Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy – Review Thread

Game Information

Game Title: Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Jan 26, 2021)
• Nintendo Switch (Jan 26, 2021)
• PC (Jan 26, 2021)
• PlayStation 4 (Jan 26, 2021)

Trailers:

Developer: Gust

Publisher: Koei Tecmo Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic – 83 average – 85% recommended – 39 reviews

Critic Reviews

33bits – Juanma F. Padilla – Spanish – 85 / 100

We can not say that with this installment the saga moves away from the niche where his comfort zone was or dare to look even you to you to the greats of the genre, because the base and the way of telling the story remain unchanged, but the production values and the care devoted to the game have made a clear leap. With this, not only fans of the saga are in luck, but many fans of the genre who were looking at the saga without knowing whether to dare to approach or not, can try this installment as the best opportunity to do so. Ryza 2 becomes, on its own merit, the best installment of this long-running saga.

Attack of the Fanboy – Diego Perez – 3.5 / 5 stars

While Atelier Ryza 2 doesn't do much to stand out other than its in-depth crafting system, the core joys of the genre are here. If you like JRPGs, you could do much worse than this.

But Why Tho? – LaNeysha Campbell – 9 / 10

Overall, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy delivers an exciting adventure JRPG game full of more action and adventure than the previous game. It brings back a majority of the original gameplay, making it accessible for newcomers and longtime fans of the game. In addition to bringing back a lot of the original gameplay, Atelier Ryza 2 also introduces new features that open up more movements and actions in the game that adds to the adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this game so much and could play it for hours on end. And for $59.99, it’s reasonably priced for the quality of the game you get.

COGconnected – Thi Chao – 84 / 100

Atelia Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy is a highly enjoyable JRPG. Returning fans of the series and new ones should be delighted. Ryza has an infectiously bright personality and her relationship with the other party members meshes well. The combat is fast, and the story is intriguing. The heavier focus on exploration, as well as alchemy, is a welcome change. If you haven’t played the original game in the series, I highly suggest that you do. But Atelier Ryza 2 takes most of the negatives from the first title and improves on them in a big way.

Cat with Monocle – Seth Hay – 4.25 / 5

Atelier Ryza 2 has most of the right pieces to make a charming RPG, from its characters and story to its gameplay mechanics. Whether you’ve played its predecessor or not, it’s well worth exploring the world of alchemy through Ryza’s eyes.

Chicas Gamers – Raúl Pinto – Spanish – Unscored

Atelier Ryza – Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a slightly chaotic turn-based JRPG prioritizes crafting alchemical items over everything else. During the play, we will take Ryza back on a well structured and fun adventure with enjoyable moments with our companions. It is a very beautiful game, but you denote its deficiencies in Switch because of the saw teeth and some texturing problems, although they are minor. In general, it's a very entertaining game that JRPG fans will like if they don't have any problems with English.

Console Creatures – Bobby Pashalidis – Recommended

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy is an excellent follow-up. Gust has improved on so many things that it's hard not to love this game or its characters but the various systems may be overwhelming for any newcomers.

Cultured Vultures – Thorne Stone – 7.5 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy has a personality all its own with fun crafting and flashy combat, but falls into common RPG pitfalls such as constant backtracking and tedious questing.

Destructoid – Adzuken – 7.5 / 10

I'm sort of in the same position as I was last time around: I enjoyed the experience, but I'm not exactly in a hurry to go out and pick up the rest of the series. If anything, I'll wait until the next opportunity I get to slip into Ryza's incredibly tight shorts. Given the series' typical pace, that will probably be in another year or so.

Digitally Downloaded – Matt Sainsbury – 5 / 5 stars

Gust's experiment with giving a beloved character a direct sequel has paid off. Anyone who enjoyed the first Atelier Ryza – and many place it right at the top of their series favourites for a reason – will love the subtle improvements that Gust has brought on board, without messing with the qualities that made the original so enjoyable. It has also been nice to play an Atelier that isn't also a coming of age story, and while Ryza isn't my favourite character in the series, the two-game arc that Gust has given her has given us one of the finest female heroes across all JRPGs. Atelier is really pushing into the upper echelons of JRPGs now, and I'm quite confident that the next game in the series will continue to build on the brilliant achievement of Ryza and its sequel (can we go back to more traditional Atelier protagonists with the next one though, please, Gust?).

GameSkinny – Joshua Broadwell – 9 / 10 stars

Atelier Ryza 2 improves on the original in almost every way and, despite a few stumbling points, proves Gust is still one of the best at making something magical out of ordinary things.

