Atelier Ryza 2

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy takes a deeper dive into the evolved synthesis system of its predecessor in newly-released information from developer by GUST Studios and publisher by KOEI TECMO.

Much like the first game, synthesis is a key part of Atelier Ryza 2, as it allows Ryza to take the raw materials she finds in the field and craft them into incredibly useful items for battle, gathering and exploration. The “Linkage Synthesis” system from Atelier Ryza has evolved with greater depth, enabling players to simply fill the Material Loops with the required ingredients to create everything from weapons and tools to medicine. In addition, the newly introduced “Essence” feature now allows players to alter the elemental trait of an item during synthesis, and by altering the essence of a Material Loop the final item can take on brand-new qualities. The “Evolution Link” takes things a step further, as players will now be able to combine two fully synthesized items together and, depending on the items thrown into the mix, might uncover an extraordinary new item.

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Following directly on the heels of the first game, Atelier Ryza 2 sees Ryza depart her peaceful hometown of Kurken Island to visit the bustling Royal Capital of Ashra-am Baird, setting up her own atelier shop while exploring the ancient ruins of the land. To uncover the mysteries that lurk within the ruins, Ryza will need to traverse her environment in entirely new ways — swinging, climbing, crawling, and even squeezing her way past a variety of obstacles. While some of these abilities may come easy to her, she’ll need the help of the mystical “Emerald Band” to allow her to swing across treacherous gaps, while the remarkable “Air Drops” allow her to dive underwater as Ryza looks to uncover areas with a wealth of materials perfect for synthesis.

While running her atelier, Ryza will reunite with her childhood friends Tao and Bos, while also meeting up with some new companions including the kind but reserved, Sherri Glaus; the aristocrat daughter studying under Tao, Partricia “Patty” Abelheim; Patty’s father and ex-knight to the royal family, Volker Abelheim; and the part treasure hunter part thief, Clifford Diswell.

Players who purchase Atelier Ryza 2 either physically or digitally within the first two weeks of release will receive an Early Purchase Bonus code for the Summer Fashion Costume Set. Those with save data from Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout will also be able to unlock the Classic Costume Set, including outfits for Ryza and her friends from the previous title.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy will launch across North America this winter for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Steam.

Leah McDonald
Leah's been playing video games since her brother first bought an Atari back in the 1980s and has no plans to stop playing anytime soon. She enjoys almost every genre of game, with some of her favourites being Final Fantasy Tactics, Shadow of the Colossus, Suikoden II and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Leah lives on the East Coast with her husband and son. You can follow Leah over on Twitter @GamingBricaBrac