SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered: Rediscover the Cult Classic Revived for Today’s Gamers

The release of SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered marks an exciting era for fans of the SaGa series. Over the past few years, a surge of remakes, remasters, and new titles has caught the attention of gamers. While SaGa may not enjoy the blockbuster status of franchises like Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, it remains a captivating series, with this remaster standing out as a notable entry.

Having played the original SaGa Frontier 2 some time ago, I have a deep appreciation for its mature narratives and the unique challenges the gameplay entails. While the remastered edition retains much of what makes it enjoyable, it also carries certain drawbacks, but they don’t significantly hinder the overall experience!

What is SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered?

SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered revitalizes a classic PlayStation RPG, offering players an aesthetically pleasing journey through the intertwined stories of two protagonists. First, we have Wil, a “Digger”who discovers a powerful artifact during his explorations. His narrative ultimately intersects with that of Gustave, a nobleman striving to find his place in a world that feels alien to him.

It all starts here - will you start as Wil or Gustave? You aren't bound to either, thankfully (Image via Square Enix) — It all starts here – will you start as Wil or Gustave? You aren’t bound to either, thankfully (Image via Square Enix)

The gameplay is structured in chapters, with each set in a different temporal context. This format allows players to experience brief yet impactful narratives featuring Wil, Gustave, Cordelia, and other characters, all with their unique arcs enriching the overall storyline.

Wil’s journey leans heavily on combat, thrusting players into immediate action. This path embodies the signature challenge of the SaGa franchise, including mechanics like weapon durability, skill acquisition in the heat of battle, and strategic management of Life Points (LP). While these challenges are rewarding, beginners may find Gustave’s storyline more accessible due to its comparatively easier gameplay.

New Features in SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered

Once chosen, you cannot undo this one. Make it wisely (Image via Square Enix)

This remaster introduces some exciting new elements, while also allowing players the option to experience the game with or without these additions. New Game Events enrich the narrative by filling in previously uncharted moments, introducing new party members—a feature I find particularly commendable.

However, new characters joining your party late in the game require leveling up like the rest of the team. Thankfully, the Parameter Inheritance feature allows players to enhance the attributes of one character using the stats of another not currently in the party, providing a helpful leveling mechanic.

Additional features include Enhanced Bosses, New Game+ for replayability, and the ability to send Diggers on Expeditions for loot collection. The new options significantly amplify the experience.

Combat Mechanics: Exciting Yet Intense

Duels give you a solid chance to learn some new techniques, and win a fight with pure skill (Image via Square Enix)

Combat in SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is diverse, encompassing standard turn-based battles, squad confrontations, duels, and tactical warfare. Specific battle types can be required in certain scenarios, but this adds to the depth without feeling overly punitive. Players must adeptly manage resources like Weapon Points (WP), Skill Points (SP), and LP, while simultaneously mastering new techniques and combos with different characters.

Duels, especially, serve as a platform for honing combat skills, where players engage in one-on-one matchups employing attack and utility commands. While tactical warfare provides a unique gameplay variant, it also presents considerable challenges.

During turn-based combat, players rely on spells, attacks, or skills, all of which consume WP and SP. WP particularly becomes a precious asset during consecutive battles, requiring players to strategize and consider their actions carefully to prevent running out of supplies.

Running an enemy out of reserves takes a lot of effort, so plan wisely to avoid that outcome (Image via Square Enix)

Failing to defeat an enemy squad within a turn gives them a chance to heal, ramping up the difficulty as players must tactically regroup or focus their fire. This unique challenge makes for an engaging combat system, though it can also lead to frustration if not approached wisely.

Some Cryptic Elements Remain

What you should do (and when) isn't always so clear in SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered (Image via Square Enix) — What you should do (and when) isn’t always so clear in SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered (Image via Square Enix)

For those returning to the game, revisiting the original mechanics may be necessary. Certain events or objectives can be easily overlooked if players rush through the story. Moreover, numerous in-game features lack clarity, posing a challenge for exploration.

This cryptic nature preserves the essence of the original game, pushing players to engage deeply with the narrative and exploration, though it can add an element of frustration. Additionally, while the watercolor backgrounds look stunning, they sometimes obscure navigation, complicating map exploration.

A Delightful Audio-Visual Experience

Every backdrop is a real masterpiece (Image via Square Enix)

Revisiting SaGa Frontier 2 on a 4K screen was a revelation; its stunning watercolor art style enhances the gaming experience, even if it complicates map exploration at times. The captivating soundtrack and quality character designs further solidify the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Concluding Reflections

You can even use the Pocketstation exclusive mini-game to farm up plenty of gear (Image via Square Enix)

In summary, SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered is a wonderfully crafted project that introduces many quality-of-life improvements while honoring the original’s charm. With its fragmented storytelling and sometimes cryptic mechanics, it captivates and challenges players from start to finish.

The emotional depth of the narrative shines through in the journeys of both Gustave and Wil, reminding players of the compelling moments that define this adventure. Newcomers will face a learning curve, but the rewarding experience is undeniably worth the investment.