Atelier Yumia: Behind the Creation of a Bold New Heroine

Summary

  • Go behind-the-scenes with the creation of the newest heroine in the Atelier saga, Yumia.
  • Yumia’s staff can shoot, opening new gameplay elements, and her boots provide melee attack opportunities.
  • Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land will launch March 21, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

Originally created back in 1997, the Atelier game franchise is known for magically blending beloved characters and alchemy in RPG adventures that are at times both heart racing and heartwarming. That’s why it is extremely exciting to me that our newest game in the series, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land, is not only one of our most ambitious game to date, but it will also be the first time that the Atelier franchise will cast its spell across Xbox consoles. As a huge Xbox fan, myself, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am by this!

One of the main selling points of each Atelier game is the unique and charming main characters headlining the story. From Ryza to Sophie, each heroine possesses their own unique look and personality, so coming up with a new star to showcase in our games is always a daunting task.

Introducing Atelier Yumia

Atelier Yumia Concept Art

We are very mindful when it comes to making our main protagonist both cool and impressive. Yumia’s character design and personality direction was established early on, but fine-tuning the details took some time. We balanced her design alongside characters of the same age, like Isla, and went through a lot of trial and error and adjustments to highlight her qualities as a protagonist.

Atelier Yumia Concept Art

What fans will find out quickly about Yumia is that she is a character with a strong will and a positive attitude. While her optimism is something shared with other protagonists like Ryza and Sophie, Yumia stands out as a more independent woman compared to previous protagonists, with fewer youthful/childish aspects. In this game, I think the players will also enjoy her story as a journey of personal and emotional growth.

Style Upon Style

When it comes to her character and costume design, I believe the cool, monochrome-based style will come across as new and fresh to fans. We’ve aimed to create a character that resonates with and is loved by many people around the world, and to achieve this, we referenced fashion trends and incorporated various elements into her look as she has a more modern design compared to previous characters.

Atelier Yumia Screenshot

Personally, I really like her boots. Yumia is a character who utilizes frequent kicks in combat, and the gimmicks incorporated into her boots allow for richer expressions and will become a defining feature for her once people start playing the game. We’ve really put a lot of effort into refining her movements during battle.

Atelier Yumia Screenshot

Another thing to keep an eye out for is the fact that Yumia wields a staff, but it’s not just any old piece of wood as her magical staff allows her to shoot. This feature lets her collect distant ingredients during exploration or gain an advantageous start in battles by hitting monsters from afar!  

Atelier Yumia Art

I hope everyone enjoyed the first inside look at our new protagonist and some of her new gear. Atelier Yumia is a really cool character (with even cooler boots!). Fans around the world are already falling in love with her modern style, and we can’t wait until everyone is finally able see her in action once the game releases March 21, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land

KOEI TECMO AMERICA

We live every day and weave our memories. In this way, we nurture our “Souls”.Traveling across a ruined continent, it is the story of the step she finds to take towards tomorrow.

The theme of this title is “memory.”
There are moments when everyone must confront their past and their own “memories.”

All memories, including both successes and failures, become nourishment for the future and shape the person.

“Atelier Yumia” is a story about Yumia and her companions confronting their memories and, despite their uncertainties, forging ahead on the path they believe in.

Story:
The Aladissian Empire once thrived on a certain continent, having achieved remarkable development through alchemy that kept other nations at bay. However, it met its end due to a sudden and mysterious cataclysm.

Time progressed, and several centuries later—
Alchemy became known as a “dangerous art that brings destruction,” considered “evil” and “taboo” in this new era.

In this now forbidden and perilous land, a lone alchemist sets foot. Her name is Yumia Reisfelt. Three years ago, after losing her mother in an accident, Yumia discovered that she was from a family of alchemists and began to question many things.

Why was Aladiss destroyed?
Why did alchemy become “taboo”?
…Is alchemy truly “evil”?

Believing that all truths lie within the continent, Yumia embarks on a journey to uncover the lost history.

Main features:
– Freely traverse the vast open field in all directions
This unknown land stretches across the length and width of the continent, and the player can forge their own path utilising a wide range of actions and items.

– Game Cycle
Explore the field to gather materials and synthesis items. The items you create can be key to advancing the story and can also be used in battles and exploration. Additionally, you can “Simple Synthesis” and make items directly in the field, as well as create your own base with “Building.”

– Customize items by creating them on the field and tailor your base to your liking!
“Simple Synthesis” can be done on the field, opening pathways by making tools for exploration and make items that will help in battles and synthesis. Additionally, in “Building” you can build a base and customize it by crafting and arranging furniture to your liking.

Note: Screens are taken from an in-development build. Final product may differ from actual shown footage.

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Source: Xbox Blog