Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout DX

Last updated: 2025-11-16

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Summary
  • Improved PC performance and controls.
  • Enjoyable, engaging core gameplay experience.
  • Deep and intuitive alchemy system.
  • Definitive DX version offers good value.
  • Suffers from unacceptably long loading times.
  • Persistent old and new bugs present.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout DX header

Categories

Single-player StoryExplorationCraftingAlchemy SystemTurn-based CombatReal-time CombatResource ManagementInventory Management

Emotions

Frustration35%Disappointment19%Satisfaction15%Enjoyment6%Anger3%
Reviews
(sample size)
94
Helpful reviews
74%
Unhelpful reviews
20%
Protest reviews
5%
Positive points
159
Negative points
169
Gameplay points
84
Perf. points
36
Rec. points
59
Misc points
27
Point
Improved PC Performance & Controls
Description
The PC version delivers significant technical improvements over original ports, featuring better keyboard and mouse optimization for a more friendly control experience. Loading times are notably quick, often instant for maps, and various UI-related lag issues (like dressing room transitions) have been fixed, with excellent performance reported on Steam Deck.
Importance
65%
Enjoyable Core Gameplay
Description
Players consistently report a highly enjoyable base game experience, praising its happy and cozy atmosphere, overall fun gameplay loop, and engaging real-time turn-based combat. The game often runs flawlessly for many, particularly on Steam Deck, without significant loading issues.
Importance
60%
Deep & Intuitive Alchemy
Description
The alchemy and crafting system is praised for being surprisingly complex yet fun and intuitive. Features like clear trait displays, simple inheritance, visual recipe details, and re-synthesis make crafting an engaging puzzle that lowers the learning barrier and enhances gameplay.
Importance
57%
Definitive DX Version Value
Description
The DX version is highly regarded for its exceptional value, bundling all previous DLC content at an affordable price. It includes significant new additions such as extra side stories, epilogue content, and three playable characters, making it the definitive and highly recommended version.
Importance
53%
Accessible & Engaging Combat
Description
The game's real-time turn-based ATB combat system is found to be enjoyable and engaging due to its simplicity and fast pace. Its use of AP consumption instead of mana and its distinct feel are highlighted as a refreshing change compared to more traditional turn-based Atelier titles.
Importance
47%
Relaxing & Engaging Narrative
Description
The story is consistently described as pleasant, relaxing, and feel-good, offering a casual yet engaging narrative with interesting plot twists and organic pacing. Players appreciate the character growth throughout the series and how the DX version's epilogue content connects the narrative.
Importance
43%
Enhanced Gathering & Inventory
Description
Players appreciate the quality-of-life improvements to the gathering and inventory systems. These include upgraded gathering equipment, significantly increased gathering basket capacity (doubled to 200/300), and vastly expanded material box and storage warehouse slots (up to 9999), making resource management less restrictive and more enjoyable.
Importance
23%
Pleasant Soundtrack
Description
The game's music is consistently described as very pleasant, chill, and enjoyable. It effectively enhances the exploration experience and contributes positively to the overall relaxing atmosphere of the game.
Importance
9%