Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is a fantastic game that finally manages to show off the development team’s capabilities when they’re given extra time, a bigger budget, and a little bit of breathing room. Every aspect of the project benefits from polish, and as the final game in the Secret series, Atelier Ryza 3 is the perfect send-off. The callbacks and relationships from the previous games grow and evolve, and it’s exciting to see these beloved characters find their place in the ever-expanding world. While I often say the latest Atelier game is the best Atelier game, it’s always true. This time, Gust have outdone themselves, and I simply cannot wait to see how they top this highly polished gem of a game.

Atelier Ryza 3 is Gust's most ambitious game, and a fitting finale for Ryza. Gust and Koei Tecmo have delivered better visuals and performance over the console versions on PC, but Ryza 3 unfortunately has some issues on Steam Deck at launch.

Despite the permanence of typical Atelier quirks, Atelier Ryza 3 is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy featuring some of the best the series has to offer. While this marks the end of Ryza’s journey as the heroine, her influence to this unique and charming franchise will be felt long after the credits have rolled.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is the pinnacle of the series and possibly one of the best Atelier games ever made. Its revolutionary open-world changes not only greatly improve the core gameplay experience, but also fill in the previously empty spaces of the game. The alchemy system in this game has also gained greater freedom due to the open world and key system. If you are a veteran of the series, you can easily skip the early game tutorial. New players can also gradually experience the joy of progressing and becoming stronger through the alchemy process.

This is easily Gust’s best Atelier game. Offering a fun and relaxing experience for those that want to craft and battle away, this is the best final chapter Ryza could ask for.

The finale of the Atelier Ryza Series. With the rejoin of the original scenario writer, both story and the system side of the game have been positively improved. In particular, the Seamless Field gives you a great taste of exploration, while the real-time turn-based action combat adds excitement to the progress.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key provides a poignant send-off for Gust’s audacious alchemist. Old friends convene and loyalties are tested, resulting in a payoff that rewards commitment to the trilogy. Despite some performance issues, the biggest reward is watching a matured Ryza make her way across an open world, expressing confidence and charisma that’s genuinely inspiring.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key is a great closing chapter for Ryza trilogy that is closer to the original game in spirit, and manages to fix some of the shortcomings of the second part.

Atelier Ryza 3 improves upon its predecessors in a warm sendoff to Ryza and friends.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key doesn't completely rewrite the series' rules, so much as expand and improve on them. It's still a relaxing traipse with Ryza and friends, but evokes a sense of nostalgia and hope for the future.