Info about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven:

Official game description:
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Demo
===========================================
In the demo, you can enjoy the beginning of the story, up until Emperor Leon and his teammates challenge Kzinssie, one of the Seven Heroes. Save data from this demo can be carried over to the full game.
About the Game
==============
Save Your Empire. Defend Your Legacy.  
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a full remake of the groundbreaking non-linear RPG Romancing SaGa 2, which originally launched in Japan in 1993.  
Embark on an adventure featuring both new and classic SaGa franchise features, complete with Japanese and English voiceovers, original and rearranged compositions, and much more! This is an ideal entry point for new players and provides an amped-up experience for longtime fans.
STORY
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The Seven Heroes were once hailed as saviors, but the ancients feared their power and banished them to another dimension. It was foretold that they would return to save the world once more...  
Thousands of years have passed, and the heroes have become legend. Furious that humankind has forgotten their many sacrifices, they have now returned as villains bent on revenge.  
As legions of monsters swarm the world, take on the role of Ruler of the Empire of Varennes. Defend your legacy across successive generations, expand your realm and defeat the vengeful Seven Heroes one by one!
KEY FEATURES
------------
**Characters & Imperial Succession**  
Join forces with characters from over 30 different classes featuring a wide variety of professions and races, each with their own favored weapons, unique abilities, and effective tactics. Choose the next Emperor from this wide pool of candidates, each eligible to inherit the throne and become the next protagonist.  
The knowledge and abilities of previous rulers are passed down to the next through the mystical art of inheritance magic, forging a lasting bond between you and your chosen characters.  
**Free-Form Scenario**  
The game presents a unique story structure that offers a vast array of narrative experiences in response to your choices and which objectives you tackle first—from how you expand the Empire to what order you challenge the Seven Heroes. Your actions and decisions will dramatically alter the course of the Emperor's journey.  
**Combat**  
The strategic turn-based battle system of the original has been further enhanced to a timeline system. Enjoy all the classic SaGa mechanics like "Glimmers," where you learn new abilities whilst in the heat of battle, and "Formations," which provide unique benefits to the retinue based on composition. Furthermore, the remake welcomes the new "United Attack" feature to perform combination attacks with your retinue members to turn the tide of battle!  
**Graphics**  
The 2D pixel sprites of the original game are now modeled in full 3D while retaining their charming, familiar appearances based on the beautiful concept illustrations by Tomomi Kobayashi. All towns and dungeons are now also fully rendered with reworked terrains and layouts.  
**Difficulty Settings**  
Select from one of three difficulty levels to match your preferred playstyle, from Casual, Normal, to Hard (Classic).  
Casual offers a story-focused experience with less emphasis on battle, while Normal is recommended for veteran RPG players looking for a balanced game. Hard (Classic) is perfect for players looking for the brutal but satisfying challenge of the original 1993 version.  
**Music & Voices**  
Kenji Ito, the composer for the original Romancing SaGa 2, returns with a vengeance to present a beautiful soundtrack full of new arrangements! The music can be toggled between the original and new versions from the Options screen.  
Furthermore, all event scenes in Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven now feature full Japanese and English voice acting!

