SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered (RPG) Introduction and Review

This article is about the remastered version of "SaGa Frontier 2," which was released by Square in 1999 for the PlayStation.
『Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the SevenWhile the previous title was a remake, this one is merely a remastered version, so the content hasn't changed drastically.
However, many additional scenarios have been added, and improvements have been made to the game's pacing and other aspects to make it easier to play.

My first playthrough took approximately 28 hours.

Game Overview

"SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered" is an RPG where you choose a scenario to progress through.
The game progresses by selecting and clearing scenarios in any order you like, and then clearing newly appearing scenarios.
Set in a world where the ability to use magic is commonplace, the story follows the footsteps of the two protagonists, Gustave and Will.

Gustave's story is essentially a narrative-driven scenario.
This story traces how Gustave, born into royalty with no magical abilities, became known as the "Steel 13th" and rose to become the ruler of the Eastern Continent.
While many scenarios consist solely of dialogue, some include group combat battles similar to those found in SRPGs.

In contrast, Will's storyline is primarily an adventure-based scenario.
The protagonist, Will, is a highly skilled digger (a profession similar to an adventurer), and his main job is to explore in search of valuable artifacts.
This scenario can be played with the same feeling as a typical RPG that we usually imagine.

While the two scenarios don't directly interact much, there are descriptions that connect them to each other to a considerable extent, and each playthrough offers new insights.

Completing both Gustave's and Will's storylines will result in clearing the game.

Next, I'll introduce you to combat.

One of the selling points of the SaGa series is its unique battle system.
There are two types of battles: regular battles and duels, and you will choose which one to fight at the start of the battle.
You can't always choose; the combat method may be predetermined depending on the situation.

Normal battles are turn-based command battles involving multiple opponents.
You input commands for each character, and they act in order of speed.

The game features systems such as "Inspiration," which allows players to randomly learn new techniques, and "Cooperation," which allows players to chain together the actions of previous party members to increase their effectiveness.
Other commands include one that uses LP to restore HP, and another that allows you to negotiate with enemies to end battles.

To be honest, the combat in the original version was quite sluggish and time-consuming.
However, in this remastered version, you can arbitrarily speed up the battles up to three times faster, which significantly reduces the stress of the gameplay.
In the SaGa series, where you often want to "earn" points through combat, this is a very welcome standard feature.

In a duel, you fight your opponent one-on-one.
Unlike regular battles, you select four actions, which are executed in the same turn as the enemy.
In normal battles, you would select one learned technique to execute it, but here, you can unleash a technique by performing actions that involve two to four components of that technique.

For example, the sword technique "mincing" can be performed by inputting the commands in the following order: "slash → sweep → diagonal slash".
If you haven't yet learned that technique, you may be able to learn it by entering the command above.
therefore,If you want to learn a specific technique, dueling is generally more efficient than learning it through regular battles.

Equipment is inextricably linked to combat in this game.
The most important point is the attribute aspect.
You cannot use a spell unless you are equipped with gear of the corresponding attribute.
For example, to use the Water of Life (Tree/Water), you cannot use it unless you are equipped with both Tree and Fire elements.
In the image above, "Young Tree Staff" has the tree attribute, and "Blue Water" has the water attribute.
(Attribute icons are displayed to the right of the equipment name.)
The more powerful a spell is, the more likely it is to have various attributes combined, so be sure to check if you have the appropriate equipment.

Additionally, equipment has a limited number of uses.
Each time you use an item, it deteriorates, and when it breaks, you can obtain a number of "chips" set for that item.
These chips can be exchanged for cash or used as a resource to create powerful equipment.
There are advantages to using up and destroying your equipment, so unless it's particularly valuable, go ahead and use it all up.

Here is a brief explanation of the technique.
Skills and techniques learned by one character can be taught to other characters.
Consider your role and qualities within the party when deciding whether to add or remove the accessories.
The attribute icons in the upper center of the screen display skill levels.
If there is a "+" mark in the upper left corner of an icon, it means that the character possesses the qualities of that attribute.
The basic principle of character development will be to focus on using weapons and attributes that suit your character's strengths.

Review (no spoilers)

First, as someone who played the original version, I'll write my impressions with a bit of nostalgia bias.
In conclusion, this remaster was extremely satisfying.

