A simple ranking of all the Atelier games I've played to date based on my personal enjoyment as well as a loose evaluation of various criteria such as gameplay, writing, graphics, and sound.
- best story in the series with a rather open progression - beautiful soundtrack - uniquely sombre atmosphere
Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky DX
- wonderful dual protagonists - good gameplay with nice quality of life - overly rigid structure
Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey DX
- unexpectedly well-realized open world - my least favorite cast in the series - few incentives to keep involved with the game for long
Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings DX
- heartwarming story centered around family - stacked cast of alchemists with strong personalities - bright setting with an elegant solution for diverse maps
Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland DX
- brilliant ensemble cast with solid character development - satisfying gameplay loop
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland DX
- charming introduction to the modern Atelier games - homely atmosphere created by the small scope and mechanical simplicity
Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea DX
- bright setting filled with many likable characters of past entries - appropriate finale to the most narratively driven trilogy
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book DX
- enjoyable new alchemy system and lack of time limits - almost nonexistent plot - clunky combat system - frequent uneventful periods with little direction
Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland DX
- adventurous entry with a high degree of freedom - endearing protagonist - unpolished user experience - most difficult main story without a guide
Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy
- streamlined sequel that got a little lost in lightening the tone - very unlikable characters that almost all do some bad things
Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis
- more traditional JRPG featuring one of the best turn-based combat systems in any game, period - enjoyable school simulation with a peculiar group of friends