Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky

Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
Game information
Developer	Gust
Publisher	Gust Tecmo Koei Tecmo Koei Tecmo Koei
Released	June 27, 2013 June 27, 2013 (Japanese) October 31th, 2013 (Chinese) March 7, 2014 March 11, 2014
Modes	Offline Single Player
Rating	CERO: Ages 12+ CSRR: Ages 12+
Platforms	Playstation 3
Genre	Role Playing Game

Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky (エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～, esuka ando roji^ no atorie ～Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi～) is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Gust.

Given a project code "A15", it is the fifthteen game in the official Atelier series, and is a part of the new Twilight Series. The game has been released in Japan, Asian regions, North America and Europe. There has been no announcement of localization on other countries. Actill will handle the English translation work.

The game has the same character designer and character illustrator as Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk (Hidari), as well as the same monster designer, Ryota Murayama, and the same director, Yoshito Okamura. The game runs on the LTGL engine.

Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The game's story takes place four years after the beginning of Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk, in a far away place to the west of the Twilight Land. This place was in the past very prosperious thanks to the art of alchemy. To prevent the some day occuring "End of Dusk", the people of the land have rediscovered the lost art of alchemy and concentrates their powers on reviving the art.

The story takes place in the remote town Corseit where a development project takes place. Because of the yearning for a ruin, known as "The Unexplored Ruin", that floats in the sky and no one has ever entered, Corseit was created.

The two main protagonists are a young man called Logix "Logy" Fiscario, an alchemist who left his old life in The Center due to certain unfortunate circumstances, and traveled to Corseit in order take part in a development project, and a girl called Escha Malier, a young alchemist who lives in that very town. On the very same day, they are both officially assigned to the development team, and the two promise to together make full use of alchemy to help the development team. They will fumblingly carry out their assigned tasks while deepening their relationships to the people around them.

The goal of the game and focus of the plot will gradually change to build an airship to be able to reach The Unexplored Ruin, and eventually explore it. One of the biggest problems is the engine, which causes troubles to overcome and Logy's past to be revealed.

Escha and Logy are eventually assigned to explore The Unexplored Ruin, which they investigate with the aid of their colleagues. Deeper inside ruin, they encounter the mysterious ghost-like girl Flameu inside. Flameu has lost her trust in humans, and even resorts to violence to keep humans away from interfering with her plans. Flameu intends to save the dying earth by using "Geosis", the official name of the Unexplored Ruin and a facility for saving the dying earth in the past. Flameu is the manager of the ruin, and has been researching ways to save the earth inside of it, and she causes the The Unexplored Ruin to fall from the sky in order to execute her plans.

In the place where the ruin fell down to, giant flowers starts to bloom. After returning to Corseit again, Escha and Logy learn more about Flameu. Logy realizes that there might be mistakes in Flameu's research, great enough to harm the land severely; While Escha realizes that she would like to make Flameu happy and save her. They learn that Flameu is suffering as the elementary managing body of the ruin. Escha and Logy decide to head to the "Fallen Sky Ruin" together to save Flameu, together with Nio, a girl who can hear Flameu's voice without her being near, and Clone, who is an old friend of Flameu.

Gameplay

Protagonist Selection

Atelier Escha & Logy will allow players to choose between two protagonist. The main story-line will remain the same regardless on who is chosen but certain events and endings are only available on a particular protagonist. The player will choose protagonist at the beginning of the game. Escha's story is described as being targeted to fans of the previous games and will involve many daily-life scenarios, and Logy's story is described as being targeted to RPG-players in general and will involve more serious scenarios.

Synthesis and Drilling

With the two alchemy systems, the player can combine different items to create a new item(s). "Item Synthesis" is the area Escha is in charge of, and Logix can create armor and weapons through the "drilling/training(錬成)" system. Both kinds of synthesis can be performed in the workshop, and it's possible to use both systems no matter who the protagonist choosen is.

To be able to create an item, the player must have the ingredients(items) needed. Some items might require a specific item as ingredient, while others might only require an item of a certain category. Different items have different kinds of traits and properties, which will affect the outcome of the item created. The player can choose up to three traits for the item before finishing it, but some effects of the item can depend on the value of the four elements in the synthesis progress. Synthesizing will increase both character's alchemy level. 

