Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack brings the full Atelier Ryza trilogy together with improved features in a new release. This is especially important for Switch 2, which is finally getting several native Atelier games after past entries were limited on the original Switch. The package does not only offer gameplay improvements, but also includes all post launch DLC along with some new content. The drawback is that there is no upgrade option for players who already own the original releases, making the price feel high for returning fans.
The game includes many quality of life improvements beyond simply adding DLC. Visuals have been updated, and other changes include expanded storage, a refined UI, a photo mode, and smoother controls for mechanics like riding mounts. The DLC lineup is large, though it does not add story content, and mainly offers cosmetic items. The main strength remains the updated gameplay and quality of life upgrades, which make this trilogy a better experience than the original versions.
Each game in the series has been improved in its own way and now includes some new content, even if the additions are small. These updates blend naturally into the main story and help connect the plot across all three entries. Each game adds new side stories and playable characters that tie closely into the trilogy. The main narrative follows the coming of age journey of Reisalin “Ryza” Stout, told across different stages of her life. Each sequel jumps ahead in time, and this new Deluxe edition tries to fill in some of the moments that happen between those gaps.
The first game plays like a warm coming of age story about friendship as Ryza and her group set off on their first big adventure. They learn the basics of alchemy and uncover hidden truths about their island. Ryza grows as a character over the entire trilogy, and her development feels smooth when the games are played back to back. The second game leans more into familiar anime style themes, but it is still enjoyable. The third entry continues this trend, taking place after another time skip and building on the events of Ryza 2. The story remains fun, but playing all three games in a row can become tiring, so it is not something I would suggest.
For players who already finished the original releases, the new story additions and gameplay tweaks may not be enough to justify a full replay. If you are only curious about the added scenes, watching them online may be a better choice. The issue is not just the price but also the length. Each game takes around 30 hours to finish if you focus on the main story alone. There is plenty of content here, but it can start to feel repetitive, especially for anyone who recently completed the entire trilogy.
For fans of the Atelier franchise, this trilogy stands as one of the strongest entries the series has ever seen. The cast is very easy to like, and Ryza remains one of the most popular leads in the entire lineup. The gameplay is engaging and can even become addictive. The loop of gathering resources, fighting enemies, and using everything in alchemy feels well built and rewarding. It is also satisfying to watch the characters grow throughout the story as they move past their teenage years and become more mature.
The story feels refreshing because it avoids world ending stakes and focuses instead on smaller, personal moments. The world is bright and pleasant to explore, with colorful areas full of interesting NPCs and locations. Anyone who has not tried the series before will likely find this an ideal place to start, as it shows what the Atelier games do best. Combat is also more polished now, with a custom combat mode that lets players practice at their own pace. While I am not usually a fan of photo modes, this one gives players a way to save moments they enjoy.
The PC version runs on a wide range of hardware, and I tested it on the Steam Deck. It does not hit a steady 60 FPS, but performance is acceptable for handheld play, landing near the Switch 2 target of 30 FPS and sometimes a bit higher. The first game has a number of loading screens, which can get annoying, but this improves in the sequels. The new content is somewhat uneven, but the original story and characters remain the strongest part of the package.
Ultimately, what matters here is whether you are new to the trilogy or someone thinking about giving it another try. The lack of an upgrade option or save transfer makes this package a tough sell for anyone who already played or owned the original games. It is much better suited for newcomers who were curious about the series. In that case, the price is fair because there is a large amount of content included. It remains a strong JRPG trilogy with mechanics that still feel different from what most games offer today.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Game Information
- Price: $89.99
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
- Developer: Gust
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
