Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Switch 2 impressions

Despite it only being a few years since the trilogy concluded, the Atelier Ryza games are back in an updated form. The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack brings with it extra content and some new platforms. While the Switch ports of the Secret Trilogy were solid (especially compared to previous Atelier games on the system), a proper set of Switch 2 ports offered the chance to improve upon some of their visual downgrades.

What is the Secret Trilogy

For those that haven’t touched the original versions, the Secret Trilogy stars Reisalin Stout — Ryza for short — a young girl eager to break free from her mundane everyday life. This chance comes in the form of alchemist Empel Vollmer, who teaches Ryza about his craft. This leads Ryza on a new journey, as she solves problems both on her home island, and the world as a whole.

While previous trilogies were set across the same world, the Atelier Ryza games are the first to share one singular protagonist (despite the name, the Atelier Iris games all featured unique main characters.) In fact, a number of decisions made for Atelier Ryza stem from the series trying to move in a slightly different direction.

With Atelier removing time limits (outside of occasional small optional quests), the Secret Trilogy started to make changes around this. Maps slowly became bigger in each game, and the alchemy system sees you combining a lot more materials than in the past. Battles are also in real time, though there’s still a heavy focus on using items you’ve crafted to deal the most damage.

All three games released on PS4, Switch, and PC, with the second and third games also launching on PS5. These platforms are supported for the Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack too, with Switch 2 being the only fully new version.

Additional Content in the Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack

The DX versions of each Atelier Ryza title include everything from the previous release, from patch changes to DLC. Most of this is in the form of extra costumes, crafting recipes and maps, along with a handful of short side stories in Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout.

On top of this, you also get brand new story content in all three games. These feature characters not originally playable in those games, generally taking part midway through the story. However, none of them are integrated into the regular storyline. Instead, you access them from a separate option in the main menu.

As some of the only original content in these releases, it’s a shame to see it so disconnected. They are at least far more substantial than the DLC stories from Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout, and they give more time to returning characters in 2 and 3 that were sidelined originally.

Outside of the additional side stories, you’re only really getting some extra QoL. Things like implementing the basket capacity UI from Atelier Ryza 3 in every game, and letting you gather while riding Spirit Beasts in 2 and 3.

Switch 2 Port is Solid

Since this is the trilogy’s (and Atelier as a whole) debut on Switch 2, it was naturally the version I was most interested in trying out. As I mentioned earlier, the Switch versions of the Atelier Ryza games were pretty good for the system. But they naturally came with a big cut to the visuals, especially in regards to the third game and its larger maps.

I’m happy to report that all three games on Switch 2 are excellent for portable play. You have a much higher base resolution, with portable play looking sharper than docked on Switch 1. Visuals are enhanced across the board too, including better textures, more foliage, and detailed shadows.

However, unlike the PS5 and PC counterparts, there’s no 60fps support. While this makes sense for Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key specifically, the first two games feel like they could have pushed for 60fps. The Atelier franchise in general isn’t pushing for the highest visual fidelity even in these updated DX releases, and the Switch 2 is clearly capable of delivering a smoother experience.

However, it’s still more than playable. Outside of the occasional fps drops in Atelier Ryza 3 (no surprises there considering its performance on last gen consoles,) you’re getting a visual step up from Switch 1 and some much-improved loading times.

Is the Deluxe Pack Worth It for Owners of the Originals

For those that already own the original trilogy, I’d say that there isn’t quite enough to justify a repurchase. The new stories are nice but not essential, and the base game is mostly as you’d remember it. In the case of Switch 2 specifically, there’s no way to upgrade from Switch 1 at a reduced price, or even transfer saves over.

Since you can buy each game separately, I’d argue that Atelier Ryza 3 is the most justified upgrade if you’re stuck with Nintendo platforms specifically. Even with cutbacks that version struggled to contend with the large areas, so having a more solid way to play on the go could be worth the price of admission. Doubly so if you never picked up any of the original DLC.

Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Final Thoughts

Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack on Switch 2 is a good port that I’d easily recommend for people new to either the trilogy or Atelier altogether. There’s a lot to get through even ignoring the extra stories, with the bonus content being more of a cherry on top than truly essential.

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Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack was reviewed on Switch 2 using codes provided by the publisher. All screenshots are in handheld mode.

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