Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 114
  3. Negative: 13 out of 114
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  1. jaymz1970
    Oct 29, 2019
    10
    apparently jerks are trying to review bomb this because of the eye candy in game. really fun game, beautiful areas, alchemy is also very entertaining.
    first in series I've bought.
    noticed it BECAUSE of the eye candy, its not a bad thing, really sad people who have a problem with it..
  2. beautifulforest
    Jan 15, 2022
    10
    If you plan to play Ryza games, be sure to start with this one. Both good games but the story is better in the first game imo.
  3. Noughter
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    I have only played Atelier Sophie and Atelier Rorono up until now so i am no expert but for me Atelier Ryza tops those Games easily. The game really grabbed me from beginning to end and even became one of my favourite games this year.

    It got the best alchemy system of the atelier games i played, amazing characters and a really interesting story. Also the World Design is so much better    I have only played Atelier Sophie and Atelier Rorono up until now so i am no expert but for me Atelier Ryza tops those Games easily. The game really grabbed me from beginning to end and even became one of my favourite games this year.

    It got the best alchemy system of the atelier games i played, amazing characters and a really interesting story. Also the World Design is so much better than i exspected and even the combat tho it gets some getting used to, felt really fresh and engaging.

    The only problem i had is that you need to finish the game to play it on the 2 highest difficulty levels so it is a bit easy on the first playthough (except the final Boss). But all in all i can only recommend this game especially if you like the atelier series    … Expand
  4. Realisa
    Nov 7, 2019
    10
    10/10 Thiccness and those Thighs... :o
    for real tho, it's a good game, ignore the salty negative reviews, if you like JRPG's then you will like this
  5. epicarrow7
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    good game reminds me of old rpg games, the best thing is that it comes with nice details and interesting combat dynamics and game optimization is fine
  6. TalionSwift
    Oct 31, 2019
    9
    This game so far is great! I really like the new way they took the combat, and pretty cool take on the ATB system. The updated / streamlined way they handled the alchemy I'm enjoying. And right now I'm pretty addicted to it, I played a solid 8 hours the other day and wanted to keep going. the story is pretty solid so far and the characters are pretty good, about 14 -15 hours in so far I'mThis game so far is great! I really like the new way they took the combat, and pretty cool take on the ATB system. The updated / streamlined way they handled the alchemy I'm enjoying. And right now I'm pretty addicted to it, I played a solid 8 hours the other day and wanted to keep going. the story is pretty solid so far and the characters are pretty good, about 14 -15 hours in so far I'm curious to see where the story ends up. The one thing I'll take a point off for is the lack of an English dub it just makes me sad, hopefully with the new found success this particular entry Is having they will have the money to include one next time. I miss my Atelie dubs : -( .… Expand
  7. wusscake
    Nov 4, 2019
    9
    This is my first Atelier game. After 15 hours of playing and looking at every aspect that is not Ryza's thighs, I feel I can say this game is worth the $60 price tag, and in this age of gaming, that's not something I say often. Combat so far is rather repetitive even on hard, but the tougher enemies can bash your teeth in if you aren't properly geared and utilize proper combat.This is my first Atelier game. After 15 hours of playing and looking at every aspect that is not Ryza's thighs, I feel I can say this game is worth the $60 price tag, and in this age of gaming, that's not something I say often. Combat so far is rather repetitive even on hard, but the tougher enemies can bash your teeth in if you aren't properly geared and utilize proper combat.

    Alchemy in this game is overwhelming at first, but fortunately you can just auto synthesize everything and click the "high quality" option for the first good chunk of the game until you learn it better, since your gear will be replaced before too long anyways. Just make sure the auto synth isn't doing anything silly, like using natural cloth to make natural cloth, or pointlessly using your super rare materials for a very minor increase in quality.

    Game isn't perfect; dialogue could be a bit better and the banter gets repetitive at times, but fortunately you have a skip feature to skip any dialogue option you find boring, like Ryza's side quests with the old lady in town. With a unique combat system, a crafting system that grants plenty of freedom, and a variety of party members to choose, it allows for some versatile gameplay that's fun and keeps you on your toes.    … Expand
  8. DingoOnMy40
    Nov 1, 2019
    8
    Great visuals runs great Easier than the other Atelier games in the past but still enjoyable. A solid new entry for people that want to jump in an Atelier game. Less frustrating time management system gives newcomers the change to explore, experiment new crafting techniques. A more intense turn-based combat system that will keep you on your toes vast areas to explore, collecting items forGreat visuals runs great Easier than the other Atelier games in the past but still enjoyable. A solid new entry for people that want to jump in an Atelier game. Less frustrating time management system gives newcomers the change to explore, experiment new crafting techniques. A more intense turn-based combat system that will keep you on your toes vast areas to explore, collecting items for crafting is even easier than before giving you a chance to craft items without looking for a specific item. I would give it a higher score if the game was a little more difficult. I finished it much quicker than any of the other games in this series. Looking forward to a sequel since most of the Atelier games are Trilogy.… Expand
  9. sohronery
    May 3, 2022
    9
    Most engaging Atelier game in the series. Definitely recommend it as a fluff and relaxing jrpg
  10. Steyraus
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    This series has grown dramaticly in sales popularity and quality, probally due to western developers , intelionally making their games unappealing to men, by useing unattractive characters and censoring fan service.. Ryza is by far the most Ambitious Atelier games and alot of fun.
  11. aosan
    Aug 20, 2020
    9
    This game is so relaxing. I didn’t expect to be drawn into a game in which crafting is one of the important things in the game. This game showed me that gathering and crafting stuff out can be fun.
    Cool game, I like it.
  12. PlatypusMage
    Jun 26, 2020
    9
    GLORIOUS THIGHS!

