Info about Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg:

Official game description:
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg Digital Deluxe Edition
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In this set:  
\- The main game "Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg"  
\- Full original game "Atelier Marie Plus: The Alchemist of Salburg" included!  
\- Gust Extra BGM Pack  
\- "Another Look" Costume Set （Set of 33）  
Note:  
"Atelier Marie Plus" is a port of the original version. You can play the game with the same feeling as when it was first released, in modern graphics, and in the same language as the main game.  
Costumes from the "Another Look" Costume Set can only be utilized for characters that have joined your party.
Free DLC
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\- Accessory "25 Glasses"  
\- Atelier Series Legacy BGM Pack
About the Game
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At the Royal Academy of Magic (the Academy for short), Marie is failing in her attempts to study alchemy. One day, she is given an atelier by her professor as part of a special graduation exam. In order to graduate, Marie must complete an item that will impress her professor.  
But first, Marie must strive to improve her alchemy skills, collect ingredients, and earn money to hire adventurers and buy recipes and utensils... Add all of that to the synthesis, battles, and quests she must undertake, and it's clear that she has a lot to do before she's ready for her exam!  
It's up to you to choose where to begin! Work hard to graduate from the Academy, but be sure to enjoy yourself along the way.  
**Features of the Remake:**  
**\- Updated graphics! Marie and friends brought to life with the latest technology!**  
Character designs and event illustrations have been revamped, and 2D animations have also been introduced in the remake. In addition, there are now 3D models of characters and stages, so players can enjoy seeing cute mini characters while they move around the map and explore.  
**\- Atelier series origin, adapted to modern times and made more playable!**  
While maintaining the simplicity and flexibility of the original version, the tutorial and navigation of the game's features have been expanded and improved. The methods of moving around the city and collecting items in the field have also been modified to meet modern-day demands, ensuring that the remake is even more comfortable and easier to play.  
**\- New elements added to further enhance the game experience!**  
Fans of the original version of the game, along with newcomers to the Atelier series, will be delighted by the variety of new elements that have been added to the remake. With the new Unlimited Mode, which allows you to play at a more relaxed pace, and the addition of new events that enable interactions with new characters, you can further enjoy the world of “Atelier Marie.”

Release date: 12 Jul, 2023

Categories: Resource Management, Turn-based RPG, Time-based Mechanics, Single-player Story, Exploration, Character Progression, Multiple Endings


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Enjoyable and Relaxing Gameplay (weight 0.91): Players found the game to be a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. Its casual nature and improved convenience in the remake contributed to a pleasant and engaging gameplay process, often evoking positive nostalgic feelings.
- Excellent and Faithful Remake (weight 0.49): The remake is highly praised for its faithfulness to the original while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements. It successfully updates the classic experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for both new players and long-time fans.
- Charming Art Style and Characters (weight 0.35): The game's art style, particularly the character designs and chibi models, received significant praise for being cute, charming, and well-detailed. This visual appeal is considered a major selling point and contributes to the game's overall aesthetic.
- Foundational Atelier Experience (weight 0.25): As the progenitor of the Atelier series, the game provides a valuable look into the franchise's origins. It offers a unique experience for both new players to understand the series' roots and veterans to revisit its beginnings with modern enhancements.
- Engaging Alchemy System (weight 0.11): The alchemy system is highlighted as a core strength, being straightforward yet engaging. It effectively balances crafting, exploration, and combat, tying these elements into the game's narrative.
- Improved Event Tracking (weight 0.11): The improved in-game achievement and event systems are appreciated for their convenience. They make it easier for players to track and discover events, enhancing character development and overall progression.
- Flexible Time Management (weight 0.07): The inclusion of an 'Unlimited Mode' and a generous time limit in the standard mode addresses potential concerns about time management. This allows players to enjoy the game at their own pace without undue pressure.
- High-Quality Soundtrack (weight 0.07): The game's soundtrack is consistently praised for its quality, variety, and polished production. It contributes positively to the overall atmosphere and player experience.

