Atelier Ryza 3 Release Date Delayed to March 24
Atelier Ryza 3 was announced to be delayed a month. This is so the team can create the perfect sendoff for the main character Ryza and her friends.
In his apology letter, Hosoi explains that there have been challenges in creating the best version of the title. The shift into a vast open world instead of having a series of interconnected areas, in particular, is one such challenge that was mentioned.
Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is the third and final entry into the “Secret” Atelier series. It follows the titular Ryza as she discovers her ownsecret hideoutin the first game, and encounterssecret fairiesin the second. This time, she obtains powerful Keys that will have varying and potent effects on her Alchemy.
It looks like this time around, the Key items can be used as a reagent in Alchemy Synthesis or even as a powerup in battle. The keys will also be used in general exploration and ingredient gathering, as they will open up otherwise inaccessible pathways, doors, and chests.
Happy island life has been suddenly and violently abrupt for Ryza and her friends on Kurken Island. Seemingly out of nowhere, a new group of islands spring forth from the ocean, looming just over the horizon. As now experienced adventurers, Ryza and company thus set off to seek the mysteries of the new landmasses and to ensure the safety of her home.
The stage has been extended, quite literally, in Atelier Ryza 3. Instead of having large areas connected by pathways and loading screens, the team at Koei Tecmo is trying something different. New to the series is a large open world. This will allow seamless exploration that will include no loading screens whatsoever. Ryza can now run (or ride!) through various areas without interruption (except whenever she may get distracted by an ingredient, or two).
Freedom is the name of the game here, and there will be tons to see. There will be a total of four major regions in Atelier Ryza 3, and each will have its own distinct look and feel.
Of course, the Atelier series has always been about the main character and the connections they build along the way and this is no different in Atelier Ryza 3. There will be a total of 10 companions to choose from, bringing the playable character count to 11 (including Ryza herself). This number in itself is a high point for the series, as no other game has had a roster this large before.
There will be both old and new characters in Atelier Ryza 3. Some of them even come as far back as the first game, Atelier Ryza and the Secret Hideout. Some friends truly are forever.
Atelier Ryza 3 is not yet available for prepurchase, nor do digital storefronts list a price point just yet. The physical versions on Amazon though do list a price tag of $59.99 which is quite standard. Eventually, a “Premium Box” will be available, which seems to be a physical collector’s edition. This comes with artbooks, a keychain, character art, a poster, and more.
The game’s official site though does mention an “Early Purchase” bonus. It looks like this will be available to players for up to two weeks after the release. This bonus comes with a set of 7 costumes for various characters.
Aside from that, players who’ve played the previous Ryza games and still have their save game data intact can get even more alternate looks. Those who played The Secret Hideout will get the “Hidden Summer” costume set of 5. Players of Atelier Ryza 2 will get the “Summer of Love” set which has 6 costumes in total. And finally, those who played Atelier Sophie 2 will get the “Alchemist of Mysterious Dreams” costume just for Ryza.
Auberon
Writer at Fextralife. I really like vanilla ice cream.