This article was originally published in Italian on TheGamesMachine.it
Among the flagship titles of Gust and Koei Tecmo’s recent output, the entire Atelier Ryza trilogy returns to the spotlight with an expanded and refined re-release. The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a must for longtime fans of the alchemy-driven RPG saga filled with charming characters, but it’s also a perfect entry point for newcomers looking for a series that radiates “good vibes.”
It was back in 2019 when, on Kurken Island, Ryza and her closest friends saw their quiet everyday lives upended by the arrival of a mysterious alchemist and his stoic bodyguard. That encounter marked the beginning of a coming-of-age story where a group of young heroes embarked on a lighthearted yet emotionally grounded fantasy adventure.
Ryza’s journey is a timeless one: the tale of a spirited country girl who first earns her parents’ respect, then ventures into the big city, and eventually faces the responsibilities and uncertainties of adulthood. Across the trilogy—each chapter exploring her world of ancient ruins and arcane mysteries—the narrative constantly intertwines themes of growth and maturity while maintaining the upbeat tone typical of heartwarming adventures. The introspective focus on Ryza’s friendships and relationships adds emotional depth to what are still, at their core, tales of adventure and discovery. And as each new installment unfolds, the stakes naturally grow higher.
Everything we’ve said in the past about the individual games still holds true, and among them Atelier Ryza 3 clearly stands out as the most ambitious and content-rich entry. Released in 2023, its open-world exploration model and battle system blending action and turn-based elements make it the highlight of this collection. Still, that doesn’t mean the previous entries are any less worthy. Atelier Ryza 2, for example, also features a hybrid battle system—yes, you can even parry like in Clair Obscure—as well as large, explorable environments and a major shift in setting, moving from Ryza’s peaceful countryside hometown to the sprawling metropolis of Ashra-am Baird.
As expected, the first chapter, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout DX, may feel more modest compared to its sequels. It’s not a lesser entry by any means, but its production scale was clearly smaller at the time. This makes it the most traditionally “Atelier” of the three, with smaller maps, less intuitive menus, and a slower-paced combat system that still manages to hold up for the duration of the adventure.
It’s worth remembering that this is Atelier, where fighting monsters is secondary to what truly defines the experience: alchemy. As always, the crafting system remains central to the gameplay, though its mechanics evolve in each title. And while the first chapter may show its age more than the others, Ryza’s origin story remains absolutely worth experiencing.
The bundle includes all three enhanced entries in the Secret trilogy: Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout DX, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy DX, and Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key DX. These “Deluxe” versions are akin to the older “Plus” editions of past Atelier titles, packing in every paid and free DLC released over the years, all post-launch updates, and a few new additions. Fans and newcomers alike can therefore expect to experience the definitive versions of these three beloved RPGs, each of which can also be purchased individually.
The new content includes various quality-of-life improvements such as faster cutscenes, a photo mode, extra episodes that expand Ryza’s universe, and new playable characters for battle (though not integrated into the story, so don’t expect major changes). Alongside the countless costumes, the included DLC and free post-launch patches also add bonus difficulty levels and extra maps that fans are sure to enjoy.
Playing the trilogy back-to-back makes it easy to see how the Ryza series has gradually evolved toward a more action-oriented and exploration-driven design, with clearer interfaces and faster navigation—features available right from the start in the third game. In that sense, the first chapter remains the most traditional, yet it encapsulates everything fans love about Atelier. And considering how millions of players have fallen in love with Ryza’s world, it’s clear that Gust’s gamble on cozy, slice-of-life adventures has paid off.
Our testing on PC confirmed that the three games deliver a consistent experience comparable to their original versions. Performance isn’t dramatically improved, but it’s rock-solid on our setup. The graphical settings have been expanded following the model of the post-launch patches for the original games, offering support for up to 120fps, 4K resolution, mouse and keyboard controls, and scalable graphical effects. If we had to nitpick, the first game currently suffers from slightly longer loading times than the original release. Hopefully, this will be addressed with a day-one or post-launch patch.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack stands as a heartfelt and comprehensive celebration of the trilogy that redefined the modern face of the Atelier series. While it doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking changes, it succeeds brilliantly at offering three harmonized, polished, and content-rich experiences. With its sheer amount of included content and improved accessibility, it’s the perfect gateway to a world of alchemy and friendship. Minor technical issues aside—and with a first chapter that inevitably shows its age—this trilogy remains a bright, colorful, and genuinely uplifting journey, one that’s every bit as magical to rediscover as it was to experience the first time.
