Introduction
A couple of years back, FuRyu brought The Alliance Alive HD Remastered to the Nintendo Switch, a revamped version of a fantastic RPG that unfortunately went unnoticed by many players due to its original release on the 3DS after the Switch had gained popularity. However, The Alliance Alive was not the first game from FuRyu on Nintendo’s handheld device; that distinction belongs to The Legend of Legacy. Initially met with mixed reviews in 2015 (receiving an 8/10 in our review), the game has now received a high-definition remaster in the form of The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered. While it may not measure up to its successor, FuRyu has done a commendable job of enhancing this underrated dungeon crawler for the 3DS, offering a decent experience for fans of the genre.
Plot and Setting
The Legend of Legacy lacks a compelling storyline, which may disappoint some players. After choosing one of seven characters, you journey to the enigmatic island of Avalon, rumored to house ancient treasures. Each character has their reasons for visiting Avalon, and as you explore the dungeons, you gradually uncover artifacts that shed light on the island’s past civilization, its downfall, and the connections the protagonists have with it.
While the game could benefit from a more fleshed-out narrative, the lore fragments serve as an intriguing way to tell the story, akin to the Chozo lore in the Metroid Prime series. However, the characters themselves feel like cliched archetypes with shallow relationships and limited ties to the overall plot of Avalon, detracting from the narrative depth.
Gameplay and Combat
Legend of Legacy follows a dungeon-crawling format reminiscent of Etrian Odyssey, with one central town serving as a hub for supplies and upgrades between dungeon explorations. Each dungeon features unique themes and layouts, with a major emphasis on mapping out the floors to sell back in town for rewards. The turn-based combat incorporates a dynamic party formation system where the positioning of characters in different rows offers strategic advantages and buffs to actions. The elemental system influences combat decisions based on the prevailing elements in the environment, adding a layer of tactical depth to battles.
The game’s forgiving health restoration mechanic makes combat easier, yet the sporadic difficulty spikes can catch players off guard, leading to inconsistency in the challenge level. Character progression mirrors the SaGa series, with random stat boosts and skill unlocks after battles, creating a sense of unpredictability in character growth.
Visuals and Presentation
Visually, The Legend of Legacy has undergone a significant resolution upgrade from its original 3DS version, showcasing a charming art style that complements the dungeon exploration experience. While the graphics may show their age compared to newer titles, the visual aesthetic remains appealing, particularly on the Switch OLED screen. However, apart from the visual enhancements, the game lacks substantial updates or additions, missing the opportunity to address past criticisms and introduce new content.
Conclusion
The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered offers a satisfactory dungeon-crawling experience with unique mechanics and gameplay elements that set it apart from traditional RPGs. While the game provides hours of engaging gameplay, its repetitive nature and lack of variety in dungeons and enemies may lead to monotony over extended play sessions. Despite its shortcomings, The Legend of Legacy remains a decent choice for fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs, offering a mix of familiar gameplay mechanics and some refreshing twists.