Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk (PlayStation 3)
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Story:
This is the first game in the Atelier Dusk series. It follows a young apothecary named Ayesha, who's sister was "spirited away" a while before the start of the game. Going to gather ingredients one day, her sister appears before her momentarily before disappearing again. A mysterious man, named Keithgriff, instructs her to use alchemy to find her sister, who he says has about 3 years to live in her current state. Ayesha then goes on journey to find her sister and bring her back.


Gameplay:
Atelier Ayesha is a mixture of RPG and time management game. The game is very time dependent, with most actions taking a certain amount of time to complete. Travel will take days, as will alchemy, and doing things like gathering and fighting will take portions of a day. While in towns, talking, shopping, and events will not consume time. The game has a time limit of 3 years to accomplish the goal of finding Ayesha's sister. If you succeed before that time, the rest of the time is left free to do character quests or whatever else the player chooses. Requests can be completed, allowing the player to earn extra money and "memory points" which are used to gain bonuses at certain points in the game. There are also bazaar's every month, allowing the player additional places to shop. Twice a year there will be a contest where the player will try to present a rare item for prizes.


Alchemy is a large part of the game. With alchemy, the player can make everything from attack items, healing items, accessories, or even more ingredients to synthesize better items. Recipes for alchemy can be found and bought. Ingredients for synthesis can be made through alchemy, bought, or gathered in different areas. Synthesis will consume a number of days, depending on the item and how much is made.


Battles are turn based RPG. There are a total of 7 playable characters, some missable, and 3 can be used in battle at a time. To use a character you must speak with them in town to add them to your party. In battle, there is a bar to indicate who's turn is next. When a character has a turn, they can attack, perform skills, move to another area of the battlefield, or attempt to flee. Being an alchemist, Ayesha can also use items in battle. She is the only character who can do so. Characters can also support each other in battle, either by attacking or defending against an attack aimed at a different character. Once a character reaches level 30, they can also begin to perform special skills once their bar is full. The bar for special skills and for supporting are filled by acting or being attacked.


World:
Travel is done on a map, where you will select a location to go before entering the location. It will also give you the number of days that will pass while traveling to the location. You can also see characters on the map, and if you move to their location you can speak to them and might trigger certain scenes. In fields and dungeons, the player can gather materials and fight battles. In towns, the player can shop, save, synthesize, and other things. The world itself is diverse enough, with some bright areas, and some desolate and lonely areas.


Characters:
Ordered from my favourite to least favourite:
ci0xGSJ.jpgLinca: A swordswoman with a mysterious past. She knows only battle and is taken care of by a woman named Marion. She means well, but is a bit clueless about everyday life. She joins as a bodyguard for Ayesha. She fights with a large sword and is a heavy hitter.
ho5Ck91.jpgWilbell: A young witch in training. She's quick to excite, she doesn't think things through, and she wants to become rich in a flash. She's also spunky and fun to be around. She fights with a broom and has a lot of magical attacks.
wwC73mT.jpgAyesha: An apothecary turned alchemist on a quest to save her sister. She's naive but caring and charming. She never wants to be in the way and she likes helping her friends. She's the protagonist and can synthesize and use items in battle.
4vwkhhd.jpgRegina: The tomboy of the group who works as a prospector, fighting off monsters and exploring ruins. She's pretty responsible overall.
dm7fnlT.jpgNio: Ayesha's sister who went missing. She loves flowers and really looks up to her older sister.
Vfta2wL.jpgJuris: A man who is very quiet, straightforward, and protects his sister with his life. He doesn't take well to people, but he has a good heart.
LoZ42ec.jpgKeithgriff: A man with a passion for alchemy and the study of ancient times. He's investigating why the world is in decay. He knows how to rescue Ayesha's sister, but wants her to figure it out on her own merits. Standoffish and cold.

Overall:
This game has so far been my least of the PS3 games, and I only have Rorona left to play. That isn't to say it's not a good game. The opening is amazing, the world and story are interesting, our heroine is likeable and has the cutest outfit ever. The time limit was a bit less strict than in the games before it, but much more strict than the games after it. It's easy to feel the pressure as the days press forward and you're not sure where to go or what to do. The characters were memorable and likeable, and the story itself was very sweet. There are multiple endings based on what you've accomplished, as well as which characters you've built up your relationships with, adding to replayability. I plan to play it again, but not without a walkthrough next time.

Verdict:
LIKED IT