Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg from Koei Tecmo takes players on a nostalgic journey back to the origins of the beloved Atelier series, where the protagonist, Marie, is a struggling alchemy student at the Royal Academy of Magic. Tasked with crafting an item to impress her professor and graduate, Marie must enhance her alchemy skills, gather ingredients, hire adventurers, and explore the world to uncover recipes and utensils. The game’s premise sets the stage for a heartwarming tale of growth and self-discovery, as Marie starts as an inexperienced alchemist and gains confidence through experience, friendships, and alliances.
The blend of magic and physical-focused attacks and defense adds depth to the turn-based combat of the game, creating a quick-paced battle system that can be accelerated further with the convenience of a fast-forward option. Outside of combat, players engage in a plethora of activities, from gathering materials and completing friendship-building quests to delightful mini-games, providing a dynamic and engaging experience that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned Atelier series fans. The synthesis system, though more straightforward in this remake of the first installment than in later games, still adds a sense of accomplishment as players craft and master various items.
Visually, the Atelier Marie Remake represents a lovely upgrade that showcases the Atelier series’ iconic art style, brought to life again with modern technology. Revamped character designs and event illustrations, along with charming 2D animations, provide a delightful touch to the game’s world. The inclusion of 3D models for characters and stages adds depth and a contemporary touch to the immersive experience, making the journey through Salburg truly enchanting.
The game’s soundtrack is a true standout that we have to mention here as well. In a neat touch too rarely seen in remakes, it offers players the choice between the original PS1 instrumentation and a newly remixed option with more varied sound design. Both soundtracks impress, capturing the essence of the game and complementing the gameplay flawlessly while catering to the nostalgia that some might have for the source material.
While Atelier Marie Remake boasts many positive aspects, there are some drawbacks to consider. The game’s time system, particularly in normal mode, may feel restrictive to players who prefer a more open-ended experience. There’s an option to disable these time limits though, resulting in minor story changes. In addition, some quests don’t feel quite as impactful as others, especially from a narrative point of view.
In conclusion, Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg serves as an excellent homage to the origins of the Atelier series. With its captivating narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, upgraded visuals, and outstanding dual-soundtrack, the remake successfully revitalizes the classic while incorporating modern elements that enhance the overall experience. Though the game may feel slightly overpriced against other games in the same price range, it remains a delightful addition to the Atelier franchise, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a captivating journey through the world of alchemy and friendship.
Score: 7.3/10
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