I’ve been looking for games to pass the time with while waiting for Xenoblade Chronicles X to come out. I tried Triangle Strategy (more on that another time, it’s not dropped), Shepherd’s Crossing (realized I don’t want to replay the original because it was a very annoying game) and… something else I can’t quite recall, but in the end I turned to Atelier Lydie & Scumbag because I was really not satisfied after finishing Atelier Ryza. Gust made me feel this way, and therefore Gust must take responsibility by pacifying me with another Atelier game.
As for why I call it Atelier Lydie & Scumbag, you’ll have to refer to the first post I made about this game. I got a kick out of seeing that old save file there, so I’ve left it alone, but I did restart the game because I’d forgotten how the alchemy system worked. It’s very basic. On replaying it, I can understand Scumbag’s frustration a little more. If you’d worked your **** off for several days and someone stole your last $40 when you were starving, then yeah, maaaybe you’d feel a little kick-y yourself. Unless the person who took it was your FATHER and you had a few ounces of common human decency, then maaaybe you wouldn’t do that. Hmm, Scumbag? Luckily she hasn’t done anything similarly heinous ever since, but I’m watching you, girl.
I’m about 9 hours in, and I’m enjoying the Atelier-ness of it, and all. The story is that Lydie and her sister are trying to rise through the ranks as alchemists (just because) by fulfilling some quests set by the kingdom. It’s a bit similar to Atelier Rorona in concept except there’s no time limit so you can take your sweet time and forage and explore as much as you want. It carries over the system from Sophie where you need to “spark” new recipes by fulfilling requirements, but it’s much better because the requirements are much clearer and easier to fulfill. Sometimes they even give you the recipe straight up, like with the Dream Paintbrushes, so I haven’t been prevented from continuing the story because I lack a recipe. It’s early days yet, but I like that.
Thank goodness they didn’t drag this “secretly a princess” thing out at all.
I complained about limits on using synthesized items in Atelier Ryza, so I’m very happy that I can toss bombs around anyhow I like in Lydie & Scumbag. That’s the whole point of using alchemists in battle. And I can also forage for items just by having the required tools in my bag, without having to switch to them. I.e. Lydie will automatically use the bug net if she has it, or the flask if she has it. Ryza was a huge step back in that regard, so I hope its sequels don’t maintain that dumb mechanic.
So system-wise I’m not dissatisfied with Atelier Lydie & Scoundrel. I tend to prefer games with a bigger overworld like Atelier Firis, but the addition of the painting worlds to explore gives me enough to do, and even more of them will open up later. Running speed could be faster, and my basket definitely needs way more space, but all those fixes will come with time. While those problems persist, though, they are keeping me from enjoying the game as much as I normally would. Whenever I think about booting it up, sometimes it’s like urghhh… I dunno…
Still, if anything will keep me from finishing this game, it will most likely be the story. The whole setup is a bit childish to begin with. They went with younger/more childish heroines this time, and that doesn’t really jive with an old biddy like me. I get the general idea of wanting to be the best alchemist ever, but the day-to-day events and interactions leave me cold. Okay, lukewarm.
Also Lydie and Scallywag lying to their dad about the purpose of the paint they’re making, and not telling him about their exploration of the painting world makes me uncomfortable. Because of the kiddie protagonists, I’d like to let my nieces play it, but I really don’t like the disrespectful and frankly dangerous messaging. Roger should communicate better, yes, but sneaking around behind your parents’ backs doesn’t often lead to wonderful adventures like the media would have you believe. ⚰️💀
Additionally, the girls’ little rivalry with Lucia is frustrating. I like the character, actually (I like all of the characters except Roger and Liane TBH) but all the “comic” skits with her are amusing for like 5 seconds then it’s like “Get on with it!” Hopefully they’ll move past that when the world-destroying threat inevitably appears. Mathias’s ‘failed playboy’ gimmick is very stupid as well. One of the downsides of playing so many JRPGs and watching so many animes is getting a bit sick and tired of their “humor.” But I still like everything else about them, so I press on. Time to finish the ice painting in Atelier Lydie & Scumbag and finally get promoted to Rank E.
Next post will probably be first impressions of Xenoblade Chronicles X, which I’ve already preordered, naturally. See you then, God willing!
Their dad is horrible and neglects them. The girls are literally starving every day and have to work for food, at the age of 14. One of the very first scenes has you scavenging, kicking trees for unis because they don’t have money to buy real food… On top of that they have to cook, do everything around the house, and learn alchemy while their dad spends all of their hard-earned money and contributes absolutely nothing. It’s played off as comedy, but he is a horrible father in every possible way. What he has done to them justifies some ass-kicking.
Lydie and Sue are my favorite Atelier protagonists precisely because they have personalities beyond being naive goody-two-shoes nice girls like most Atelier protagonists are. I’m tired of female characters whose only trait is being overly kind and self-sacrificing.
Lydie and Sue both enjoy teasing and making fun of people (although you are right about them being a too harsh on Lucia), they can both be cynical and say what’s on their mind with no filter. Lydie especially distrusts men (probably because of her trash father) and while it’s played for laughs, it adds depth to her character. Despite their age, they aren’t naive, they are strong-willed, sharp, and socially aware. They still want to make everyone happy through alchemy despite facing hardships, but they don’t turn into martyrs or doormats in the process. I love the twins so much, it’s sad to see that a lot of people hate them for not being approachable waifus like Sophie or Ayesha.
I do sympathize with their predicament, and I don’t like their father either, but I can’t condone hitting your parents. Not even ‘condone,’ I can’t even fathom it.
I too am tired of Goody Two-Shoes doormat characters, especially in Japanese media, but there’s a giant gulf between being fed up and standing up for yourself and kicking your own parent. I don’t hate or even dislike Lydie and Stinker (and certainly not for being ‘approachable waifus like Sophie and Ayesha’, the two protagonists I dislike the most) but that won’t mean I don’t call out misbehavior when I see it. And it doesn’t mean I want my nieces thinking domestic violdence is in any way acceptable, no matter how ‘justified’ it is in the game.
That’s the Atelier game I own. Well that one and the Iris trilogy, but those aren’t “true” Atelier gameplay. When I tried it out I got pretty bored pretty quickly to be honest, but I might give it a second try eventually.
Their shitty father needs to be thrown off a cliff tho.
He gets better. Honest.
As an avid fan of the Atelier series, I found your insights into “Atelier Lydie & Suelle” both refreshing and relatable. Your humorous nickname for Suelle adds a personal touch that resonates with players who have experienced her antics. I agree that the game strikes a balance between traditional mechanics and new features, such as the painting worlds, which offer a unique twist to exploration. However, the youthful portrayal of the protagonists and certain character interactions can indeed feel a bit juvenile, potentially alienating older players. Overall, your candid reflections capture the game’s charm and its shortcomings, providing a well-rounded perspective for both newcomers and series veterans.
Thank you for reading!