Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout Reviews
Gust has done a brilliant job of taking this long-running franchise and making it appeal to the mainstream more than ever here and, if you’ve ever been tempted to give the world of Atelier a try, this is a perfect jumping-on point.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is the best entry point for newcomers to the Atelier series.
The best thing that can be said of Atelier Ryza is that it is accessible. Down to its core it is meant to be enjoyed by new players or by series veterans who might be looking for a nice light addition to the franchise.
Even if you’ve never played an Atelier game before, Atelier Ryza is one worth jumping into.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout has been a fun addition to the Atelier series. As a game that focuses on crafting, it has a wonderful crafting system. At the same time, it does not skip on the RPG and elements and questing. This was my first real playthrough of an Atelier game. With a great story and a deep crafting system and casual playstyle, it has been a joy to play.
All in all, Atelier Ryza is a welcome breath of fresh air for the series with its overhauling of core mechanics, as well as its visuals – which look better than ever. This is yet another excellent game in the series, and makes me feel like Gust is thinking of ways to refine the formula even more.
Atelier Ryza is a great starting point for the series for those who have yet to bite the bullet. It kicks off a new saga and changes the formula enough to keep veterans of the series interested as well as attract a new crowd. If you're thinking of buying a relaxing JRPG on your console of choice to unwind after a long day, this is the title to pick up.
It will keep you busy for hours trying to craft better gear and foraging throughout the map for that much-needed material. Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is a cutesy, time-consuming monster for the Switch, and it's worth getting.
While keeping most of the series traditions, Atelier Ryza manages to stay fresh by making just enough changes to its gameplay that it doesn't outstay its welcome. This might not be the best game in the series, but it is one of the most enjoyable ones.
With Atelier Ryza, Gust took some risks, and it definitely paid off: this is, in our opinion, the best entry of the franchise so far, thanks to a quicker battle system and improved alchemy one. Don't miss it if you fancy the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Overall I came away from Atelier Ryza very impressed and I think longtime fans and newcomers will be very happy with this game. The change to a more real-time combat system is good choice to me as it made battles far more engaging. Likewise some of the changes to the alchemy system make it more approachable to series newcomers while still having depth for those who are into this franchise. The graphics are beautiful and the story was satisfying despite taking a bit to get going. A few things here and there can be improved but overall this is an excellent new entry in this long running JRPG series.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout feels like a massive step backward, both in terms of gameplay and story. Although GUST attempted to inject some real-world themes into this tale, it's unfortunately just more of the same.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is a game that may not go down in history, but it does its job: to propose an interesting story alongside the alchemy so normal in the saga. It is a perfect game for all those new to the saga, as it offers certain new aspects. However, I'm sure the traditional player will also like it, as it's, above all, a very solid game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you can look past its obvious pacing issues – and some of its more gratuitous character designs – Atelier Ryza is a solid slice of JRPG comfort food that goes down easy and might just leave you asking for more. If you’re part of that in-group – and you likely know if you are – you’re in for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
It's a refreshing change of pace from moody protagonists saving the world from unambiguously evil villains. While I like to poke fun at fashion issues like Ryza's butt hungrily devouring her shorts, I had fun with Atelier Ryza. It's not quite enough to get me to run out and pick up the rest of the series, but if I'm ever in the mood for some more anime crafting hijinks, I'll probably give them a look.
Though it may require a bit of patience to get to the sweet stuff, Atelier Ryza is a wholesome and addicting experience that RPG fans will gleefully gulp down, even if they've never dabbled with the Atelier franchise before. Thanks to the strong visuals and countless gameplay features, now is the best time to jump in on this niche series, which may end up becoming much more recognizable thanks to this latest solid entry.
When all is said and done, Atelier Ryza offers a magical, slow-paced, feast for the eyes that isn’t lacking in heart.
Atelier Ryza is a journey about making the best of the here and now, and it is beautiful to behold for it. I felt incredibly engaged every step of the way, wanting to see the game through. I hope that this is the beginning of an engrossing new trilogy.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout changes quite a few mechanics around for the better and its charming protagonist help a slow starting story pull together.
With bright sunny visuals and a humble slice-of-life story. Atelier Ryza is pure gaming chill.