Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

The travels of everyone's favorite alchemist come to an end in Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, the latest in the long-running RPG franchise. Join Ryza and her friends as they embark on a final journey to investigate the emergence of some mysterious islands surrounding their continent.

The Atelier series has always been known for two things: easy-to-understand RPG mechanics, and cute anime girls. If you like both of those, you'll be pleased to know that Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key has them in spades.

A Long Journey

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key marks many firsts for the Atelier series. While the franchise has always been known for its variety – both in characters and storytelling, this will be the first time that a single protagonist has been the lead in three separate Atelier games.

Additionally, unlike other games in the series (like the phenomenal Atelier Lina: The Alchemist of Strahl,) Atelier Ryza 3 will also continue the trilogy's tradition of having a linear story with just one ending to pursue.

The Same Charm

One thing that's remained unchanged throughout Ryza's trilogy is that the characters are some of the most lovable ones we've seen in the entire Atelier series – and that's not easy to say.

Atelier Ryza 3 keeps the same lighthearted tone as its predecessors but also presents the characters four years after the first Atelier Ryza game. This means that Ryza and her friends are decidedly more mature this time around, which gives a sense of natural growth to the world the characters inhabit.

Sure, the game might not have the emotional appeal of something like Chrono Trigger, but it doesn't need to. The Atelier series has always been a predominantly casual gaming experience, with some of the most basic mechanics we've ever seen in a JRPG.

If you've played any other game in the series, then Atelier Ryza 3 will hold very few surprises for you in its gameplay. The only notable exception is the new "Keys" Ryza can gather and use during her travels, which give her access to new powers and abilities.

Improved Gathering

Collecting and gathering have always been part of Atelier Ryza's core gameplay mechanics, and Atelier Ryza 3 improves on them in almost every way imaginable. There's a much more detailed focus on exploration in this game, with the player now being able to swim and soar to collect new materials.

The selection of rideable animals has also been vastly expanded, giving Ryza and her parties access to more ways to traverse the game's vast open world. Speaking of which, the new map looks impressive.

Not only is the world of Atelier Ryza 3 brimming with wildlife and new places to discover, but the new visuals and improved character animations make this the ultimate Atelier experience when it comes to visuals.

Pros

• Gorgeous open world to explore
• Adorable characters with outstanding voice acting
• Gathering and collecting stuff has been streamlined

Cons

• Combat can feel too easy, to the point of being boring at times