Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream

Regardless of my complaints, Atelier Sophie 2 does many things right to warrant a recommendation. It’s a great entry-level RPG with some intricate systems that will keep you entertained. The turn-based system might be a turn-off for some players, but I believe that we could work more with this genre, and Gust seems like they are willing to experiment more with it.

With a fun and rewarding battle system, lush visuals, a touching story, charming and endearing characters, and grand world, Atelier Sophie 2 is a fantastic game that is easy to recommend. Fans of the series are in for a treat, though they may be a little surprised by just how story-heavy the game is. New players have an easy way to catch up on the story in a matter of minutes, ensuring there are as few roadblocks as possible. While the game took me just over 60 hours to complete, it never once felt too long. It’s a wonderful, wholesome, and heartwarming game that wears its heart on its sleeve. If this, Atelier Ryza 1 and 2, and Blue Reflection: Second Light are what we can expect from Gust with a little more time and money, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the 25th anniversary this May.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is the best installment in the franchise yet. The vast innovations made to the alchemy gameplay loop make sure that the franchise's main selling point is the best it has ever been. Not only will Atelier fans love this, but just about any JRPG fan will have a great time playing it.

If you've never played an Atelier game before, Atelier Sophie 2 on PC is a great way to get into the series and a fantastic game in its own right thanks to all the quality of life improvements. This is a must play for fans of the series and anyone looking for a relaxing and laid-back JRPG.

Atelier Sophie 2 offers a heartwarming and nostalgic adventure. While most of the cast is new, the game doesn’t shy away from providing a narrative that both new and returning fans can enjoy. Its battle system is highly addictive as it evolves throughout the game, mirrored by the updated synthesis system with streamlined options and quality-of-life improvements. There are some low points in this adventure, but Atelier Sophie 2 proves traditional JRPGs can still flourish in this modern world.

Atelier Sophie 2 manages to synthesise old and new in a way befitting improvements to the franchise while leaving it comfortably with the rest of the Mysterious games. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Atelier Ryza 2, but will still definitely keep most Atelier fans quite happy.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is the latest work of Atelier series which is famous for unique alchemy system in gameplay. It took and improved old systems and styles for reviving the series, but inconvenient details of classic games came together. This game is recommended for those who want to savour slow life and relaxing atmospheres.

The upgraded alchemy system is the best fun part of Atelier Sophie 2. This game has innovated the classic turn-based combat mode in a unique way, and the improved encounter mode also makes me delighted. However, the story line is unremarkable, some items in the main story line are quite difficult to fabricate, some materials required for devising formulas are difficult to locate, and there are unreasonable aspects in the two-person alchemy system. All these issues will seriously undermine your experience in the game and preclude the game from being outstanding.

Gust and Koei Tecmo also this year delight us with the continuation of the adventures of Plachta and Sophie, this time lost within a magical realm dominated by dreams.