The beautiful role-playing game follows the exploits of teenage tomboy Ryza, who dreams of escaping her mundane village lifestyle, alongside her band of mischievous friends. One day, as they explore a forbidden island in search of adventure, they meet an elderly magician who will change their lives forever. After some convincing, the old man begins teaching Ryza the enchanting ways of alchemy; launching her on an adventure that will ultimately lead her on a quest to save her hometown from the mysterious and deadly darkness lurking beneath the surface.

In order to showcase the vibrant environments surrounding Ryza, GUST Studios instituted more realistic shadows; giving birth to a world that feels more expansive and filled with life. In addition, the fantastical depictions of the game’s colorful characters continue ­– pushing the series forward with a mix of both new and familiar visual sparkle.

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout also introduces RPG fans to an all-new evolved synthesis program that enables alchemists to visually have a better understand of the effects of synthesis. Additionally, the system allows everyone to not only enjoy the experience of developing recipes, but the ability to use the innovative creation system to gather items in the field using various tools -- different tools uncover different items at the same location -- before crafting unique items never before seen in the series.

Throughout her journey, Ryza will rely upon her newfound powers of synthesis; creating items which will help her overcome any obstacle in her path, including the powerful new threat facing her beloved hometown. In fact, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout features a completely revamped synthesis interface, which clearly displays the required materials and effects that can be added to items at a glance. This new ‘Linkage Synthesis’ system features a fixed number of cells that players can unlock via strategic item placement – extending a variety of different results imbued onto the final product depending on the way the cell branches. Special change recipe cells can also be uncovered to unlock new recipes, enabling aspiring alchemists to experiment with different items while discovering exciting new results.

The new ‘Item Rebuild’ process then allows for these created items to be used again during synthesis. Rebuilding an item offers the chance to make it stronger than it was originally built – the more times an item is rebuilt, the more superior it will become. However, rebuilding an item also causes the amount of dexterity required to increase, limiting the amount of characters who will be able to us them. Choosing between item strength and ease of use is now vital when planning battle strategies.

In addition to the synthesis system information, a charming new trailer for Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout was also released; along with various images of some of the colorful characters Ryza will meet on her journey including: close childhood friends, Lent and Tao; the courageous merchant’s daughter, Klaudia; the protector of Rasenboden Village, Agatha; the mysterious wandering alchemist, Empel; the cool and composed wandering warrio, Lila; and the young sprit, Kilo.

A special limited-edition version of the game will also be available through the NIS America online store.

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PC (Steam) on October 29, 2019.