Common complaints:
- Overpriced for content (weight 0.99): Many players feel the game is significantly overpriced for the amount of content it offers, especially when compared to modern games or even other titles in the same series. The short playtime and perceived lack of depth contribute to this sentiment, making it hard to recommend at full price.
- Limited and repetitive content (weight 0.87): The game is criticized for its short length and limited content, with many players completing it quickly. There's a general feeling that the remake didn't add enough new material or modernize dated mechanics sufficiently, leading to a repetitive and unengaging experience.
- Frustrating time limit system (weight 0.72): The time limit system is a significant point of contention, especially for completionists, as it often forces multiple playthroughs and can halt story progression if events are missed. This mechanic is seen as outdated and frustrating.
- Frequent crashes and glitches (weight 0.13): Players, particularly on Steam Deck, report frequent crashes and glitches, especially during scene transitions or area changes. This technical instability negatively impacts the overall playability and user experience.
- Insufficient voice acting (weight 0.1): A notable complaint is the lack of full voice acting, especially in side quests and new story events. This absence detracts from immersion and feels out of place for a modern game at its price point.
- Shallow alchemy system (weight 0.09): The alchemy system is perceived as overly simplistic and lacking depth compared to later Atelier titles. The absence of traits, re-synthesis, and item quality limits strategic crafting and the ability to create powerful items.
- Disappointing deluxe edition (weight 0.09): The deluxe edition is criticized for its value proposition, offering mostly recolored outfits and bundling the original game instead of selling it separately. Players feel there's a lack of substantial extra content to justify the higher price.
- Unpopular SD art style (weight 0.05): Some players are disappointed with the art style of the playable characters in the remake, specifically the SD (Super Deformed) style, preferring the more refined illustrations or the original's aesthetic.
- Ineffective strategy guides (weight 0.05): Players find existing strategy guides unhelpful due to their vagueness, jargon, and lack of focus, making it difficult to navigate the game's mechanics or achieve specific goals.

Gameplay feedback:
- Short playtime, simple content (weight 0.49): Players found the game to be very short, with single playthroughs typically lasting 5-10 hours. This brevity, combined with simple mechanics and limited content, makes it feel like a casual or light mobile game. The narrative is also noted as not being particularly deep.
- Significant quality-of-life additions (weight 0.32): The remake introduces significant quality-of-life improvements, including a 'History' tab to track events, an unlimited time mode, battle speed-up, auto-battle, and a more convenient UI. These additions enhance accessibility and streamline gameplay.
- Simplified alchemy system (weight 0.32): The alchemy system is consistently described as very simple and rudimentary, especially when compared to later Atelier titles. It lacks complex features like traits, quality, or intricate material loops, often allowing for one-click synthesis once materials are gathered.
- Faithful remake, simpler design (weight 0.29): The game is a faithful remake of the very first Atelier title, preserving its core mechanics, scenario, and character designs. This results in a simpler experience compared to modern Atelier games, making it potentially suitable for newcomers to the series.
- Designed for multiple playthroughs (weight 0.26): The game is explicitly designed for multiple playthroughs, as it's impossible to see all events or achieve all endings in a single run. This encourages replayability, though some players noted issues with ending priority and event saving across New Game+.
- Manageable time limit (weight 0.21): The game features a core 5-year time limit for Marie's graduation, where all actions consume in-game time. However, this limit is generally considered ample and not overly pressuring, with an option to turn it off for a more relaxed experience.
- Low difficulty (weight 0.1): The game's difficulty is generally perceived as simple and easy to learn, even on higher settings. Players found it less challenging than the original or later Atelier titles, contributing to a more accessible experience.
- Hireable party members (weight 0.1): A unique aspect of the game is the ability to hire various townspeople as party members for adventures. This system allows players to learn about companions through short event sequences, adding character depth.
- Simple turn-based combat (weight 0.09): Combat is a traditional turn-based system, featuring basic weapon attacks, special character skills, and item usage. It is described as simple and easy to learn, allowing players to overpower enemies with key skills.
- Actions consume full days (weight 0.07): A notable time-management mechanic is that most actions, such as combat, gathering, and travel, consume a full in-game day. This daily time consumption impacts overall progression and resource management.

Performance notes:
- Excellent PC and Steam Deck performance (weight 0.15): Players report excellent performance on PC, even on older hardware like the RTX 2060 Super, maintaining stable frame rates at 1440p 60fps. The game also runs surprisingly well on Steam Deck, despite being officially unsupported, with many settings at maximum.
- Community fix for Steam Deck (weight 0.02): A specific community-made fix, the 'atelier-sync fix,' is mentioned as a way to improve performance and battery life specifically for Steam Deck users. This indicates a potential area for official optimization.