While performing item synthesis or drilling, special skills can be used to affect the process and outcome. Escha and Logy possess the same skills.

Disassembling

At some point in the game, Escha and Logy's workshop will have a Dismantler installed in it. This machine is used to analyze and disassemble relics that are found in the field via Field Event. By disassembling these relics of the past, new ingredients, properties and recipes can be obtained. Event after a relic is disassembled to an ingredient, it will keep its traits.

Battle

The battle system will feature a switchable party members during battle and the support system from the previous Atelier games. The player can use up to 6 characters in one battle, three in front and three characters in the rear guard. Character in the front and the character closest in the rear guard, can support each other by for example protecting the character or do a follow up attack. However, support actions costs a certain amount of the "Support" gauge.

The initial formation can be changed outside battle, but by moving around the battlefield it's possible to change the formation during a battle as well. Commands such as special assists or protecting supports performed by characters in the rear guard will result in that the formation is changed, as the character performing the action will be moved to the front.

Items

Items can be bought, created, gathered, or obtained from events. To be able to use items outside town, they must be equiped. The player can select items for both Escha and Logy to equip. Equiped items cannot be turned in for quests unless they are unequipped. If an item is to be delivered, it's not required to equip them. Once the player returns to Corseit, the items number of uses will be restored if they have been used. 

Both Logy and Escha can use usable items in battle. By choosing the "Item" option during Escha or Logy's turn, the player will be able to choose an item to use. When using "Double Draw(W Draw)" the player can choose items for both Escha and Logy to use, and between their actions of using the choosen items, one or several support attacks can also be commanded.

Events

Several event scenes takes place in the game. If an events can take place in a gathering area, a "!" mark will appear over the area's point at the field map. Events are also marked with a "!" at the short cut menu in town.

Unlike previous titles with 3D animated scenes, the game features lip-syncing of the characters during events. Several events viewpoint also differs depending on the protagonist choosen. Some events are also exclusive to a particular protagonist.

Gathering Areas and Gathering

There are several areas on the world map the player can visit. These areas often contain gathering spots and enemies. The player can obtain items from gathering spots in these areas. If a new item is discovered, details about the item will be shown. Items can also be obtained from defeating enemies.

When a certain gauge has been filled up enough from gathering, fighting enemies and/or talking to allies, the player can choose to take part in special investigations.  The player can earn items, flyers, gathering area effects, or fight strong enemies from these investigations. The player will be presented with several options of what to obtain or what enemy to fight.

Requests

Requests are recieved from Solle Grumman in the general affairs office. From requests, the player can obtain useful sweets and achievement points needed for ranking up. Requests are updated every 10 days and there is no penalty for canceling requests.

Homunculus

From the general affairs office, a homunculus can be asked to duplicate or gather items in exchange for sweets. It is not possible to request an item that the player does not possess or key items.

To see the date when the item is estimated to be completed, the player can talk with the homunculus to see the "request list". Paying more sweets will shorten the production time of the requested item(s).

Assignments

Every four months, an assignment will be presented. There are 9 big assignments and 16 small assignments. Completing the big assignments is a required part for being able to progress in the game.

Once 100% of an assignments has been achieved, it's possible to report to Marion Quinn. Completing assignments will higher the evaluation of the development team. When the assingment is completed, the player will have "free time" until the next assignment. Not completing a assignment by the deadline will not result in a game over right away, but the time limit for the next assignment will decrease. The only exception is if the player doesn't complete the first main assignment, which will result in a game over.

Endings

Main article Ending (Atelier Escha & Logy).

There are 11 endings available in the game. Some endings are exclusive to a certain protagonist or have minor differences depending on the protagonist. There are 10 achievable endings per protagonist, but some endings are the same no matter who the chosen protagonist is.

Like in its predecessor Atelier Ayesha, if the conditions for several endings have been met, it's possible to choose one of the several endings. Because of this, it will be possible to obtain every ending in one save data if all conditions have been met. However, some endings are only available on a particular protagonist.

