it. But the recipient of the affection shrugs it off in the typical oblivious mc of a harem anime style. I can’t really remember any romancy stuff in the first 3 games though.
I’m choosing to buy this game or Atelier Lydie & Suelle since both are the same price. Which one do you recommend? I played most of the Arland and mysterious series so I have no problem playing both.
*Get your copy of Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland here -*
Amazon: amzn.to/2YGZEkK
AU/NZ: bit.ly/2VSRaoO
Atelier Ryza is coming review that as well when being released!
atelier = love
a couple months ago i got so hooked on this series. went from 0 to 9 games and finished the mysterious trilogy. now working my way through the arland games to pick up lulua.
SHE'S SO FRIGGIN ADORABLE xD i have no idea if i manage to wait 3 games before getting this one -.-
You still haven't played the Ps2 Atelier games.
Been playing it for two days now and I have to agree with you this entry might just be my favorite. It's a really fun game. Thanks for the review!
I have never played any of the games but I love RPGs
I haven't play the other Arland series and I just finished Lulua yesterday. And I enjoyed it so much. I'm surprised at how good Lulua is. I set low expectation for this game but after I get in chapter 3 or 4, I get obsessed with it. And yes, Alchemyriddle is so fun!
This looks really good. Might have to pick it up after I finish Xenoblade Chronicles.
Laihoard literally in the same boat and I love your profile picture. I really love xenoblade and the characters so far
Never played the series before but it looks fun. Wish money wasn't so tight right now but hearing you gush about it is infectious! Definitely going to keep an eye out when I get a chance.
I'm not mad keen on these games, but I do really love the art style.
Jay, thanks for the thumbs up with this one.
The Arland Trilogy (DX) is definitely considered the best for a reason - the way it weaves the world into what it is that you're doing has just been fantastic. I started playing Atelier with Mana Khemia and then played the Iris games after, and when I finally got a PS3, I got the trilogy and just loved it. I'm surprised at the lack of English dubs as well, the series has always had superior dubbing, so I'd figure that they'd call on the same people...
But I guess it might be because some of the former English VAs phoned in a "No" or something and they couldn't do one authentically.
Well both Atelier Lydie & Suelle and Nelke & The Legendary Alchemists don't have English dubs either. It's probably just Koei Tecmo cutting costs. Atelier is already a niche series so they probably don't see the justification to spend the extra money on English voices for a game that isn't going to sell a ton. At this rate I don't expect to see English voices for any Atelier games ever again, which makes me sad because I love English dubs.
Awesome, been wanting to check out the Atelier series sjnce I loved Gust's Blue Reflection, so nice to hear this can be played without the prior games.
thank you for the review, you sold me on it. and the removal of a timer system is great news. no matter how forgiving a timer is in a game i just cannot avoid worrying about it constatnly. couldn't play majora's mask because of it and have never been able to enjoy a dead rising game
Yeah, taking away the timer destroys every element of fun
Glad to see more love to the Atelier series. I've been a long time fan of it and it's one of my favorite series ever. Lulua brought joy to my heart.
i never played any of these games. the first time i learned about this series was in a game store. i saw *Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland* on the ps3.
the only thing that stopped me from getting it. was i;'m not a fan of gathering resources so that i cna use battle skills...
i loved everything else about it.
i hope they make an atelier iris 4, I'm a big fan of atelier iris 3!
i fucking loved the 2nd one which was a prequel chronologically
be great if they put all three games on console digital stores for $20 a piece, i feel that be fair :3
I want to see the next of mysterious series in the future. I love Sophie so much!!!
I also will buy Atelier Lulua of coz!!
I love atelier series and also will buy this one of course
I love it till this day I even played Ryza but I still need to say Lulua is my favorite!
Awesome review! I picked this up physically for the switch day one and I am thoroughly enjoying it! Definjitely one of the best atelier games to date.
Good Review >.> i think will buy it next month ( only played the mysterious series so far ) and the other Arland games will be played too at some point ^^
Tamikuz there’s definitely some miniscule interesting things that would benefit from playing the original 3 first. But it can be played stand alone. And the new alchemy system could make the older one seem bad with how good it is which could deminish the enjoyment form the older games.
It really is amazing how great this is! It feels like a better sophie to me.
I've never played an Atelier game before. The characters look super cute. I love their outfits!
