In the first Atelier Ryza, the Linkage Synthesis system uses specific items to unlock different branches and synthesis loops when creating items. In Atelier Ryza 2, players can change the element of each item loop with the “Essence” system, which introduces new qualities for the item.
Evolution Link lets Ryza combine two already-synthesized items into something more powerful and potentially discover rare items in the process.
Ryza also has a skill tree in Atelier Ryza 2. The tree contains multiple branches focused on item quality and recipes. Gust didn’t say how skills unlock, but did mention players will choose whether they want to focus on quality or recipes.
More detail about Ryza’s abilities show that her grapple ability requires an item called the Emerald Band, and breathing underwater uses the classic Air Drops. It seems, though, that these may be permanent and not limited-use items gained through synthesis.
Alongside that info, Gust presented a few new characters playing important roles in Atelier Ryza 2. The first is Patricia (Patty) Abelhiem, daughter of the strict knight Volker and student of former Atelier Ryza protagonist Tao. Clifford Diswell is a thief who fancies himself a respectable treasure hunter.
Atelier Ryza 2 has a December release date for Japan, but is listed as releasing during “Winter” in the West. Whenever it does launch, Atelier Ryza 2 will be on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. Stay tuned to GameSkinny for more Atelier news as it develops.
[Source: Gematsu]
