Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist Of Salburg Review - A Successful Return To Salburg

A PC code was provided to SVG for this review. "Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg" will launch on July 13, 2023, for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

You've stepped back into the enchanting city of Salburg, now more vibrant than ever. The familiar charm of the Royal Magic Academy, the thrumming streets, the mystical outskirts; everything feels familiar yet abundantly rejuvenated in the remake of this RPG classic, "Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg."

As Marie, the slightly incompetent student with the world on her shoulders, you're about to relive an unforgettable journey. In this 1997 reimagining, not only are you reliving the quest to please your teacher and pass the final exam, but also navigating the familiar city from an entirely new perspective.

The modern design decisions in "Atelier Marie Remake" breathe new life into its world and characters. Each character is illustrated with fresh designs along with revamped event illustrations. What was once static 2D images now dance with smooth animations, creating a dynamic, lively, and charmingly inviting atmosphere. Your journey around Salburg is accentuated with the introduction of 3D models for both characters and stages. You'll delight in the adorable mini-characters as they navigate their way around the city and into the unknown. The improved visuals are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the immersive nature of the game, making you feel even more connected to Marie's world.

The beloved simplicity and flexibility of the original game have been brilliantly preserved. But that doesn't mean the gameplay hasn't been modernized. Now, with enhanced tutorials and improved navigation, the game is even more accessible — something that lacked in the original game. The charming chibi-style characters don't just stay stationary; you'll be running around the central hub and open-level areas, making the whole experience more interactive. This game is not just about the destination, but the journey too. From darting around the city to collect essential items to the tension-filled exploration of monster-infested outskirts, every move adds to the overall experience.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the original, or this is your first visit to Salburg, the game caters to everyone — even if you're not especially familiar with the traditional RPG genre and its mechanics. For the purists who love a challenge, the classic mode offers a thrilling experience. The ticking clock, the strategic planning; it all adds to the exhilarating, if not slightly stressed rush with Marie's looming deadline. Alternatively, you may prefer the Unlimited mode for a more relaxed pace, where time is no longer your enemy. It's important to note, though, that not all events from the classic mode occur in the Unlimited mode, which ultimately provides a reason to replay the game once you are familiar with the ins and outs.

This blend of familiar and new content creates a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously offering fresh experiences. The game is flexible in its offering of player preferences, ensuring that everyone gets a piece of the magical world at their own pace.

As with any game in the "Atelier" series, Alchemy remains at the heart of the gameplay. In "Atelier Marie Remake," however, you'll be plunged even deeper into Marie's life. Her journey isn't just about improving her alchemical skills or impressing her stern teacher; it's also about the relationships she builds and the impact she has on the world around her. With the addition of new events and characters, your interactions will stretch beyond the confines of Marie's temporary atelier, adding more depth to Marie's narrative. Marie's world has become richer and more engaging, as you discover the true essence of being an alchemist, synthesizing relationships and stories, not just potions.

On that note, as accessible as "Atelier Marie Remake" is, newcomers might initially struggle with recipes and know what ingredients to collect and where to find them. Gameplay is very much rooted around a rinse-and-repeat process of gathering ingredients to satisfy alchemy recipes that, in turn, satisfy quest objectives. However, with each gathering attempt or return to town, days are ticked off the calendar, providing a heightened sense of urgency. Gathering unnecessary ingredients when you don't know exactly what you're looking for (despite having a guidebook) can be a bit frustrating. There are clues that you can gather (known as Rumors) to help aid in your gathering knowledge, but there is still a decent amount of trial and error associated with the alchemy portion of "Atelier Marie Remake."

"Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg" strikes a delicate balance between preserving the charm of the 1997 original and making calculated and effective modern enhancements. Its updated graphics, easy navigation, immersive gameplay, and new content make this game a delightful journey, whether you're a returning fan or a curious newcomer.

Even the grindy nature of the game won't be able to diminish the experience. From Marie's journey of self-discovery and relationships to the exploration of Salburg with its vibrant characters, this world will captivate you until the very end.

The remake of "Atelier Marie" is an absolute success that stands on its own in the modern gaming landscape. It gives Marie's magical world a new spark, making it a worthy investment for all RPG fans — especially if you're a fan of the "Atelier" series in general. This carefully crafted balance of nostalgia and novelty brings the game to life, offering a depth of engagement that will leave you yearning for more (which will probably take place in the Unlimited mode).