Release date: Oct 24, 2024

Categories: Turn-based RPG, Character Progression, Non-linear Narrative, Generational progression system, Choice-based Narrative, JRPG, Story-driven Gameplay, Character Customization

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The user feedback highlights significant issues with the game's complexity and lack of in-game guidance. Players frequently rely on external resources such as wikis and guides to understand mechanics, complete quests, and discover hidden content. This dependency on external information sources indicates that the game may not be adequately explaining its systems and content within the game itself.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game runs well on Steam Deck, suggesting good compatibility with Linux/Proton. There are no significant issues reported that affect the overall experience.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience reveals several key themes. Frequent crashes, particularly during ending sequences, are a significant issue that severely impacts the user experience. Minor bugs and crashes, while not game-breaking, still detract from the overall enjoyment. On the positive side, many users reported smooth gameplay and good compatibility with the Steam Deck, including readable text and fully compatible controls. Performance-wise, the game runs well with smooth graphics and fast loading times. However, the frequent crashes are a major concern that needs addressing.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $40.00 - $60.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users who are willing to invest significant time into the game, including completing NG+ content and achieving 100% completion, feel that the game is worth the full price. This suggests that the community considers the full price to be fair for the amount of content and replayability offered.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 70.0h
  - Story completion: 30.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several key insights into the playtime metrics for Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. The first quote mentions the emotional journey and completion of the game, indicating a significant investment of time to reach the endgame and experience the full story. The second quote discusses the initial struggle with the game's mechanics, suggesting that the learning curve and initial play sessions can be lengthy. The third quote explicitly states a total playtime of 174.4 hours, though a portion of this was spent AFK. The fourth quote mentions completing the game three times across different difficulties and achieving all in-game accomplishments, which likely required extensive playtime. These quotes collectively suggest that the game has a substantial playtime for completion, with significant time invested in both the main story and additional playthroughs for full completion and achievements.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts with a steep learning curve and linear gameplay but becomes more enjoyable after the initial phase, offering depth and complexity in its strategic and intricate gameplay.
  - Stance: Fun after initial learning phase
  - Anchor: Completing the initial linear phase and understanding the inheritance system.
  - Time to anchor: 15h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Initial linear gameplay
  - Unlock drivers: Inheritance system; Ability to explore and expand the empire
  - Conditions: Strategic and intricate gameplay; Unique progression systems; Depth and complexity in gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia and appreciation for the remake's improvements.
    - Playstyle: Explores the game with a deep understanding of its mechanics and lore, appreciating the enhancements made in the remake.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: 老玩家; franchise fan
    - Reference games: Final Fantasy 7; Romancing SaGa 2 (original)
  - Story-First Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Engaging and immersive storytelling.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on the narrative and character interactions, often critical of the story's depth and coherence.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: 剧情党; story lover
    - Reference games: Final Fantasy; other JRPGs with strong narratives
  - Tactical Combatant (buy)
    - Motivation: Strategic and tactical combat.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on mastering the combat mechanics, enjoying the strategic depth and complexity of battles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: 回合制战斗爱好者; tactical gamer
    - Reference games: Shin Megami Tensei; Final Fantasy
  - Grind-Focused Optimizer (sale)
    - Motivation: Character optimization and progression.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys the repetitive aspects of the game, focusing on leveling up and optimizing characters through grinding.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: grinder; optimizer
    - Reference games: Diablo; Path of Exile


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Enjoyable and engaging combat system (weight 0.29): The combat system is widely praised for being turn-based, intuitive, and engaging. It offers a variety of strategies and is easy to understand but hard to master, providing a satisfying and fast-paced experience.
- Faithful and high-quality remake (weight 0.28): The remake is commended for its faithfulness to the original game, maintaining its spirit and challenge while adding new tactical elements. It is seen as a high-quality remake made with respect and love for the original.
- Adjustable and balanced difficulty (weight 0.28): The game offers multiple difficulty levels that are adjustable and well-balanced. This feature provides a satisfying challenge for players of different skill levels.
- Engaging and addictive gameplay (weight 0.26): The game features engaging and addictive gameplay with nonlinear elements and challenging combat. The overall quality and depth of the gameplay systems are highlighted as major strengths.
- Beautiful and appealing visuals (weight 0.26): The game is noted for its beautiful and visually appealing graphics. The art direction and graphical techniques are praised for creating stunning and aesthetically pleasing environments.
- Freedom and choices in gameplay (weight 0.19): The game offers freedom in exploration, job planning, and choices that have consequences. This adds depth and replayability to the gameplay.
- Retains original charm and essence (weight 0.15): The game retains the charm and essence of the original, preserving its strengths and nostalgic elements. The charming art style and characters contribute to this aspect.
