The final summer, the final secret... Ryza's final adventure is about to begin!
Players praise the ability to explore the game's vast and seamlessly connected open world without loading screens, allowing for a more immersive and free-flowing experience. The developers have significantly expanded the explorable areas compared to previous entries, with the entirety of the first game's map comprising just a small portion of the playable regions. This sense of scale and freedom of movement is widely regarded as a major improvement over the more segmented level design of earlier titles.
The new "Link Morph" system lets players modify recipe ingredient connections, adding an extra layer of customization and optimization to the synthesis process. The introduction of "Secret Keys" also provides unique effects that can be applied to created items, further expanding the breadth of alchemy possibilities. Reviewers report that the crafting system offers a satisfying loop of resource gathering, experimentation, and product creation, making it the most comprehensive and rewarding in the trilogy.
The turn-based battle system has been refined, with players describing the combat as more dynamic and engaging than previous entries. The ability to block attacks at any time is a welcomed addition, allowing for skilled timing to mitigate damage. The wide roster of 11 playable party members provides ample opportunity to experiment with different team compositions and combat styles, contributing to the game's tactical depth.
The skill tree system allows characters to be tailored to specific roles or playstyles, while the "Super Trait: Ultra Purity" mechanic introduces a powerful late-game crafting ability. Although some reviewers feel this can trivialize the difficulty, the sheer depth of customization is nonetheless celebrated by fans of the series, contributing to the addictive gameplay loop.