Forward of the sport’s launch this Friday, we sat down within the workshop with Koei Tecmo’s Head of Gust and lead producer on the Secret trilogy Junzo Hosoi to speak fond farewells, together with how the Atelier collection has modified with Ryza, what’s subsequent for the franchise, and we discovered that Hosoi-san is a little bit of a Xenoblade fan…
Nintendo Life: With the Atelier collection historically altering protagonists with every new entry, what’s it about Ryza that’s seen her ending up with a full trilogy to her identify? Is it recognition with the viewers or was this the plan all alongside, to construct three video games round her?
Junzo Hosoi: For the reason that begin of the “Secret” collection, we needed to create a narrative through which the identical primary protagonist continues to develop and develop, so the truth that Ryza stays the principle protagonist is according to our unique plan. From the beginning of the venture, I had all the time needed to conclude the “Secret” collection as a trilogy, however whether or not it might be a collection of two video games or a trilogy was a choice we must make based mostly on the response of our gamers. Because of the constructive response to Atelier Ryza and Atelier Ryza 2, we had been in a position to create Atelier Ryza 3 with Ryza returning as the principle character.
Crafting myriad objects and getting busy in your atelier has all the time been on the coronary heart of this collection. We’ve already seen plenty of new mechanics and streamlined options added over the previous two video games, are you able to inform us what new issues we are able to anticipate this time round that you simply’re notably enthusiastic about?
Hosoi-san: It might be the 2 main techniques of the “open subject” and “keys”. Inside a single area, we now have stopped the loading between maps, permitting you to discover the map seamlessly. This may clearly change the way in which you’re feeling concerning the gameplay.
The “keys” are additionally new to the Atelier collection, because it spans each techniques and eventualities, so it will likely be new even to those that have performed earlier video games within the collection.
By way of the sport’s world, are we taking a look at a totally open surroundings from the beginning this time round, or are issues nonetheless break up into segments which might be gated off by narrative occasions or separated by loading screens?
Hosoi-san: Ryza and her pals will journey by means of 4 completely different areas. Every area is an open subject the place a number of maps are seamlessly linked and so they can transfer amongst them with out loading instances. The sport is designed in order that gamers can benefit from the open subject from the start. Nonetheless, there shall be loading when travelling backwards and forwards between areas or when utilizing quick journey.
Having reviewed the entire Change entries within the collection over the previous few years, we’ve seen a shift from what you may name a extra ‘fan-servicey’ model in the direction of RPGs that really feel like they’re making an attempt to attraction to a a lot wider viewers. Has it been a aware choice to redirect the model of the franchise on this approach?
Hosoi-san: Sure, it’s. We wish as many gamers as potential to select up and play our video games. Because of this, we’re consistently listening to the opinions of assorted gamers and on the lookout for and developing with content material that they’ll take pleasure in once more. We’d be pleased if many individuals consider Gust video games after they consider JRPGs.
“Alchemist of the Finish” definitely sounds slightly perilous, is the tone of this new sport darker than we’re used to? Does it take care of extra severe points than Ryza’s earlier two outings?
Hosoi-san: The themes of the sport are the roots of alchemy, the mysteries of the world, and the ultimate objective and vacation spot of Ryza and every of her pals. The impression it’s possible you’ll get could also be darkish, however Ryza and the opposite characters have grown whereas protecting the identical power and spontaneity as they’ve all the time had. So, in comparison with the earlier video games, it’s not darker than earlier than.
We really feel that the collection’ fight has actually improved over the previous few years — it feels as if it shares virtually equal footing with the creation mechanics now. How has the motion developed for this newest journey?
Hosoi-san: The fight is just like previous video games so there are not any main modifications. Nonetheless, through the use of the brand new “key” system, you possibly can take pleasure in sooner and extra exhilarating battles, comparable to with the ability to repeatedly hit utilizing a traditional assault and use expertise constantly.
We already know that this shall be Ryza’s last journey, at the least within the function she inhabits presently. Going ahead, are you able to inform us something about plans you will have the Atelier world? Can we anticipate an analogous model of expertise with a brand new protagonist or are there any plans to shake issues up?
Hosoi-san: As for the long run, we’re not eager about something proper now. To start with, I would love everybody to take pleasure in Atelier Ryza 3, which shall be Ryza’s last journey. I imagine that the Atelier collection are titles which might be created along with the gamers, so I might be pleased to listen to everybody’s ideas and opinions after taking part in the sport.
We all know you’ve in all probability been requested this a ton of instances, however given the rising success of Ryza, are there any plans this time round to offer an English dub of the sport, even when it’s after the preliminary launch?
Hosoi-san: If there are various requests, there’s a risk. We stay up for listening to from you!
Lastly, the Atelier video games have, with good purpose, develop into vastly well-liked RPGs on Nintendo Change. Exterior of your individual video games, are you able to inform us what RPGs you’ve been taking part in or have a selected admiration for on the console?
Hosoi-san: I all the time stay up for the Xenoblade collection!
This interview has been edited flippantly for readability.
We lengthen our because of Junzo Hosoi on the workforce at Koei Tecmo and Gust for taking the time to talk to us about Atelier Ryza 3. The sport launches on Change on twenty fourth March 2023. Share your pleasure about returning to your atelier within the feedback.
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