Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey DX

While Atelier Firis has a big heart and grand ambitions, it's held back by how 'stitched together' everything feels.

Overall, I quite enjoyed my experience with Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey. I can't really say I liked any more or less than Atelier Sophie, but that isn't a bad thing. There were some good changes, and some changes that frustrated me. I liked the more open world concept, but the skimpy container and the looming time limit put a bit of a damper on things. If you enjoyed Sophie, I can basically assure you you'll enjoy Atelier Firis with its sprawling landscapes and more in-depth alchemy process. So get the cauldron stir stick back out, cuz it's time to do some magic.

The ambitious open world approach found in the middle ‘Mysterious’ entry, Atelier Firis, brings out both the best and worst the game has to offer.

Overall, I find it to be quite an inspiring tale of independence and determination.

Atelier Firis DX is a unique Atelier game in its structure that holds its own, even where later games improve on what it started.