Image Credits: Atelier Resleriana
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Atelier Resleriana is a free to play story driven turn based RPG. It’s a mobile entry from the long running series that includes numerous titles going all the way back to the original Playstation console. The main feature of the game includes voice acted story cutscenes that focus on two protagonists and the many friends and acquaintances they meet along their journey. The pace of the game and story is very chill and relaxed along with the story topics. You’re aren’t immediately trying to save the world unlike many RPGs. Instead the characters are on a journey of self discovery, learning more about their dreams and facing adversities that challenge them to grow. It’s a very refreshing take to story that heavily focuses on character development and relationships. The combat is fairly simple and straightforward. It can also feel too simple and get repetitive. Overall it feels like this game is an episodic TV show that occasionally features some combat encounters instead of combat being the main focus. Those that connect with the pace, characters and story will discover a fun journey about friendship and what it takes to follow your dreams.
GAMEPLAY:
Overall combat is pretty straightforward. The system revolves around a break mechanic where certain abilities (and specific roles) can break enemy shields stunning them. This is also combined with a timeline mechanic that provides buffs/debuffs and burst (ultimate) panels. Characters fulfill roles that are familiar from other games such as attacker, defender, support and breaker. Strategy focuses on manipulating the timeline to benefit your team (gain buffs) and punish the enemy (debuffs) while also breaking enemy shields to maximize damage. Unit power can be augmented by leveling up and with various items and gear. It’s a pretty satisfying loop to go through story missions, gain recipes and resources to create gear, synthesize and repeat. One of the unique aspects of the game is that characters also come with traits that affect the alchemy/gear creation system. There have also been updates to make synthesis much easier especially for new players that don’t have all the required characters that offer better traits. Overall combat feels ok but gets repetitive and doesn’t feel as in-depth or strategic as other games.
STORY:
By far the main feature of this game and the reason many players will be interested in it is for the story. I haven’t come across a story for a mobile title that has put in this much effort, focus and care into crafting a narrative about self discovery and friendship. Many cutscenes are animated with Japanese voice lines. The pacing is much more chill and relaxed. It really feels like watching an episodic TV show. The characters aren’t rushing immediately to save the world. Instead it’s a slow deep dive into who the main protagonists are, overcoming personal weaknesses and discovering what their dreams and relationships are with their best friends and new acquaintances. Along the way you’ll be introduced to a wide cast of characters that keeps things fresh and interesting. When the action and stakes do kick in it also handles those moments quite well with exciting conflicts, drama and tension.
ART & CHARACTER DESIGN:
Overall art direction and character design is excellent and has it’s own visual identity. Characters are bright and hopeful. Many of them feel as though they are taken straight out of an anime. They are energetic, wholesome, quirky, and awkward. Attention is paid to personalize each characters’ outfit, gear, and accessories. Making them distinct to reflect who they are. The ensemble includes an original cast along with cameos and support roles from characters of past titles in the series. Art is by various artists including Umiu Geso, Tokki and NOCO. It’s no easy task to create memorable, iconic characters that you care about. Considering the heavy focus on story it’s not surprising the quality and care that has also been put into the art and characters to contribute and enhance the narrative.
MUSIC:
In line with the story and character designs music reflects the main themes that the game explores and is at times upbeat, hopeful, nostalgic and chill. It compliments the overall vibe of adventuring with friends who are on a journey to discovering who they are and overcoming challenges along the way. In particular certain combat music from special events really standout and make you want to fight.
CHALLENGES:
The main challenge that this game faces is in the combat and gameplay modes. So much attention, passion and energy has been given to the story that the combat often feels like it is secondary. As already discussed it feels like a TV show that features some occasional combat sprinkled in. The basic mechanics are easy to grasp and although there are options to augment power the depth of strategy and challenge isn’t the same compared to other RPGs. Lack of variety in enemy types and encounters that can feel repetitive all contribute to this challenge.
The other main issue is developing gameplay modes outside the main story campaign. Dungeons only feel slightly different to normal encounters stringing together a series of battles with a linear area to travel through. Hopeful gameplay evolves to feel distinct and offers a satisfying experience in line with the quality of the narrative. This type of game would benefit from some form of exploration. It’s one of the features that makes the current iteration feel like it is missing a core component.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
With an energetic positive cast of characters, a deep focus on self development and relationships with straightforward combat, Atelier Resleriana is a surprising narrative journey unlike others in the mobile space. It’s a calling card to explore the series and past/future entries. It showcases itself as a title that cares deeply about forming connections, exploring themes of identity, growth and the power of friendship. While combat is simple and can become repetitive, those that are drawn to a deep story driven game with a relaxed and easy going pace will discover a fun narrative journey.
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GAME DETAILS:
PLATFORMS: Android/iOS/PC
RELEASE: 2024 (Global)
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER: Gust/Koei Tecmo
GENRE/TAGS: Story Driven, Turn Based, Strategy, RPG, PVE
TARGET AUDIENCE: Those who primarily enjoy a very heavy story focus, energetic and cheerful protagonists, relaxed pacing and a very simple combat experience.
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