Review for Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack. Game for PC, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 14/01/2020
The JRPG Atelier series, developed by Gust, is almost unknown to the common gamer, but loved and appreciated by the finest connoisseurs. Arriving at the large number of 18 main games, plus dozens of others including secondary titles and remakes, the Atelier saga stands out from other turn-based role-playing games for its focus on the use of alchemy. The exploration is in fact at the base of all the chapters of the series, exploration that will lead us to find ingredients to alchemically create objects and equipment. Usually the narration is very light and brought towards a humorous vein, however often and willingly delves into deeper and more mature themes. The series is usually divided into "sagas" consisting of 2 or 3 games each, set in the same universe and to be played one after the other as a sequel to that same setting.
On PlayStation 4 we have already received, some time ago, the remastered versions of the 3 games of the Arland saga: Rorona, Totori and Meruru, originally released on PlayStation 3. Now it's the turn of the trio of games perhaps most loved by fans: Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack includes all 3 games of the Dusk series in a remastered version and including all the released DLCs, plus some new features added specifically for the occasion. Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX, Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX e Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea DX are the three titles included in this package, and if desired they can also be purchased separately.
Atelier Ayesha, the first chapter of this trilogy, is the most classic of the three. Having been released shortly after the previous saga, that of Arland, Ayesha at least mechanically is nothing more than the same type of game with some improvements. A more of the same of the Arland series, perhaps even aged quite badly when compared with the following chapters. The only thing that completely differs from the previous games is the atmosphere, which although at times still fun and light as before, this time combines a sense of anxiety, desolation and sadness due to the protagonist who has practically lost all purpose in the his life.
Halfway through the story we have Atelier Escha & Logy, set four years after Ayesha, a direct sequel with a few characters that will show up again. This was perhaps the most loved title by fans, thanks to the possibility for the first time ever to be able to choose your protagonist between a boy and a girl. The choice will not only determine a pure aesthetic factor, but also some differences in the game such as dialogues, endings and events. To add to the news there is the possibility of sending up to 6 characters on the field at the same time, or the possibility of setting the deadlines for the works, now quarterly and no longer annual.
Finally we have Atelier Shallie, set six years after Escha & Logy. Also this time we can choose between two different characters (both girls in this case), but in this software the choice will not only change some things in the game but almost totally the plot, based on a humble and dedicated protagonist or on a very selfish one. and ambitious. Job delivery deadlines are removed, allowing the player to breathe a sigh of relief by not having a timer always lurking and thus bringing the focus on exploration and being able to make mistakes without major negative repercussions.
The three titles of the Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack have been sufficiently updated through a fine graphic work, which obviously does not make them equal to a latest generation title, but improves them significantly: textures and colors are very well defined and all slowdowns and fps losses have been eliminated. The audio sector also presents the possibility of choosing Japanese dubbing, undoubtedly better than the English counterpart. In addition to the inclusion of all existing downloadable content, such as expansions or costumes, Gust has further improved the Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack by adding other options (already seen in other remasters such as those of Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX) such as that of speed up fighting or walking and running animations, so as to avoid too many dead moments and partly facilitate the grinding of experience and materials which, in this saga, is almost fundamental.
Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack is not a collection for everyone: we are now in an era where the youngest are looking for action and are no longer used to slower or more reasoned situations. All those who do not have this limitation will be able to literally immerse themselves in the hundreds of hours donated by these three titles, perhaps among the most important ever created by Gust, which combine dreams and hopes with sadness and darkness, just like in a twilight.
► Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a JRPG type game developed by Gust Co. Ltd. and published by Koei Tecmo for PC, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 14/01/2020