- Well-made turn-based RPG (weight 0.14): The game is recognized as a well-made turn-based RPG with a sophisticated combat system. It is recommended for fans of turn-based JRPGs and is considered addicting.
- Classic JRPG elements (weight 0.13): The game is praised for its classic JRPG narrative and elements, blending traditional JRPG features with open-ended gameplay. It is considered a great example of the genre.
- Great and memorable music (weight 0.13): The game's music is highlighted as great and memorable. The soundtrack is commended for its quality and rearrangements.
- Good character and enemy design (weight 0.1): The game features good character and enemy designs, with cute and appealing costumes. The voice acting is also noted as a positive aspect.

Common complaints:
- Weak and underdeveloped story (weight 0.46): The game's story is criticized for being thin, lacking depth, and having minimal development. Many players find the narrative thread unclear and the ending unsatisfactory.
- Poorly explained and frustrating mechanics (weight 0.2): Several mechanics in the game are not well-explained, leading to frustration. Players find some mechanics clunky and difficult to understand without proper in-game explanations.
- High difficulty and enemy scaling (weight 0.16): The game has a high difficulty level, especially in the early stages. Enemy scaling can be stressful and make combat dull and boring.
- Character and system issues (weight 0.14): There are issues with character appearances and names changing unexpectedly. Additionally, some game systems and mechanics are poorly implemented, leading to frustration.
- Repetitive combat and music (weight 0.13): Combat in the game is repetitive and can become grindy. The soundtrack is also criticized for being repetitive, which affects the overall gaming experience.
- Lack of immersion and character development (weight 0.11): Players feel a lack of immersion due to character succession and poor character development. Characters are often forgettable and lack depth.
- Missable content and boring gameplay (weight 0.11): The game has a significant amount of permanently missable content, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the early game is often described as boring and dull.
- Confusing and poor map design (weight 0.09): The map design is often confusing and poorly implemented. Players struggle with navigation and find the overall design lacking.
- Difficult and unbalanced monster encounters (weight 0.09): Monsters in the game are often too strong and move too fast, making encounters difficult and unbalanced. Players find some monsters particularly nasty and challenging.
- Translation and localization problems (weight 0.07): The game suffers from translation and localization issues, including inconsistencies and bugs. These problems can affect the understanding and enjoyment of the game.
- Visual and technical issues (weight 0.06): There are visual issues such as motion blur and depth of field problems. Players need to modify the source code to turn off motion blur, which can be inconvenient.

Gameplay feedback:
- Strategic combat mechanics (weight 0.33): The combat system is highlighted for its strategic depth, tactical turn-based mechanics, and challenging gameplay.
- Non-linear storytelling praised (weight 0.22): Players appreciate the complex, non-linear storytelling and generational narrative, which enhances story immersion and progression.
- Inheritance and succession systems (weight 0.22): The inheritance and succession systems, including generational character management, are praised for adding depth to gameplay.
- Enhanced content and replayability (weight 0.14): The game offers enhanced content from the original, including new elements that improve replayability and storyline depth.
- Time jump mechanics (weight 0.14): The time jump mechanic and its integration into the story structure are noted as unique and engaging features.
- Diverse character classes and abilities (weight 0.14): The diversity of character classes and abilities, along with the mastery and awakening systems, adds depth to character development.
- Open world and exploration (weight 0.14): The open world design and freedom to explore are highlighted as key features that enhance the gaming experience.
- Character progression and customization (weight 0.13): Players enjoy the character progression system, including customization, unlocks, and variations through combat.
- Weakness and elemental systems (weight 0.12): The weakness and elemental systems, including weapon and elemental weaknesses, add strategic depth to combat.
- Choices with significant consequences (weight 0.11): The game's main mechanic involves choices that have substantial impacts on the story and game world, enhancing replayability.
- Multiple difficulty settings (weight 0.09): Players appreciate the availability of multiple difficulty settings, allowing for a customized gaming experience.
