A new journey awaits this month – well, technically several new journeys, I guess, since I do have an honourable mention or two. March actually has a handful of games that I have my eye on, but for now I’ll just focus on titles that I have either picked up, or will definitely be picking up. Although the main game I want to feature here was actually released at the end of February…
First up, my honourable mentions:
– TRIANGLE STRATEGY – A tactical RPG that uses the same HD-2D aesthetic as Octopath Traveler. The main character, Serenoa, faces several decisions throughout the plot that will affect his convictions. Those decisions are key in how the story plays out.
– Gal*Gun Double Peace – This completes the threesome of Gal*Gun games for the Nintendo Switch, in which you have to fend off lovesick girls, whilst trying to find true love.
Now for the main feature.
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is the 23rd game of the Atelier series, and the 4th one of the Mysterious subseries. It is a direct sequel to Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book. Timeline-wise, this game takes place before the events of Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey.
The story of this game begins with Sophie and Plachta getting warped into the dream world of Erde Wiege, and getting separated from each other. Thus, Sophie embarks on a new journey in search of Plachta.
Naturally, Sophie will be using alchemy to help with her search, because this is an Atelier title, after all.
So, what can you expect to find in Atelier Sophie 2? Well, enhanced character models, an evolved battle system and the evolution of the synthesis systems from previous Mysterious series games.
Anyone who has played the previous Mysterious series Atelier games will definitely be in familiar territory with this game’s systems. The new additions are welcome, giving you options for taking your alchemy to the next level.
Battles are turn-based – again, consistent with the Mysterious series. Dual Triggers are a new addition to the combat, in which two party members team up to unleash a skill – there are both offensive and supportive techniques to use. Twin Actions allow a back-up team member and an attack team member to switch places with a combination attack. That depends on TP. There’s also a defensive option similar to that, with back-up jumping in to guard an attack against an attack team member.
There’s plenty of interesting characters to meet in Erde Wiege. Several of these new characters will join Sophie’s party, and you’ll gradually learn more about them as you become friendlier with them over the course of the game. Increasing friendship also unlocks new skills, so that’s definitely something worth pursuing.
Atelier Sophie 2 may be a sequel, but it does offer to recap events of the first game. Newcomers to the series could dive in with this game if they want. There’s plenty of tutorials and guides within the game to keep players informed of what’s going on. The game will also offer the option to skip tutorials, which is nice for anybody just looking to dive into the systems and become acquainted with them as quickly as possible.
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is a great addition to the Atelier series. Love what I’ve played of it so far, and I’ve no doubt I will continue loving it as I keep playing.
Rory Muses 
Sounds fun!