Gust cooks when it comes to its deluxe (DX) releases of entries in its Atelier JRPG series. They include the base games, all DLC, and typically quality of life updates and improved performances or graphics. When ones like the Arland and Dusk trilogies appeared, it also meant updated versions of the “Plus” versions of the games that might be remakes or feature improved or extended storylines. In the case of the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack, we never saw “Plus” release of the games, but the versions here feel like improved director’s cut iterations of each JRPG with enhancements and additions that vastly improve the experience.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack covers Reisalin “Ryza” Stout at three periods in her life as she gets an opportunity to study alchemy, learns about ancient threats reemerging, investigates the Klint Kingdom, learns more about the Underworld and Philuscha that live there, and eventually goes looking for the Code of the Universe itself. It’s a coming of age story as we see her start to find her footing and a potential passion, discover what she should be doing next as everyone around her makes more visual progress toward their goals, and then winds up as a respected alchemist herself. Likewise, it also feels like an ensemble piece at times, since we’re also watching the growth and development of her friends Klaudia Valentz, Lent Marslink, Tao Mongarten, Patricia Abelheim, and even Bos Brunnen over the course of the three games as well. The scale gradually builds, going from her home on Kurken Island to eventually the city of Ashra-am Baird and Kark Islands.
Gameplay remains largely consistent among the three Atelier Ryza games, though the scope increases as the JRPG series goes on. Alchemy systems change slightly, and Ryza becomes more capable in terms of exploring opportunities with each installment. We tend to find assignments that are both main story missions or side-quests that could involve crafting or handling opponents. When it comes to crafting, that means visiting different locations and biomes to collect the unique materials found in each one for recipes, then heading back to Ryza’s atelier to use the system of the hour to make things. Each ingredient may have different traits and qualities, which can affect the final synthesis. Some tasks could involve getting to certain places or fighting certain kinds of monsters. In which case, we head into turn-based battle systems to assault opponents. Naturally, party members’ equipment is created via alchemy, and we’ll also be using things like bombs and potions Ryza created to supplement more traditional attacks and abilities.
Since we have seen all of these games before, the real question might be why it’s a good time to revisit these new Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX versions, perhaps even as a whole, rather than going back to the previously released games. I played through the three on the Switch 2 and, while the original Atelier Ryza titles did show up on the Switch, this is their first time on this new console. Visually, they look much better here even before we take into the really clear and concise UI touched up for these installments. The framerate feels much more stable, especially during battle or in busier areas with a lot of materials, environmental objects, and enemies moving around. It felt like it did consistently remain at 30 fps. As I played these originally on other platforms, the updated visuals and character models almost look a little smooth, sharp, and jarring, but things are crisper than they did before. (Maybe it’s just me, but water looks really weird in some cutscenes in the first game on the Switch 2!)
The three games in Atelier Ryza: Secret Trilogy DX Pack are also the full versions of each JRPG, adding to the “deluxe” element, as we’re getting every free and paid update in the Switch 2 release. Things like additional difficulties, photo mode, and extra maps and campaigns right away, instead of waiting for patches or paying for add-ons, is a great bonus and shows how well those integrate into the main experience.
But the biggest changes here are the newly created additional characters, storylines, and functions exclusive to Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack. I sort of feel like Atelier Ryza 2 and 3 got the better additions here, due to their extras including more stories with certain playable characters and some quality of life bonuses. However, one of the original Atelier Ryza extra stories offers extra insight and support for events later in the series! The Kilo & Bos bonus storyline, in which we play as Kilo, helps explain why the partnership and relationship between those two matters. It shows quite a bit of growth on his part and is a great complement due to it filling in a gap in the original story. The After Ryza 1 story isn’t bad, but it felt more like filler to me.
To compare, all of the additions in Atelier Ryza 2 and 3 in the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack felt a little more meaningful to me, due to the way they fit in with the stories told in those games and involve characters and situations that seemed pretty pressing. Bringing Empel and Lila back as playable characters for the second title feels important, considering they were prominent members in the first and third adventures and did appear in the story here, and their Empel & Eliza adventure and Zelepsto Cave location feel like they add to the overall narrative. Bringing back Clifford and Serri from the second game for a new playable section in the third feels like it’s better closing out Serri’s story arc, and of course I won’t say “no” to more playable Kilo.
With the new features in Atelier Ryza 2 DX and 3 DX in Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack, I couldn’t help feeling they were maybe designed as both quality of life, time-saving measures and bonuses for each JRPG to aid players who might have been overwhelmed with the larger scale of these two games. They’re handy for anyone, to be clear. But I got the impression newcomers might like them best. After getting into the second adventure a bit, Fi can appear as basically a field companion who floats alongside Ryza. Its presence helps with sensor map and healing purposes, which I found made it easier to spend more time outside, wandering around, and collecting things. Since I tend to prioritize stockpiling resources in Atelier games and want to make the most of every exploration period, it ended up being useful for staying outside longer. The third game adds Wind Beasts. When they are alongside Ryza, they pick up items for you so you don’t have to stop every few feet whenever something catches your eye. That feels more like an efficiency fix, so you still can get “something” while exploring even if you’re prioritizing getting a certain mission objective completed.
In general, quality of life feels like a priority with Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack, so all of the games feel like they’re on pretty equal footing in terms with what they offer. I loved the new basket and storage options, since I do love collecting as many ingredients as possible, and more room across the board is appreciated and seeing how much space is left in the first two games is so much better. I also loved how the mount system changed for the second two games. We can gather without dismounting, which keeps the flow from being broken up.
But more importantly, I feel like the nature of the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy DX Pack makes it easier to appreciate the story that’s told. The first Atelier Ryza game debuted back in Fall 2019. The second showed up in late 2020/early 2021, depending on where you lived, so it didn’t feel like too large of a gap between continuing things. But the third was a March 2023 release. A lot can be forgotten in the span between 2019 and 2023. Since we’re getting them as a whole now, I found it easier to appreciate the nuances and development of all the characters and notice all the connections and influences in the story.
The Atelier Ryza Secret trilogy is my favoritearc, and the Deluxe Pack DX versions are the best way to experience games in this JRPG series. They look and run better, with the Switch 2 versions being rather impressive. The minor adjustments and quality of life additions feel helpful. The actual new content in each game is substantial. It is the best time to see Ryza come into her own as an alchemist again.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack will appear on the Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, and PC on November 13, 2025.
Atelier Ryza: Secret Trilogy DX
The Atelier Ryza Secret trilogy is my favorite arc, and the Deluxe Pack DX versions are the best way to experience games in this JRPG series. Switch 2 version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.