I completed the Arland and Dusk Trilogy's. Once I started playing Sophie, I noticed this game is a departure from the style of the aforementioned games. Much has changed for Sophie.

At first, I was playing this game in the same way I played the others, and it left me confused as to how to progress the story. After I realized the differences, I caught on to it. Now, I am having fun playing.

I am not sure everyone who liked the previous games will like Atelier Sophie because many game mechanics are different. The graphics are better. The music is good as ever. I was pleased to see that they brought back the humor for this game. Personally, I thought the 2nd and 3rd games from the Dusk Trilogy were dark and had no laughs. One of my reasons for playing Atelier games is to laugh at their unique and silly behaviors.

I recommend this game for new players to the series, and I especially recommend it to those who have been playing the games in order as I have. The game looks good, but it is old. So, if you don't like playing subjectively dated games then maybe start with Ryza (or so I am told by others who don't like old games).