Dusk trilogy or mysterious trilogy?

[Redassassin]

I'm trying to figure out which one to get first. I've played the Arland trilogy and a little bit of Ryza. The only game I have finished is Rorona and I'm really liking Lulua so far. The problem with Totori, is that the game was fun until you get to the final stretch of the game where you have to make the boat. It's so freaking tedious and then there's the sea monster you have to fight that is hard for no freaking reason. The problem I had with Meruru, is that the kingdom management starts off fun but as the game goes on it becomes more of a chore than anything else that I just got bored. So far of the five games I've played. I like Rorona, Lulua and Ryza the most. So based on these three games which trilogy would you recommend. Dusk or Mysterious and please explain why?

[iriyap]

Lydie & Suelle and Sophie 2 are very similar to Lulua mechanics wise (Lulua is essentially a reskin of L&S while Sophie 2 builds on L&S's mechanics), so you're very likely to enjoy them. Sophie 1 can be dull, but I personally really enjoyed the character interactions and the multiple cauldron system. It is a very slow paced game however.

Firis is likely the most polarizing game in the series, being open world with vague goals and a (generous) time limit for the first half of the game. It's my favorite Atelier game overall, but it's hard to recommend it to newcomers. It requires a lot of commitment, and only truly opens up in the second half (past the credits roll) when you get access to vehicles, underwater exploration, fast travel etc. 90% of character events are also only available in the second half.

I haven't played Dusk yet, but it's clearly the least popular arc. Ayesha apparently has a somewhat strict time limit, on par with the Arland games. Escha & Logy has very lax time limits, while Shallie has none. The post-apoc setting and the gorgeous character artwork (by Hidari) would be the main appeal of Dusk I suppose, as I haven't seen anyone praise the gameplay.

[Redassassin]

Originally posted by iriyap:

Lydie & Suelle and Sophie 2 are very similar to Lulua mechanics wise (Lulua is essentially a reskin of L&S while Sophie 2 builds on L&S's mechanics), so you're very likely to enjoy them. Sophie 1 can be dull, but I personally really enjoyed the character interactions and the multiple cauldron system. It is a very slow paced game however.

Firis is likely the most polarizing game in the series, being open world with vague goals and a (generous) time limit for the first half of the game. It's my favorite Atelier game overall, but it's hard to recommend it to newcomers. It requires a lot of commitment, and only truly opens up in the second half (past the credits roll) when you get access to vehicles, underwater exploration, fast travel etc. 90% of character events are also only available in the second half.

I haven't played Dusk yet, but it's clearly the least popular arc. Ayesha apparently has a somewhat strict time limit, on par with the Arland games. Escha & Logy has very lax time limits, while Shallie has none. The post-apoc setting and the gorgeous character artwork (by Hidari) would be the main appeal of Dusk I suppose, as I haven't seen anyone praise the gameplay.

From what I gathered from you and other information online, I decided I would get Ayesha and Sophie. Whichever one I end up liking more I'll get that trilogy down the line. If I end up liking both.. well, those bundles are now even cheaper for me. Who knows maybe the games might go on sale by the time I decided to get the rest of them.