Gamer Escape – Josh McGrath – 8 / 10

While the question remains if Gust will stick with this formula when they eventually move away from titles staring Ryza, I personally hope they continue to revise and refine this model. If Ryza 1 caught my interest, then Ryza 2 definitely has my attention.

Gamer Guides – Ben Chard – 7.5 / 10

Gust have spent a little longer than they usually do with Atelier Ryza 2 and the game is much improved over the first in nearly every way.

Gamers Heroes – Johnny Hurricane – 80 / 100

While Atelier Ryza 2 won't set your world on fire, it does serve as comfort food for JRPG fans looking for a fix. However, those who aren't fans of the genre should stay far, far away.

Gamersky – 深夜诗人老阿吽 – Chinese – 8.3 / 10

After the predecessor set up a huge sale with the beauty of Rysa, this sequel did not intend to make quick money or be perfunctory. The more interesting gameplay design has brought me a lot of different experiences. The process of collecting clues in the maze and piecing together the grand story behind the ruins made me addicted to it.

God is a Geek – Lyle Carr – 8.5 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy is a lighthearted JRPG, with an incredibly compelling gameplay loop of crafting and leveling up.

Hardcore Gamer – Chris Shive – 3.5 / 5

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy revisits Ryza and some of her friends as they deal with some of the challenges in entering adulthood.

Heavy – Elton Jones – 9 / 10

Ryza’s new onfield actions, the improved battle mechanics, and the deeper alchemy systems also impress in this quality sequel. Minor annoyances tied to the map layout and the more complex features attached to the alchemy system hamper the game’s overall experience a bit. But all in all, Ryza’s return is a lighthearted pleasure that is entertaining from start to finish.

Hey Poor Player – Kenny McKee – 4 / 5

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout was a great start, and Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy does an excellent job, for the most part, of building on what was already there. Is it perfect? No, it’s not. But that’s okay. Looking past the fact that this, plain and simple, is a fun game, Atelier Ryza 2 once again keeps my faith alive in GUST being on the mend. I don’t know if there’s going to be an Atelier Ryza 3, but I hope that there will be. And if there is, then I know that it will be even better than the two wonderful games that have made up the trilogy so far.

Just Push Start – Mark Fajardo – 4 / 5

Overall, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is what you'd expect from a sequel. It builds on the base, continues Ryza's adventure, and holds true to what players love about the franchise. The performance boost found on the PlayStation 5 is welcome, as is the more dynamic gameplay, though it is still going to be an adventure that appeals to that specific demographic. If that is fine, odds are you'll have a blast seeing what the future holds for Ryza, whereas everyone else might want to sit this one out.

LadiesGamers.com – Yvonne van Geloven – Loved

With Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy Gust and Koei Tecmo have delivered again. This new game can be played on its own, though you’ll have to learn a lot to master it all in a short time. For me, there’s never a dull moment in the game and I love the new additions like the Exploration Diary.

You won’t be surprised that Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is the best of the best for me.

MonsterVine – Nick Mangiaracina – 3.5 / 5

Ryza 2 does little to break the mold, but what it does do is polish the existing formula.

NintendoWorldReport – Jordan Rudek – 8 / 10

The slow beginning of the first Ryza game is remedied somewhat here, and the ability to fast-travel from anywhere to almost anywhere else is pure bliss. The story's lighter fare, doubly so for the side quests, won't appeal to everyone, but the solid battle system, intuitive but deep crafting system, and decent overall gameplay loop were all enough to hold my attention and then some. Even though the concoction might not have come out perfect, it absolutely Ryza's to the occasion.

Noisy Pixel – Azario Lopez – 9 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy takes everything good about the first entry and expands on it tenfold. There's a significant focus on exploration in this entry that makes it feel like a real adventure with limited backtracking and more emphasis and discovery. The battle system is amazing and fluid, if only lacking inaccessibility for its more nuanced systems, and the narrative features relatable moments of reuniting with friends for one more adventure.

PSX Brasil – Thiago de Alencar Moura – Portuguese – 95 / 100

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a great JRPG and an excellent sequel to one of the most loved and entertaining titles of this generation. Its exploration and combat work well and further elevate a well-constructed narrative that should appeal to fans of the previous title.

PlayStation Universe – Garri Bagdasarov – 8 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy improves many of the flaws from the original game while carving out its own identity. Ryza and her companions are some of the best this franchise has seen. With a bigger focus on story, combat, and character progression, Atelier Ryza 2 feels more like an overall RPG experience rather than just a crafting simulator. It's not a perfect game by any means and it does suffer from some issues but they in no way hamper the overall experience.

