Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg cover image

Links

Steam

Playstation

Twitch

CRITIK

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg
Item: Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJul 13, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperGust

Overview

It’s not about saving the world. In this "leisure adventure RPG," failing student Marie pursues alchemy, adventures, and quests while aiming to graduate in five years. "Atelier Marie," the origin of the Atelier series, has been remade with new elements! The remake changes include: Character designs and event illustrations have been revamped, 2D animations have added and there are now 3D models of characters and stages. The tutorial and navigation of the game’s features have been expanded and improved. The methods of moving around the city and collecting items in the field has been modified to meet modern-day demands, making it more comfortable and easier to play. The new Unlimited Mode, which allows you to play at a more relaxed pace by removing the five year deadline, and the addition of new events that enable interactions with new characters.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as GameSpew, Gaming Age, and Starbit, appreciate the charming and welcoming atmosphere created by the simple and light narrative. They find the protagonist's journey to become a skilled alchemist and the time management aspect of the story to be engaging and unique. The story's focus on personal accomplishments and developing friendships is also praised by RPG Site. Additionally, Worth Playing mentions that the story is engaging and offers multiple endings based on player choices, adding depth to the narrative. On the other hand, critics like Hey Poor Player and RPGamer express disappointment with the story's simplicity and lack of depth. They find the narrative to be shallow and lacking compared to other titles in the Atelier series. Hey Poor Player also mentions the dependence on player actions, which may contribute to the perceived lack of depth. Noisy Pixel criticizes the narrative for not expanding on Marie's character enough, suggesting that more interactions would have been beneficial for better understanding her. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Story of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg lean towards the positive side. The simple and light narrative, while lacking depth for some critics, creates a charming and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to fans of the Atelier series. The focus on personal accomplishments, developing friendships, and the unique time management aspect adds depth and engagement to the story. However, some critics express disappointment with the narrative's simplicity and lack of character development. Despite these mixed opinions, the general consensus is that the story serves as a charming adventure and a new starting point for the long-running series, as mentioned by Gaming Age and Gaming Nexus.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg. Some praise its charming atmosphere, engaging protagonist journey, and unique time management aspect, while others criticize its simplicity and lack of depth. Overall, the story is seen as a positive addition to the Atelier series, offering a charming adventure with room for improvement in character development.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg are generally positive. The gameplay loop involves various activities such as gathering materials, completing quests, managing companions, and engaging in turn-based combat. Critics like GameSpew, Hardcore Gamer, and Impulsegamer appreciate the inclusion of quality-of-life options, mini-games, and a synthesis system, which adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. The game also offers different modes, such as normal mode and an easier Unlimited Mode, providing players with options to suit their preferred playstyle. The focus on time management and resource allocation, as mentioned by Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis, adds a sense of urgency and strategy to the gameplay. The open-ended nature of the gameplay, highlighted by Nintendo Life and Checkpoint Gaming, allows players to pursue their own goals and gradually progress through the game. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg. Some critics, such as Gaming Nexus and Noisy Pixel, mention that the lack of direction and repetitive nature of combat and item collection can be challenging and monotonous, especially for newcomers to the series. The tutorial is also criticized by Noisy Pixel for not providing enough detail about time management or unlocking new ingredients. Hey Poor Player mentions that while the synthesis system is easy to understand, the gameplay may involve trial and error, which may not appeal to all players. Additionally, The Mako Reactor notes that the game's focus on management aspects may make it less appealing to those looking for a more traditional RPG experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg offers an enjoyable gameplay experience with its mix of exploration, combat, alchemy, and time management mechanics. The game's emphasis on managing time and resources, as well as the freedom to pursue personal goals, is praised by critics like RPG Site and Pure Nintendo. The synthesis system and various gameplay modes are also appreciated for adding depth and replayability. However, some critics express concerns about the lack of direction and repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the game's addictive and well-executed gameplay loop.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise Atelier Marie Remake for its engaging gameplay loop involving gathering materials, completing quests, managing companions, and turn-based combat. The game's quality-of-life options, mini-games, and synthesis system are highlighted for adding depth and variety. Different modes cater to various playstyles, while the focus on time management and resource allocation adds urgency and strategy. However, some critics mention issues with lack of direction and repetitive combat, impacting newcomers. Despite these criticisms, the game is commended for its enjoyable mix of exploration, alchemy, and management mechanics, offering an addictive and well-executed experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, many critics praised the game's chibi-style character models, which were described as adorable and charming. The visuals were often commended for their cute and old-fashioned look, providing a nostalgic and rustic feel to the game. Reviewers such as GameSpew and Worth Playing appreciated the super-deformed art style, which mimicked the original game and added to the overall appeal. Additionally, the updated 3D graphics and revamped environments were lauded by critics like GamingBolt and Impulsegamer, who noted the drastic improvements in models, animations, colors, and environments. The stunning art style, elaborate animation, and high-fidelity textures were also highlighted by Hardcore Gamer. