OpenTube

Atelier Series: Where to Start & Why I Love It

CassTheCasual

15,756 views

Is the Atelier series the most underrated JRPG franchise? I genuinely think it might be. If you enjoy cozy games but want more substance than simple farming loops and fetch quests — or if you’re curious about JRPGs but don’t want something overly dark, grindy, or stressful — Atelier might be exactly what you’re looking for.

In this video mostly for new players, I explain what Atelier actually is, why it feels so different from typical RPGs, why I personally fell in love with the series, and where you should start if you’re completely new. If you’ve ever been Atelier-curious but felt overwhelmed by 20+ entries, confusing sub-series, time limits, or the lack of English dub — this is both my ode to the Atelier series, and the beginner-friendly guide I wish I had.

Experiencing Issues With Atelier Games on PC? Start Here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfile...

00:00 - Intro
01:04 - What is Atelier
02:53 - Why I Love Atelier
07:58 - Concerns
08:11 - Time Limits?
09:59 - English Dub?
10:52 - Where to Start
13:14 - Alchemy Comparison
14:53 - Combat Comparison
15:45 - Combat Difficulty
15:58 - Performance (PC)
17:10 - Final Thoughts

#Atelier #AtelierRyza #AtelierSophie #JRPG #CozyGames #CozyGaming

20 Comments

@jonnydent825 7 months ago

Seven games in six months? You are no longer CassTheCasual, you are now CassThePro.

@scoutisabelle 2 months ago

Atelier is probably my favorite series also. Cute funny characters, fun combat, beautiful colorful graphics and relaxing fun.

@BrigadeLeaderHaruhiSuzumiya 3 months ago

I first started with Atelier Escha & Logy Alchemist of the Dusk Sky Anime when I found the DVD for it selling for cheap off of Mercari. I first heard of Atelier when I was playing through the Blue Reflection games. They had some Atelier DLC costumes and Levels in them. Then when it came to games I first started with Atelier Sophie Alchemist of the Mysterious Book. Then Atelier Escha and Logy Game on the PS3, then Atelier Lydie and Suell, then Atelier Yumia. Honestly I can see that this game series is connected. Even the Animes for them. And that people shouldn't just jump into the series without first having some knowledge about it. I have noticed returning characters from previous games in other Atelier games. So in a way it makes it connected. Especially when some games take place years after previous games have ended storyline wise. This is definitely a unique, cozy and cute series that anyone and everyone should get into. I highly recommend this series.

@Jawsrough 3 weeks ago

man i remember playing both mana khemia on my ps2 it was a blast

@scienceandstories8781 7 months ago

Sophie 2 and Ryza 2 are my favorites as well, excellent intro to series.

@alyssabrown3145 1 month ago

Sooo glad you're enjoying the atelier series. I found it back when Ayesha came out but it really didn't click with me until I tried Ryza years later. Then I went back to the older games and said to myself "NOW I understand.." Even with time limits of the older games, it's still cozy and fun to me!

@yodastitch4227 7 months ago

Good review, I agree with Ryza and Sophie 2 being the best entry points in the series for newcomers.
I would add that as someone who enjoy the cozy vibes but needs a challenge when playing games, the higher difficulties will deliver, forcing you to really engage in the crafting and combat mechanics.

@Devontae7894 1 day ago

My first atelier was Yumia. I just saw it on Amazon and preordered it and luck too because apparently they didn’t have a lot of American prints. I got the entry after that and realized it was a whole series so I’ve made it my mission to get each one that is available on ps3-5.

Just got the Russ trilogy on ps5 and Maria remake on ps4. I really like the cute chibi style in that one.

@PuffsPursuits 2 weeks ago

Such a great video! I'm looking to get into the Atelier series so this video was super helpful - honestly surprised I've never heard of the series before because it really seems to fit right in with other cozy games I love!

@djdavis1420 2 months ago

I started Atelier Ryza but just couldn't wrap my head around the alchemy.

@lyell0930 3 months ago

Thank you. I'm going to start with Ryza. I was a little worried about the alchemy system being too complex, but it looks like Ryza might be better for me.

@bellissimo4520 2 months ago

After being a bit burned out on the "Trails" series after playing 10 of those games back to back, I'll now start diving into Atelier. I wanted to do this for so long already...

@davesmith2403 2 months ago

I really loved this video! Like you I wanted to start somewhere when I was on the hunt for a new gaming experience, and these titles kept cropping up. And funnily enough, I started on Sophie 2 as well and I don't regret a second of it!
The order reason I love this video is your honest and thoughtful approach to the games for new players! It helped me because I wanna get a few ideas for some other games to play in the series and your views and the way you look at them has really helped because I seem to gravitate towards very similar criteria, so thank you x

@Lightbluecloud1 7 months ago

I have the Ryza games in my steam library, enjoyed the first one, still need to find time for the other two!

@user-ng1yu7io4r 6 months ago

For anyone who is piqued by Ryza or absolutely loved Ryza I would suggest Atelier Firis. Firis to my knowledge was the blue print for Ryza’s bigger maps and domains. The time limit is very easy to get through. Firis’ mechanics are very fun and the story is one of the more fun ones.

@asiamarill 3 days ago

I started with ryza and loved it. I only dont like the synthesis in firis and sophie.
But I have 5 atelier games already 😅

@ZoraPuck 2 months ago (edited)

If you are looking to venture outside of the more classic cozy games I really think you you'd enjoy Harvestella, the Rune Factory Series, the Nino Kuni Seriers, Fantasy Life the Girl Who Steals Time, or the Mania Series. All these are RPGs with some crafting and/or farming elements. They are all visually pleasy, have bright colors, and lean more towards "girly" ascetic wise. Lastly, they all have easy combat (all are action combat except for Nino Kuni 2) and are games that helped me to branch out in gaming.

@madkaiser4887 7 months ago

Wonderful series!

@BrigadeLeaderHaruhiSuzumiya 4 months ago

Please can you do an updated video for Evolution of Blue Reflection Games video? Please add Blue Reflection Quartet into it. Blue Reflection, Blue Reflection Ray, Blue Reflection Sun, Blue Reflection Tie Second Light and now Blue Reflection Quartet. Please and thank you.