Fans of the SaGa franchise are enjoying a resurgence, with several classics either receiving remasters or full remakes, such as the recent Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. Square Enix has been actively bringing their classic titles and IPs to modern platforms, and the SaGa series holds a special place within their lineup. Although it may not be as popular as some of their other franchises, SaGa has always been celebrated as a unique and critically acclaimed series, even if it never found widespread success in the West.
Looking back, it’s clear that Square Enix has been gradually reintroducing the SaGa series to modern audiences. They began by releasing Romancing SaGa and subsequently remastering other titles in the series. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a remake crafted with the same scale and ambition as Trials of Mana. This remake doesn’t simply rehash the classic Romancing SaGa 2; it also expands on the original with new content, enhanced storytelling, and a range of other improvements.
Speaking honestly, while I have enjoyed many of the recent SaGa releases, I wouldn’t consider myself a diehard fan of the franchise in the way I am for Final Fantasy or the Mana series. However, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might have turned me into a true fan, as it’s incredibly enjoyable. SaGa games can be challenging to get into, primarily because they differ so much from traditional JRPGs. They often feature a complex storyline, a well-developed but difficult-to-follow cast, and a deep, intricate gameplay system. These elements can be daunting for newcomers, but I feel that Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might serve as the ideal entry point for those interested in discovering the SaGa franchise.
Romancing SaGa 2 is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the franchise, making it clear why Square Enix chose it for a remake. The story is expansive, spanning multiple generations of heroes, with a complex narrative that can be challenging to follow in one playthrough. Players may find themselves replaying the game to fully grasp its intricate plot. At the core of the story are seven heroes who were once celebrated as saviors of the world, yet they have since fallen into darkness. A central gameplay feature is “inheritance system,” which allows each Emperor to pass down their knowledge, memories, and skills to the next generation. This unique mechanic enables a multi-generational quest, where confronting the main villains—known from the start—requires generations of accumulated wisdom and experience.
Having played the original Romancing SaGa 2, I found it highly enjoyable. The transition to 3D in this remake has refreshed the gameplay, adding a new dimension to the story. The game includes numerous cutscenes and character dialogues that significantly enhance the storytelling experience. Unlike the original, this remake introduces several quality-of-life improvements, reducing the challenge of figuring out the next steps. The map is now more accessible, allowing players to see points of interest and navigate directly to complete objectives. As in any good RPG, there is a wealth of side content, which can be pursued or ignored based on preference. Recruiting new party members is tied to side content, and certain characters can even unlock new areas, adding layers of exploration for those interested in delving deeper into the game’s world.
The combat in Romancing SaGa 2 is undoubtedly the highlight of the game. It’s highly addictive, offering a turn-based system that flows smoothly thanks to improvements in the remake. Battles are structured around turns for both your party members and the enemies, with each enemy revealing its weaknesses as you experiment with different moves. The main combat options include weapon-specific attacks, spells, and skills. The more a move is used, the higher the chance of unlocking new skills, adding a sense of progression and strategy. Basic attacks are free to execute, but using skills or special moves requires BP (Battle Points).
The remake’s 3D battles are a standout, making the combat experience feel far more immersive. While nostalgia might pull some players toward the original, the modern enhancements in this remake cater to both newcomers and fans, aligning the game with current JRPG expectations. Alongside traditional attacks and skills, there is an “overdrive” mechanic that allows party members to combine their moves for sequential attacks against enemies, adding excitement to each battle. The streamlined BP system also makes managing combat stats easier, reducing the complexity of the original mechanics.
Positioning your party members strategically is another crucial element. As the story progresses, new formations become available, offering various buffs and debuffs that add depth to the strategy. Death carries significant consequences, so keeping track of the life points for both the main party and the Emperor is essential to avoid setbacks. While the game can be less forgiving than earlier entries, it does introduce a level of challenge that might occasionally frustrate, especially if you’re defeated deep in a dungeon.
In sum, the remake preserves the essence of the original while making it more accessible to new players. The difficulty has been balanced, the story expanded, and the overall presentation enhanced to maintain engagement. I truly love the combat system in this game, and from what I have experienced, it stands out as one of the best in the series.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