My initial points of satisfaction were the improved pacing and UI.
The original version was a rather sluggish game, especially in combat (which is understandable since it uses CDs).
Therefore, each battle inevitably took a long time.
Like the SaGa series, this game involves repeatedly engaging in battles to develop your characters, so the slow pace of the battles is a point that cannot be ignored.
In this game, you can speed up battles up to three times faster, and it's easy to retry if your party is wiped out.
This alone makes the game significantly easier to play.
Other improvements include enhancements to the combat system and equipment screen UI, as well as the addition of a warehouse. While not dramatic, these small improvements are a welcome addition.

Another major point of satisfaction is the additional scenarios.
The storyline for Ginny's generation, which was not explored in much depth in the original version, has been significantly expanded.
This has given me a deeper understanding of Gustav, Roberto, and Meteor.
In addition to their character development, episodes for each of the Edelritter have been added, which I think will be a welcome addition for players of the original game.

Personally, I felt that some of the additional scenarios were a bit superfluous.
The fact that not much was said about it left room for imagination, but now that it has been explicitly stated, I think that range of imagination has narrowed.
If I had to choose between good or bad, the feeling of happiness outweighed the bad.

So, how would someone who has never played SaGa Frontier 2 before perceive this game?
In terms of storytelling, I think it's easier to connect with the characters and understand compared to other SaGa series games.
Even though it's a multi-scenario RPG, it's basically a linear game, so you're unlikely to find yourself wondering where to go next.
Gustave's scenario might be difficult to understand for first-time players, as the power dynamics and relationships between the characters might be unclear.

Regarding the combat system, you might find the relationship between equipment attributes and skills/techniques a little complicated.
The fact that you can't use combined spells unless you have the corresponding attribute equipped is something that I think many players got stuck on.
Since there isn't a tutorial, I think some people might never realize the rule and end up not being able to use it.

Another concern is that, considering the game's difficulty, the final boss is extremely tough.
As is typical of the SaGa series, it's extremely difficult to clear the game just by casually trying it out.
However, the fact that the battles become much easier if you plan and prepare properly is a characteristic shared with other SaGa series games.

In summary, this is a game I can confidently recommend to anyone who has already played the original version.
I can't wholeheartedly recommend this game to someone playing the SaGa series for the first time.
However, compared to other SaGa series games, I think it's more story-driven, easier to understand, and more accessible to play.
I think this is a very recommendable title for anyone looking to get into the SaGa series.

Impressions and strategy notes with screenshots included. *Spoiler alert*

This section contains spoilers.
I hope you'll read this with the understanding that it's from the perspective of someone who played the original version a long time ago and is playing SaGa Frontier 2 again for the first time in over a decade.

Early game

Gustave has been a rough and twisted character, but it seems he has managed to break free from the mindset of "I can't use magic → therefore I'm a failure" and transform that into a positive force.
This was likely largely due to the upbringing provided by her mother, Sophie, and the influence of her friends.

Initially, Gustave was playfully hitting Flynn, but he has become more than just a subordinate; he's become one of his cherished friends.
Gustave, who is probably not very straightforward, asks Kelvin for help, which gives us a glimpse into his state of mind.

Han's helpful nature shines through when he tells rookie digger Will that the ruins of Han are a perfect fit for him, and then offers to show him around.
Although she's a mage, she's a veteran with high HP, making her a reliable asset.
Bushfire is an area-of-effect spell that everyone will find useful in the early stages of the game.
(But neither the tree nor the fire possesses the necessary qualities...)

For those who have played SaGa Frontier 2, Professor Land Urchin is a character many players will encounter as their first teacher.
They have a high level of intuition and can learn most techniques and spells.
It's sad when you come up with a brilliant idea only to be defeated by a deadly loop.
In this game, you can escape at any time by spending LP, so it's important to escape and save your progress.

I learned some notable techniques and skills at the dojo.
Since we don't have any members with aptitude for swordsmanship or martial arts, we will have them learn other techniques to a certain extent.

Techniques like Gale Strike and Mizuchi consume JP rather than WP, so strategically using them in battle will increase your party's sustained combat ability.
Since I can't yet learn Firestorm, which is useful for area-of-effect attacks, I'll use Hymns instead.

Narces is indeed a very caring person.

The preceding species were not suited to arid regions, so there shouldn't be any megaliths in this area.
It's an exceptional megalith located in such an unusual place, and furthermore, it's housed in a lead box that hinders the anima—an abnormal situation.
It's understandable why Narces would call it eggy.

