Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg preview - Conjuring relaxation

While the Atelier series has multiple different arcs and characters over its 26-year life, its first game and character unfortunately never ventured outside of Japan - until now that is. Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a rejuvenation of the series' debut entry, and we got the chance to preview the first year of Marie's journey in the game.

Relaxation is the name of the game here, with the Atelier series as a whole encompassing the rather distinct 'leisure adventure RPG' label that fits it so well. There are of course challenges to be found within the game - especially if you play the more traditional time-restricted mode, but overall Atelier Marie Remake presents you with a serene experience that is so easy to just pick up and play.

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Salvation in Salburg

There really isn't much you'll need in terms of motivation when it comes to playing Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, with the central character's goal being rather clear and obvious. 

You play as Marie, a student at the bottom of her class who is given her own Atelier and a five-year deadline to create something spectacular and redeem herself. It is then up to you to take the right steps to conjure up something truly wonderful, but trust me it's really not as stressful as it sounds. 

Your time in the game will be split between foraging and alchemy, with plenty of combat encounters in between. You'll have tasks and quests to complete, and each 'action' you take - including going in and out of your Atelier - makes a day pass by, moving you ever closer to your end goal.

It can feel quite overwhelming at first - where there's seemingly so much to do but it all takes up your precious time - but you quickly learn to manage things and will eventually become rather proficient and economical.

Needing an extension

However, perhaps the most important addition to the Atelier Marie Remake comes in the form of the Unlimited Mode, which completely removes the five-year limit, leaving you free to play how you want.

This is perfect for anyone who just wants to collect as many ingredients, fight as many enemies, and concoct as many items as they please, as your professor has suddenly become far more lenient.

There are of course plenty of players who might enjoy the economisation that the five-year limit encourages, but from our experience of the first year, it felt far more enjoyable to do things at our own pace. Atelier as a series is viewed by many as a means to relax, so having the freedom to do what you want and play without restriction goes a long way in achieving that.

Graphical refresh

Of course, at the forefront of this remake is the graphical overhaul it has received, taking the pixel art style of the original release and revitalising it with a new coat of paint and chibi-oriented characters.

While the characters might not be to everyone's taste, the work on the environments and lighting is undeniably great, as every area that we explored within the first year felt so full of life.

This enhancement is continued within the new, more orchestral background music that has been composed specifically for the remake. It is a lovely rearrangement of the existing tracks from when the game was first released, but there is also the option to play with the original soundtrack if you're wanting the true experience, or generally prefer the more electronic soundscape.

Final Thoughts

While Atelier Marie Remake is nothing groundbreaking, presenting players with rather straightforward combat and alchemy mechanics that have been further developed as the series itself has evolved, it would be remiss to ignore its power as a tool of relaxation.

There is just something so immediately appealing about the foraging and fighting in this game that feels so easy to just pick up and play or unwind after a long day, and that is something that many players will welcome with open arms.

If you're a fan of the series who wants to see where it all began, or if you're just wanting to add a slice of leisure into your life, then Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg might definitely be worth checking out.