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. One common criticism was the limited animations, particularly in cutscenes, which were described as low resolution and running at a low frame rate by GamingBolt. The fog/blur effect during exploration was considered distracting by NintendoWorldReport, and the areas were noted to lack depth by Siliconera. Some reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus, felt that the visuals, while simple, could feel claustrophobic after spending a few hours in the game. Additionally, the lack of an option to disable the depth of field effect was mentioned by The Mako Reactor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg offers a visually satisfying and lovely aesthetic. The chibi-style character models, updated graphics, and modern lighting were generally well-received. The game successfully combines the old-school feel with fresh graphical redesigns, as mentioned by RPG Fan and IGN France. The visuals were described as beautiful, engaging, and matching the game's tone and theme. The inclusion of quality-of-life updates, such as fully 3D environments and the ability to freely move in each location, were appreciated by Hey Poor Player and Impulsegamer. While there were some criticisms regarding limited animations and certain visual effects, the overall sentiment is positive, with the graphics being praised for their authenticity, charm, and ability to create a cozy classic reborn for modern systems, as noted by TheSixthAxis and The Mako Reactor.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics had mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg. Positives included praise for the chibi-style character models and revamped environments, while negatives focused on limited animations and distracting visual effects. Overall, the game offers a visually satisfying experience that successfully combines old-school charm with modern updates, though some critics found certain aspects lacking.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg are generally positive. Many critics praise the music and sound design, highlighting the vibrant and enjoyable experience it adds to the game. GamingBolt commends the rearranged music that fits well with the original, while The Mako Reactor specifically mentions the new arrangements in the soundtrack as particularly enjoyable. The presence of multiple soundtracks is also appreciated, with Hardcore Gamer mentioning the outstanding quality of both options and Impulsegamer noting the toggle to switch between the old and new soundtracks. The critics also appreciate the Japanese voice acting, with The Mako Reactor and RPGamer specifically mentioning its excellence. However, there are a few negatives mentioned by some critics. GamingBolt points out that some melodies can become jarring on loop, which may detract from the overall experience. RPG Site mentions that the soundtrack is small, although they do find the battle track enjoyable. Additionally, RPG Site notes that the voice acting is only available in Japanese, which may limit the accessibility for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a positive aspect of the game. The music is described as delightful, charming, whimsical, and catchy, all of which contribute to the overall experience. The availability of multiple soundtracks, the excellent Japanese voice acting, and the new arrangements in the soundtrack are all mentioned as positive features. While there are a few minor negatives mentioned, such as potential repetitiveness and limited voice acting options, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music enhance the game's atmosphere and contribute to its enjoyment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Atelier Marie Remake's sound design and music, describing it as vibrant, delightful, and charming. They commend the rearranged music and Japanese voice acting. Some mention minor negatives like repetitive melodies and limited voice acting options, but overall agree that the sound enhances the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg, the majority of critics found it to be very good across multiple gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, Impulsegamer and The Mako Reactor both praised the game's flawless performance, with no glitches or bugs encountered during gameplay. The Mako Reactor specifically mentioned near-instant load times and rock-solid performance, highlighting the game's smooth performance on the platform. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch, Pure Nintendo and RPG Site both commended the game's performance on this platform. Pure Nintendo stated that the game runs well in both docked and handheld mode, indicating that the technical performance remains consistent regardless of the chosen mode. RPG Site also mentioned no performance issues and minimal loading times, further supporting the positive technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. On the PC platform, COGconnected and Tech-Gaming shared their opinions. COGconnected mentioned minor control issues, which could potentially impact the overall experience but did not detract significantly from the technical performance. Tech-Gaming highlighted that the game's performance is generally acceptable on most machines, but there were some issues with consistent performance on the Steam Deck. Finally, XboxEra commented on the PC port of the game, stating that it is solid. Although no specific details were provided, this positive remark adds to the overall consensus of the game's good technical performance across platforms. Overall, the critics' opinions indicate that the technical performance of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is highly regarded. The absence of major glitches or bugs, near-instant load times, and seamless transitions between environments and tasks contribute to a positive gameplay experience. While there were minor control issues and occasional performance concerns on specific PC platforms, these were not significant enough to overshadow the overall positive consensus among the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Atelier Marie Remake for flawless performance on PS5, smooth gameplay on Switch, and generally good performance on PC, with some minor issues noted. Overall, the game delivers a seamless experience with near-instant load times and minimal bugs, making it a top choice for gamers across platforms.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

