Games in the Atelier series have been released since 1997, making it quite the storied franchise. Still, not all of the games are made alike. Some stand out over the others and are worth checking out first for gaming fans interested in seeing what the series has to offer.
Updated May 29, 2021, by Tom Bowen: With 22 mainline games and countless spin-offs, few JRPG franchises are as rich in lore as the Atelier series. It’s a series that is constantly evolving too, with each new entry building upon those which proceeded it while continuing to provide solid combat and, more often than not, spectacular storylines. The games’ cutesy art style may not be for everyone, but those who are into manga will likely find a lot to like about the long-running Gust IP. As is so often the case though, some of the Atelier games are a lot more enjoyable than others.
12 Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice Of Arland - 74
First released for the PS3 back in 2011, Atelier Meruru Plus: The Apprentice Of Arland has since been ported to numerous other systems. The PS Vita version still holds the highest rating, although the DX ports for the PS4 and Switch aren’t too far behind and are a lot easier to get a hold of these days.
There have definitely been better Atelier protagonists than Merurulince, although few go through a more satisfying character arc as the vivacious princess. The tweaks to the crafting and alchemy systems are also well implemented, although some may feel that Gust went a little overboard on the game’s cutesy aesthetic.
11 Atelier Firis: The Alchemist And The Mysterious Journey - 74
Atelier Firis: The Alchemist And The Mysterious Journey is the first Atelier game to feature open world gameplay, which greatly expands the overall scope of the game. The time management system from some of the series’ earlier entries also make a return, although its implementation leaves rather a lot to be desired, as too does the game’s combat.
These things aside, however, it’s a visually pleasing game with an excellent story and a likable cast of characters. Granted, Firis comes up a little short when compared to the likes of Sophie and Ryza, but she’s still a solid protagonist and is a big step up from some of those who came before her. The voice acting is good too, although this was perhaps to be expected given the series’ strong track record in this department.
10 Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana - 74
9 Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist Of The Mysterious Book - 75
How many adventures get started by a mysterious book? Sophie Neuenmuller meets a book called Plachta and embarks on a marvelous alchemical adventure in and around the small town of Kirchen Bell. The new alchemy-centric mechanics really help set it apart from some of its predecessors, with new recipe’s acquired in a multitude of ways.
Though there are plenty of positives, the game’s a bit rough around the edges in places and also received criticism for not adding more to the JRPG formula and mechanics from previous Atelier games. Still, it was one of the better RPGs released in 2015, and many players enjoyed it immensely.
8 Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist Of Dusk - 76
While its release on other consoles was popular, the PlayStation Vita release of this title received even more glowing praise from critics. Atelier Ayesha Plus: The Alchemist of Dusk was a strong title on a console that desperately needed them and it quickly garnered its fair share of fans. It even had a novel made following the game’s story.
The game included all of the downloadable content that the PlayStation 3 version had to offer as standard as well as a host of brand new features. As such, it is considered by many to be the definitive version of the game, with many picking it up despite already owning it on other systems. Overall, it was a big hit for the franchise.
7 Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists Of The Dusk Sea - 78
Another PlayStation Vita upgrade, Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea added new branching pathways and endings to a game that already had more than its fair share. There are two main protagonists for players to choose between, with each one offering a completely different experience.
Whether on the Vita or the PlayStation 3, the adventures of Shallistera and Shallotte took the Atelier formula and executed it to near perfection. It’s a little more intuitive than some of the other Atelier games too, making it a a lot more accessible for newcomers to the series or the JRPG genre in general than many of its predecessors.
6 Atelier Lulua: The Scion Of Arland - 79
It wasn’t until quite a few years after Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland released that the 4th installment of the Arland series finally arrived. The Scion of Arland was well worth the wait though, with critics praising the game for having dozens of hours of enjoyable gameplay.
With its excellent JRPG combat and stellar crafting system, The Scion of Arland has more than enough quality to keep players engaged and an engaging story that’s easy to follow. The pacing can be a little jittery at times, although for the most part keeps things moving at a fairly brisk pace.
5 Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists Of The Dusk Sky - 79
Being able to choose whether to follow the story of either Escha or Logy gave players the opportunity to experience Alchemists Of The Dusk Sky through two completely different lenses. While Escha’s story was light and fluffy, Logy’s tale opted for a far darker approach. Both were enjoyable in their own ways.
Critics praised the game for its improved combat system, although some still felt that it was still a little too basic in its progression when compared to other modern RPGs. Overall, however, reception to the game was mostly positive, both with critics and fans of the series.
4 Atelier Totori Plus: The Adventurer Of Arland - 79
Visiting the small fishing village of Alanya to go on an adventure with Totori was already a charming experience even before the enhanced port for PlayStation Vita arrived in 2013. Since then, the game has also been released for the PS4, the Switch and Windows, although the Vita version still holds the highest rating on Metacritic.
One of the coolest parts of The Adventurer Of Arland is how player decisions affect the final outcome of the game, which makes it incredibly replayable. It’s also one of the series’ simpler entries, making it an excellent entry point for those who have never played an Atelier game.
3 Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist Of Arland - 80
2 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout - 84
Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout was an immersive and beautiful experience that many players considered to be the best that the franchise had to offer at the time. It included several new features, some of which have gone on to become staples of the series. The real star of the show, however, was the games main protagonist, Ryza.
Following the teenage tomboy on her adventures was an utter delight. Fans adored her, so much so, in fact, that some even called for her to be added into Super Smash Bros. as a DLC fighter. It hasn’t happened yet, but with more DLC fighters expected for the game in the future, it remains a possibility.
1 Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy - 84
The newest game in the franchise being the highest-rated is arguably a great omen when it comes to Atelier’s future. Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy builds off the previous game in the Ryza series and was designed to be enjoyable for all regional audiences. Many will feel that Gust definitely succeeded in this respect.
Ryza is the first character to lead the franchise in two successive releases and it’s impressive that Gust was able to release another entry in the franchise less than two years on from Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout. The developer produced a phenomenal game that has left many fans excited for whatever comes next.
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