Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven

The gameplay of "Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven" is characterized by its deep, strategic mechanics and a unique generational system that allows players to experience a lineage of characters, each inheriting skills and traits from their predecessors. While the combat is engaging and offers a variety of classes and abilities, some players find the timeskip and permadeath mechanics frustrating due to their complexity and potential to lock out content. Overall, the game prioritizes gameplay over narrative, appealing to those who enjoy intricate systems and tactical battles, though it may not resonate with players seeking a strong story.

The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising the remastered soundtrack by Kenji Ito for its emotional depth and memorable themes that enhance both combat and exploration. While the quality of the music is consistently highlighted as top-notch, some players express a desire for greater variety, noting that certain tracks are overused in repetitive battle scenarios. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant strength of the game, contributing to its immersive experience.

The graphics of "Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven" have received praise for their charming art style and significant enhancements over the original, creating a nostalgic yet modern visual experience. While some players noted that the graphics are not groundbreaking, they appreciate the smooth performance and the overall aesthetic, which successfully balances retro elements with contemporary design. However, there are mixed opinions on certain character designs and the reuse of assets, indicating that while the visuals are generally well-received, they may not appeal to everyone.

Reviews on the aspect of "grinding" in this game present a mixed bag of opinions. While some players appreciate the challenge and depth that grinding can provide, many express frustration with excessive or punishing grinding mechanics, particularly when enemy levels scale with player progress, making mindless grinding counterproductive. Overall, the game seems to strike a balance by offering opportunities for strategic character development without falling into the typical grind-heavy pitfalls of traditional JRPGs.

Character development in the game is largely criticized for being minimal or nonexistent, with many players noting that the resurrection mechanic and time skips hinder meaningful growth and emotional investment in characters. While the character designs are often praised for their vibrancy and creativity, the overall narrative is described as shallow and lacking depth, leaving players wanting more substantial character arcs and interactions. Despite some exceptions, the consensus is that the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics and aesthetics over a coherent and engaging story.

The game offers significant replayability due to its open-world structure, nonlinear storytelling, and multiple ways to complete quests, allowing players to experiment with different choices and character builds. While some players find the length of the game a barrier to replaying, many appreciate the diverse content, including missable elements and new game plus options, which encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, the replay value is enhanced by the freedom to explore various paths and challenges, making it appealing for those who enjoy replaying RPGs.

Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with smooth performance across various platforms, including the Steam Deck, and minimal load times that enhance the gaming experience. While the graphics are considered basic, they run well, and the game includes numerous quality-of-life features. Some players noted minor areas for improvement, such as visual cues and item drop rates, but these do not significantly detract from the overall performance quality.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its impactful storytelling, with many players expressing deep emotional responses, particularly to the poignant endings and character relationships. While some reviews note a lack of character development and emotional expression, others praise the heartfelt moments and nostalgic connections that evoke strong feelings. The music further enhances the emotional experience, creating a memorable atmosphere that resonates with players.

The humor in "Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven" is vibrant and engaging, with character designs and backstories that infuse the game with delightful quirks and comedic banter. Players appreciate the clever voice acting and timing that elicits laughter even during intense moments, alongside a soundtrack that complements the humor. The game also features amusing enemies and humorous dialogue during battles, making it a standout RPG that balances heart and humor effectively.

The game demonstrates strong stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, where players report consistent performance at 60fps while docked at 1080p. Users appreciate the smooth gameplay experience, with minor adjustments like disabling motion blur enhancing their enjoyment. Overall, the game runs well and maintains a solid frame rate, contributing positively to the overall experience.

The monetization strategy of the game appears to prioritize attracting a broader audience over catering to its original fanbase, leading to dissatisfaction among long-time fans who feel neglected. This shift, driven by increased budget and marketing efforts, resembles the approach taken with "Guilty Gear Strive," where the focus on new players may alienate dedicated supporters.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of classic Dragon Quest games, which some players find soothing but may also lead to a sense of drowsiness.