Get ready to hop back into the treacherously whimsical universe of SaGa Frontier with its shiny remastered version! This game is like a time capsule from 1997, sprinkled with a dash of modernity and a plethora of quirky characters with stories that would make even a soap opera director raise an eyebrow. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a fresh-faced ingénue just dipping your toes into the world of turn-based combat, there's something in SaGa Frontier for everyone. Let's dive deep into this interdimensional, character-rich tapestry that's been woven once more for the Nintendo Switch!
The gameplay experience of SaGa Frontier is like a buffet of adventures, sans the food coma. It's served fresh on the Free Scenario System, allowing players to choose from seven uniquely quirky protagonists, including a Mystic who's part human (that's a genetic Netflix drama waiting to happen), a half-Mec robot awakened from some forgotten era, and a bard trying to find his place in the universe (probably by belting out show tunes from bad musicals). The best part? Each character's journey is heavily influenced by your decisions. Want to recruit bizarre party members or ignite the flames of a love affair with a random NPC? You can, but good luck when you come across complications - because this game assures that nothing comes easy! In combat, you'll find yourself navigating through various foes in delightfully archaic turn-based engagements. The battles are not just about clicking the attack button over and over; you'll find special abilities and magical spells to keep things spicy. Plus, if you meet the right conditions in battle, get ready for combination attacks that add so much pizzazz to combat that you might mistake it for a Broadway number. Players are encouraged to fulfill each character's scenario one after the other. Completing one character's campaign gives perks for the next protagonist, allowing stronger starts, which feels a bit like passing your GPA to the next generation - except in this case, it's more about saving the world than just graduating!
Let's talk aesthetics! In the graphical department, SaGa Frontier Remastered is a bit like an eccentric uncle at a family reunion - charming, but a little rough around the edges. It showcases 2D-animated sprites on pre-rendered backgrounds that scream 'the late 90s are back!' If you were expecting flashy graphics reminiscent of today's graphical powerhouse titles... well, buckle up. The charm lies in its old-school aesthetic. The backgrounds might trip down nostalgia lane, but it's as if they brought their outdated flip-phone along. It's certainly not a show-stopper, but these vintage vibes bring a delightful retro flair that'll have you saying, 'Ah, yes - I remember when games looked like this!' If anything, this artistic choice sets it apart from the kaleidoscopic realism you see in modern titles.
In conclusion, SaGa Frontier Remastered serves up a delightful mix of nostalgia, eccentric characters, and a 'choose your own adventure' feel blended into one hefty RPG package. It won't be everyone's cup of tea - those used to linear storytelling may find their heads spinning like a wayward Twister spinner - but for those willing to embrace its chaotic glory, there's magic to be found. The addition of that eighth character, Fuse, adds a cherry on top of an already intriguing cake. While not perfect, it stands as a testament to the legacy of RPGs in the 90s, and perfectly shows what it means to craft an adventure steeped in artistry rather than realism. If quirky characters, flying ships, and battles against robots sound like your jam, dive right in! Now, go forth and save the universe because, trust me, it's going to need your help in more ways than one!