The battle system will incorporate strategy and speed, the time management system will be free from restrictions allowing for unlimited play time and Alchemy RPG fans can look forward to a straightforward menu in the engaging Synthesis system.

In Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea players choose to play as either the reserved, mission-focused Shallistera, daughter of a tribal leader who embarks on voyage to find a solution to a crisis affecting her homeland, on behalf of her ailing father or ambitious, energetic Shallotte, who has been struggling to bring success to the alchemy workshop since the passing of her father. While their personalities and appearance are drastically different, they both share the nickname "Shallie" and uncover the reasoning why along each of their journeys— the dual main character system has been improved with separate stories and multiple endings for Shallistera and Shallotte.

For the first time in the Atelier series, Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea will include a 360 degree camera, giving players more freedom as they explore a vast world map that has expanded greatly with many new environments that evolve based on how the player progresses.  In the new Quest system players can either take on only assignments necessary to progress the game or earn more points engaging in additional, more challenging quests.

Shallotte Elminus, called Shallie by her friends, is a poor young alchemist with big dreams. She spends her days running her deceased father’s small Atelier and doing whatever work she or her loving mother Nady can find for her through her contacts. Though she doesn’t have a lot of experience or knowledge of alchemy she is very keen to learn and she spends a lot of time discovering and synthesising new items. Luckily, Shallotte’s childhood friend Miruca Crotze is a very good alchemist. She studied in Central city and though this has caused her to develop a colder and more distanced personality she still admires Shallie’s honest and simple thinking. Miruca is a proven researcher and a devoted friend and she always says her opinion frankly, though sometimes this makes her seem a little harsh.

Shallotte will also find a teacher in the face of Wilbell Voll-Erslied, a travelling magician who, after she assists Shallie, becomes a role model and an instructor for her. Wilbell is travelling the land of Dusk in search of spirits that offer her powerful magic. Her child-like appearance might fool some, but she is actually quite old and seasoned and provides Shallie with good advice and valuable help. These are not the only people Shallie crosses paths with in her efforts to become successful. She also has to deal with government officials like Solle Grumman, a hard working young mansent to investigate the town of Stellard and establish a government branch office.

Shallotte must learn to tame her wild and free spirit and work with merchants, like the troublesome Katla Larchica who never seems to sell anything that works and rely on treasure hunters like the cool and collected homunculus Homura, whose skill with the sword is near unparalleled or the romantic Reyfer Luckberry who searches for the long lost treasure of a famous pirate. By learning how to apply the knowledge and skills of those around her and win their assistance, Shallotte will embark on a journey to adulthood and focus on her ongoing effort to eventually become the alchemist she has always dreamed of being.

Koei Tecmo also revealed a number of exciting DLC bonus items, available to those who pre-order Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea. Specifically, those who pre-order through GameStop (GAME & Amazon in Europe) will receive an exclusive DLC set that includes: a costume for their leading lady fashioned after that of Escha Malier (the protagonist of Atelier Escha and Logy), a Flower Pareo costume (NISA store in Europe), a special Atelier series selection of music and a Passion Dress (ShopTo.net or the PlayStation Network in Europe). Those who pre-order through Amazon.com will receive 2 exclusive compilations of music as an extra bonus.

Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea will be available for $49.99.