Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a comprehensive remake of a jRPG with strategy elements released in 1993, which also received a slightly refreshed version in 2016. The remake is the result of a collaboration between Square Enix, the company overseeing the brand, and Xeen studio.

Plot

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven takes us to a fantasy universe, specifically to the Varennes Empire. The ruler and the citizens believed in the ancient legend of the Seven Heroes, who were to arrive one day to bring peace to the world. When the capital of the empire, Avalon, falls victim to a massive attack, it quickly turns out that Kzinssie, one of the legendary heroes, is behind it.

Given that Prince Victor, the heir to the throne, died during the invasion, Emperor Leon decides to use powerful magic and transfer his powers to his second son - Gerard. From now on, the task of taking revenge on the mythical "heroes" will rest on the shoulders of the young imperial heir, and later on his descendants.

How the events will unfold, as well as how the war between the Varennes Empire and the Seven Heroes will end, largely depends on our actions and the choices we make.

Gameplay

Unlike the original, in Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven we don't watch the action from a bird's eye view, but from behind the character's back (TPP). The game provides us with a vast world divided into a number of regions that we can freely traverse. While exploring them, we get to know their inhabitants, and also carry out various quests for them, helping them deal with the problems they are struggling with.

As we progress, we are joined by characters with different professions, preferred weapons and fighting styles. It is important to have allies, since we often have to reach for our weapons. Our character and their companions can fight using various types of swords, spears, axes or even maces, as well as use magic associated with various elements.

The battles take place in a turn-based mode, and their outcome is determined not only by skillful use of characters' abilities and strengths, but also by our tactical sense. We can position the team on the battlefield and choose its formation, as well as apply various status effects.

During battles, we charge a special indicator - overdrive - which, when filled, gives us the opportunity to use a powerful attack. In addition, the game implements the so-called Glimmers mechanic. The protagonist and his allies can randomly acquire specific skills , which is signaled by a characteristic flash above the character's head.

Strategic elements have also been implemented in the game. It allows us to manage the budget of the empire and expand the imperial castle, erecting various objects, such as a forge or an incantation laboratory, where we can stock up on new weapons and spells. As time goes by, we must designate the next successors to the throne, who will lead our army to fight against the forces of the Seven Heroes.

Difficulty levels

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven offers three levels of difficulty. The Casual variant is intended for players with less experience in jRPGs, the Normal mode was created with people familiar with this genre in mind, while Hard (Classic) was designed for veterans of the original Romancing SaGa 2.

Graphics and music

Compared to the original, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven stands out thanks to thoroughly refreshed graphics. Pixel art sprites and two-dimensional backgrounds were replaced with three-dimensional character models maintained in a manga style. The remake also features detailed location designs.

Although a thoroughly refreshed soundtrack was created for the game, signed by Kenji Ito, we can also switch back to the original music at any time.