14 DAY TRIAL // We’re just a month away from the next installment in the Atelier series and developer GUST Studios revealed further information about the innovative battle system that will be coming to the franchise for the first time with the release of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream.
The highly-anticipated JRPG features a battle system that begins instantly without any load times or separate screens, allowing gameplay to flow seamlessly between exploration and combat. Up to six party members can join forces for so-called “multi-linked turn-based battles”. These party members will be split into two teams: the “assault team” which consists of the three members in the front, and the “back-up team” which features the three members at the back.
Furthermore, developer GUST revealed that one of the abilities that this new combat system introduces is Twin Actions. Here, the front and back rows can choose to attack together, or have the front row make their move first while the back row recovers and charges up.
The Twin Actions ability uses less MP than performing the attacks separately, offering the chance for players to inflict more damage to their foes in battle. Alternatively, players can use the Support Guard action that allows a member of the back row to protect a member in the front row when they are being attacked.
Since the members in the front and back rows can be freely switched, it’s important to keep track of each member’s HP and to use these abilities at the right time. In order to use the Twin Actions and Support Guard abilities, Technical Points (TP) are required. When the Dual Gauge reaches 100%, Dual Triggers – a special move where two party members launch a powerful ability together – can be triggered to get an upper-hand in battle.
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is scheduled to release on February 25 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. Players who pre-order the game will receive access to the “Easy Breezy” costume for Sophie on their adventure. A limited time bonus, the “Comfy and Casual” outfit for Sophie, is also available for those who purchase the game physically or digitally within the first two weeks of launch.