Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy, the latest entry in the niche JRPG franchise, is looking to replicate the success of the first Atelier Ryza game, which topped 500,000 copies sold. The game was such a hit that a manga adaptation of Atelier Ryza is in the works. This sequel is positioning itself to see the same kind of success as it launches on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Windows PC, but it's that PS5 release that has been hit by a setback that might upset some fans.
While the games in the Atelier franchise will likely never be blockbuster triple A titles, their fans are devoted to all things Atelier. Koei Tecmo, the company that handles publishing for the game in North America, ran a hugely successful fan art and cosplay contest for Atelier Ryza, and are running a similar cosplay contest for the Atelier Ryza sequel.
That close relationship so many fans have with the Atelier franchise makes the news that the previously announced physical edition of Atelier Ryza 2 for PS5 has been cancelled all the more upsetting. Citing "various reasons," Koei Tecmo is unable to deliver the physical edition of the game to the PS5. For fans that like to collect physical media, this leaves them limited to purchasing physical copies on PS4 or Nintendo Switch. The only upside is that those who purchase Atelier Ryza 2 on PS4 will be eligible for a free upgrade to the PS5 version. Going this route comes with the caveat that in order to upgrade from a physical PS4 copy to a digital PS5 copy, fans will need the disk drive PS5 to complete the upgrade.
While the loss of a physical PS5 version of the game is certainly disappointing, fans will still be able to venture onto Kurken Island and pick up Ryza's story three years after the events of the first game. While not much is known about the sequel at this time, a trailer for Atelier Ryza 2 does offer a little. Familiar characters will return, as Ryza reunites with them after some time away. The game will also feature a number of new playable characters, and Ryza appears to be more agile, now able to swim, climb and make use of grappling hooks.
While the creators of Atelier Ryza would love to see Ryza appear in Smash Ultimate, if she's not ready for the big time, fans will still likely flock to the Ryza 2 when it releases, even without a PS5 physical edition.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy will be released on January 26, 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
Source: Siliconera