Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk is the first game in the Dusk Trilogy. This game tells the tale of a young alchemist in training named Ayesha. Ayesha is a young girl whose older sister vanished one day. She aims to find her sister and has been looking to alchemy to figure it out. Players will delve into a magical story to find out. Atelier Ayesha is a game that gives players a limited amount of time to complete. Players have a certain number of days to complete the tasks they receive. This game will test the player’s mettle and make them think twice about doing just about anything.
Players will work towards one of ten different endings. These endings become available depending on how the player chooses to play the game. By changing how the player does things, other endings might be locked away. I’m a big fan of multiple endings because they can increase the replay value of any game. Ayesha lives in a remote part of the world, helping out those who are close to her. One day, she sees the ghostly visage of her sister Nio and learns she will have to find a way to bring her back to life. Ayesha is a kind-hearted girl who has wanted to bring her sister back for years, so this is the news she has been waiting to hear.
Players will rely upon workshops for all of their alchemy needs. There are four different workshops to work with that the player will find in different places. They are also useful because players can change the music here, and save or load their progress. Workshops will be necessary throughout the game so, players should keep their locations in mind. Players will need to synthesize often in this game. As an alchemist, synthesis is a duty of the job. Players will synthesize many items, and each time it will take days to complete. Time is of the essence, so players will need to think about what items they need. Alchemy can be a tricky thing to master, but players should understand it in no time. Alchemy is the art of mixing ingredients to make new ones. In this game, each ingredient costs a certain amount of CP. Players can add ingredients until they run out of CP. Ayesha does have skills at her disposal to up the alchemy, but those often cost CP. Think hard, and work to craft the best items possible!
This game introduces a new battle system to the series. Players choose a team of companions and run around the battlefield. Being in the vicinity of other characters can lead to assists, and attacking from the back will cause more damage. This new battle style works wonders, and the assists are always so cool to watch. Battles are turn-based, and players will work to take down teams of monsters. As the player acts, the Active Command gauge will fill up granting the player special actions. Players can, for instance, follow up an attack with another or even use a special skill. Battles will occur through events or when a player comes into contact with an enemy in the field.
The field is also where players will gather items for alchemy. Players will find glowing spots dotting the open-world landscapes. They must check these to find ingredients. Each glowing spot contains different items, and players will need to know where to look. Every time Ayesha gathers, she will use time, so watch the gauge. As players play through the game, they will encounter events. Players can find certain events in the four workshops. They might also find events on the map. The map is the way to travel between the open areas. It’s a large map filled with locations to walk to. Traveling takes time, so be aware of that. Players will use the map often. It does have quite a few locations on its surface. Players will need to draw lines between two locales, and the game will tell how much time it will take. Players might even stumble across events or find shop keepers while walking the map. The map is a nice feature and helps show how big the world is.
This game also introduces a diary feature. As Ayesha encounters events, she can write about them using memory points. Writing about these story events can give the player bonuses including, stat upgrades and recipes. Players will find these points from completing quests, finding flyers, and seeing events. Players will interact with many different characters, and nine will make up the party, though two of those characters are DLC. These characters are all wonderful to get to know and have a lot of character. Players will get to know them through the story and events. I appreciate when characters get time to show who they are, and this game delivers. The characters are all different and wield different moves. It’s a good idea to switch up the party, but players should play how they’d like. The characters do speak in this game too, which adds to their character. I’ll always appreciate an English dub, and Atelier Ayesha delivers.
The Nintendo Switch has the Deluxe Version of the game, which adds new content. Players will find new costumes that they can change on the title menu, as well as new bosses and new accessories. Players can try a harder difficulty, unlock art and costumes with the Album, and even speed up battles. There is also a free battle system where players fight through fights and get ranked on how well they do. These extra features help make a great game even better. I enjoy that players can customize their characters and change the music at a moment’s notice.
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX is a great entry in the Atelier series. It is harder than the following entries in the trilogy but should be a nice starting point. The world might be dreary, but it sets up an amazing trilogy. Ayesha might finish her journey, but players should expect to see her again. Ayesha wants to find her sister Nio, will the player help her out?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided