Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey – Additional DLC Set 2

Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey – Additional DLC Set 2 is a compilation of downloadable content for the base game’s alchemy adventure, introducing the new party member Shanon with her ‘Pink Fraise’ swimsuit, alongside additional costumes including Ritual Cleric, Brave Archer, Noble Wizard, Duel Warrior, Glorious Sage, and Crest Paladin, which become available after story progression to enhance customization and interactions in the mysterious journey across a vast world.

Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey – Additional DLC Set 2: Review

Introduction

Imagine stepping into the boundless vistas of an open-world JRPG, where alchemy isn’t just a mechanic but a gateway to self-discovery, and a simple costume change can alter your party’s dynamics amid whimsical adventures. Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey – Additional DLC Set 2, released in May 2017 for PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and Windows, bundles seven key expansions into a convenient package, enhancing the base game’s already enchanting journey. As the second DLC compilation for Gust’s 18th Atelier entry—the pivotal second chapter of the “Mysterious” trilogy—this set introduces the DLC-exclusive playable character Shanon Atkins alongside her ‘Pink Fraise’ swimsuit and six thematic costumes: Ritual Cleric (for Firis), Brave Archer (Liane), Noble Wizard (Ilmeria), Duel Warrior (Drossel), Glorious Sage (Sophie), and Crest Paladin (Shanon). My thesis: While the base game revolutionized the series with its open-world exploration and portable synthesis, this DLC set elevates it from a charming detour to a fully realized wardrobe of personalization and party depth, cementing Atelier Firis‘ legacy as a bridge between cozy crafting sims and expansive RPGs—though its value hinges on base-game progression and DLC integration.

Development History & Context

Gust Co. Ltd., a Koei Tecmo subsidiary since 2011, had honed the Atelier series into a niche powerhouse by 2016, blending item synthesis with light RPG elements across 17 prior titles. Atelier Firis (November 2016 in Japan, March 2017 worldwide) marked a bold pivot under director Shinichi Yoshiike, producers Hisashi Koinuma, Tadanobu Inoue, and Yoshito Okamura, with character designs by Yuugen and NOCO. Released amid the PS4/Vita era’s twilight—before Switch dominance—the game tackled technological constraints like Vita’s hardware limits by prioritizing scalable open fields over dense urban hubs, using a day-night cycle and weather systems to mask loading via seamless transitions.

The DLC ecosystem emerged rapidly post-launch, with Additional DLC Set 2 (Moby ID: 119616) dropping May 8, 2017, for Vita (initial platform), followed by PS4 and PC. Priced around £7.99/$9.99, it compiled post-launch content amid a fragmented digital storefront landscape (PlayStation Store, Steam). Gust’s vision, dubbed “project Journey,” emphasized Firis’ wanderlust, contrasting prior time-strict entries like Atelier Sophie. DLC like Shanon’s addition addressed fan feedback for more party members, while costumes tapped cosplay culture and progression gates (e.g., outfits unlock post-story beats). In 2017’s gaming scene—dominated by Zelda: Breath of the Wild‘s open-world revolution and Persona 5‘s stylish JRPGs—Firis carved a cozy niche, with DLC ensuring longevity before the 2021 DX remaster bundled everything, reflecting Gust’s adaptive monetization amid rising live-service trends.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The base Atelier Firis weaves a tapestry of liberation and growth: Firis Mistlud, a crystal-sensing miner from isolated Ertona, meets Sophie Neuenmuller and Plachta (Sophie protagonists), igniting her alchemical passion. Granted one year to certify in Reisenberg via three recommendation letters from licensed alchemists (Ren Breitner, Norbert Classen, etc.), she traverses diverse biomes with sister Liane, forging bonds amid tornadoes and labyrinths. Post-exam, multiple endings explore her “future path,” from eternal traveler to homesteader.

Additional DLC Set 2 integrates via Shanon Atkins, a DLC-exclusive warrior whose recruitment requires story progression (post-Reisenberg). Shanon’s arc enriches themes of found family and self-reinvention: a stoic fighter with hidden vulnerabilities, she mirrors Firis’ journey from confinement to freedom, adding dialogues at the portable atelier tent that delve into mentorship and rivalry. Her ‘Pink Fraise’ swimsuit—playful amid the series’ partial nudity rating—subverts her archetype, fostering lighthearted events like beachside synthesis or party banters, emphasizing Atelier’s blend of whimsy and depth.

Costumes amplify characterization: Firis’ Ritual Cleric evokes spiritual growth; Liane’s Brave Archer nods hunter roots; Ilmeria’s Noble Wizard highlights elite heritage; Drossel’s Duel Warrior suits her puppeteer ferocity; Sophie’s Glorious Sage sage-like wisdom; Shanon’s Crest Paladin armored resolve. These aren’t cosmetic fluff—unlocked via “Change Outfit” (post-progression), they trigger unique lines, reinforcing themes of identity fluidity in a world where alchemy transmutes both items and selves. Dialogue shines in tent interactions, blending humor (swimsuit quips) with pathos (Shanon’s outsider reflections), deepening the trilogy’s motif of “mysterious journeys” as metaphors for personal alchemy.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Firis‘ core loop—open-world traversal, gathering, portable synthesis, turn-based combat—innovates with a 365-day timer (lifted post-exam), atelier tents at bonfires for crafting/resting, and panel-based synthesis (items fit shapes, catalysts add lines/bonuses, ranks scale quality). DLC Set 2 slots seamlessly, requiring base progress.

Shanon Atkins expands the four-character party limit: a melee specialist with break-inflicting combos, she synergizes in chain bursts/linkage systems (gauge-filled team attacks, finishing moves at high linkage). Her skills adapt to weather/time (e.g., enhanced in rain), complementing alchemists’ item supremacy. Recruitment quests add replayability, unlocking via specific fields like Fatalia Summit.

Costumes innovate beyond visuals: selectable in atelier, they grant stat boosts/abilities (e.g., Duel Warrior’s defense up for bosses; Crest Paladin’s resistance for Shanon’s tank role), tying into mass synthesis (field-altering bombs/pickaxes). UI remains clunky—nested menus for outfits—but cross-buy (PS4/Vita) and 30MB size ease access. Flaws persist: progression gates frustrate (no early Shanon), combat lacks fast-forward (added in DX). Yet, synthesis gains recipes from DLC events, like Shanon’s-inspired catalysts, fostering experimentation. Overall, it refines loops without overhauling, ideal for 50+ hour post-game grinds.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Firis‘ world spans Ertona (cramped mines) to Reisenberg (alchemist hub), via fields like Parched Plains, Heavenly Tree Einhorn, and airship-accessed Riesentrain. DLC enhances via Shanon’s quests in under-explored zones (e.g., South Auoro Snowfield), her paladin gear suiting icy palettes.

Visuals (Yuugen/NOCO art) glow with Ghibli-esque vibrancy: cel-shaded fields cycle day/night/weather, tents pop amid foliage. Costumes dazzle—Pink Fraise’s frills contrast Crest Paladin’s ornate plates—boosting photo mode (DX) appeal. PS4/Vita holds 30fps, occasional hitches in crowds.

Sound (Kazuki Yanagawa et al.) enchants: OST (November 2016 release) blends orchestral whimsy (fields) with tense synths (labyrinths); vocals add emotional peaks. DLC events feature bespoke BGM snippets, voices (English/Japanese) enrich tent chats. Atmosphere? Pure escapism—alchemy hums, breezes whisper, evoking wonder that DLC outfits amplify through visual flair.

Reception & Legacy

No critic/player reviews exist on MobyGames for this DLC (n/a MobyScore), mirroring its bundling nature amid base-game mixed praise: Metacritic PS4 74/100 (Push Square lauds exploration; Hardcore Gamer 3/5 cites pacing; Famitsu 34/40). PS Vita sold 16k Japan Week 1; Steam ~23k owners. DLC averaged 4.94/5 (35 PS Store ratings for Set 1 analog), fans praising Shanon’s combat/costumes.

Legacy endures: Folded into 2021 DX (Mostly Positive Steam, 73%), influencing Ryza trilogy’s fanservice/DLC norms. Firis pioneered Atelier open-worlds, DLC sets standardizing character/cosmetics (18 total DLCs). Gust’s formula—cozy synthesis + journeys—shaped cozy-gamers (Stardew Valley kin), trilogy bundles boosting accessibility. Commercially solid, it solidified Mysterious arc’s cult status.

Conclusion

Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey – Additional DLC Set 2 transforms a solid RPG into a wardrobe of wonders, with Shanon’s depth and costumes’ utility extending post-certification freedom. Gust’s ambitious open-world, tempered by time pressures, shines brighter via DLC synergy, though gated unlocks and UI quirks persist. In video game history, it exemplifies mid-series reinvention: a cozy cornerstone bridging Atelier’s past to DX futures. Verdict: Essential for fans (9/10); worthwhile base-game add-on (8/10). Play for the alchemy of self-discovery—it lingers like a perfectly synthesized elixir.