Atelier Marie: The Alchemist of Salburg is the first entry in the long running JRPG Atelier Series, as well as the first entry in the Salburg saga. It was originally released for the PlayStation on May 23, 1997, with several ports and rereleases to other consoles later on. Despite this, it remained a Japan exclusive until a remake was released worldwide on July 13, 2023, with new 3D graphics, explorable locations, updated art and newly written character events.
Salburg, the capital of the Schigsal Kingdom, is home to the famous Salburg Academy, which specializes in the teaching of alchemy. The school has been revered for producing some of the best alchemists on the entire continent...except for one. Marlone, more commonly known as Marie, is rather infamous amongst the people of Salburg for having the worst grades in the history of the entire academy. In a last ditch effort to help the girl, Marie's professor, Ingrid gives her a special exam. Marie will be given her own alchemy workshop to use outside of class while continuing her studies, and if she can create an item that is to Ingrid's satisfaction in five years, then she will be allowed to graduate. Thus, Marie begins her journey to become a great alchemist. Hopefully.
This work provides examples of:
- Badass Adorable: Both Marie and Schea are quite cute, but can hold themselves pretty well in a fight.
- Bookcase Passage: The Library in the Acadamy has a hidden passage behind one of the bookcases that leads to the principal's secret study. After Marie stumbles upon it, the principal allows her to come and read the books in exchange for keeping it a secret and not taking any of the books with her.
- Evil Tower of Ominousness: Erfolg Tower, a tower infested with monsters with a demonic sorcerer waiting at the top.
- Guide Dang It!: The different endings have very specific requirements in order to achieve, and can often override one another based on priority.
- Multiple Endings: Depending on which events you trigger, you can get different endings like Marie leaving Salburg to share her talents with the world, becoming a professor of Salburg Academy, or becoming an adventurer instead of an alchemist.
- Old, Dark House: Belsenburg, an old abandoned castle quite a ways away from Salburg. There aren't any items to gather or enemies to fight, but if you have certain people hired, then there's a chance you can find some rare and powerful equipment.
