Features

The much-loved JRPG series that offers up a unique mix of alchemy and adventuring returns in Atelier Escha & Logy: The Alchemist of Dusk Sky, the ninth instalment and exclusive to the PS3.

Everything about Atelier is charming. The storyline itself offers an intriguing journey that actually draws you in from the off - two plucky new recruits of the 'Centre', an organisation based in the whistle-stop of Colseit, mount an expedition to reach the mysterious, unexplored ruins that float in the clouds above the town. You must amass a team and acquire an airship before heading into the great blue yonder to discover the ruins' secrets.

A promising set-up then, and this latest instalment offers some new twists on the series' now familiar format too; mainly the ability to experience the game through the eyes and assets of two different characters. Choose either the exceedingly girlie Escha (complete with a, erm, tail) or the 'buff' Logy. The latter offers a far more 'action hero' route (expect to craft weapons and armour) while the former takes you on a more traditional alchemy journey (whipping up items and potions). And with 20 different endings, it's a JRPG packing plenty of replay value too.

Not that a single play-through would ever leave you feeling short-changed, mind. With 100+ hours of gameplay, there's a mass of missions and side quests to plough through. The in-game's timeline also sets a deadline of four months to complete your quest - and rather than being a constant nagging worry at the back of your mind (see Dead Rising 1 & 2), this 'schedule' simply adds urgency to your quirky missions without ever making you feel as if you're working to a fun-felling deadline.

Joining you on your adventures is a host of supporting characters who are essential to the game's turn-based combat system. It sees six of you piling into foes, using attack and defence moves with Escha and Logy being able to team up and 'double down', increasing the power of your crafted items to spank that boss into oblivion.

Framed by oil-painting-esque backdrops with cel-shaded characters, the game is a sight to behold, offering an almost fairytale-like gloss to its action. And with its intriguing premise plus in-depth crafting system, we wouldn't be surprised if the Atelier series continues to beguile well into the future - and hopefully into the next generation of consoles, too.