Romancing SaGa 2 Review: A Quality Remake of the Classic Challenging RPG, Revenge of the Seven

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a remarkable remake/remaster of a title I never anticipated would receive such high-caliber treatment. Originally developed for the Super Famicom in 1993, it underwent a remaster in 2016-2017, but that version maintained a classic pixel-art aesthetic. This game is not only captivating but at times highly perplexing. Despite my extensive experience with various SaGa titles, I was unable to locate a fan translation of this version and sadly missed out on the Vita release.

I am thrilled to witness the SaGa franchise garner renewed interest – from Minstrel’s Song to this latest release, it’s an exhilarating time for fans. The 3D remake of Romancing SaGa 2 introduces a style of RPG that feels refreshingly unique. I’ve explored non-linear games before, but none have matched the complexity found here.

Revamping a Classic: Romancing SaGa 2 Arrives on Modern Platforms

The narrative of Romancing SaGa 2 revolves around a group of seven heroes who once valiantly defended the world, only to be forgotten over time. After a millennium, these heroes, now corrupted by dark magic, resurface as villains wreaking havoc. The Kingdom of Avalon and its royal lineage of Emperors and Empresses form the core focus of this tale.

Leon embarks on a journey to confront these corrupted figures, with the fate resting in the hands of his descendants across generations. While this premise is intriguing, it also gives rise to some confusion. Given the hundreds of years that transpire in the game—do the forgotten heroes simply scheme and run rampant during that time as you systematically take them down?

You won't encounter this character for quite some time. (Image via Square Enix) — You won’t encounter this character for quite some time. (Image via Square Enix)

As a classic JRPG, perhaps it’s best not to scrutinize the motivations too thoroughly, yet the storyline ultimately ties together in a compelling manner. I won’t spoil the exciting plot twists surrounding the final Emperor & Empress, but it’s a story worth exploring. There’s never been a better moment to dive into Romancing SaGa 2.

The gameplay begins with Leon and his son Gerard, supported by a group of skilled warriors. As time progresses, so too do the generations, with new rulers rising to power. Each successor inherits the achievements of their predecessors, allowing players to cultivate their ultimate hero to combat evil.

The character traits and skills of your allies pass down through generations within their respective classes, leading to the creation of formidable characters over time. However, the enemies also level up, presenting a challenging difficulty spike unless you’re diligent about leveling up and upgrading your equipment.

Quality of Life Improvements Enhance Romancing SaGa 2

Diverse classes await selection for your protagonist and companions. (Image via Square Enix)

While the original release of Romancing SaGa 2 is timeless, this remake introduces numerous enhancements that upgrade the experience without detracting from its roots. One major addition is the availability of over 30 character classes to explore across generations.

The abundance of options might feel intimidating, yet it’s exciting to have such variety. For instance, it took a considerable amount of gameplay before I finally acquired a healer, but once I did, they became an indispensable member of my party.

This remake also introduces a new Timeline Combat system. Much like in Final Fantasy 10, players can view future moves and track which characters will act next through a clear timeline displayed at the top of the screen.

In terms of combat, the inclusion of United Attacks is a game-changer. A meter at the bottom fills as you successfully exploit enemy weaknesses, and when it reaches maximum capacity, you can unleash powerful combo attacks that drastically exceed standard skills in strength. If your party effectively targets enemy vulnerabilities, you’ll find ample opportunities to utilize this feature.

Positive and practical changes have been made to the combat system. (Image via Square Enix)

Moreover, this iteration offers richer storytelling compared to earlier versions. Various data shrines scattered throughout the dungeons provide valuable context about the Seven Heroes and their past and present actions.

These shrines are relatively easy to locate, as a trail of magical energy indicates proximity to one. I value this enhanced context, enriching the narrative as I uncover more about the characters I face in battle. There are genuinely intriguing cutscenes waiting to be discovered.

Engaging Yet Challenging Combat in Romancing SaGa 2

Combat is engaging, though losing LP can be incredibly frustrating. (Image via Square Enix)

While I wouldn’t label the combat in Romancing SaGa 2 as bad, it does have its frustrating moments. New players should be aware that every character possesses an LP (Life Points) value. When characters are knocked out, their LP decreases; if it reaches zero, that character is lost permanently—at least until they potentially re-emerge generations later, just like in the original version.

However, the game’s difficulty can lead to considerable LP loss during boss encounters. Whether it’s due to my own strategic shortcomings or insufficient leveling, it’s challenging to say. Players must carefully strategize to avoid entering critical battles with weakened parties.

I’m particularly fond of the Glimmer system, where you can observe visual indicators next to attacks. Using specific techniques can eventually unlock new skills or upgrade existing ones. Although it can sometimes require patience to wait for new abilities to manifest, it creates a fascinating approach to character development.

Despite the finite nature of LP—especially since potions that restore them are also limited—it still enhances the overall combat experience. Players must navigate the challenges that come with managing their resources wisely.

Exploring the Complexity of Non-Linear Gameplay

The world of Romancing SaGa 2 offers countless exploration routes. (Image via Square Enix)

When I refer to Romancing SaGa 2 as non-linear, I mean it in every sense. After completing the introduction, there are virtually limitless paths and gameplay styles to choose from. Though no one approach is objectively correct, a ‘best route’ could certainly exist.

This level of freedom can sometimes lead to ambiguity, with hidden elements in the game world. As previously mentioned, useful items like potions can be missed entirely if the right NPC isn’t spoken to in a specific town, leaving more methodical players feeling a bit lost.

The transition between generations can be quite unexpected. (Image via Square Enix)

One aspect I found particularly perplexing was how the generation shifts occur in Romancing SaGa 2. At times, centuries would pass after defeating a hero, leading to a generational change, while other instances felt completely random. This inconsistency kept me on my toes, frequently requiring me to reevaluate and adjust my party setup.

This oddity is the only true point of confusion I encountered throughout my gameplay. The story itself is engaging and well-crafted, and I don’t believe players can find themselves in a hopeless situation. Adjusting to a game world filled with non-linear mechanics and a virtually levelless system can require some adaptation. Ultimately, this setup might appeal to many players seeking creative freedom.

Stunning Soundtrack and Beautiful Visuals of Romancing SaGa 2

A delightful little character moment. (Image via Square Enix)

It was a treat to have Kenji Ito return as the composer for Romancing SaGa 2—after all, he created the original score. His musical talent shines throughout the game, with several memorable tracks that complement the stunning 3D world. I was genuinely impressed by the graphical updates as well.

The shift from 16-bit sprites to a rich 3D environment is a significant upgrade. While some character designs may invoke laughter due to their whimsical nature, this aspect harkens back to traditional RPGs and is by no means a negative; I enjoy these humorous moments.

Final Thoughts

The decisions and growth of your kingdom and party are in your hands. (Image via Square Enix)

In conclusion, Romancing SaGa 2 is an exceptional return to form. This timeless classic has been meticulously reimagined for modern audiences, featuring just the right amount of quality-of-life improvements without sacrificing its original spirit. Even on the easiest difficulty setting, players can still lose LP and risk the permanent removal of characters, which I appreciate.

This game does not hold your hand—it presents a solid challenge reminiscent of the beloved RPGs from the 1990s. As a devoted fan of the SaGa series, this remake has exceeded my expectations.

For many players, this may be their first encounter with the game, and the experience promises to be an exciting adventure. Romancing SaGa 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable, challenging classic reborn for a new generation.