Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream on Nintendo Switch is a Japanese-RPG game published by KOEI TECMO AMERICA. It is the sequel to the first game released in 2015, Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book.
Sophie is back again with more adventures, this one specifically on how she left her hometown of Kirchen Bell. The focus is around searching for Plachta after they are separated in the world of Erde Wiege, a dream world. On the search for Plachta, she makes new friends along the way while fulfilling her quest.
The main features of this sequel include better turn-based battles, two types of panel-based synthesis, and the ability to manipulate the weather.
While Atelier Sophie 2 is the sequel to the first game, you don’t necessarily need to have played the first Atelier Sophie to understand what’s going on. A recap provided in the main menu will show you the basics and synopsis of what happened in the first story. None of the previous party members appear, and for those who have played the first game, there will be some hidden references and Easter eggs throughout the game.
The synopsis for Atelier Sophie 2 centers primarily on locating Plachta’s original body, as she is stuck inside of a doll. Sophie decides to embark on a mission in order to return Plachta back to normal. However, a portal suddenly appears and they teleport to an alternate dimension called Erde Weige where Sophie is separated from Plachta’s doll. Sophie then is tasked with figuring out how to return to her normal world and finding Plachta. As to not spoil the plot of the story itself, I will just say that it is similar to any other typical Atelier games that I have played and has some pacing issues, but it is still interesting enough to continue on despite the awkward pacing.
Atelier Sophie 2’s core gameplay remains unchanged, however, there are some additional gameplay elements that are different than the first game. The combat has changed back to a more traditional type of JRPG turn-based battle system rather than what the first Atelier Sophie had, which is a hybrid real-time, ATB battle system. With a more traditional turn-based battle system, it is less frantic and fast-paced than the first Atelier Sophie game. There is a new Twin Action system, where there is an emphasis on being able to constantly rotate your team. During battle preparation, you must set up your party according to who will be the frontline and backline. As the battle progresses, you are able to build a shared ‘TP’ meter that will allow you to call on your backline for more damage-hitting moves. This new Twin Action system allows you to swap your characters in the backline with the frontline as a tag team so you can utilize your full party. In doing so, you are able to switch out characters to deal with different combos during fights.
There is also a new ability to manipulate the weather within Atelier Sophie 2. In order for you to manipulate the weather, you need specific monuments and other items. Once you fulfill the requirements, it can change the environment drastically in gameplay. For example, you can use a snow stone to freeze lakes and other bodies of water, allowing you to explore new areas. These tools can allow for large map manipulation, where exploring can be expanded greatly. You are also able to find different items and enemies depending on the area’s weather.
Atelier Sophie 2 has a new type of alchemy as well that is different than the first Atelier Sophie game. It has evolved from a bubble system to where elements are slotted into a grid for the best maximization of traits picked during selection. However, unlike older Atelier games, you are not able to synthesize your way to create new recipes, they are now tasks that you must complete in the overworld.
Atelier Sophie 2’s graphics and music are amazing as well. It is really refreshing to see updating graphics compared to the first Atelier Sophie game. Alongside this, the overworld and characters have so much detail added to them, you can tell that the developers spent a lot of time creating the overworld and characters with care. The characters have unique outfits and designs that are charming and quirky. It is something to appreciate. The music of Atelier Sophie 2 is very vibrant and fits into the element of the game well. The soundtrack shines throughout the game, and none of the music feels awkward or out of place.
As someone who has reviewed and played the first Atelier Sophie game, playing the sequel has made me appreciate the series even more. It is nice to see Atelier Sophie getting refreshed and her story continuing on. Atelier Sophie 2 pretty much addresses most of the criticisms I have had with the previous Atelier games I have played. Despite the story having pacing issues still, the game itself is very fun and does not feel like a waste of time at all. I would highly recommend Atelier Sophie 2 to those who have played the first game, and even to newcomers as there is a recap provided on the menu screen for you to watch.
8.5/10
For more information, visit: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/atelier-sophie-2-the-alchemist-of-the-mysterious-dream-switch/
Related: Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack Review for Nintendo Switch
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I really love playing video games! Growing up, my dad introduced me to video games, the first being Street Fighter. I have always been surrounded by them growing up and even now. They really impacted my life allowing me to share this commonality with my friends and new ones. I play a wide array of games, mostly PC, but sometimes PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Some of my favorite games are Final Fantasy VII, League of Legends, Persona 5, and Stardew Valley. As of recent, I've been playing Fall Guys and Among Us as well!
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