Back when Gust first announced it Atelier Sophie 2, Siliconera spoke with Manufacturer Junzo Hosoi about its development. Now that its release date is approaching, we are talking again about what people can expect from the game. Since we know more about what to expect, this time we talked about some additional factors. For example, we talked about how Atelier Sophie 2 The gameplay has changed due to the new additions and what one can expect from characters like Sophie, Plachta and Ramizel.
Jenni Lada: With the location of Atelier Sophie 2 In the series timeline, what kind of character development do you hope to show for both Sophie and Plachta in it?
Junzo Hosoi: Atelier Sophie 2 takes place between the stories of Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Book of Mysteries and Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey. Players will be able to see what kind of experiences Sophie had prior to meeting Firis and how she grew from those experiences, as well as see how Sophie and Plachta affect each other and how it benefits both. so I hope people will look forward to seeing how these characters develop.
As usual, Sophie will have some allies on her side. Which of these? Atelier Sophie 2 Which character do you think is the most unique and why?
Hosoi: The most unique character in Atelier Sophie 2 is Ramizel. She is present as a leader in the town of Roytale, where the story takes place, and as a sister to Sophie and Plachta. I don’t want to spoil the story, but I would say that the game would be even more interesting if it was played while trying to imagine Ramizel’s relationship with Sophie and her friends.
When developing a game for multiple platforms like Atelier Sophie 2how do you make sure it’s as enjoyable on the Switch as it is on the PS4?
Hosoi: Our development concept is towards higher quality of all graphics, including lighting and facial expressions, in addition to processing speed and loading time, of course, we have developed the game towards same high quality no matter what it is for PS4 or Switch.
One of the new game elements in Atelier Sophie 2 is a Major Gathering Spot mini-game. What led to its development and how does it affect the overall quality of life as well as the difficulty of the game?
Hosoi: Synthesis of puzzles used in Mystery series was well received by many players, but conversely, we also received feedback that it was very difficult. So we decided to add mini game elements, depending on how the game is played, to be able to create the necessary materials for synthesis. It’s a system that expands the degree of freedom in the game so that players can grind through puzzles using collected materials by simply collecting or crafting the materials they want by playing. through the Major Gathering Spot mini-games.
Depending on the main Collect Points outcome, it is possible to generate powerful gear early in the game, but is not always necessary to complete the game. They can be played as a respite from a synthesis or battle, or as an attempt to be able to synthesize more; We hope players will enjoy them in a way that suits their playstyle.
In Atelier Sophie 2, a new game feature that allows anyone to control the weather. How did this concept come about and how have previous Atelier games led to it?
Hosoi: I wanted something that could showcase to the fullest extent the taste of my dreams Mystery series, while potentially changing the field considerably to enjoy exploring, so weather control is something we’ve been considering since the beginning of development. In addition, establishing Erde Wiege’s dream world as another world was also a major factor. Because it’s a different world, we can incorporate a lot of “mystery” elements, so it’s a system where players can really feel like they’re in their own world. Atelier Sophie 2.
We can see Atelier Sophie 2 DLC similar to those included in the past Atelier games, like soundtracks, costumes, additional playable characters, and events?
Hosoi: Yes, we are planning various DLC including soundtrack and skins! Look forward to receiving them!
Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of Magical Dreams coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC on February 25, 2022.