Recommendations:
- Wait for a sale (weight 0.6): Many players recommend purchasing the game only when it's on sale, citing that the full price might be too high for what it offers, especially for those not deeply invested in the Atelier series.
- Mixed as series entry point (weight 0.49): There's mixed sentiment on whether this game is a good entry point for new players. Some recommend it as a first Atelier game, while others strongly advise newcomers to start with more modern titles in the series.
- Great for nostalgic fans (weight 0.38): The game is highly recommended for long-time fans of the Atelier series, particularly those with nostalgia for the original Atelier Marie or an academic interest in the series' origins.
- Demand for more remakes (weight 0.3): There's a strong desire among players for remakes of other early Atelier titles, especially Atelier Elie and Lilie, often hoping for similar quality and features like a no-time-limit mode.
- Excellent remake quality (weight 0.27): Players generally praise the remake quality, considering it an excellent adaptation that modernizes the original while retaining its core charm.
- Try both game modes (weight 0.07): Players suggest trying both the time-limited and no-time-limit modes. For an authentic experience, playing the classic time-limited mode first is recommended.
- Quick, fun RPG (weight 0.04): The game is seen as a good option for players looking for a quick, fun, and relatively short RPG experience, especially if they have limited time or motivation for longer games.
- Appeals to alchemy fans (weight 0.02): The game is highly recommended for players who specifically enjoy alchemy and nurturing-style gameplay elements.
- Good for replayability (weight 0.02): The game appeals to players who enjoy replaying games to optimize their strategies and find the most efficient solutions.
- Avoid Steam Deck (weight 0.02): The game is not recommended for play on Steam Deck unless the player is diligent about saving their progress, implying potential stability or performance issues on the platform.
- Potential mobile game (weight 0.02): One reviewer suggested that the game's format and gameplay style would make it a great fit for a mobile game platform.
- Will buy next game (weight 0.02): A player expressed satisfaction with the game and indicated an intention to purchase future titles in the series.

