Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven Review

Reflecting on its time, Saga Frontier was a pretty distinct JRPG from a long time ago. It showcased a highly non-linear gameplay style featuring multiple protagonists, each with their own unique storylines. The non-linearity extended further as the roles of other main characters varied depending on the chosen protagonist.

Although not as renowned as the Final Fantasy or Chrono series, the Saga games have always had a dedicated fanbase, and its enduring popularity is evident with this remake, Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Fallen.

Originally released back in 1993 but didn’t see a worldwide release until a 2017 remaster, the game is set to take its unique style and system to modern consoles, and it does so to unexpected success that makes it stand out in a sea of remakes.

An Epic Makeover

Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven is a comprehensive remake that features modern 3D visuals, enhanced audio, character voices, and a remastered soundtrack. The breadth of changes made here is noticeable, and it was done really to give longtime fans a modern rendition of a game they enjoyed from way back but also introduce the game to newcomers.

Transitioning from the retro sprite-based visuals and top-down perspective typical of 90s RPGs, the new 3D character designs are both visually impressive, complementing the occasionally theatrical voice acting. While the character models could use some more refinement in terms of animations and facial expressions, they’re serviceable and do the job.

The level designs, including towns and dungeons, retain a nostalgic feel. The style in which it was modernized doesn’t exactly scream realistic, but it is gorgeous enough to resemble a style that feels like something out of an anime.

Fans of classic JRPGs will find familiar elements such as weapon and item shops and inns. The expansive levels encourage exploration, with treasure chests offering rewards for the curious. Avalon, your main hub, strikes a good balance in size, inviting players to walk around, admire the view, and enjoy the proceedings. It feels like a blend of old-school and something unexplicably fresh in some ways.

As mentioned, this remake of Romancing Saga 2 is truly impressive, making the visual change with remarkable success. The character models are clean and appealing, and among the various warriors and mercenaries you can recruit, you’re sure to find some favorites. While some characters will have designs that are too absurd or outrageous for the current setting, most are generally well-designed.

The characters move fluidly, and despite occasional blank stares, their sometimes-hammy voice acting effectively convey their emotions. The shift to more anime-inspired character designs was an excellent choice, while the enemies and monsters look appropriately menacing.

The music is perfectly suited to each situation. Battle themes are fast-paced and energizing, while the town music, especially in Avalon, captures the majestic atmosphere. During darker moments, the soundtrack becomes suitably eerie and suspenseful.

Beat the Seven

In true Saga fashion, Romancing Saga 2 presents a unique, generational story with intriguing twists on the typical save-the-world narrative. If the title “The Seven” reminds you of the comic book series The Boys, you’re certainly not alone!

In Romancing Saga 2, the world faces a threat from the Seven Heroes, once saviors who have returned as malevolent demons bent on destruction. Unraveling why these former heroes now seek to destroy the world is the central mystery, explored over an extended period.

This is actually what gives Romancing Saga 2 such a unique offering – the Inheritance system. It is the main consideration why the team even remade the game in the first place, and it is indeed intriguing, giving players a unique experience.

Players begin with Emperor Leon of Avalon and eventually control his successor, Prince Gerard. As the story progresses, players will choose different successors to Gerard, culminating in the Final Emperor, the avatar named by the player. This approach contrasts with the traditional single-protagonist journey, offering a fresh perspective where the main antagonists are fallen heroes.

The prologue, featuring Emperor Leon, doubles as a tutorial and spans quite a bit of time, which may drag on for a bit. Once players transition to Prince Gerard, they gain more freedom to choose their activities, opening things up as it gets interesting.

While the game boasts a variety of loyal warriors and magic users, these characters primarily serve the Emperor without much individual development. Given the story’s generational scope, forming attachments to these characters can be challenging. Nonetheless, the expansive narrative and evolving gameplay provide players with an experience that is far from the typical story.

A Traditional Grind

One of the standout features of Romancing Saga 2, particularly for old-school fans, is its battle system. While battles are turn-based, the Saga series introduces unique twists. Each character in your control can equip various weapon types, and instead of a traditional level-up system, characters grow stronger through repeated use of their equipped weapons.

The glimmer system of Romancing Saga 2 enhances this mechanic. With each use of a specific weapon, a lightbulb icon may appear above a character, indicating they have learned a new technique. The game even hints when a new technique is close to being learned, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to combat that will see players make certain decisions on the fly depending on the outcome.

This system makes battles engaging by introducing a level of unpredictability, as learning a new technique mid-battle can shift the tide. It encourages players to vary their weapon usage to expand their repertoire of moves. Additionally, enemies have different weaknesses to weapons and spells, promoting a diverse arsenal in battles. If you’ve played Octopath Traveler, the resemblance will seem uncanny, but that’s not exactly a bad thing as it works well within the system of the game.

For players, this means extensive customization options. Characters in your Emperor’s party can equip any two weapon types, allowing for flexibility despite their apparent specializations.

Strategic depth is further added through party formations in Romancing Saga 2. Certain formations can place tanks on the front lines to absorb enemy attacks, while support magic users stay in the back, less likely to be targeted. This strategic layer enhances the overall gameplay experience, and is an important feature that players will need to consider to make it far in the game.

Unlike other titles, these systems aren’t just for show, and utilizing them to their full potential is key to advancing as some battles will be tough, prompting players to continuously engage with the game instead of mindlessly running through the motions.

Ahead of its Time

As the Emperor of Avalon in Romancing Saga 2, you face the dual challenge of managing a kingdom while pursuing the main storyline involving the Seven. Romancing Saga 2 innovates within the JRPG genre by incorporating these elements, breaking some form of expectation from what players would usually expect.

Throughout the Romancing Saga 2 story, you will appoint new emperors in succession, starting from Leon and eventually including your own player avatar. Each successor inherits traits from their predecessor, ensuring continuity and adding a unique twist to both gameplay and narrative.

You can expand your empire by constructing new buildings, such as a Smithy, and by conquering new lands through resolving local issues. These scenarios can be tackled in any order, enhancing the game’s non-linear nature.

Engaging in these side quests is beneficial, as they can introduce new characters to your party and provide rewards to bolster your war funds, essential for maintaining the Empire. After all, a kingdom cannot thrive without resources.

Verdict: Buy It!

Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven has transitioned beautifully from being rooted in the past. For JRPG fans, the game invites careful consideration, and even if you played the original version years ago, the visual and gameplay enhancements make it a worthwhile revisit.

The overarching mystery of the former Heroes’ dark transformation is compelling and drives the narrative forward. The turn-based combat remains engaging, and the glimmer system adds an element of excitement, making grinding enjoyable for those eager to learn new weapon techniques.

While the non-linear nature of Romancing Saga 2 can make it challenging to become deeply invested in individual characters, this very non-linearity is what makes the game a refreshing experience.

*Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven was reviewed on a PS4/PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.