Romancing Saga 2 (2017)

[Jaymann]

I picked this up for PS4 (compatible with PS5) for $8. Originally released in 1993, I am playing the 2017 remaster, not the 2024 3D remake which is full price. At first I was tempted to dismiss it as not ready for prime time. But the more I play the more depth is revealed. It has an interesting mechanic where every time your hero is wiped (or you complete a few missions) there is a generational change where you must choose a new emperor, and recruit 4 more characters onto your team. You can use generic characters, but unique ones become available as you progress.

It is very helpful to follow a guide as it is easy to miss some crucial elements. Unfortunately grinding, while certainly necessary, can only take you to the next generational change. Your new emperor retains powers and equipment from the last generation, while your new recruits, though overall stronger, start essentially from scratch on their abilities. What's unusual is there are many "normal" mobs that are much stronger than the bosses. You can flee from them and when you encounter again the mobs will change. Plus each character only has a limited number of "lives" and sometimes you must decide if winning a battle is worth losing some of them. Generally it is only worth it to me if I get a good drop, otherwise I will reload. At any rate if a character runs out of lives you can recruit another.

There are very few chests. Once you defeat a boss the dungeon mobs vanish and you can search unheeded. Resting at an inn is free and essential for MP and SP. Fortunately it is save anywhere as long as you are not under attack. I have gone from skeptical to addicted.