- Free scenario structure (weight 0.07): The free scenario structure allows for open-ended gameplay, providing players with more freedom and control.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.18): The game experiences crashes at various points, notably during the ending sequence and after defeating the final boss. This includes fatal errors and crashes during the staff roll and ending credits.
- Good optimization and performance (weight 0.14): The game is generally well-optimized with good performance and stable framerates. However, there are some optimization issues on PC and during 100% completion.
- Motion blur and visual settings (weight 0.1): There are issues and settings related to motion blur. Additionally, the game offers detailed settings for maximum framerate and has depth of field effects.
- Compatibility and technical issues (weight 0.08): The game is compatible with Steam Deck but has various technical issues such as cursor bugs, black screen flickering, and resolution change problems.
- Average texture and model quality (weight 0.05): The texture and model accuracy are considered average, with some feedback mentioning poor modeling and UI.
- Physics engine and graphical improvements (weight 0.04): The physics engine focuses on certain aspects, and there are graphical improvements possible with Engine.ini adjustments.
- Game-breaking bugs (weight 0.03): There are reports of game-breaking bugs that significantly impact gameplay.
- Positive feedback on soundtrack (weight 0.03): The game features a fantastic orchestral soundtrack that has been well-received by players.
- Quick loading times (weight 0.03): The game has quick loading times, which enhances the overall gaming experience.
- Balanced modern and retro feel (weight 0.03): The game successfully balances a retro feel from the early Heisei era with modern gaming elements, creating a satisfying blend.
- Dizziness from 3D effects (weight 0.02): Some players experience dizziness due to the 3D effects in the game.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for all players (weight 0.22): The game is highly recommended for both new players and fans of the original series, as well as experienced players. It appeals to a wide audience and is praised for its ability to attract different types of gamers.
- Ideal for RPG fans (weight 0.16): The game is particularly recommended for fans of RPGs, especially those who enjoy detailed and complex RPG mechanics. It is considered a must-play for true RPG enthusiasts.
- Reference for future remakes (weight 0.12): The game is recommended as a reference for future remakes and is seen as a benchmark for similar projects. Players express hope for more remakes in the series.
- Appeals to turn-based combat fans (weight 0.11): The game is recommended for those who enjoy turn-based combat and JRPG mechanics. However, it may not be suitable for those who are not particularly interested in these types of games.
- Specific gameplay advice (weight 0.08): Players advise new players to follow specific strategies and recommend playing on Normal difficulty for the first playthrough. NG+ is suggested for 100% completion.
- Worthwhile for original fans (weight 0.07): The game is considered a perfect way to experience the story for the first time and is seen as an ideal remake that respects the original. Additional content and balanced improvements make it worthwhile.
- Blind playthrough recommended (weight 0.07): Players suggest experiencing the game blind on the first run and avoiding guides to fully enjoy the challenge and discovery.
- Challenging and rewarding (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for those looking for a severe challenge and is considered worth buying despite potential frustrations and grind.
- Mixed language recommendations (weight 0.07): The game receives positive recommendations in different languages, indicating a broad appeal.
- Positive developer feedback (weight 0.07): Players commend the developers for their work and express enthusiasm for future games and collaborations.
- Not for story-focused players (weight 0.05): The game may not be recommended for those who prioritize story, but it may appeal to those who enjoy farming and passing time.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players are frustrated by a variety of gameplay issues, including translation problems, performance gaps between characters, and confusing mechanics like the time jump. The final boss battle is frequently cited as unbalanced and overly difficult, leading to a sense of unfairness. Additionally, the game's repetitive nature, unclear mechanics, and frequent crashes contribute to player frustration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.15): Players enjoy the game's unique mechanics, strategic depth, and character customization. The combat system, character progression, and engaging storyline are frequently praised. The freedom in gameplay and the variety of classes and builds also contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players are satisfied with the game's improvements over the original, high-quality remake, and enjoyable combat system. The high replayability, detailed gameplay mechanics, and character progression are also sources of satisfaction. The game's well-balanced design and engaging story contribute to a sense of accomplishment and overall satisfaction.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Players express disappointment with the game's short lifespan, lack of character development, and repetitive story elements. The combat system and music do not meet expectations, and the game's mechanics and story are often criticized. Additionally, the lack of certain features and the game's failure to live up to the hype contribute to the disappointment.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Players are excited about the game's unique gameplay experience, engaging combat system, and strategic depth. The faithful adaptation and improvements in the remake, along with the high-quality 3D modeling and fantasy characters, generate excitement. The game's unique mechanics and the impact of choices on the game world also contribute to this emotion.