I have a bit of good news for you. Both of the semi-recently released Atelier Trilogy packs (Dusk Trilogy and Arland Trilogy) have English dubs. The Atelier series used to get full English dubs and the trilogy packs are enhanced versions of Atelier games that originally released on the PS3 so they all have their English dubs intact.
I wouldn't be surprised if they return to doing English dubs soon, especially if Atelier Ryza 2 turns out to be as popular as the first Atelier Ryza. :)
@@JRPGGaming Thanks! I just got both trilogies on the Switch e-shop. :)
Glad to see gust making something good. After blue reflection and nights of azure I was ready to give up on them. Used to love them.
Nice review. I bought the Arland trilogy a month ago and playing Totori atm, then Meruru. I can't wait to finally play this one after the whole trilogy.
Ps. Atelier Ryza looks great, hopefully they'll release some gameplay soon.
Hmmm. I might pick this game up. The no English voice option is a huge turn off as I prefer to hear my entertainment in my own language. I even stopped buying the other games in this series once they stopped offering it (fewer consumer options is always a pet peeve of mine), but I'll see.
Either way it's a lovely review Jay! You're my favorite source for RPGs in general
For me lulua is the best atelier series like battle and music so interesting
I find it amusing that the blaster is used as a physical attack hitting with the blaster rather than shooting something.
I haven’t heard of this game series before but I might pick it up if it goes on sale. Thanks for the review!
Great review! What bothers me with most anime rpg's is that they all seem to be the same kind of thing wheter it's because they take place in modern times or have certain other elements that ruin it for me. But I am happy that your reviews show that most anime games like Atelier are unique!
Did rhey add the Alchemy Riddle in any of the other games in rhe series since this video came out?
I thought it was just ok, some places are similar in Lulua as the previous games, so there weren't so many surprises if you played the previous games. But the synthesis was more complicated in that game compared to the other newer games so there is that, only the synthesis though, the endings aren't restrictive at all.
i agree this might be the best atelier to date.
can't wait until 28th to see what the new one looks like
I’m choosing to buy this game or Atelier Lydie & Suelle since both are the same price. Which one do you recommend? I played most of the Arland and mysterious series so I have no problem playing both.
For me it looks like sailor moon cuteness meets zelda botw game mechanics. I really liked the exploration and gathering in botw. Is it similar gameplay kinda?
There's no fuckin' way I remember what even happened in the Arland trillogy - I played like 10 other atelier games since then. Which was pretty much the main reason why I didn't really feel inclined to play this one. I mean sure the story is something new but there's a ton of old characters and I don't like missing things I should know but I don't because my brain is made of cheese.
I really have to get into it tho'.
I can finally play an atelier game. I own all of them released in North America but i always stop playing them eventually because i am annoyed by the deadline. Most rpgs dont have them and its the worst part of any rpg to me if they have a time limit. So i will play this one to the end once it goes down in price enough.
THAT GODLIKE SONG AT THE END THO
Tetralogy, not quadrilogy...but yes :D
the best atelier with its bonus content behind a huge paywall.
Thanks for the review! I have never heard of this game series before but between you and Ircha Gaming it sounds like something I should check out. I like games where you can get lost in accomplishing little quests and stuff, and this looks like it's right up my alley.
One question I have is that I am not getting a sense as to how linear this game is? Is it more open world? Can you tackle quests in whatever order you please?
The main story is linear but Atelier isn't generally a strictly linear experience. You can go to any of the zones at any time, complete side quests, and view character events (that aren't part of the main story) as you please.
For Lulua specifically, you need to complete the main page of the alchemyriddle before you can progress to the next chapter but the side content and advanced goals can be done at any time and in any order.
Jay’s answer is good. I’d also add that you can technically complete the next chapters riddles ahead of time too. Is for example I got most of chapter 10’s riddles done before doing a single story point for chapter 9. And did the same with 6/7. Usually 1 or 2 riddles requires the story progression to unlock a zone you need for the next riddles. But you can play at your own pace and do whatever you want until you feel the need to unlock a new zone.
No deadlines? SIGN ME UP
I'm like at chapter 6 and still don't know how to unlock the special attacks (ultimates)
I would really like atelier Sophie and firis on switch
Atelier series really needs more spotlight.
Red SaltedEgg i would love the old one more if it doesn’t has the stupid time limit to farm certain item to beat bosses without starting the game over.
I will get on PC. What an epic game! 🦄🦄🦄
Gotta be honest. Story is lackluster compare to Atelier Escha & Logy. The part in order to get the true ending in this game just didn't click for me. It's like with just the power of Yur.. I mean friendship anything is possible.