    Now that I've got that out of my system, Ryza is a fantastic entry in the Atelier series. It features fun, quick-paced combat (with a very interesting system, to boot) mixed with a highly-advanced crafting system that elevates the series standard to new heights. The characters, as always, are fantastic, especially Ryza herself. Lent is another favorite, especially    GLORIOUS THIGHS!

    Now that I've got that out of my system, Ryza is a fantastic entry in the Atelier series. It features fun, quick-paced combat (with a very interesting system, to boot) mixed with a highly-advanced crafting system that elevates the series standard to new heights.

    The characters, as always, are fantastic, especially Ryza herself. Lent is another favorite, especially because of his backstory and how it affects his character. Gotta say, though, it's pretty funny that all the media's negative attention went to Ryza's thighzas, when Lila's outfit is waaaay more stripperific. Not a criticism, just a comment~

    A lackluster (or even an outright bad) story can certainly be saved by its characters, and while I'd never call this game's plot bad, I WILL say that the Atelier franchise puts more effort on its characters than the story. If you want high adventure and epic battles of good vs. evil, play Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest or Tales. Atelier does things differently: the final boss of this game is certainly BAD and NEEDS to be defeated, but it's hardly a "villain" and more like a wild animal that needs to be put down... after turning the difficulty down, because it's hard and I'm a pansy. Again, this isn't a problem, but it's something that future players should note.

    Atelier Ryza is a fantastic game... when it's started. The prologue made me wanna tear my hair out, frankly. I KNOW you need to teach me these things, game, but PLEASE DO IT FASTER.

    All in all, a WONDERFUL experience, but you should know what you're getting into.    … Expand
  13. fcarreira10
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun playing a relaxing and easy going game like that. It’s a JRPG, but it is also a slice of life experience, where you will find characters that you easily relate with. I really like the battle system, it’s very easy to learn but you do need to have an strategy in order to win. I have spent HOURS, DAYS just working on my materials gathering andI can’t remember the last time I had so much fun playing a relaxing and easy going game like that. It’s a JRPG, but it is also a slice of life experience, where you will find characters that you easily relate with. I really like the battle system, it’s very easy to learn but you do need to have an strategy in order to win. I have spent HOURS, DAYS just working on my materials gathering and synthesis, as I find it so addicting. I recommend this game for anyone of any age. Also if you are only starting with RPGS or JRPGS, this game is great for starters, it’s made for you.… Expand
  14. Nimesin
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    Nothing to dislike about this game. Amazing for the genre. It was a pleasure going through it and immediately after bought the second because I didn't want it to end.
  15. Allexeioftheros
    Apr 23, 2023
    9
    Made me feel nice and calm. After a stressful day it's a nice way to unwind. Really cool combat system and alchemy system. Plus, the characters are very likable, even the least likable ones turn out to be interesting as well.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Pure Playstation
    Apr 28, 2021
    80
    Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness And The Secret Hideout refines some of the series’ classic gameplay pillars without abandoning the core experience that fans love. Although a little more mature than past games, it’s a great adventure that manages to stay upbeat and challenging. It has earned a sequel, and I’m excited to play that one as well.
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  2. GameCritics
    Apr 2, 2020
    90
    Atelier Ryza knows that it’s the start of a new franchise, and it ends with the promise of more to come. It’s dangerous to assume that the developers can keep up this level of quality, but after getting through the story and a robust assortment of side quests, I’m as excited about as I was after completing Atelier Sophie. Ryza isn’t the best in the series, but it certainly has the potential to be the jumping-off point for the best trilogy yet.
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  3. ZTGD
    Feb 12, 2020
    75
    In a bid to move the series forward towards a new direction, Atelier Ryza presents a new exciting combat engine and one of the best takes on alchemy yet, but falters with its plodding pace and a cast of forgettable characters.
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