this game was my introduction to the atelier games and i have to say, i really did enjoy my time with it. the first few hours i was a bit worried i might not enjoy it as much, but after a while it just sorta clicked.

the game is sweet and relaxing. it's not really like other jrps with super dark and serious stories and the end of the world being near, but rather about the few main characters and their personal struggles, that are all very relatable. i really did like every character in the game, even if monika and oscar sorta became useless to me by the end of the game as they weren't in my party, nor did they provide any useful services like leon or cory did. i even enjoyed the side characters such as pamela or elise, who also got small but sweet story bits.

the combat is rather easy, but i still did avoid it for most of the game, meaning i got my ass kicked whenever i really did need to use it to advance the story. crafting weapons, armour, items and consumables is really fun and it helped me to go from being underleveled and weak as fuck, to being able to beat pretty much anything in my way, including the final boss.

i'm glad the game has a bit of post game content, even if i didn't get around to finishing that yet. post game just feels like a must for this sort of game.

the music is very nice as well and i'm especially glad i get the chance to listen to older games soundtracks. the digital artbook that comes with the switch version of this game is great as well and i loved looking at the characters in their silly little outfits.

overall, i really enjoyed this game and i hope that atelier sophie 2 will be just as much fun!