Since the debut of the Secret series, the Atelier line has surged to a high point, marking a rare moment of strength for Gust Studios. The original release in 2019 built a foundation of critical acclaim and solid sales, and now the studio has secured a request for essential support from Koei Tecmo to keep the momentum going over the next few years. The plan calls for a bit more creative room, a noticeably larger budget, and a longer development cycle for Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy. This entry is not only among the standout Atelier titles released in 2020 but also stands tall as one of the finest JRPGs of that year in the broader market.
More budget and time to develop
Fans can anticipate Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, along with Atelier Ryza: Ever Dark and Hidden Sanctuary for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC. Ryza 3 also weaves back in elements from 2022’s Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream, merging and refining these components beyond the confines of sub-series. Gathering materials and performing the alchemy that defines the franchise gives players the largest, most lively world the series has offered, with Ryza and friends returning to their familiar island home on Kurken, where new mysteries unfold.
Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key
Atelier Ryza 3 unfolds one year after the events of the prior game. The narrative follows the beloved alchemist and her companions as they embark on a third summer adventure to investigate a cluster of mysterious islands that suddenly appear and disrupt the stability of Kurken. In their quest to uncover the hidden truths of these islands, Ryza asks Empel and Lila for help with her research while a captive threat lingers nearby.
As Ryza rushes to rescue them, a familiar ally returns: Patricia, the steadfast swordsman. After Ryza, Patricia, and their friends free Empel and Lila, the trio joins the team to uncover the real danger behind these new islands and the shifting balance of their homeland.
Random quests and adventure base
The finale of this trilogy invites players to explore a strange island network and journey through diverse regions as a mysterious peril to home waters unfolds. Along the way, they will tackle and complete randomly generated quests, but a new type of mission emerges: World Quests. Completing these will reveal region-specific elements, yet some choices can alter the broader countryside and nearby areas, adding a layer of strategic consequence to exploration.
As exploration continues, cooking for Ryza and her friends becomes a core activity, with bonfires scattered across the land where the team can rest, triggering a shift in the time of day and influencing nearby enemies. The cooking system expands as players obtain recipes by finishing quests, boosting the group in meaningful ways and introducing new tactical options against tougher foes.
In addition, players can build their own Workshop to serve as a regional base. The workshop provides a variety of effects depending on the chosen building style, with three distinct types available: a research base for exploration, a farm for gathering resources, and a laboratory for synthesis.
Real-time tactical battles
Among familiar features like cooking and exploration, Atelier Ryza 3 introduces engaging real-time tactical battles with noticeably improved effects and presentation. A new transition system between battles and the use of keys delivers a smoother experience. The system allows continuous use of abilities and attacks, temporarily buffs a character, and reduces the cooldown on all actions to zero.
Players can select up to five of the eleven party members to fight as a unified team. Three members take front line positions while two stay in the back, enabling the streaming of varied abilities and substitutions. Some powerful bases react to teammates’ actions, and keys can be equipped in combat to help defeat the toughest enemies.
Evolved Synthesis System
Keys also power the game’s enhanced synthesis system, enabling Ryza to forge stronger items than ever before. Placing materials in a ring improves item quality and increases the number of creations. The new Link Morph ability adds effects that were previously impossible, while the Outstanding Attribute feature unlocks even mightier items. With these innovations, Ryza can craft exceptionally rare gear.
Technical superiority
Ryza 3 sharpens its technical presentation, with character models that look detailed and expressive and an expansive world that feels alive. Crafting stage direction and camera work continues to be a strong suit, with environments that look handcrafted and carefully framed. The soundtrack remains a hallmark of the Atelier series, ranging from serene melodies to intense battle themes. Hayato Asano’s distinctive style stands out in the combat tracks, while the overall score remains consistently recognizable and immersive.
Results
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is shaping up to be one of the strongest entries in this cherished JRPG line. The alchemy, combat dynamics, and technical refinements build on the already solid foundation of the prior game, delivering a brisk pace and a cohesive experience. The upgraded defense system integrates smoothly with a fluid synergy among systems and mechanics, culminating in a presentation that fans of role-playing games are likely to celebrate.
Title: Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key
Genre: RPG
Release Date: 03/24/2023
Platform: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PS5
Developer: Gust Studios
Producer: Koei Tecmo
Multiplayer: No
PEGI: +12
Price: Consult