84%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg are varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. GameSpew mentions that the game offers multiple endings and a choice between a time-limited mode and an unlimited mode, providing players with different experiences. Hey Poor Player, Impulsegamer, Player 2, The Mako Reactor, TheSixthAxis, Checkpoint Gaming, Gaming Nexus, and Worth Playing also mention the presence of multiple endings and different modes that encourage replayability. These features allow players to explore different paths and make different choices, enhancing the overall replay value of the game. However, there are also critics who point out some negative aspects of the game's replayability. God is a Geek mentions that the game has a five-year time limit with no way to rewind or get extra time, which may discourage replayability. IGN France notes that while the game offers multiple endings and different playthrough options, the differences between endings are not significant, limiting the replay value. RPG Site states that the game has a small scope and can be completed in less than ten hours, which may also affect its replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg offers some replay value. The presence of multiple endings, different playthrough options, and modes such as the unlimited mode are praised by several critics. The game's short length is mentioned as both a positive and a negative aspect, with some critics appreciating the ease of replaying the game, while others feel that it may feel short for players who prefer longer experiences. Despite the mixed opinions, the general sentiment is that the game provides enough replay value to entice players to revisit the game and explore different paths and outcomes.

TL;DR

replay value

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg has divided critics on its replay value. Some praise its multiple endings and play modes for enhancing replayability, while others criticize the short length and lack of significant differences between endings. Overall, the game offers some replay value, with features like multiple endings and different modes drawing players back for varied experiences.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg has received a range of opinions from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its nostalgic and charming atmosphere, with several noting that it offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Hey Poor Player mentions that the game has updated graphics and replay value with multiple endings, while Pure Nintendo highlights its effective update of the original Atelier game. The Mako Reactor and Nintendo Life both consider it a great remake that captures the essence of the series, making it a must-buy for fans. The game's visuals and modern quality-of-life tools were also commended by TheSixthAxis, who found it to be an exciting and different take on the Atelier franchise. However, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of Atelier Marie Remake. GamingBolt points out that the game falls short compared to more modern titles in terms of quality-of-life features, storytelling, characterization, combat, and crafting. Multiplayer.it mentions that the combat lacks variety and becomes tedious, while God is a Geek notes that the combat and alchemy feel outdated compared to more modern entries. IGN France also highlights basic and simplistic mechanics as a drawback, and Tech-Gaming suggests that improvements could be made in the writing of relationships. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a solid remake that offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. While it may not be the best in the series or appeal to newcomers, it is highly recommended for fans of the Atelier franchise who want to revisit the origins of the series. The game's charming atmosphere, engaging gameplay systems, and updated visuals were praised by critics such as Starbit and Screen Rant. However, it is important to note that some critics, like RPGamer and Siliconera, mention that the game may primarily cater to fans of the original and struggle to draw in newcomers. Despite some repetitive and irritating elements, GameSpew concludes that the game offers a good old-fashioned Atelier experience with freedom and multiple endings. In summary, Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a worthwhile choice for fans of the series seeking a nostalgic and cozy RPG experience, but it may not have the same appeal for those looking for more modern and complex gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its nostalgic charm, relaxing gameplay, and updated graphics, while noting drawbacks like outdated combat and simplistic mechanics. Recommended for fans seeking a cozy RPG experience, but may not appeal to newcomers or those looking for more modern gameplay.

CRITIK

Reviews

65 reviews found

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a great choice for those looking for a cozy RPG with management elements, a beautiful story, addictive gameplay, and a short duration. It serves as a refreshing return to the origins of the Atelier series.

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Aug 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a simple and enjoyable game that doesn't require a huge time investment. It has a lot to love and potential for future remakes.

Read full review

Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 5

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake is an outstanding re-imagining that modernizes the original game and offers a fantastic JRPG experience with a fast pace to the combat.

Read full review

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a must-buy for fans of the series and highly recommended for those who want to experience Atelier. It may lack length and complexity, but it makes up for it with charm and quality.

Read full review

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Jul 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is an excellent remake of a great game. While some elements may not appeal to modern players, it offers an engaging and relaxing RPG experience.

Read full review

XboxEra

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a fun game with engaging systems and a lighthearted story. It is recommended for players who enjoy systems-driven or RPG experiences.

Read full review

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is a mostly excellent update to a classic RPG and a great game for series fans. It may not scratch the roleplaying itch for hardcore gamers or provide the expansive experience of the Atelier Ryza games, but it delivers the franchise's standard of quality.

Read full review

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some repetitive and irritating elements, the game offers a good old-fashioned Atelier experience with freedom and multiple endings.

Read full review

RPG Fan

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake is a charming and simple simulation game that serves as a look back at the series' origins. It features quality-of-life updates and a modern UI. The reviewer hopes for more localized mainline titles in the future.

Read full review

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg offers a relaxing and nostalgic experience, but lacks depth in its story. The gameplay is enjoyable with room for experimentation. The graphics have been updated to full 3D. The game has replay value with multiple endings.

Read full review