Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
- June 27, 2013
- Gust
The perfect starting point for those not already into the series; it balances out the problems Atelier Ayesha had, while delivering a package of risk and reward that can keep RPG fans wanting to keep replaying the game.
"Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky" is a role-playing game with a focus on alchemy. The game features two main playable characters, Escha Malier and Logy Logix Ficsario, each with their own unique abilities and perspectives. Players will explore, gather resources, and complete quests in a beautifully designed world as they uncover the mysteries of the Dusk Sky. This installment in the Atelier franchise offers an engaging, character-driven story and addictive gameplay.
Reviews
- The alchemy crafting system is refined and user-friendly, making item creation enjoyable and accessible.
- The graphics are vibrant and maintain a strong atmosphere, enhancing the overall visual experience.
- The relaxed time management system allows players to explore and complete objectives without feeling rushed.
- The story and character development are weaker compared to previous entries in the series, leading to a less engaging narrative.
- Combat can become repetitive over time, lacking variety and challenge in battles.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as item notation and enemy variety, can be confusing or feel outdated.
- story28 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in this game, part of the Dusk Trilogy, is generally considered weaker compared to others in the series, with a focus on quest-solving rather than a compelling narrative. Players can choose between two protagonists, Escha and Logy, whose character interactions are more engaging than the overall plot, which lacks urgency and depth. While the game features charming characters and beautiful graphics, many reviewers feel that a stronger central story would enhance the experience and provide greater meaning to the gameplay.
“The story is great and the gameplay is excellent.”
“The graphics are beautiful, the characters are so lovable, and the story is fantastic.”
“This series always has beautiful images, interesting story arcs, and fun gameplay, and this game keeps that tradition alive quite nicely.”
“Per the story, there isn't much to it; you can choose from two protagonists (Escha, a hardworking, somewhat naive/sheltered local girl from town who is a beginner in alchemy, or Logy, a more serious fellow from central city) and you are solving quests to help make the town better and eventually reach/explore some unexplored ruins.”
“For this series, the story is weaker, but the character interactions tend to be the more exciting part of the game.”
“A stronger, more central story would be preferred over the repetitive cycle of tasks here.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest entry in the Atelier series shows notable improvements, particularly in the crafting system, allowing for more efficient item creation and duplication. However, some players find the combat and overall activities to be repetitive, with a lack of challenge and engaging mechanics. While the game features a fun turn-based combat system and a variety of missions, it still struggles with pacing and depth, leading to mixed feelings about its overall execution compared to previous titles in the series.
“Gameplay: 8.3. The gameplay has some improvements from the previous entries of the series.”
“The gameplay is quite fun, featuring a turn-based combat system that moves at a quick pace if you choose.”
“The gameplay never gets dull since when you finish an assignment, you are allowed to take on a variety of sub-missions before the term is over to get bonus rewards and money.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive, and while the crafting system has some improvements, the combat and activities lack variety, making it less engaging than previous entries in the series.”
“These games are all the same; they start you off with a below-average story, above-average character designs, and below-average battle mechanics and gameplay systems. The positives are not good enough to outweigh the gameplay mechanics.”
“The gameplay drags with nothing interesting or cool, and game-breaking mechanics such as max 999 stats in everything make the game too easy, leading to an overall frustrating experience.”
- music8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and appeal, often described as one of the standout features alongside character designs. However, some reviewers feel that while the soundtrack is above average, it cannot compensate for the game's shortcomings in story and gameplay mechanics. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight, but it is overshadowed by other aspects of the game that are considered mediocre.
“The music is wonderfully done and easily one of my favorite things about this title.”
“The more dramatic opening of 'Shallie' was much more appealing (musically, at least).”
“2 main characters, 6 party members in battle (like the Mana Khemia series), awesome music and the best ever time management system in the series.”
“Also, the opening music/intro seemed kind of random.”
“The review can expand to all of NISA games; what they do is hypnotize the player with decent graphics and soundtrack but fail at everything else like storyline and battle mechanics. A clear example would be Fairy Tail RPG made by Gust: you have the characters from the anime, which is cool, the atmosphere is great, the music is rock'n, but then you have no challenge and annoying gameplay that drags with nothing interesting or cool.”
“I think I'm qualified to review all NISA games as I have every single one of them, and the one thing they all have in common is that they are all mediocre and some below standards. They typically start you off with a below-average story, above-average character designs, and an above-average soundtrack, but the positives are still not good enough to outweigh the gameplay mechanics.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their beauty and ability to maintain a captivating atmosphere, particularly noted for their dusk tones. While some reviewers prefer the contrasting colors found in previous titles like Ayesha, the overall visual quality remains high, contributing positively to the game's appeal. However, there are concerns that while the graphics are impressive, they may not compensate for shortcomings in gameplay and narrative depth.
“The graphics are still outstanding, and the relaxed time frame is in general a plus for the series.”
“The graphics are beautiful, the characters are so lovable, and the story is fantastic.”
“Wilbell returns + shop girl Katla's debut graphics maintain the dusk atmosphere well, more so than Ayesha.”
“The graphics are decent, but they don't compensate for the lack of engaging gameplay and storyline.”
