14 DAY TRIAL // The sequel to the critically-acclaimed Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout is coming out this winter in Europe and North America, publisher Koei Tecmo confirmed over the weekend. The epic JRPG was initially revealed in early July during Nintendo's Direct Mini event, but it's not coming just to Nintendo Switch.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy will be launched simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch later this year. Although we were hoping to see a better graphic engine being used for the series, there's no mention of the next-generation consoles.
The IP that established a genre, “alchemy RPG,” is coming back in less than six months, but to make the wait bearable, Koei Tecmo revealed some gameplay details about the upcoming game.
In Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy, Ryza will tackle an all-new adventure. The game is set three years after the first game and revolves around her journey to the Royal Capital of Ashra-am Baird, as she explores ancient ruins while seeking the truth behind the mystery of the lost legends.
For the first time in the history of the series, Ryza will able to learn a number of new skills to help her successfully navigate the dangers of her surroundings, including the ability to swim. This means that she will be able to discover and gather aquatic materials, as well as explore an underwater dungeon.
Some of Ryza's friends from the old gang are making a comeback for the sequel. The first of these old companions confirmed for Ryza 2 is Klaudia, the only daughter of a merchant family. She's been working in the Royal Capital, but all the while, thinking back to the adventure she had with Ryza three years prior.
Also joining Ryza this time around is a mysterious creature known as Fi. The creature doesn’t speak but is very expressive and full of emotion, bonding quickly with Ryza while helping her seek answers to the true meaning of the lost legends.
We're not sure how much the game will cost yet, but those who purchase a physical or digital copy of Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy during the first two weeks of release will receive an Early Purchase Bonus code for the Summer Fashion Costume Set.
In addition, gamers who have save data from Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout will be able to unlock the Classic Costume Set, including outfits for Ryza and her friends from the previous title.