No bad Romance
Several years ago, I provided a review of Romancing SaGa 2 on the PS4, a remastered version of the original game released on the Nintendo Super Famicom. The Romancing SaGa series, known for its unique approach to JRPG mechanics, offered a stark contrast to the more traditional games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Romancing SaGa 2 diverged from the norm by lacking experience points for leveling up, featuring a non-linear world, and introducing characters who come and go without much explanation. Despite its unconventional mechanics and lack of character charm, Romancing SaGa 2 became the best-selling game in the trilogy.
Fast forward to today, and we have a remake titled Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. This remake remains faithful to the original game, retaining the LP system and permadeath feature, while introducing full voice-acted cutscenes in both English and Japanese, a 3D world, and reimagined music compositions.
Updated Gameplay and Features
The game now includes quality of life improvements such as a turn bar that indicates the order of characters in battle, different difficulty options for varying player preferences, and toggle options for additional gameplay information. Players once again assume the role of the Emperor or Empress of Avalon, guiding their destiny through a world filled with generational shifts and challenging foes.
The visual overhaul introduces fully 3D graphics, enhancing the overall game experience. Updated cutscenes provide a deeper narrative exploration, although character personality may not shine through as before. The game now offers over 30 classes to unlock, alongside improved menu interfaces for better player engagement.
Revamped Combat System
Combat remains turn-based and challenging, with new updates to improve gameplay dynamics. The glimmer system helps players unlock new abilities strategically, enhancing the overall battle experience. Whether you prefer a more casual or intense gameplay style, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven caters to different player preferences.
Returning players may find themselves adjusting to the graphical updates, but the nostalgic soundtrack remains a standout feature in the game. Overall, the remake offers enhanced gameplay elements and quality of life improvements to keep players engaged for hours on end.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time delving into Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, with its emphasis on exploration and replay value. Despite its occasional disconnection in character narratives, the game’s updated graphics and added features have rejuvenated my interest in the SaGa series.
A PlayStation 5 review code was provided by Square Enix