Romancing SaGa 2

This multigenerational role-playing game requires a lot of attention but provides an epic adventure with a retro flair that can be engrossing. Most role-playing adventures tend to feature heroes that fend off some big evil before resting on their laurels until the eventual sequel. But what happens when that evil looms for generations? That's the question Romancing SaGa 2 aims to answer. Originally released in Japan on the Super Nintendo, and again in the States as a mobile game, Romancing SaGa 2 holds up surprisingly well despite its age. This console release has added a lot of polish, particularly with some added flashy effects and an updated musical score, but it still retains a lot of its original style. The overall effect is a classic, retro feel that manages to keep just shy of feeling dated.

In Romancing SaGa 2, players aren't just facing some immediate one-off baddie, but instead they have to plan for the future and the threat that's yet to come. It's a very personal adventure, getting players genuinely invested in their descendants, their kingdom, and the fate that awaits both. While it's a unique twist on the classic RPG formula, creating a legacy of heroes and allies while maintaining and expanding an empire can be a heavy load to bear. The game is a complex mix of options that takes a fair amount of time to get the hang of. It doesn't help that there's little in the way of explanation or instruction to get players on the right track, or that you might not recognize mistakes you've made until a bit later in the game's timeline. It's a frustratingly steep learning curve, but one that can be overcome with some extra patience, leading to a surprisingly unique adventure with a nostalgic flavor.