RPG Site – 9 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2 expands upon the first games formula in some smart ways, and improves upon nearly every aspect of its design.

Reno Gazette-Journal – Jason Hidalgo – 9 / 10

It’s time for some alchemical romance once again as Atelier Ryza 2 builds on the positive elements of its predecessor while also addressing previous issues. A skill tree helps make crafting more intuitive while improved map design and new field actions make exploration seem like an actual adventure. Combat is also more enjoyable thanks to even more opportunities to chain actions. Side quests can be fetchy and the game still has its share of chores that feel like busywork. Overall, though, Atelier Ryza 2 is an improved and polished follow-up that’s even better than the original.

Spaziogames – Gianluca Arena – Italian – 7.7 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2 is satisfied to offer more of the same gameplay from the first title, with marginal improvements over the game published last year. It's still a good JRPG but, unlike its predecessor, plays it a little too safe.

Switching Worlds – Hooshan Torabi – 8.5 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy more-or-less does what the sequel should be. We're on another adventure in the Ryza universe with refinements, returning with Ryza herself and the crew, no less. I can see how certain features being streamlined, such as synthesizing, may be seen as toned down for long-time players, but it just feels better. Atelier is probably too wholesome for its own good, as often the obvious and expected are just that, but I wouldn't want it any other way. Ryza 2 provides some new mechanics that leaves one wondering about future improvements and is enough to enjoy embarking on a new adventure. (Even though Fi was largely annoying for most of the game).

TechRaptor – Kate Mitchell Jewett – 9 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2 is an excellent entry in an item-crafting focused JRPG series. It improves on its predecessor via quality-of-life improvements, more in-depth character interactions and a sprawling story. Plus, it's absolutely adorable!

The Games Machine – Gabriele Barducci – Italian – 8 / 10

A new chapter of Ryza's saga, Atelier Ryza 2 improves the combat system with the interesting Item Rush mechanic. Its longevity is also very good thanks to a wide veriety of activities, but those looking for a challenge might be disappointed by its difficulty. All in all, Atelier Ryza 2 is a game that shows the care and love that went into its making.

TheSixthAxis – Miguel Moran – 9 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a significant shift for the series, being the first-ever direct sequel with a returning protagonist in all of Atelier. While this isn't a perfect entry point for newcomers, Atelier Ryza 2 builds on every aspect of the previous game flawlessly. Even with some minor hiccups, the immersive exploration systems and addictive combat are top-notch. The gorgeous visuals and comfy music are just as much of a delight, but the best piece of the puzzle is the relatable narrative about growth and friendship that I won't soon forget. A highlight of the Atelier series, and an absolute must-play.

TrustedReviews – Jade King – 4 / 5 stars

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends and the Secret Fairy is a brilliant sequel that expands upon everything that made the original great, while forging a path forward that can be further expanded upon in the trilogy's final chapter.

Video Chums – A.J. Maciejewski – 8.6 / 10

Although I still prefer the original, Atelier Ryza 2 is a wonderful experience that fans of the first game will love. It may be a confusing journey at times but the amount of wonder and charm throughout make persevering consistently feel rewarding.

WayTooManyGames – Leonardo Faria – 6.5 / 10

Don’t think Atelier Ryza 2 is a bad game. There are lots of good things in it, in fact. The problem is that I was expecting more from a game with a full-fledged Playstation 5 build. With the exception of the fast loading times, the game doesn’t take advantage of the system’s hardware, resulting in a game that looks dated and runs as well as what I would expect from its Switch port.

WellPlayed – Kieron Verbrugge – 8 / 10

This sequel to an already-decent entry in the Atelier franchise makes improvements in just about every area, giving fans good reason to reunite with Ryza and pals for another alchemy-filled adventure

Worth Playing – Chris "Atom" DeAngelus – 7.8 / 10

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy might not be ambitious, but if you enjoy Atelier titles, it's a solid and engaging experience. It's basically the original Ryza title, only larger and more polished. The Atelier franchise usually keeps things fresh with a new protagonist and cast for every game, but with the full cast from the original title, Ryza 2 can sometimes feel like a repeat of the previous adventure. This isn't bad, since the original Ryza was fun and the gameplay is solid, but it can sometimes feel a touch too familiar.

cublikefoot – Chase Ferrin –

Atelier Ryza 2 is a worthwhile follow-up to the original. The combat, crafting, and exploration was already great in the original, but are even better here even, if the story is not quite as good.