Koei Tecmo is pretty close to revealing all there is to reveal about Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. It’s published videos about new characters, returning characters plus gameplay, and a general seven-minute look at the game. On DDNet’s side, Matt S. interviewed some of the talent on the development team. So what’s left? Well, there’s that great big hole screaming “story” – bits of it has been revealed, but now there’s an entire video dedicated to the game’s story.
It all started with 2019’s Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout. Her story continued with Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy. Now, it’s the final summer – and the final secret – for a rather grown-up Ryza and friends. Ryza and friends are living their best lives on Kurken Island when news of a mysterious islands appearing arrives. Of course, they set out to investigate. Ryza will need to find a way to save her island.
The game’s “stage” is a vast open field made up of maps that connect seamlessly, so players can move around without loading times. The story progresses by exploring four different regions, each with its own look. There is the largest number of party members in the series: 11. Ryza will reunite with characters from past games and meet new characters that are key to the story.
Speaking of keys, this game in particular features “keys” to make the adventure both more exciting and more convenient; players can use these keys to synthesize powerful items or boost character abilities while fighting. Keys can also unlock barrier and treasure chests, aiding in exploration.
Developed by Gust and published by Koei Tecmo, Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on March 23 (Japan) and March 24 (worldwide).