Characters

Main article: List of Characters in Atelier Escha & Logy

Playable Characters

• Escha Malier
• Logix Fiscario
• Lucille Ernella
• Awin Sidelet
• Reyfer Luckberry
• Threia Hazelgrimm
• Linca
• Wilbell voll Erslied
• Katla Larchica
• Micie Sun Mussemburg

Note: Wilbell, Katla & Micie are the only playable characters that can be obtained through downloadable content.

Non Playable Characters

• Wilbell voll Erslied
• Katla Larchica
• Solle Grumman
• Micie Sun Mussemburg
• Marion Quinn
• Duke Beriel
• Colland Grumman
• Nio Altugle
• Harry Olson
• Clone
• Flameu

Music

The opening song "Milk-coloured Ridge(ミルク色の峠, Miruku-iro no tōge)"' and ending theme "Sweet Reward(甘いご褒美, Amai go hōbi)" was performed by the band Chirinuruwowaka(チリヌルヲワカ).  Atelier Escha & Logy also contains the most vocal songs up to date within the Atelier series.

The game's music was released on two separate albums.

Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky - Original Soundtrack

Main article and track listing: Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemist of Dusk Sky Original Soundtrack

The album "Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky - Original Soundtrack(エスカ&ロジーのアトリエ~黄昏の空の錬金術士~オリジナルサウンドトラック)" will include the opening and ending song and the rest of the game's background music. The album will have 96 tracks on three discs. The jacket illustration is made by the game's character illustrator, Hidari. The album was released on the 26th of June 2013.

The first printed editions of "Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky - Original Soundtrack(エスカ&ロジーのアトリエ~黄昏の空の錬金術士~オリジナルサウンドトラック)" came with a 32 pages booklet with sheet music called Otonohanoshirabe 12 (おとのはのしらべ12).

Twilight Sky Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of Dusk Sky - Vocal Album

Main article and track listing: Twilight Sky Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of Dusk Sky (Vocal Album)

The album "Twilight Sky Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemist of Dusk Sky (Twilight Sky エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～ボーカルアルバム)" will include all vocal songs of the game. The album will have 14 tracks in total. The jacket illustration is made by the game's character illustrator, Hidari. The album was released on the 26th of June 2013.

Other Albums

Atelier Escha & Logy Recollection Archives

An album called Atelier Escha & Logy Recollection Archives(エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ「リコレクションアーカイブス」) is available exclusively from Gust Shop.

Atelier Escha & Logy Alchemist of Dusk Purchase Special CD of Atelier Premium Live Mini Original Soundtrack

An album called called Atelier Escha & Logy Alchemist of Dusk Purchase Special CD of Atelier Premium Live Mini Original Soundtrack was distributed only to purchasers of Atelier Premium Live tickets.

Downloadable Content

The downloadable content planned for the game that has been revealed are background music, costumes, and additional scenarios. The downloadable playable characters come with additional character events.

A serial code for downloadable costumes for the two main characters Escha and Logy was available from a Weekly Famitsu issue. The two costume designs was picked from submitted entries through Gust Social. There was also a costume by the name "Magical Tart(マジカルタルト, Majikaru taruto)" for Escha available from Dengeki Playstation vol.549. The costume was designed by Abaraheiki, and originates from one of the Atelier Escha & Logy short stories published in Dengeki Playstation. The costumes "Tails Butler" for Logy and "Apple Pirate" for Escha will be available at Gamestop as a pre-order bonus for the U.S. version while the costume, "Enchanted Witch" for Escha will be available at Amazon. It is currently unknown if the costumes will be later available to download after the game is released.

A "Support Item Pack" downloadable content was available for download from Gust Social, first from codes shown in a Nico Nico live broadcast(only downloadable 3 hours after the end of the livestream) and later was available on the release day(June 27, 2013) as well. The pack included items that will be added to the container when a new game is started. The pack included 2 crafts, one healing salve, and one apple tart.

