A deep dive into the SaGa series for newcomers and veterans alike! My journey into the SaGa universe began with Romancing SaGa 2 on iOS, and now, years later, I'm thrilled to experience the full remake, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, on multiple platforms. This article combines my hands-on Steam Deck impressions with an exclusive interview with Game Producer Shinichi Tatsuke.
This double feature includes gameplay insights and a conversation with Tatsuke, the mind behind Trials of Mana's remake. We discuss Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, lessons learned from Trials of Mana, accessibility features, potential future ports, and even coffee preferences! The interview, conducted via video call, has been transcribed and edited for clarity.
TouchArcade (TA): What's it like remaking beloved classics like Trials of Mana and now Romancing SaGa 2?
Shinichi Tatsuke (ST): Both titles predate the Square Enix merger, originating from the Squaresoft era. Remaking these legendary Square titles is a tremendous honor. Almost 30 years after their original release, there was significant room for improvement. Romancing SaGa 2, with its unique systems, remains innovative even today, making it a compelling candidate for a modern remake.
TA: The original Romancing SaGa 2 was notoriously challenging. The remake offers multiple difficulty settings. How did you balance preserving the original's essence while enhancing accessibility for newcomers?
ST: The SaGa series boasts dedicated fans worldwide, many of whom appreciate its difficulty. However, this difficulty can be a barrier for newcomers. Many know the series but haven't played due to its perceived high difficulty. To address this, we introduced a difficulty system: normal and casual modes. Normal caters to standard RPG players, while casual mode prioritizes narrative enjoyment. Think of it like adding honey to spicy curry—the original game's difficulty is the spice, and the casual mode is the honey, making it more accessible.
TA: How did you modernize the gameplay while retaining the challenge for veterans?
ST: The SaGa series' challenge isn't just about difficulty, but also about information accessibility. The original game obscured crucial data like enemy weaknesses and defenses. We addressed this "unfairness" by explicitly displaying weaknesses in the remake, creating a more balanced and enjoyable experience. We adjusted other overly challenging aspects to improve fairness for modern players.
TA: Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven runs exceptionally well on Steam Deck. Was it specifically optimized for the handheld?
ST: Yes, the full release will be compatible and playable on the Steam Deck.
TA: How long was the development process?
ST: I can't disclose exact details, but major development began in late 2021.
TA: What lessons from Trials of Mana's remake informed Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven?
ST: Trials of Mana taught us valuable insights into player preferences. For example, regarding soundtracks, players generally prefer arrangements faithful to the originals, while maintaining enhanced quality thanks to modern technology. We also learned that providing the option to switch between original and rearranged soundtracks was well-received, so we included this in Romancing SaGa 2. Visually, we adapted the approach to lighting and shadows, creating a more serious and realistic aesthetic suitable for the SaGa universe.
TA: Are there plans for mobile or Xbox releases?
ST: Currently, there are no plans for those platforms.
TA: Finally, what's your coffee preference?
ST: I don't drink coffee; I don't enjoy bitter drinks.
Thanks to Shinichi Tatsuke, Jordan Aslett, Sara Green, and Rachel Mascetti for their time.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Steam Deck Impressions
My initial concerns about the Steam Deck experience were quickly dispelled. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven looks and sounds fantastic, even exceeding expectations. The game gradually introduces core mechanics, making it approachable for newcomers while offering quality-of-life improvements for veterans. The visuals are stunning, and the option to choose between original and remastered soundtracks is a welcome addition. Even playing on the "original" difficulty setting, the game remains challenging.
The PC port is exceptionally well-optimized. Extensive graphical settings allow for customization to suit various hardware. I achieved a near-locked 90fps at 720p on my Steam Deck OLED with most settings maxed out. The English voice acting is good, but I plan to experience the Japanese audio as well.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a must-have for RPG fans. I hope this sparks interest in other SaGa titles. The game launches October 24th on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4. A free demo is available on all platforms.