Never played an Atelier game but it interests me, is this a good start?
MazinroboX2 yes and no. I think the systems in this game are so well done it could make the older systems less enjoyable. But you don’t need any of the original arland saga to get your moneys worth out of this one. You just get some small extra enjoyment out of seeing things and remembering where they came from. I found after playing meruru for example totori is less enjoyable. Because meruru took totori a systems and improved them.
@@christopherholfeld8137 ok, thanks!
What a shame! This is the first Aterlier game I've ever seen, and the lack of an English dub is the deal breaker of why I won't be giving it a try.
@Xiaomu K Exactly. Why would they stop dubbing the games right when they start to look good?
Why did they stop adding English dubs? I loved the English voices. Is it because lots of people prefer Japanese voices?
@@hollyscahill3325 No idea. It's a poor business decision though, that's a deal breaker for me with most games.
@@Flareboxx that's ok. I will just have to read the text myself.
I got the game and have to say I loved the other Atelier The book and Firis a lot more than this one. I don't know what... but I haven't touched the game since a week. The other games i just mentioned I played for days and kept playing. This one lost my attention already. Maybe I will start over eventually. But on PC the frames dips quite a lot. I hope they will fix it. Not normal for a game with such graphics has big fps drops in some areas. When it rained the game even crashed. Not good
Hoho at last another jrpg! Yeah!!😍😍
So you can take your time and go anywhere you want without "wasting time" in this one? That's the one thing that prevented me from getting into these games. If it's gone then I'm totally sold.
Correct!
I steer clear of games that don't speak in English. Drives me crazy to hear any language that I can't understand. 🤪
who's the girl in the beginning? i didnt quite get it on his voice alone
Monika Ellmenreich from Atelier Sophie :)
Where's Astrid
Switch sells two versions I think. Should I spend the extra cash?
JAMES C yes imo. The machina dungeon dlc that is coming out later is the real test for atelier games. I’ve played only this one and the arland 3 but I find the game itself is usually not that hard then machina dungeon is like hard mode on steroids. If you just want the enjoyment of the story though the other perks form the extra cash are negligible to gameplay
I wanted to get into this series back on my PS3 but alchemy is not my jam. 🥺
They just recycle the same engine making new games. Not that I have a problem with it, but 60 bucks for new releases? I always end up getting older versions. The game is fine, but the Atelier series definitely made this style of game a genre of it's own. I can say the same for the Tales of ---- games too. I just wish they didn't recycle the same types of stories every time. Like maybe have a male main character but surround him with cute female support cast - keeping that part of the game loyal to it's fandom.
Mumu... Guess I'll try it out.
But they make mimi x totori canon already?
In the immortal words of many Atelier fans: "JUST DO IT YOU COWARDS"
Finally! I can get back into Atlier games lol i stopped playing after Totori. Couldn't enjoy the game with those constant deadlines hanging over my head. I can't take time pressure lol
I mean even still. Calling this the best still isn't saying much. Atelier is the call of duty of RPG's.
Is this a new meme or what?
@@TheEverglader Nope its been said for a long time now. Also pretty sure there are more atelier games than there are call of duty so...
I thought that was Pokemon.
Is there any romance in the atelier games?
Am also wondering
they are as tame as can be. pretty much innocent, light hearted, quirky, heartwarming good times. if anything, they're more about friendship.
This one has a couple of light hearted romance stuff in it. But the recipient of the affection shrugs it off in the typical oblivious mc of a harem anime style. I can’t really remember any romancy stuff in the first 3 games though.
No Mimi, no buy
Asana
Not first
looks good but no english dub means a no buy for me.
Play this and it's like you're playing Barbie
If this game was an action RPG I would buy it
we get this in the west and right before they announce the new game:
A to the Ryza - Moe Thigh Gap Chronicles
Lmao, the autocorrect made this comment even funnier
@@zaidjamal autocorrect?
@@HyouVizer did you mean to write "A to the Ryza" instead of Atelier?
@@zaidjamal yes lmfao its a rap music reference by Jay-Z song "Izzo" a pun off the lyric "V to the izza"
@@HyouVizer lmaooooo didn't catch that. that's pretty great
I’m choosing to buy this game or Atelier Lydie & Suelle since both are the same price. Which one do you recommend? I played most of the Arland and mysterious series so I have no problem playing both.
Lulua for sure, I think it's the best Atelier they've made so far.