Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
" Epic generational RPG with deep turn-based combat and open-ended story but punishing scaling "
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Review
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is celebrated as a deep and innovative JRPG with a unique generational gameplay mechanic that spans a millennium, allowing players to lead an empire through multiple successions. The game’s turn-based combat is praised for its complexity, requiring strategic use of abilities, managing turn order, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Unlike many RPGs, it avoids grinding and features a forgiving level scaling system. The remake enhances the original SNES game with updated visuals and a fitting soundtrack, maintaining the charm of the classic while improving accessibility.
However, some players find the generational skip system and enemy scaling frustrating, feeling it sometimes punishes experimentation and character attachment. The story is less linear, offering player choice that impacts quests and world progression, though some feel the narrative and character continuity could be stronger. Overall, the game is highly regarded for its gameplay depth and replayability, appealing to both JRPG and TTRPG fans alike.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game’s deep and strategic turn-based combat, which demands thoughtful use of techs and spells rather than simple auto-attacks. The generational succession mechanic is seen as revolutionary, adding a unique layer of gameplay and storytelling across centuries.
The remake’s graphics and art style are appreciated for preserving the original’s charm while modernizing the experience. The soundtrack, especially the battle themes, is frequently highlighted as exceptional. The game’s open-ended world and meaningful player choices contribute to a highly replayable and personalized adventure.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the generational skip mechanics and enemy scaling, which some players find punishing and limiting to experimentation. The randomness of time skips and lack of continuity between generations can reduce player attachment to characters.
Some find the story and character development weaker compared to the gameplay, with the narrative sometimes feeling disjointed. The forced choice of character sex affecting gameplay without clear warnings frustrates certain players. Additionally, newcomers may find the initial 20 hours slow or confusing due to the game’s unconventional structure.
Pros
- • Deep and strategic turn-based combat with meaningful use of techs and spells.
- • Unique generational succession system spanning 1000 years adds epic scope.
- • Forgiving level scaling eliminates need for grinding and rewards strategy.
- • Open-ended world with impactful player choices creating unique playthroughs.
- • Faithful remake with improved graphics preserving original art style charm.
- • Exceptional soundtrack, especially memorable battle themes enhancing immersion.
- • Customization options for weapons, spells, and party formations are extensive.
Cons
- • Generational skip and enemy scaling mechanics can feel punishing and frustrating.
- • Random time skips reduce continuity and attachment to characters.
- • Story and character development sometimes feel weak or disjointed.
- • Playing wrong sex Emperor/Empress can be unfair without clear warnings.
- • Initial gameplay hours may feel slow or confusing to new players.
- • Forced choices in class and quest order can require replaying the game.
- • Some players dislike the lack of traditional grinding and loot systems.
Rating Criteria
In this non-linear RPG, rule and expand the Empire of Varennes across multiple generations. Discover a vast array of story experiences as you fight the Seven Heroes in an epic battle that plays out over thousands of years.
