Is it a must to play ryza 1 before going ryza 2

[ScarletAsuna]

I'm new to entire atelier series. I'm interested in ryza only. Due to the reason I might not have so much time playing finish the first one and go to the 2nd.

I know that it's good to play 1st atelier ryza as the past events about friendship connections and their growth is linked to atelier ryza 2.
What about the plot, story, objective and mission of Atelier ryza 2? Does it closely link with 1? Like example marvel movies end credit scenes, it leave fans with questions mark about upcoming marvel movie. When next movie out, it gave answer on the end credit scene of previous movie. The end credit scene is atelier ryza 1 and the linked movie with that scene is atelier ryza 2. Is that the case?

[Spicedstoner]

ryza 2 is all about chill exploration at its core and its a few years after ryza 1 so would miss out on both physical and character growthe

[Max]

You could always do like I did and just watch the compilation of cutscenes of the first game on youtube. It's like 13 hours but it's still quicker than playing through the whole game.

[Magus]

Honestly the story in both games is so weak you're not missing a lot if you skip 1. The characters recap things pretty often so you'll get the gist of who everyone is and what's changed. 2 does have some connections to 1 but I would say most of it is self contained

[Moth Within]

I would not skip the first game if you enjoy character development. The third game likes to call out a lot of what goes on in the 1st game and the 2nd game is a continuation of development for a minor character who turns into a major character in the last game. If I had to skip a Ryza game, probably the second one since it's more focused on adventuring. But even I find that difficult because of Fi and Patty, but especially Fi.

[Bǎi Làn Blues]

Don't skip any of the games. It's a really bad idea. If you don't like the game, then you don't like it and you can move on.
If you do like the game, you would have wished you played the first one to begin
Going in reverse would suck. By starting with 1 you can appreciate the gameplay improvements more

I'm playing 3 currently, and there are still things about the first game that I preferred

[John]

Don't miss the first one, Either play it or watch the story on youtube.