Publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Gust have shared the Atelier Sophie 2 story trailer alongside new details for some game mechanics.

Here’s the new Atelier Sophie 2 story trailer:

In case you missed it, you can find our previous previews for Diebold here, Olias here, Alette here, Ramizel here, Plachta here, Sophie here, new characters Alette and Olias here and new character Elvira here.

Here’s the new details for its battle system:

Battle System

When Sophie sets out on an adventure to find a missing friend and unlock the mystery behind the dream-like world of Erde Wiege, she will have to fight the many monsters that inhabit the land – some of which Atelier fans may recognize from previous entries! For the first time in the series, Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream features a battle system that begins instantly without any load times or separate screens, allowing gameplay to flow seamlessly between exploration and combat. In this new battle system, up to six party members can join forces for “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.

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. This 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.

Some of the enemies that Sophie and her companions encounter will be covered in an aura, and these monsters will be more difficult to inflict damage upon, dealing large amounts of damage to the party. By attacking the monster’s aura with an element it is weak against, the aura will be reduced and stun the monster, allowing Sophie and friends to perform more actions in a row than usual. In some battles, Weather Control can also be used during battle to create favourable situations that weaken the monster’s aura.

Photo Mode

In addition, players will be able to use the game’s built-in Photo Mode to capture their favorite moments from inside the game, including images of the beautiful environments, their party members, the people of Roytale, and the many species of monsters roaming the land! With a wide range of edit functions, players can create memorable pictures from their adventure to help them cherish Sophie’s epic journey.

Pre-Orders Now Live

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is available for pre-order digitally across all platforms. Those that digitally 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. Additionally, those who purchase the game physically on its first-run will receive a special reversible coversheet for their game and a bonus poster with exclusive artwork by NOCO! The celebrations don’t stop there though, as KOEI TECMO America is also offering a delightful new Limited Edition of Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, exclusively available through the NISA Online Store. This must-have version of the game contains an art book, deluxe fabric poster, keychain, bonus BGM CD, and an exclusive DLC costume all packaged into a beautiful collector’s box.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dawn is set to launch for Windows PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 on February 25, 2022 in North America.