Because you'll die...
(Also, the additional scenario "Label's Wish" will no longer be viewable.)

The nighttime city scenario has a unique atmosphere, reminiscent of an adventure game.
The city's structure is complex, and the flag-setting system is also difficult to understand, so I think it would be quite challenging without a walkthrough.
In the past, I usually sent Tyler in to infiltrate, but this time I asked Narces to do it.

The fact that you can't proceed without Nina in your party is quite a trap for first-time players, isn't it?

Square Enix video [Behind the Scenes of the Production of "SaGa Frontier 2": Akihiko Kawazu's IntentionsAccording to [the source], according to legend in this world, crying attracts evil anima.
It is said that it is not good to cry near the dead because if that substance enters a person who has died, they will turn into a ghoul.
The fact that she appears calm despite being extremely sad, going outside to cry, is what makes her so memorable.

Gustave here, when he spoke to the girl he thought was the cutest, it turned out to be Leslie, so I think that was his way of hiding his embarrassment.
If the "cute girl over there" that I asked to be introduced to was the best, I think I would have approached her myself first.

Gustave becomes surprisingly honest when it comes to his mother.
This emphasizes just how important they are to you.
Kelvin, perhaps feeling embarrassed after sending Gustave such a heartfelt message, turns his face away to hide his embarrassment.

The weight of the "yes" response here doesn't seem to indicate that the person is being hesitant to respond to a difficult topic, but rather that tears are simply welling up and they are becoming unable to answer.
(From the aforementioned video by Mr. Kawazu)

Everyone around Sophie senses her death through the presence of Anima, but Flynn is the only one who cannot sense it, as depicted in the story.
He seems to have become more dignified after expressing his gratitude to those around him.

It's hilarious when a character with this face says it.

I didn't notice it the first time I played, but the ghost knight that appears in the hidden passage is probably the missing lord.
While it doesn't particularly affect the main story, this kind of background information is interesting to notice.

Although Marquis Wide was separated from his family through Gustave's machinations, he had his own internal struggles.
I don't know if he's really being underestimated, but I get the feeling that Mouton wouldn't do something like that just because he's young.
This is just my speculation, but I think it's not because he's young, but simply because he lacks the necessary skills.

I really like the way they occasionally show maps with a sense of depth.
You can feel the quiet atmosphere of the dungeon.

Winning the wide position may be a small achievement in the grand scheme of Gustave's life, but I think it was the first real accomplishment that he could say he had achieved.
I think it's a very memorable scene because it represents a ray of hope finally shining into a life that had been dark and bleak, marked by the stigma of being incapable of performing surgery.

This scene, taken from "Gustave and the Pirate," is reminiscent of scenes often seen in Westerns.
I like it because it's a side story, a self-contained episode that's complete in one go.
Gustave's lines sound a bit pretentious, which is amusing because it feels out of place.

That's a good thing...

I love the captain who recognizes you as a big shot even if you choose a silly option.

It might be a cliché, but it's one of my favorite scenes.
Although he is against the situation, Gustave sees himself in Bat and cannot ignore it.
It's exciting when rivals cooperate to overcome a difficult situation.

Mouton's response to Nebelstan's "That's a cowardly way to do it!" was this.
It has a sharp, unpredictable quality that makes it difficult to understand.

Gustave could have easily found himself in the opposite position if things had gone slightly differently.
Ultimately, I couldn't bring myself to kill my own family members, so I left it to others.
This wasn't a matter of leniency, but rather a struggle with whether it was right to sacrifice so many lives for the selfish purpose of testing one's own strength.
Perhaps that hesitation prevented him from taking the action himself.

The spectacular views of the Grand Vallée

In a typical RPG, party members who join your party rarely leave.
However, SaGa Frontier 2 teaches us that where there are encounters, there are also partings.
Will Narces be able to get home by himself?

A megalith of ice that makes you feel the cold, crisp air.
I like the background art in SaGa Frontier 2.

A retreat against an invincible boss, and the boss battle BGM that plays for the first time hereTodfeindThis is one of my favorite scenes, along with the one mentioned above.
The same melody is used as the background music for the final boss battle, emphasizing just how formidable this enemy is.
Similar battle music includes:Besessenheit」「MißgestlatI like that too, of course.

What a sad ending.

The remastered version also includes an additional episode about Bols, the Water Edelritter, and tells the story of what happened afterward.
I'm very happy about the extra episodes, but they feel a little superfluous.

