Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland

Atelier Lulua is one of the more new player friendly titles of the series yet, tweaking mechanics to be more intuitive than previous entries. Also, as a long-time fan of the series, it was great to return to Arland and learn more about the world and characters. Atelier Lulua is one of the better Atelier titles in recent years, and it’s worth picking up for any fan of the series.

With developer Gust's unexpended expansion to their most favoured sub-series, comes what can be considered the best in the Atelier set to date. Casting away previous conventions to introduce new, more enriching characters, and world-building structures, Atelier Lulua's challenge spikes and lack of English dub does little to take the shine off the gem beneath.

Not only it's the best chapter for anyone to get into the Atelier series, it also features what is probably the best alchemy and combat systems. A major step forward in the series which is more than worthy of the players' time and dedication.

Atelier Lulua is one of the better games in the franchise in recent times. The Switch version is absolutely worth getting if you’ve played the Trilogy (LINK) and wanted a new game to follow those. I’m still annoyed by the lack of an English voice acting option but the fact that this release actually plays very well on Switch even in handheld makes it an easy recommendation. I’m glad Gust has finally managed making their new games work well on Switch. Hopefully future entries are this well optimised for Nintendo’s hybrid console.

Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland maintains the magic that this long-running JRPG series is known for. From relaxing gameplay to adorable characters, Atelier Lulua doesn't disappoint. Newcomers to the series might have some larger story beats go over their head, while long-time fans might be miffed at the fact that so few returning characters are playable in battle. Still, when it comes to the Atelier series, Lulua manages to blend the best of the new with the best of the old with incredibly successful results.

Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland proves to be a great entry in Gust’s long-running series, and much like the many concoctions made by Lulua, this is a refined final product that reflects several of the best traits of the predecessors that came before. If you can get past the ho-hum storytelling and learn to master the intimidating crafting system, you’ll find that Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland has plenty to offer in its surprisingly involved combat system, gorgeous locales, and rewarding gameplay loops. We would give this game a strong recommendation to both longtime fans of the series and to those looking to see what it’s all about; Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland is one of the best entries in the franchise and it’s a wonderful RPG that’s certainly worth your time.

Atelier Lulua is the return of the franchise to the lands of Arland, with a story in which both new and old characters will appear. Its improved gameplay will delight the most veteran fans of the franchise.

Even if it doesn't go far away from the Atelier formula, Lulua it's one of the most complete and enjoyable entries in the Atelier series. Under its easiness and low difficulty, Lulua its a complete RPG that shines the most on the alchemy options. It also leaves behind technical problems (fps hiccups), but it isn't localisized (English texts).

The game runs pretty smoothly, and is a good deal of fun to play. Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland is a deep, charming game with lots to do and explore, and is a worth a look if you’re a Switch owner looking to get an RPG fix. Recommended.

Atelier Lulua ~The Scion of Arland~ keeps the same basic combat system that old-school JRPG fans may enjoy, but adds a welcoming twist to how you progress through the campaign. It is one of the best titles from the series available on Switch, and works well as a stand-alone title.