Today Koei Tecmo officially showcased Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg after the previous reveal that went partly unnoticed due to having been excluded (for some reason I don't really understand) from the western versions of the latest Nintendo Direct.
The game's release date has been announced and it's July 13 for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. While at the moment of this writing, the release date has been officially announced only for Japan, the Steam page includes the same date for all markets. It also comes with a localized version of the trailer.
Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg brings back the first Atelier game from 1997, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the series. It'll also mark the debut of the title in the west, since the original version and its rereleases have never been localized before. If you're not familiar with the story, here's how Koei Tecmo summarizes it officially.
"At the Royal Academy of Magic (the Academy for short), Marie is failing in her attempts to study alchemy. One day, she is given an atelier by her professor as part of a special graduation exam. In order to graduate, Marie must complete an item that will impress her professor.
But first, Marie must strive to improve her alchemy skills, collect ingredients, and earn money to hire adventurers and buy recipes and utensils... Add all of that to the synthesis, battles, and quests she must undertake, and it's clear that she has a lot to do before she’s ready for her exam!
It's up to you to choose where to begin! Work hard to graduate from the Academy, but be sure to enjoy yourself along the way."
Since this is basically a full remake, there are plenty of innovations compared to the original, including updated visuals, tutorials, traversal, gathering, new events, and more.
Updated graphics! Marie and friends brought to life with the latest technology!
Character designs and event illustrations have been revamped, and 2D animations have also been introduced in the remake. In addition, there are now 3D models of characters and stages, so players can enjoy seeing cute mini characters while they move around the map and explore.Atelier series origin, adapted to modern times and made more playable!
While maintaining the simplicity and flexibility of the original version, 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 have also been modified to meet modern-day demands, ensuring that the remake is even more comfortable and easier to play.New elements added to further enhance the game experience!
Fans of the original version of the game, along with newcomers to the Atelier series, will be delighted by the variety of new elements that have been added to the remake. With the new Unlimited Mode, which allows you to play at a more relaxed pace, and the addition of new events that enable interactions with new characters, you can further enjoy the world of “Atelier Marie.”
A Digital Deluxe version includes the following:
- The main game "Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg"
- Atelier Marie Plus: The Alchemist of Salburg
- Gust Extra BGM Pack
- "Another Look" Costume Set
For now confirmed only for Japan are three physical special editions. The Premium Box is priced at 10,230 yen including taxes (approximately $76). It includes a set of cards, a soundtrack CD, and an artbook. The Special Collection Box costs 19,800 yen (approximately $147) and adds a B2 tapestry, a "special data book," an acrylic diorama stand, and a bookmark set. The "GS Ultimate Galaxy Combo Set" exclusive to the Gust Shop adds a B1 tapestry, an A4 acrylic plate, three acrylic keychains, an A4 booklet, and the Deluxe Edition of the soundtrack, for the convenient price of 38,280 yen. That's approximately $285.
Below you can check out the trailer and two galleries of screenshots, one from Japan and one localized in English. Gameplay was also revealed during a livestream from Japan, and you can watch it here.
