Climbing, jumping, detect treasure, disarm trap, sneak, unlock, tip-toe, mining, pick herbs, alertness, the list goes on and is quite self-explanatory. These can be activated a limited number of times in fields and dungeons. The party can equip a selection of map abilities in towns. Also due to the decisions made, it is not possible to play all quests and see all events in the first playthrough. In addition, certain quests are unique to each character. Think carefully, explore and test around - when revealed the solutions are fair and logical The way to proceed for each quest is also well done - no random stabs at wild guesses. To the game's credit there are no generic quests, and every one is unique and has a meaningful story.
ROMANCING SAGA HARDCORE GAMING 101 HOW TO
It is up to the gamer to figure out where to go, who to talk to, what to do, how to do it. Most games tell the player where to go, or how to proceed - at least a hint. Which basically describes most of the quests.
Where should I go to look for clues? Who should I talk to?
The freedom is also hardcore in the following hypothetical manner: The world is filled with many non-generic towns and cities, most with their unique design, history and quests. Non-linear and free, the party may travel wherever they please, and there are several instances where the protagonist can make choices to affect outcomes and consequences. In addition, enemies level up relative to characters' levels, so combat is never dull - and may be quite dangerous if the characters level-up but the player does not plot their advancement paths properly!Ī Saga game distinguishes itself by the amount of freedom it offers to the player. Combat presentation is excellent, and quite a feast to the eyes when combos occur. As party members level up and execute more powerful attacks, there is a random chance of combos taking place. An enormous selection of attack techniques and spells are available, and there is no shortage of variety. Once selection is complete, the entire battle between the party and enemies executes for that turn. In the turn-based battle, player selects all the actions that the party shall perform for that turn. The system presented here is almost as varied and as sophisticated as that from a table-top pen-and-paper RPG.Įnemies are visible on the field. Gamers who love character stats and customization are in luck, as there are dozens upon dozens of stats, classes, abilities and skills to juggle.
The protagonist may recruit up to 4 other characters in the party. Sif, the warrior-women who has never left her icy homeland. Hawk, a pirate captain preparing to face his arch-rival. Albert, noble heir to a castle under seige by evil.
Music is excellent, making this one of the best game soundtracks I've heard this year.Ĭhoose from a roster of 8 characters for the protagonist. Although 'good graphics' shouldn't be a reason for getting this, it won't disapppoint either. However art and design are so good that it actually lifts the final visual impressions to 'good', or 'OK' at worst.
ROMANCING SAGA HARDCORE GAMING 101 SERIES
This entry in the SaGa series continues the tradition of open-ended and hardcore RPG gaming.įrom a technology POV, the visuals are average. Developer: Square-Enix Production Studio 2