Atelier, Gust’s modest and long-running series, has never quite achieved the fame of similar franchises that blend crafting and RPG elements, but has increased its stake in recent years with the excellent Atelier Ryza trilogy and a stream of remasters. With Ryza’s story in their rearview, Gust turns to a new heroine and seeks to apply what it’s learned with Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Lands.

True to form, the (overlong) title refers to the newest protagonist, Yumia, a fledgling alchemist who establishes her own atelier to hone her craft. Each of the stories within the larger Atelier franchise is distinct, not unlike Final Fantasy‘s approach—applying similar terminology like “alchemy” or “mana” while not burdening itself with the continuity, lore or geography of previous games.

This time around, the art of alchemy is considered taboo and is blamed for the downfall of the mighty Aladissian... Read more