- Love (weight 0.05): Players love the game's core mechanics, such as the generation shift and learning new skills. The freedom to choose, multiple playthroughs, and different outcomes are highly appreciated. The strategic battles, turn-based gameplay, and the classic JRPG narrative are also sources of love for the game.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Players feel nostalgic about the game's faithful recreation of events from the original and the retention of classic RPG elements. The remake of a beloved classic and the feeling of playing a classic RPG evoke nostalgia. The game's design and freedom reminiscent of early 90s JRPGs also contribute to this emotion.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the game's graphical improvements, enjoyable music, and satisfying character progression. The emotional experience, rewarding character progression, and the game's length and beauty bring joy. The high-quality remake and enjoyable gameplay mechanics are also sources of joy.
- Excited (weight 0.04): Players are excited about the game's unique mechanics, challenging and rewarding combat, and sophisticated turn-based combat system. The unique mechanics and the impact of choices on the game world generate excitement. The game's unique dialogue style and adjusted mechanics also contribute to this emotion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's high-quality remake, quality improvements, and the developers' effort. The game's innovation, interesting systems, and the respect for the original version are sources of appreciation. The character design and the remake aspects are also highly appreciated.
- Happy (weight 0.02): Players are happy with the game's improved graphics and interface, fun combat system, and beautiful music. The enjoyable NPC interactions, music, and side story contribute to happiness. The successful blend of classic JRPG elements with open-ended gameplay also brings happiness.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated with repetitive gameplay, tedious achievement completion, and fatal errors during the ending credits. Being locked out of a character class and game crashes after defeating a boss also contribute to frustration. The missable content and the requirement for meta knowledge are additional sources of frustration.
- Satisfied (weight 0.02): Players are satisfied with the game's balance, direction, and overall gameplay experience. The sense of accomplishment and the game's respect for the original version contribute to satisfaction. The game's balance between new elements and the original gameplay is also a source of satisfaction.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are surprised by the game's engaging story and gameplay, which exceeded expectations. The unique story structure with time jumps and the enjoyable experience despite low expectations contribute to surprise. The game's ability to shatter expectations also generates this emotion.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic about the game's innovative design, excellent pace, and detailed evaluations. The strong positive feelings about the game and high recommendations contribute to enthusiasm. The reviewer's use of exclamation marks and strong positive feelings also generate this emotion.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by specific character interactions, balance changes, and humorous observations about character animations. The mention of the emperor being a pirate's errand boy and the developer's kindness in trophy design contribute to amusement. The fun party compositions and character interactions also bring amusement.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgic about the game's retention of the original story and the remake of a classic game. The reminiscent feelings of playing a different game years ago and the satisfaction of childhood curiosity about the storyline contribute to nostalgia. The game's faithfulness to the original and attention to detail in animations and character designs also evoke this emotion.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Players are engaged by the story and character progression, which keeps them interested in continuing to play. The variety of characters, classes, and the engaging gameplay contribute to engagement. The glimmer system and kingdom management aspects add depth to the gameplay, enhancing engagement.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused about the game's lore and mechanics, particularly the character succession system and the emperor's identity. The lack of explanation for certain mechanics contributes to confusion. The resistance to certain mechanics due to lack of explanation also generates this emotion.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed with the game's lack of story, strange story pacing, and forced missable content. The lack of certain features and the game's failure to meet expectations contribute to disappointment. The lack of story and the mismatch between graphics and epic feel also generate this emotion.}