Other player notes:
- Great series introduction/remake (weight 0.24): This remake serves as an excellent entry point for new players into the Atelier series, while also appealing to long-time fans who appreciate its historical significance as the franchise's origin. Many players expressed a desire for future remakes of other early titles, particularly Atelier Elie.
- Charming visuals & art style (weight 0.19): The game's visual style, particularly the chibi characters and beautifully rendered environments, is widely praised for fitting the lighthearted atmosphere. While some found the character designs slightly old-fashioned, the overall art direction and animations are well-received.
- Deluxe Edition value & music options (weight 0.17): The Deluxe Edition offers significant value, including the original game and extensive BGM options from across the series. Players appreciate the ability to switch between newly arranged and original soundtracks, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
- Strong nostalgic appeal (weight 0.06): Many players purchased the game primarily due to nostalgia, seeking to relive childhood memories associated with the original title. The remake successfully caters to this demographic.
- Specific item inheritance rules (weight 0.05): The item encyclopedia progress is largely inherited in new playthroughs, but equipment inheritance is limited to items on party members and appears in the material box, not directly equipped. This system has some specific nuances for players to be aware of.
- Improved game mechanics (weight 0.04): The remake includes welcome adjustments to game mechanics, such as balanced skills, item attributes, and lowered thresholds for key events. These changes improve the overall gameplay experience.
- Simple gameplay, good tutorial (weight 0.04): While the game's simplicity, being the first in the franchise, might not appeal to all, it features a comprehensive tutorial system. This makes it accessible for new players, guiding them through core mechanics.
- Simple story, no romance (weight 0.04): The game's narrative is simple and lacks elements like demon kings, evil dragons, or romance. This straightforward approach focuses on the core alchemy premise without complex plotlines.
- Wished for complex crafting/romance (weight 0.03): Some players expressed a desire for more complex crafting mechanics, similar to those found in Atelier Elie, and wished for the inclusion of romance plotlines. These are features not present in this title.
- Costume pack lacks variety (weight 0.03): The 'Alternative Outfits' costume pack received mixed feedback; some found it lacking in sincerity, offering only simple color changes, while others appreciated the option to choose different color variations.
- Clear graduation goal (weight 0.02): The game's core story revolves around Marie, a struggling alchemy student, who must pass a special exam within five years to graduate. This clear objective drives the gameplay.
- User-friendly UI & navigation (weight 0.02): The game features a user-friendly interface with a wheel menu, quick map access, and helpful guide markers. These quality-of-life improvements enhance navigation and overall player experience.
- Deeper character backgrounds (weight 0.02): Additional events have been incorporated into the remake, which serve to deepen the backgrounds and personalities of the characters. This adds more depth to the cast.
- Companions gain stats via exploration (weight 0.02): Companions can gain attribute increases through adventuring, even without engaging in combat. This allows for character progression through exploration alone.
- Seasonal changes in maps (weight 0.02): Adventure areas are depicted with real-world maps that feature seasonal changes. This adds a dynamic visual element to exploration.
- Natural character integration (weight 0.02): Male and older characters are seamlessly integrated into the city life, contributing to a natural and believable urban environment. This adds to the world-building.
- Designed for female players (weight 0.02): The game was intentionally designed to appeal to female players. This focus on a specific demographic influenced certain design choices.
- No time-based voice greetings (weight 0.01): The game's title screen does not feature greeting voice lines that change based on the system time. This is a minor detail that some players noticed.
- Bad ending save restriction (weight 0.01): If a player achieves a 'bad ending' in a single playthrough, the game does not allow saving a cleared save file. This specific save mechanic impacts post-game options for certain endings.
- Original distant area design unclear (weight 0.01): The original game's design for handling distant areas before the knight order's first expedition was unclear. This suggests a minor point of confusion in the original's world-building or progression.
- MP recovery with Mystica (weight 0.01): MP can be effectively recovered by using Mystica or Mystica Leaves. This provides a clear method for resource management during gameplay.
- Fatigue recovery with Holy Water (weight 0.01): Fatigue can be recovered by purchasing and consuming Holy Water from the Academy. This offers a simple in-game solution for managing character stamina.
- Easy friendship increase (weight 0.01): Friendship levels increase by 1 after exploration, and this can be easily farmed by repeatedly visiting and returning from nearby forests. This provides a simple method for increasing character relationships.
- Rare material farming strategy (weight 0.01): Rare materials can be farmed by repeatedly collecting them, engaging in combat or collection once, and then switching screens until they respawn. This outlines a specific farming strategy for valuable resources.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.27): Players are highly satisfied with the game's overall quality, particularly the faithful and improved remake aspects, including quality-of-life features, updated graphics, and modern conveniences. The game's charming and relaxing atmosphere, coupled with its accessibility for new players and replayability, contributes significantly to this positive sentiment. Nostalgia for the original game also plays a crucial role in enhancing the satisfaction for long-time fans.
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): Disappointment primarily stems from the game's perceived lack of new content, especially in the deluxe edition, and its short length relative to the price. Players also express dissatisfaction with certain character design changes, outdated gameplay mechanics, and the repetitive nature of multiple playthroughs required for different endings. The high price point for what is offered is a recurring cause of this emotion.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration is mainly caused by technical issues, particularly random crashes and performance problems on Steam Deck. Players also express frustration with dated mechanics such as the time system, unskippable animations, and specific mini-games tied to achievements. The high price and perceived lack of content for the cost also contribute to this feeling.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoy the game for its charming and fun gameplay experience, which includes its quirky characters, engaging alchemy system, and appealing art style. The light, simple, and addictive nature of the gameplay, combined with the overall atmosphere and music, contributes to a highly positive and enjoyable experience.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is primarily driven by the release of the faithful remake, allowing players to experience a cherished game with modern improvements. The game's charming and sweet atmosphere, effective time management, and quality-of-life enhancements contribute to an overall delightful and happy gameplay experience, often amplified by nostalgia.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): Nostalgia is a strong emotion, deeply rooted in players' childhood memories of the original game. The faithful remake successfully evokes these feelings, allowing players to relive cherished experiences and appreciate the game's enduring charm and classic JRPG vibe.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is generated by the overall quality of the remake, which instills hope and anticipation for future Atelier games and remakes in the series. Players are also excited about the prospect of achievement hunting and the continued evolution of the franchise.
- Caution (weight 0.02): Caution is primarily related to the game's price and length, with players advising potential buyers to consider these factors before purchasing. The target audience for the game is also a point of caution, suggesting it might not appeal to everyone.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is expressed as a strong desire for future remakes of other games in the Atelier series, particularly Atelier Elie. The quality of the current remake fuels this optimism for more faithful and improved re-releases.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger arises from specific game design choices, such as time-limited main story events, which are perceived as outdated for a modern remake. The low voice coverage for the game's price also contributes to this negative sentiment.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement is derived from the game's humorous elements, including a character's clumsiness, amusing event triggers, and the relatability of certain game mechanics to real-life situations. The overall humor in the game's design contributes to this positive emotion.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction is predominantly linked to the game's high asking price, especially for the deluxe edition, which many players feel does not offer sufficient content to justify the cost. This sentiment is consistent even when the game is on sale.
- Observation (weight 0.01): Players observe and comment on various aspects of the game, including its dated design elements, the simplicity of the alchemy system, and the generosity of the time limit. These observations often involve detailed analyses of game systems and overall length.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Relaxation is a key emotion, stemming from the game's casual gameplay, ample time limits, and easy completion. The overall atmosphere of the game contributes to a calm and stress-free experience for players.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises when players encounter specific gameplay mechanics that are unclear or when they struggle with a lack of direction, not knowing how to progress or what to do next in the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players express appreciation for the game's historical context within the Atelier series and specifically for Marie as a protagonist. This highlights a recognition of the game's significance and character appeal.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration is experienced due to the slow progression of friendship levels with characters and the perceived lack of boss encounters. The speed of time progression within the game also contributes to this minor annoyance.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by players trying the Atelier series for the first time, eager to explore its mechanics and lore. There is also curiosity regarding the origin and evolution of the achievement system within the game.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Mild disappointment is noted regarding the alchemy system, which some players find less engaging than expected, and the game's price. The limited screentime for certain characters also contributes to this minor letdown.
- Longing (weight 0.01): Longing is expressed as a strong desire for features similar to those found in Atelier Elie, indicating a preference for certain mechanics or elements from other games in the series to be present in this title or future remakes.}