“While the atmosphere is visually appealing, the overall graphics feel outdated compared to other titles in the series.”
“The character designs are nice, but the environments lack detail and variety, making the game feel bland.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, as players are encouraged to complete it multiple times to unlock the true ending and experience different storylines by choosing between multiple protagonists. Additionally, the return of familiar characters adds to the incentive for replaying, making the experience engaging and worthwhile.
“At the beginning of the game, you are given the choice of which alchemist you play as, which is great because it gives the game tons of replay value since eventually you'll want to play the other protagonist as well.”
“Some characters from Ayesha make a return, but not all of them are playable.”
“You pretty much have to play this game twice if you want the true ending, so if you're looking for replay value, there is definitely some there.”
“Lovable characters and replay value that actually makes sense.”
- character development4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in NISA games is often criticized for being mediocre, with players feeling that while character designs are visually appealing, the overall storytelling and gameplay mechanics fall short. Many reviewers express disappointment that the focus seems to be on monetizing character outfits and accessories through expensive DLC rather than enhancing the depth and growth of the characters themselves. Despite some positive remarks about the aesthetics, the consensus is that the character development does not justify the investment required for the games.
“I think I'm qualified to review all NISA games as I have every single one of them, and the one thing they all have in common is that they are all mediocre and some below standards. This company typically releases games made by Gust, Compile Heart, etc. Believe me when I say this, but you're not getting the bang for your buck. These games are all the same; they start you off with a below-average story, above-average character designs, an above-average soundtrack, and below-average battle mechanics and gameplay systems. Sorry, the positives are still not good enough to outweigh the gameplay mechanics and overall lack of depth in these types of games.”
“I used to be a fan of the character designs and hoped the games would get better in sequels, but alas, it's all a scam. Apparently, you buy the game, and lo and behold, they milk you for what they know is their top seller, which is character design outfits and accessories in microtransactions. Just look at Atelier Ryza 1 and 2; their DLCs are high-priced and can exceed over $150 extra for it all. These games on PS3 and PS4 are all the same; they will drain you of your money just so you can look cute in the game with bad game mechanics.”
“I used to be a fan of the character designs and hoped the games would get better in sequels, but alas, it's all a scam. Apparently, you buy the game, and lo and behold, they milk you for what they know is their top seller, which is character design outfits and accessories in microtransactions. Just look at Atelier Ryza 1 and 2; their DLCs are high-priced and can exceed over $150 extra for it all. These games on PS3 and PS4 are all the same; they will drain you of your money just so you can look cute in the game with bad game mechanics.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is praised for its ability to create a captivating dusk ambiance, enhanced by decent graphics and a strong soundtrack. However, while the visual and auditory elements are engaging, they are often undermined by lackluster gameplay mechanics and a weak storyline, leading to a disconnect between the immersive atmosphere and overall player experience.
“Wilbell returns + shop girl Katla's debut graphics 8.7 - maintains the dusk atmosphere well, more so than Ayesha.”
“The atmosphere is great; the music is rock'n, creating an engaging environment that enhances the overall experience.”
“The game fails to create a truly immersive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the world.”
“Despite some interesting visuals, the overall atmosphere feels flat and uninspired.”
“The lack of environmental sound design detracts from the intended mood, making the experience feel hollow.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be repetitive and tedious, particularly due to the seasonal goals and standard collection or hunting quests, which detracts from their overall enjoyment.
“Each season's goals and taking on standard collection/hunting quests can get pretty repetitive and tedious.”
“I don't play games for the tedious boredom of mindless repetition.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky" has been criticized for lacking fun, intrigue, and performance, resulting in a static and uninspired experience. Overall, players feel that the game fails to deliver a dynamic and innovative gameplay experience.
- emotional1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lackluster storytelling and dialogue, which many find boring and bland. Additionally, the game's small dungeons and poor world-building contribute to a sense of disconnection, while the battle system is described as ugly and sloppy, further diminishing any potential emotional engagement.
“The story felt boring and lacked emotional depth, with bland dialogue and lazy world-building that made it hard to connect with the characters.”
“The small dungeons and sloppy design left me feeling disengaged, and the battle system was ugly, which detracted from any emotional investment I could have had.”
“Overall, the game failed to evoke any real emotions due to its uninspired narrative and poorly executed gameplay mechanics.”
Critic Reviews
All in a day's work -- Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky review
Atelier Escha and Logy Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky is minus fun, intrigue, interest, performance, grace, dynamism, and innovation. The only clear plus is the moment you realize that the game’s corporate work theme and structure can be quit without fear of having to jump in the unemployment line. There are countless fun, modern JRPG experiences to be had on the Vita, making this an entirely expendable game.
40%Atelier Escha & Logy Plus Review
Atelier Escha & Logy Plus treads old ground, not offering anything new to the series. There's no challenge to the mundane requests that you'll find yourself completing, and at times, it feels like an RPG for beginners, going through the motions and ticking off a checklist of what's expected of the genre. Thankfully, the saving grace here is the enjoyable combat, which can help blow off a bit of steam after what is all too often a hard day's work.
50%Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Review
Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk is a game that holds all of its strength within its mature and lively characters. A few problems here and there are nothing to discourage anybody from this great experience.
80%