SaGa Series: A Unique RPG Franchise

The SaGa series stands out as one of the most distinctive franchises in the RPG realm, originating from the powerhouse developer Square Enix.

Often viewed as the “weird” cousin of Final Fantasy — a somewhat simplistic comparison — SaGa was birthed by Akitoshi Kawazu, a key figure in the development of Final Fantasy II, a title recognized for its unconventional levelling system. Unlike the traditional experience point approach, Final Fantasy II focused on character progression based on actions taken in-game. This design choice, although controversial at the time, laid the foundation for the unique mechanics seen throughout the SaGa series.

Transitioning from the NES to the Game Boy, Makai Toushi Sa・Ga — known as The Final Fantasy Legend in North America — marked the genesis of an exceptional RPG saga.

SaGa thrives on the unconventional, with non-linear storytelling prevalent in many of its titles. Some entries span generations of characters, while others offer players the choice of a main character and present multiple distinct narratives. While these games may not appeal to all, fans of intricate RPG systems are likely to find a home in the world of SaGa.

Over the past five years, the franchise has experienced a resurgence, with various remakes, remasters, and new installments gracing multiple platforms. Most recently, SaGa Emerald Beyond debuted on the Switch, earning a commendable 7/10 score in our review.

Vote for Your Favorite SaGa Game!

Now is the time to celebrate the SaGa series by letting your voice be heard through voting. Our esteemed readers, it’s over to you…

Registered Nintendo Life users can simply click on the stars below to rate the games on a scale of 1 to 10. The resulting ranking, derived from these dynamic NL User Ratings, is subject to change even after publication. If you’ve previously rated these games, we thank you! If not, feel free to contribute your scores at any time, past or present, to play a part in influencing the final ranking.

Without further ado, cast your vote for your preferred SaGa game below!

Rate each SaGa game you’ve played:

Click on the stars below to rate each SaGa game you’ve experienced out of 10:

Thank you for sharing your ratings! If you feel anything is missing, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay tuned for the final results, and remember, your input can shape the ranking even post-publication.