I’ve been playing Romancing SaGa 2 on Nintendo Switch. Not the 3D remake, mind you — the updated 2D version. What I wanted was to soak in some nostalgia gaming for a while. Sip a bit of that aged tea and see what worked… and what didn’t.
Romancing SaGa is… different from what I expected.
It has some really good ideas. As the game goes on, the world opens up, and there’s a genuine sense of freedom in how you progress. That part feels refreshing. But I can’t shake the feeling that the game wasn’t made with much love. It’s as if the lead designer had clear mechanical ideas — but a very limited budget to realize them.
The world feels so empty. You have an expansive castle and various villages to explore. Villagers wander around in little simulated loops, but really, they just move a bit left and right — usually just getting in your way. Most characters have nothing of worth to say. Many share the same recycled dialogue. Most houses have very little to explore — if they aren’t just empty.
A shame.
Of course, the game is old — younger than I am, but still. 1993 was a different time. I don’t want to be too dismissive (I’ve heard the 3D remake is wonderful), but I think it’s fair to say this game doesn’t do a good job of making the world feel lived in. There’s space to explore, yes — but that space feels hollow, and that kills the mood.
On a more positive note, the battle system and character progression are both really neat and original. It’s definitely a charm for people like me who enjoy a good grind-fest, aha!
I’m not done with the game yet, but my passion for it has definitely dampened. Still, I’m glad I played it — glad I could clearly see what I liked and what I didn’t. It’s a game that bleeds heavily outside of the mold, and for that, I’m grateful.