zinformant posted... Rorona is terrible, but you need a little history to contextualize the overall story. So-called 'classic' Atelier has time-limited gameplay which makes some players anxious with the (rather notable) benefit of tightening the game design. Modern entries without time limitations are relative grind-fests due to freedom to gather and fight whatever, whenever.
Because I cannot recommend Rorona to my worst enemy, the Arland starting point is Totori. The game is a little unforgivingly time-limited (actions cannot be wasted), but it is otherwise a solid adventure relative to its predecessor. The protagonist is as clueless as you regarding any carryover from Rorona. Play new game plus to the true ending (guide recommended) or Meruru afterward.
The Dusk series splits the difference between time-limited gameplay and more standard roleplaying game design but also marks the transition from time limitations to modernity. Ayesha is incredible and highly recommneded. It has the time limitation, but one does not have to so carefully budget actions as in the preceding Arland games. The world is also far more interesting to immerse into. Its sequels, Escha to Logy and Shallie, slowly erode away the time limit until it's gone. Gust was experimenting a bit.
Sophie (Mysterious series) and Ryza (Ryza series) are free of time limitations and are not recommended due to being grindy and otherwise kind of pedestrian. Starting with either is fine provided you understand that there are greener pastures elsewhere. Ayesha is the safest bet.
Edit: Please ask follow-up questions.
Edit 2: editing
What is so bad about Rorona?
Anyway, seems like I should start with Ayesha. Are the other games stories just not as good as Ayeshas?