This a good starting point for the Atelier games?

[Bogart Praetor Bridges]

And are the Deluxe and premium editions worth it? Do they include achievements?

[smeredith]

The Ryza games (also known as the Secrets trilogy) are pretty different from other Atelier titles; since they use ATB based combat rather than turn based (which can get pretty extensive and complex in some trilogies) and a very simplified trait system.

It's still a fairly friendly entry point into the series as it's overall pretty easy to learn, has a plot to keep you moving forward while still providing the "cozy" feel that Atelier games tend to have, and has a pretty intuitive crafting system. While easier to build overpowered gear than some other games, there's still a lot of room for growth and mastery of the crafting if you decide to go deeper.

The other option that a lot of people suggest is Sophie, which is way more traditional. I personally am not fond of Sophie (though I do like the rest of the Mysterious titles), but it's still a solid entry point if you want to experience the turn based and more crafting focused titles.

100% Achievements can be obtained purely via the base game, no DLC is necessary. Most of the DLC is costumes, though there are a few additional crafting ingredients and gathering areas (and some side stories that are unconnected but do grant some benefits to your main game save). None are necessary to enjoy the game.

[Bogart Praetor Bridges]

Originally posted by smeredith:

The Ryza games (also known as the Secrets trilogy) are pretty different from other Atelier titles; since they use ATB based combat rather than turn based (which can get pretty extensive and complex in some trilogies) and a very simplified trait system.

It's still a fairly friendly entry point into the series as it's overall pretty easy to learn, has a plot to keep you moving forward while still providing the "cozy" feel that Atelier games tend to have, and has a pretty intuitive crafting system. While easier to build overpowered gear than some other games, there's still a lot of room for growth and mastery of the crafting if you decide to go deeper.

The other option that a lot of people suggest is Sophie, which is way more traditional. I personally am not fond of Sophie (though I do like the rest of the Mysterious titles), but it's still a solid entry point if you want to experience the turn based and more crafting focused titles.

100% Achievements can be obtained purely via the base game, no DLC is necessary. Most of the DLC is costumes, though there are a few additional crafting ingredients and gathering areas (and some side stories that are unconnected but do grant some benefits to your main game save). None are necessary to enjoy the game.

Thanks very much. That's really helpful. By the way, which are your personal favourite titles from the series?

[smeredith]

Lydie & Suelle - end of a trilogy with some subplots running across the whole rest of the trilogy, it's not a good entry point.
Sophie 2 - A side story set between Sophie and Firis, this one has some of the best crafting and combat, also quite difficult.
Escha & Logy - While there's a time limit, it is incredibly generous and you have to actively try to fail it. Very fun crafting to optimize.
Ryza 2 - I enjoy the added exploration options and the changes to item usage after Ryza 1.

[Bogart Praetor Bridges]

Originally posted by smeredith:

Lydie & Suelle - end of a trilogy with some subplots running across the whole rest of the trilogy, it's not a good entry point.
Sophie 2 - A side story set between Sophie and Firis, this one has some of the best crafting and combat, also quite difficult.
Escha & Logy - While there's a time limit, it is incredibly generous and you have to actively try to fail it. Very fun crafting to optimize.
Ryza 2 - I enjoy the added exploration options and the changes to item usage after Ryza 1.

Thank you. :)

[Blazeymix]

Hey there. I definitely think Sophie 1 is a great starting point. Firis is a bit different with it's Journey thing, although Escha & Logy/Shallie are also really great and fun to go with, they're on the less restricting side (Unlike any of the Arland games.) Ryza is a lot different, as smeredith mentioned, I personally found it hard to get hooked into the first one, but it's the first game where Gust pushed the series into a higher quality presentation wise. Sophie 2 is by far my favourite of the series. Start with Sophie 1, jump into 2, and you won't be disappointed.

In case you were wondering, and admittedly because I want to gush a bit myself, my favourite titles (available on steam) are:

1. Sophie 2 (and by lesser extent, 1)
2. Escha & Logy (Shallie I probably like just as much)
3. Totori (Hard time limit, but incredibly wholesome, good story and characters, great music and ultimate nostalgia.)

[smeredith]

Shallie has incredibly fun combat. The Mana Khemia burst mode system is just so much fun to interact with and optimize.

[Blazeymix]

Originally posted by smeredith:

Shallie has incredibly fun combat. The Mana Khemia burst mode system is just so much fun to interact with and optimize.

YES, It's peak. It wasn't until Escha & Logy that I felt the games finally lived up to Mana Khemia's gameplay.