Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea Review

I reviewed Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea back on PS3 and it became my favourite game in the series to date, and returning to an improved version of the game has been a joy — as if there wasn’t enough to love already, now there’s more content to enjoy!
 
I won’t bore you with all of the facts because you can read my PS3 review where much of the content, such as story and characters, is relevant here. There’s new content that revolves around learning more about the encroaching dusk and the truth behind it, as well as new episodes featuring Ayesha, who is now 10 years older, as she also wants to know more about the dusk. Escha and Logy make appearances too, and it’s great to see familiar faces that we grew to love in their own adventures again — and yes, they are playable!
 
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As if there wasn’t enough to love already, now there’s more content to enjoy!

The gameplay remains more of the same with a solid turn-based mechanics and the unique alchemy system, and all of the game’s systems work smoothly together and it’s easy to see why Atelier has been going on strong since 1997! I’ve delved into detail before when it comes to gameplay but what’s new here are more challenging bosses to sink your teeth into, as well as more customisation options with fresh outfits and accessories to dress your party up with. A new map is included too and those who really like facing off against powerful foes will love this, although you’ll want your party to be at their best before tackling them.
 
With returning characters comes more voice-acting and Atelier Shallie, as with other games in the series, features some outstanding talent who perfectly fit the colourful, upbeat vibe of the games – not to say they can’t be serious when time calls for it, as under its cute visuals is a pretty dark tale brimming with hope. Previous character’s voice talent reprise their roles, from what I can tell, with Erika Harlacher back as Ayesha and Marieve Herington as Escha. Voice-actors and actresses from the PS3 game return too and they all put in wonderful performances.
 
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It’s easy to see why Atelier has been going on strong since 1997!

One of my favourite aspects of the Atelier series is its music. It’s refreshing and joyful, and an Atelier game isn’t complete without it. The intro song and visuals are the same as they were on PS3 but that doesn’t make them any less brilliant, and everytime I boot the game up I find myself never skipping it. The passion and cheer found in the music is infectious, and it won’t be long until they’re bouncing around your head and you’re looking up tracks online.
 
Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is a fantastic port of an already excellent game, and it’s still my favourite title in the long-running series. All of the Atelier games that are on PS3 are available on Vita now so if you haven’t played the others, especially Ayesha and Escha & Logy which are also part of the Dusk trilogy, then you should play through those before tackling Shallie — they’re all amazing games, so please enjoy! The Dusk trilogy wraps up perfectly with Shallie and Shallie Plus only serves to make the experience even better, and its a great fit for Vita.

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