The Secret Series: Atelier Ryza 3 Review
Introduction
The Secret series was first introduced in late 2019 and has been well-received by both new players and series’ fans. Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key is the final installment in the trilogy, offering innovative combat mechanics, exquisite character designs, and a semi-open world format for players to explore.
The Storyline
The Mysterious Islands
Before Ryza’s graduation adventure begins, a group of mysterious islands suddenly appears near Kurken Island where Ryza and her companions reside, severely affecting the communication and trading routes between the island’s residents and civilizations outside the island. As the strongest alchemist on the island, Ryza sets out on another summer adventure with her friends to uncover the truth behind the events. During her journey, a mysterious voice repeatedly appears in Ryza’s mind, seemingly guiding her to bring a certain key to the ruins in the islands. During a synthesis, Ryza coincidentally creates the key, thereby gradually unlocking new powers and the truth behind the islands.
The Visual Presentation
Improved Graphics Quality
Atelier Ryza 3 has made significant improvements in the visual presentation of characters and objects in the game. With the graphics quality set to the maximum, players who have played previous games in the series may notice a more solid look to the game but may not be able to pinpoint the exact changes. Environmental objects like trees and large stones now have more polygons, which, when combined with improved lighting and shadow effects, makes the game feel more immersive. Additionally, the game has made subtle improvements in skin reflection, resulting in more visually appealing characters with smoother skin.
The Depth of Field (DOF) Setting
However, it is worth mentioning that the game’s depth of field (DOF) setting is not up to par, as it feels like a layer of mosaic over distant sceneries, which undermines the beauty of the game’s landscapes. Therefore, I recommend against turning on the DOF setting.
The Semi-Open World Format
The Exploratory Area
Atelier Ryza 3 features a semi-open world format with four major regions for players to explore. The seamless transitions between areas within each region present a smoother gameplay experience. Compared to previous installments, the exploratory area in Atelier Ryza 3 is unprecedentedly massive. With the increased map size comes more opportunities for map interactions, such as unlockable treasure chests, hidden spaces filled with treasures, various transporting devices, and the newly added camping system. In addition, Ryza and her companions can build a customizable base in each region, which are various ateliers that come with different effects.
The Quests
Different Types of Quests
Players in Atelier Ryza 3 are guided through the story by the presence of different quests. Apart from the main quests, the game also includes normal quests, character quests, and party quests. Additionally, random quests appear sporadically, and they require players to hunt monsters, gather materials, and synthesize them. Atelier Ryza 3 also introduces world quests that revolve around the distinct cultures or issues of each region.
The Combat System
The ATB Combat System
Continuing the unique ATB combat systems from the previous two games, Atelier Ryza 3 boasts a turn-based combat system that feels almost real-time. During battles, players can only control one character at a time, but can switch between them at any point. They can accumulate AP by using regular attacks and then spend them to trigger various powerful skills. Uncontrolled characters will fight on their own, either accumulating AP for the player in support mode or spending it to launch skill attacks in aggressive mode.
The Fifth Member in the Lineup
One major alteration to the game’s combat system is the inclusion of a fifth member in the lineup, enabling a “three in front, two in back” formation. This modification vastly expands the possibilities for players to exercise creativity during battle, providing more diverse skill combinations and strategies when facing different types of monsters. With a rich roster of 11 characters, each with their unique abilities, this game offers an exceptional combat experience for fans of the series.
The Synthesis System
The Super Traits
Atelier Ryza 3 has a synthesis system that is very similar to its predecessor. Players still collect various materials from exploration areas and synthesize them into desired forms. However, this game introduces “Super Traits”, which have more powerful effects than regular traits and can only be inherited directly from the raw materials to the synthesized product. The synthesis system in the Secret series is considerably simpler than other Atelier games, but it can still be challenging for beginners.
The Secret Keys System
The Key Modification System
Finally, the “Secret Keys” system is the core to the game’s story and builds upon all the previous mechanics. This new feature offers players various gameplay advantages and is divided into four different areas: equipment, combat, synthesis, and exploration. Players can create new keys by absorbing essences from various landmarks or monsters. In short, the key system adds variety to the gameplay, making it more diverse.
Conclusion
In general, Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key not only lives up to expectations as the final installment in the trilogy, but it also exceeds them with its improved graphics quality, semi-open world format, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this game.
FAQs
What is Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key?
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key is the final installment in the Atelier Ryza trilogy, offering innovative combat mechanics, exquisite character designs, and a semi-open world format for players to explore.
What is the combat system in Atelier Ryza 3?
Atelier Ryza 3 boasts a turn-based combat system that feels almost real-time. During battles, players can only control one character at a time, but can switch between them at any point. They can accumulate AP by using regular attacks and then spend them to trigger various powerful skills.
What is the synthesis system in Atelier Ryza 3?
Atelier Ryza 3 has a synthesis system that is very similar to its predecessor. Players still collect various materials from exploration areas and synthesize them into desired forms. However, this game introduces “Super Traits”, which have more powerful effects than regular traits and can only be inherited directly from the raw materials to the synthesized product.
What is the “Secret Keys” system in Atelier Ryza 3?
The “Secret Keys” system is the core to the game’s story and builds upon all the previous mechanics. This new feature offers players various gameplay advantages and is divided into four different areas: equipment, combat, synthesis, and exploration.
Is Atelier Ryza 3 worth playing?
In general, Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key not only lives up to expectations as the final installment in the trilogy, but it also exceeds them with its improved graphics quality, semi-open world format, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this game.
