Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian Ditches Gacha
The upcoming Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian will notably deviate from its mobile predecessor by foregoing a gacha system, according to a November 26, 2024, announcement from Koei Tecmo Europe on Twitter (X).
This marks a significant departure for the franchise. The absence of a gacha system means players won't encounter paywalls hindering progression, eliminating the need for in-app purchases to unlock characters or items.
Furthermore, the announcement highlights the game's offline playability, removing the requirement to own the mobile version. The official website emphasizes a fresh narrative and new protagonists within the familiar world of Lantarna, suggesting a distinct storyline separate from the mobile game's lore.
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian is slated for release on PS5, PS4, Switch, and Steam in 2025. Pricing and a precise release date remain unannounced.
A Look at the Mobile Gacha System
Atelier Resleriana: Forgotten Alchemy and the Polar Night Liberator, the mobile game serving as the foundation for the upcoming title, incorporates a gacha system. While retaining core Atelier elements like synthesis and turn-based combat, it integrates a monetized gacha mechanic for character strengthening and acquisition.
The gacha system utilizes a "spark" mechanic, awarding medals with each pull towards unlocking characters or Memoria (illustration cards). Unlike a pity system guaranteeing a reward after a certain number of pulls, this system relies on accumulating medals. The mobile game launched in January 2024 on Steam, Android, and iOS, receiving mixed reviews on Steam, contrasting with more positive ratings (4.2/5 on Google Play and 4.6 on the App Store) on mobile platforms. The cost of the gacha system was a particular point of contention for some Steam users.
