Prepare to journey back to the enchanting world of Sandail! Square Enix has stealthily released the remastered version of the beloved classic RPG, SaGa Frontier 2. Originally a PlayStation exclusive, this fan-favorite is now available on a multitude of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android. Did this unexpected launch catch you by surprise?
SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered retains the unique charm of its predecessor, featuring the signature watercolor graphics that captivated players in the late 90s. But this isn’t just a visual upgrade. Square Enix promises a significantly improved experience, packed with enhancements and new content.
Two Tales, One World
The core of SaGa Frontier 2 lies in its intertwined narrative, following the destinies of two distinct protagonists: Gustave and William Knights. Gustave, a royal heir unable to wield magic in a world where magical ability dictates power, finds himself embroiled in a struggle for the throne. His story explores themes of political intrigue, war, and the fight for one’s place in a rigid society.
Meanwhile, William Knights, a young adventurer from a family of diggers, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his parents’ deaths and the mystery surrounding a powerful artifact known as the Egg. His journey delves into ancient secrets, forgotten relics, and the potential dangers they hold.
These two narrative arcs unfold simultaneously, occasionally intersecting and offering players a comprehensive understanding of the history and conflicts within Sandail. The game’s structure allows players to navigate a chronological table of events, choosing the order in which they experience different historical moments. This event-based narrative provides a unique way to piece together the larger story from various perspectives.
What’s New in the Remaster?
Square Enix has gone beyond simply polishing the visuals. SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered boasts a range of new features and quality-of-life improvements designed to enhance the gameplay experience for both returning fans and newcomers.
Enhanced Visuals and UI: The beautiful watercolor graphics have been brought to high definition, appearing more vibrant and defined than ever before. Original character sprites have been upscaled for modern resolutions. Furthermore, characters who lacked unique sprites in the original game now have their own distinct visual representations. The user interface has also been completely revamped, making systems like the History Choice and Chronology more intuitive and comfortable to navigate.
New Story Content: Under the supervision of Akitoshi Kawazu, the SaGa Franchise General Director, Benny Matsuyama has penned new story events that provide deeper insights into the world and characters of SaGa Frontier 2. These additions seamlessly integrate into the main narrative, offering fresh perspectives on key events. For instance, players can now experience “The Joining of Kelvin and Marie” during Gustave’s timeline and “Labelle’s Wish” during William’s story.
Additional Playable Characters and Battles: The remastered version introduces new characters who can join battles, expanding the strategic possibilities in combat. To complement the new stories and characters, even bosses who previously lacked unique sprites now have them, adding to the visual richness of the game.
Gameplay Enhancements: Several quality-of-life improvements have been implemented to streamline the gameplay. These include new speed settings that allow players to accelerate battles, event scenes, and overworld exploration. Inventory management has also been made easier with the ability to shift objects to and from storage. A new Parameter Inheritance system has been added, alongside New Game+ and post-game content that promises “loads” of new events and enhanced boss battles for players to tackle after completing the main story.
Dig! Dig! Digger! Minigame: Western fans can finally experience the “Dig! Dig! Digger!” minigame, which was originally exclusive to Japan via the PocketStation peripheral for the PlayStation. This excavation minigame offers a fun diversion and a chance to uncover valuable items.
Deep Strategic Battles
SaGa Frontier 2 is renowned for its deep and strategic turn-based combat system. Players will engage in three types of battles: Party Battles, Duels, and Warfare. The combat emphasizes tactical planning, utilizing character abilities and combo attacks to overcome challenging foes. The remastered version has improved the pacing of combo and entry sequences, making battles flow more smoothly.
A Soundtrack to Remember
The SaGa series is also celebrated for its exceptional soundtracks, and SaGa Frontier 2 is no exception. The remastered version retains the original score, which perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere and narrative.
Why Should You Play It?
SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered offers a unique and compelling RPG experience. Its non-linear storytelling, engaging characters, strategic combat, and beautiful art style set it apart from traditional JRPGs. The numerous enhancements and additions in this remastered version make it the definitive way to experience this classic title. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the SaGa series, this is a journey worth embarking on.
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