REVIEW: ‘Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land’ Pushes the Franchise Forward

The Atelier franchise, developed by Gust Corporation and published by Koei Tecmo, has been going strong over the last 27 years, delivering 26 titles. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land aims to bring the series into a new era, making a few changes to the formula that align with what players expect from modern role-playing games.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land follows Yumia Liessfeldt, an alchemist on the continent that used to be home to the Aladissian Empire. Yumia lost her mother three years before the events of the game, and now she heads to the land of her ancestors to discover what caused the Empire to collapse and why alchemy has become taboo.

Making the main character an outcast in her own world is an interesting choice. Dialogue from side characters early on in the story makes it clear that alchemists are despised, and she has an uphill battle ahead of her if she wants to earn any respect. This is an immediate hindrance to her ultimate goal. It will be much harder to explore if the people she is working alongside see her in a negative light. Rooting for an underdog like Yumia is easy once you start seeing how the world sees her.

However, not everyone has an issue with alchemists. The von Duerer siblings, Isla and Viktor, are early companions of Yumia and are tasked with keeping an eye on Yumia. Despite their role, they don’t come across as her enemies. They are affected by the taboo on alchemy, but they are still supportive friends. Their sibling dynamic makes them even more interesting characters, playing off each other at times in both heartfelt and sometimes comedic ways.

Atelier Yumia shifts into a more serious mode for the franchise. 

The other members of the Aladiss Research Team that Yumia meets along the way all have their own unique characteristics that help bring the world to life. They aren’t just side players in Yumia’s story. They all have fleshed-out personalities and story beats that help flesh out the overall world, making Yumia’s quest alongside her allies feel more personal.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land also has some really fascinating villains. Villains rarely appear in Atelier games, but the ones in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land feel right at home in the world of Aladiss. They are dark, mysterious, and plenty powerful. They also help shift the game’s tone into a slightly more serious one than the cozy feel most Atelier games provide. It is a bold decision that pays off quite well.

The gameplay in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is centered around mana. Mana is a collection of the life force and memories of the people who once inhabited the land. Yumia is one of the few who can access this power, using it to create items, explore new lands, and learn from the memories of those who came before. Mana is used in every aspect of the game, making it a proper foundation instead of just a cheap explanation for how magic can exist.

Yumia uses mana in her alchemy, synthesizing all sorts of items, tools, and equipment that are used throughout the game. This mechanic is relatively simple to learn, but that doesn’t mean it is simple in practice. There are countless options when it comes to what items to create. Using specific resources can also affect the quality of the synthesized materials, making it essential to pay attention to what you are collecting on your journey.

Crafted items range from healing items to smoke bombs to escape battle. There are also traversal tools that make exploring the land easier. Simple synthesis allows players to craft some items without returning to their base, meaning it’s easier to re-tool without stepping away from the action.

Building is another mechanic that uses mana and synthesis, allowing players to create the base of their dreams. Base building can be hit or miss, but it is largely enjoyable in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land. Having a decent base to return to is essential, but the game doesn’t penalize you if you don’t want to spend too much time making it look pretty. As long as it has the stations you need, that’s all that really matters. Still, plenty of options are available for those who want to flex their creativity.

There is so much to do and see in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land that it feels like a new discovery waits around every corner. Each new location is vibrant, and the environment, thanks to detailed and stylized looks, helps tell the story of Aladiss by bringing it to life. Additional mechanics like Manabound Areas, areas that humans must use mana energy to explore, add an extra challenge to navigating the world, which makes its dangerous aspects more apparent.

Combat in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is fun but not spectacular. Yumia has a gun, which is neat. It can be used to gain the upper hand in battles before they even start. It also doubles as a tool to help with environmental puzzles. Combat actions occur in real-time with a system reminiscent of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Each character has unique skills, and you can switch between party members mid-fight.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land offers a unique perspective.

This is really enjoyable in the more complex boss battles, but fights throughout the overworld are disappointing. Approaching and engaging a group of enemies often pits players against a single enemy instead of the entire group. This can make traveling through the land more exhausting when you must stop and individually fight enemies one at a time instead of the whole group. It isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it can get frustrating over time.

Despite a few shortcomings, the full package of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a worthwhile experience. The less enjoyable parts are made bearable thanks to a fleshed-out world with a unique perspective. Choosing to tell the story through a research group makes it feel more scientific and historical instead of focusing on something like a chosen narrative. This is Yumia’s story, and there is so much to learn as she explores the world.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is an enthralling experience that pushes the Atelier franchise into a new era. There is so much to see and do while uncovering new mysteries that affect the world and its inhabitants on a profoundly personal level.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land releases March 21st on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.