If the whole world lay beyond a closed door, what would you do? That’s the kind of question that comes to mind when playing “Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey.” Firis, a girl living in an underground mining town, spends her days longing for the outside world. For her, the outside is nothing more than the adventures she reads about in books and the small bits of information she gets from her sister Liane, who is free to come and go. But one day, the power of “alchemy” she encounters suddenly expands her small world. From the very start of the story, you can feel the sensation of a small bird taking flight from its cage strongly resonating in your heart.

What makes this game interesting is that you don’t follow a pre-set linear path—instead, you weave the story through your own choices. How you deal with the events and challenges you encounter is entirely up to you. Depending on your decisions, not only does the story’s progression change, but even the structure of the field itself transforms, naturally shaping a journey that’s yours alone. This is so perfectly satisfying that you can’t help but keep moving forward, wondering “What’s going to happen next?” There are very few RPGs that give you such a strong sense that your choices are truly affecting the world.

One of the major attractions of “Atelier Firis” is its vast field. From the breezy seaside of a port town, to clear flowing rivers, to majestic mountain landscapes, each destination offers entirely different scenery. What’s also interesting is that Firis’s outfit changes depending on the local environment. The variations in her clothing and expressions add even more color to the memories of her journey. Even just walking around, you’ll find yourself excited, wondering “What kind of place will I encounter next?” This feeling captures the very essence of travel in this game.

Speaking of the Atelier series, synthesis is, of course, the real charm. In “Atelier Firis,” you can easily create items using a system where you place materials onto panels—but what’s amazing is that it doesn’t stop there. There’s something called “Super Colossal Synthesis,” which goes far beyond the normal scope. The name alone is impactful, but it’s truly on another level—you can create massive items that could never be made in a regular cauldron. The freedom and depth in deciding what materials to combine and what items to make will easily have you absorbed for hours.

“Atelier Firis” intertwines travel, alchemy, and the growth of a young girl. Why not step away from your daily routine and find an adventure that’s yours alone?