News by Lindsay M.
We’re sitting on pins and needles waiting for the launch of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream (it’s next month!), so these new details certainly help placate the impatience. Not only have the battle system and photo mode been detailed, but we also have information on digital/physical pre-orders and a new story trailer featuring the game’s theme song!
In Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, Sophie leaves her hometown in search of her friend Plachta. Sophie enters a dream-like world called Erde Wiege, where she tries to find her missing friend while also uncovering the world’s mysteries. For more information, here’s the story trailer (featuring the theme song, Syndetos by Suzuyu):
For the first time in the Atelier series, the battles are completely seamless; it begins instantly, no load time or separate screens. This gives the game flow between exploration and combat instead of a jarring jump that tells you the battle is going to happen. Up to six party members can combine their skills for multi-linked turn-based battles. The party will be split into two: three members on the assault team are up front, and three members on the back-up team are (obviously) at the back. The battle system also features Twin Actions and Support Guard. With Twin Actions, the front and back rows can attack together, or the front row can make their move while the back row charges up. Why do this? It uses less MP than individually performing the attacks. Support Guard lets party members in the back row protect those in the front from attack. Members can be shuffled from front to back at will. Using Twin Actions and Support Guard requires Technical Points. When the Dual Gauge is filled, a special move called Dual Triggers can be used where two party members launch an ability together.
It’s worth noting that some of the encountered enemies with have an aura around them, making them both more difficult to kill and more dangerous to the party’s health. Players will have to attack the aura with an element that it is weak against, which reduces the aura and stunts the monster. Party members can then start attacking with more turns than usual. Some battles have a Weather Control option that can be used to create “favourable situations” where the weather can basically attack a monster’s aura if it’s the right type.
Shifting gears away from battle, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Has a built-in Photo Mode to capture in-game moments, from the environments to the monsters and everything in between. It has a wide range of edit functions.
And finally, we’ve got pre-order details! Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream Is now available for pre-order on all available platforms (PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch). Players who pre-order digitally will receive an Easy Breezy costume for Sophie. Players who pre-order the game, digitally or physically, or purchase it within two weeks of launch will receive a Comfy and Casual outfit. First-run physical copies of the game will features reversible artwork and a poster. Superfans might want to look into a Limited Edition that will be sold exclusively through the NIS America Online Store; it contains the game, an art book, a fabric poster, a keychain, a background music CD, an exclusive DLC costumer, and a collector’s box to contain it all.
Developed by Gust and published by Koei Tecmo, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on February 24 in Japan and February 25 worldwide.
– Lindsay M.
News Editor