On June 26, 2013, downloadable content for over 300 songs from Atelier Rorona, Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru, and Atelier Ayesha for use in the game went on sale from PlayStation Store with the price of 150 yen and later in the U.S. for for the price of $1.49. Another pack of downloadable background music, called 差し替え用BGMアレンジパック(sashikaeyou BGM arenji pakku) can be obtained through a product code only available from a strategy guide of the game called Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Sky of Dusk~ The Complete Guide. It consists of four arranged tracks, and the product code expires on July 26th, 2016.

On July 30th, 2013, the character Wilbell voll Erslied went on sale as one of several downloadable party members for the price of 500 yen, as well as a free downloadable gathering area called "the Palace of the Destitute / 持たざる者の宮殿".

September 5th, 2013, another gathering area called "the Palace Depths / 宮殿の奥地" was released and can be downloaded for free. At the same day, the two downloadable playable characters Micie Sun Mussemburg and Katla Larchica went on sale as well, for the price of 500 yen each.

Sample picture of Atelier Escha & Logy GS Limited Premium Package

Editions

The game have a "standard edition" release, and a "Premium Box" limited edition release in Japan. The limited edition will include a "pure crystal film frame". The first printed copies of both editions will come with a download code for the game Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy. Both the standard edition and limited edition can also be bought bundled with several exclusive goods, for example the "Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of Dusk Sky Famitsu DX Pack(エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～ ファミ通DXパック)" or several different bundles available exclusive to Gust Shop. Several stores also offers exclusive Atelier Escha &

Overview of Atelier Escha & Logy Premium Box

Logy merchandise bundled with purchase of the game, such as telephone cards and tapestries.

The game is available in both disc form and downloadable form in Japan, and will be in Europe.

Other Media

Manga Adaption

The game will be adapted into a manga by the manga artist Chako Abeno. The manga will run in the magazine Dengeki Maoh and started running from the December issue(released in late October) of Dengeki Maoh. It has the same title as the game, Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky(エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～), and character rough sketches have been shown to the public. Like the game, it follows Escha and Logy carrying out their tasks from the development department and their quest to reach the Unexplored Ruin.

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Sky of Dusk~ Official Visual Book

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Sky of Dusk~ Official Visual Book(エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～ 公式ビジュアルブック) is a book published by Ascii Media Works, released in August 31, 2013. The book features promotional artwork, character and monster artwork, concept art, event artwork, and other artwork and information related to the game. It also features an interview with the game's character designer and illustrator Hidari, and part 1-5 of the short story series running in Dengeki Playstation.

Official short story series

An official short story series written by the scenario writer 田中裕樹 and illustrated by Abaraheiki started running in the magazine Dengeki Playstation from vol. 541. The DLC costume "Magical Tart(マジカルタルト, Majikaru taruto)" for Escha originated from one of the short stories.

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Sky of Dusk~  The Complete Guide

Atelier Escha & Logy ~Alchemist of the Sky of Dusk~ The Complete Guide(エスカ＆ロジーのアトリエ ～黄昏の空の錬金術士～ ザ・コンプリートガイド) is a strategy guide to the game, published by Ascii Media Works on July 27, 2013. It comes with a product code for a pack of downloadable background music, called 差し替え用BGMアレンジパック(sashikaeyou BGM arenji pakku).

Anime Adaption

An television anime adaption by Studio Gokumi of the game has been confirmed to be in development. It is the first anime adaption of the Atelier series, and will be released in 2014.

Comic Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky Yonkoma Anthology

A series of yonkoma anthologies based on the game are being published by Tecmo Koei Games. The first volume was published on November 1th, 2013, while the second volume will be published on December 1th, 2013.

Reception

Atelier Escha & Logy received a 36/40 from Famitsu, in a pattern of 10/9/9/8; this ties with Atelier Marie for the highest score the franchise has ever received from the publication, and marks the first time the franchise has scored an individual 10 in the scoring matrix. Atelier Escha & Logy recieved a score of 95/90/95/90 in the magazine Dengeki Playstation, again the highest average/aggregate score a game in the series has ever received from that publication

Gallery 

Promotional Art

Promotional Art

Promotional Art

Escha & Logy Artwork

External links

• Official English Site
• Official Japanese Site
• Dengekionline's "Dusk Portal"
• Gamer's special "Twilight Series" installation site
• Official Taiwanese site