"Atelier Ryza" Shows Off the New Fast-Paced Battle System

Koei Tecmo America and Gust Studios unveiled new gameplay details for the upcoming Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout. Not only will players 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 as well.

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, 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 be careful on when you use them. 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.

You can check out the new battle system, and more, in the announcement trailer below.