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.

Not only will aspiring alchemists find a revamped battle system as they set out on their journey with teenage tomboy Ryza and her mischievous group of friends, but they will also be able to obtain special new gathering locations to explore and share.

Throughout their search for adventure, Ryza and her party will discover exotic new locations – including those they have made themselves. In Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout players can obtain special bottles, which can be combined with other items in the game’s synthesis system to create an abundance of new gathering locations overflowing with raw materials. Depending on which ingredients are used in the synthesis process, the environment can drastically change. For example: Plant Essence can create a fantastical forest area; while a Bomb can create a dangerous volcanic field overflowing with lava. Once the environment is created, a unique four-character password is attached to the area, which can then be shown off and shared with friends or across social media - enabling other gamers to explore the exact same area.

Inhabiting these breathtaking locations are creatures and enemies Ryza and her friends will need to fight. Using a newly revamped Real-Time Tactical Battle system, battles will now progress even while character actions are being chosen. In Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, performing skills, critical attacks, or using abilities outside of the player’s turn through the Quick Actions technique will drain the player’s Action Points. These points are shared between all party members, so it is extremely important to use them strategically in battle to gain the upper hand. As the AP gauge is filled, players will also increase their in-battle level known as Tactics Level. The higher the Tactics Level a party gains, the more powerful attacks they can use; also enabling special combos to be performed.

Throughout battle, party members will also be able to give Action Orders to other members of their party. These orders will ask the player to perform specific actions such as “perform a physical attack.” If the order is followed, the character which gave it will perform a follow-up attack with a powerful skill – and this ability does not consume any AP; allowing players to use them at will to deliver strong blows to help defeat even the most ruthless of enemies.

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.