Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy

This is the first time that this popular franchise gets a direct sequel, and it builds on the strengths of the original game in every way. Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy doesn't reinvent the wheel, recognizing the things that gamers loved in the original and giving them more depth. It's an almost textbook example of the right way to create a sequel. For returning fans, this is an opportunity to revisit Ryza and her friends to catch up on how their lives have progressed. For newcomers, the game serves as a captivating introduction to a world of whimsy and wonder, of magic and mystery, and of fantasy and friendship.

Right from the start, it's easy to see improvements made for this sequel. While the first game had gorgeous visuals, Atelier Ryza 2 goes even further, looking like a cross between a hand-painted work of art and an anime. Admittedly, the dialogue is still a bit cheesy, but that's almost to be expected in this style of game. Combat has been somewhat streamlined, adding a new chain mechanic that lets players put together a series of abilities for as long as they have action points, with each link in the chain being stronger than the last. The game's crafting mechanic has been expanded as well, with many recipes from the original game returning, as well as a slew of brand-new items waiting to be crafted. There's an extra slot available in crafting that makes use of a newly discovered material to alter the elemental component of many recipes. There's even a new technique that allows players to combine two of the same item in an alchemical ritual that can boost the stats of that item or sometimes create something completely new from the process. Finally, the plot and the cast of characters are much deeper and richer than in the original game. All of this guarantees that players get in plenty of gameplay to become invested in the mystery and leave satisfied with everything Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy has to offer.