Atelier Ryza 2 producer hints at new and returning characters and a new battle mechanic

Famitsu recently published an interview with the producer of Atelier Ryza 2, Junzo Hosoi. We shared a summary here of some of the details, but we’ve now translated additional information for anticipating fans to enjoy. Hosoi discussed the sales of the first game, the setting for the sequel, new characters, a hint at a new battle mechanic, hints at returning characters, and more.

We’ve translated the remaining information from Famitsu’s interview below.

• The first game initially shipped around 250,000 copies and saw strong and continued sales growth. Hosoi says they never received requests to continue an Atelier entry like they did with Ryza. Outside of Japan, it seemed like North America was going to follow behind Japan in terms of sales per region, but Asia eventually exceeded North American sales.
• The setting of the new game focuses on Ryza’s pursuit of alchemical knowledge, compared to the first game focusing on Ryza realizing her abilities.
• Ryza leaves Kurken island for the imperial capital after receiving a request from a friend in capital.
• Ryza will meet a mysterious, small creature during her adventure named Fi (pronounced like “fee”). It can’t speak, but it’s very emotional and sensitive. Fi will be central to the main story and will not participate in battle.
• Coronavirus seems to have affected Ryza 2’s development earlier on, but not too much. Now that the team is accustomed to things, development is going well.
• Hosoi consulted with Toridamono (character designer) for countless hours to come up with Ryza’s new design. Toridamono really wanted to implement some kind of coat or jacket to signify Ryza’s maturity.
• Other familiar faces might appear in Ryza 2. Hosoi hints that one of them got a lot taller.
• Hosoi says that using items in battle will be more “stress-free” to the first game.
• There will be more partners in Atelier Ryza 2 than the first game had, including more stories involving these characters.

Atelier Ryza 2 launches for Switch in Japan on December 3. A western release is confirmed for this winter.