Square Enix has announced that their remaster of Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-, the very first game in the SaGa series, has officially launched after only being revealed a little earlier this year. Since then, we’ve seen plenty of trailers and gameplay details, but now we can finally get our hands on this lovely JRPG classic.
Originally released in Japan back in 1992, Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- was the opener for what has grown into one of the most recognizable names in JRPG history, up there with the likes of Mana and Final Fantasy. It set the tone for the series, and introduced players to a lot of the base mechanics that would then be carried on into the future of the series.
These mechanics and gameplay elements revolve around bucking a lot of the traditional JRPG systems. The number one thing that the SaGa series provides is complete freedom within the plot. These are some of the least linear RPG experiences out there, as they all revolve around placing you within a world with 8 characters to choose from and find within the world.
You’ll be plopped into this world with no immediate direction. There’s a small intro cutscene, sure, but beyond that, the world is your oyster. Go to the local tavern, find some information on the happenings within the world, and experience small stories and grand tales alike depending on where you go and what you do.
Combine this with the randomised stats systems that keep levelling up from being linear – where the stats your character gets upon levelling up are entirely up to fate – and it makes for a very non-traditional JRPG experience, but one certainly worth taking up.
This remaster takes the original experience and enhances it with a small amount of bonus content, but mostly focuses on taking the old 2D art and making it look even better with a 3D style alongside some new music too!
If you’d like to take on this nonlinear open-world adventure and give Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered a go yourself, you can purchase it for $24.99 at the links below!
Looking for more traditional turn-based JRPG action? Check out our Top 25 best JRPGs for iOS!
