Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & White Guardian - A Gacha-Free Experience
Koei Tecmo Europe recently announced that the upcoming Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & White Guardian will break from the gacha mechanics of its mobile predecessor. This exciting news means players can enjoy a traditional Atelier experience without the pay-to-win elements often associated with gacha systems.
A New Chapter for the Series
Unlike its mobile counterpart, Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator, the new console and PC title will offer a completely gacha-free experience. This was confirmed via a November 26th, 2024 Twitter (X) announcement. Koei Tecmo highlighted the absence of a gacha system, emphasizing that progression won't be gated behind in-app purchases. Players won't need to spend money to unlock characters or powerful items.
Further details revealed that the game is playable offline and features a new story and protagonists set within the familiar Lantarna world. This suggests a fresh narrative experience independent of the mobile game's storyline and characters.
The game is slated for release on PS5, PS4, Switch, and Steam in 2025. Pricing and a precise release date are yet to be announced.
A Look Back at the Mobile Gacha System
The mobile version, Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator, incorporated a gacha system into its otherwise traditional Atelier gameplay, including synthesis and turn-based combat. This system, while allowing players to acquire new characters and Memoria (illustration cards), drew criticism for its cost.
The gacha system utilized a "spark" mechanic, awarding medals with each pull to eventually unlock characters or Memoria. Unlike a pity system guaranteeing a reward after a certain number of pulls, this system relied on accumulating medals. While the mobile game received generally positive reviews (4.2/5 on Google Play, 4.6 on the App Store), the Steam version received a "Mixed" rating, with some players citing the expensive gacha system as a significant drawback. The mobile title launched in January 2024 on Steam, Android, and iOS.
The shift away from gacha in the upcoming title suggests a response to player feedback and a commitment to delivering a more accessible and enjoyable Atelier experience.
