Video Game Review: Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

Developer: Gust

Publisher: Koei Tecmo Games

Genre: JPRG

Reviewed On: PlayStation 4

Also Available For: Nintendo Switch, PC

If anyone likes the concept of JRPGs but doesn’t feel like they are hardcore enough to play them, the Atelier series is usually the first recommendation that I have for them. Through the series’ 25 year history, it has made a name for itself as a comfy and low stakes experience for those who need a break from saving the world or killing a god. Now, Atelier Sophie, the entry that pushed the series into the PlayStation 4 generation, is getting a sequel over five years after its release.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream takes place not long after Atelier Sophie concludes, but before Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and The Mysterious Journey. For those that didn’t get to experience the original Atelier Sophie or the Atelier Mysterious Trilogy, there is a nice recap in Atelier Sophie 2 to help newcomers catch up. This makes it so that Atelier Sophie 2 is actually a solid place for newcomers to give the series a try, even if it is a sequel. This is further emphasized by the way that it uses some of the newer series mechanics introduced in the Atelier Ryza series to streamline the experience for all players.

Atelier Sophie 2 doesn’t just lean on the series innovations from the Atelier Ryza either. There are plenty of firsts in this entry as well. The biggest one that series veterans will notice is the seamless transition between overworld exploration and combat. The lack of load screens helps the game move much faster, making this one of the least frustrating Atelier settings to roam around. The battles themselves can have up to six party members, with three in a battle formation and three in a support position.

It’s a slower pace than the previous two entries, but there is plenty of room for strategy and tactics that wasn’t in the series recently. There are also some flashy mechanics that come out of the new systems, including Twin Actions that involve both teams using half MP and powerful Dual Triggers when the new Dual Gauge is maxed out. Everything comes together to create a refreshing experience when it comes to combat in this series. Sure, the battles aren’t a significant part of Atelier Sophie 2, but they feel great regardless.

The panel system from the Atelier Mysterious trilogy makes its return here with some nice modifications that seem to be inspired from Atelier Ryza. All of the alchemy and crafting feels great to play with, which is great because this is what the series is all about. Combining this with the exploration and gathering materials and you have a system that fits the relaxed nature that the series is all about. Players are able to grind away at tough enemies, but if they fully embrace the gathering, crafting, and alchemy systems, they will be able to relax through the game’s vibes.

The cozy systems and atmosphere all come together to give a near flawless presentation. Sure, Atelier Sophie 2 doesn’t have state of the art visuals, but the colors are bright and the environments are relaxed. The audience that this game appeals to isn’t needing the best visuals because this is just here to give a comfy experience. The music is upbeat and soothing too, making Atelier Sophie 2 relaxing on the ears.

Anyone who has stuck with the series or is genuinely interested in it will find that this is just about the definitive Atelier experience. Sure, Atelier Sophie 2 won’t convert non-believers, but it isn’t meant to appeal to everyone. It’s just the comfy JRPG experience that a fair amount of people need right about now.