I like the part where Kelvin and Nebelstan, who were initially standing by to guard him, decide that there is no longer any danger and leave without saying a word.

This scenario is a bit comedic and funny.
It's a mystery whether he's consciously speaking from the player's meta perspective, or if he just has a habit of talking about himself in a commentary-like style.

Many people probably turn the entire area into an entertainment district when trying to defeat the final boss, but I love this comedic exchange.
The timid impression he gave at the start of the scenario is nowhere to be seen; he now appears to be a remarkably eloquent and unparalleled sophist.
I also find it amusing how Gustave immediately gives in with "That might be true." and "That's wonderful."

I laughed when the achievement was unlocked.

This bonus episode is fun because it lets you peek into the two of them, much like a romantic comedy episode.
I think it's a surprisingly important episode because it's crucial to clearly depict how the Finney royal bloodline is passed down through Marie.
Gustave had no children (officially), and Philip II was assassinated, so Marie's children must be the only ones left.

There are many characters named Philip, so if you don't clarify this, it might be difficult to understand the family tree.
Marie → Charles → David,
Marie → Philip III → Gustav

Tyler may have a post-apocalyptic hairstyle, but he has the heart of a hero.
That's cool.

It is believed that this is Kai, the boy Alexei encountered in his infiltration scenario, but this has not been explicitly stated.
However, every time I see lines like these, I can feel the passage of time, and that's one of the things I love about SaGa Frontier 2.

This scene is particularly memorable because it's practically the only one that directly connects to Will's storyline.
It's nice to see Gustave enjoying himself, even though he can't do as much as he used to when he was younger.

Stop suddenly bringing up your unusual sexual fetishes.

The egg owner's sticky, lingering tone of voice is unsettling.
This reminds me of the passenger ship scene at the end of Part 1 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

The line, "It's started," gives us a glimpse into the everyday struggles Kelvin faces.

Johann is an assassin, but what's amazing is that when his mission involves disguising himself as a traveling merchant, he can completely immerse himself in the role.
However, according to Van, he's tone-deaf.

The fact that he specifically emphasizes "by himself" reveals the arrogant attitude of the young Nebelstan.

Narces, who wants to go outside, part 2.
Since you had been to Vogelang before, does that mean you were able to show Will around?

They probably meant to say "goodbye" but swallowed it and ended with a thank you.
I think Gustave learned a lot about military matters after the Battle of Bucket Hill.
They've probably gone through far more battles than the players see.

A climax reminiscent of the Honnō-ji Incident.
The remastered version depicts what happens afterward, allowing you to learn the truth.
The line, "Let's meet again, Johan," is really nice, isn't it?

Mid-game

For Kelvin, the reason he couldn't abandon Han Nova was likely more emotional than military.
However, the words of the soldiers who are still alive make me decide to abandon the plan.

As Han Nova is plundered by monsters and bandits, you get a strong sense that Gustave is truly becoming a thing of the past.
For Kanthar, it was probably easier if Kelvin had remained committed to Han.

Charles's way of speaking here is sure to get on the players' nerves.
Philip III seems more gentle and likeable.

The unexpected client is revealed.
This is one of the few direct points of contact between Will's story and Gustave's story.
It's amazing that Eleanor also has a connection to Kelvin.

This game features an unusually gigantic boss with unique camera work.
I like these kinds of special effects that give a sense of scale.

(Weekly magazine headline) Special issue on the romantic relationships of Rich Knights, son of Tycoon Will.

Rich shared many similarities with Joseph from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 2, but their fates were diametrically opposed.

I'm glad that a lot of episodes featuring characters from Ginny's generation, including Meteor, have been added.

It's great to see Yulia, who only appeared once, make a reappearance.
Judging from the dialogue, it seems that her feelings for Rich are more of a pure respect than romantic love.

The death of Philip III is rarely mentioned, but it is briefly discussed along with an anecdote about a member of the Edelritter.
Based on Moi's (though not strictly Moi's) dialogue, it seems we can deduce that this is a conspiracy.

This is another episode of the Edelritter, told alongside the final moments of important figures.
Mika, the tree demon general, seems to lack human-like emotions to begin with, so she feels a bit different from the other members.

Final stages

It seems Roberto was on the verge of becoming an Edelritter.
Being able to sense danger and escape skillfully in this situation is a great talent.

I've compiled the dialogue from the Ghoul Tower in Raupholz.
Similar to the "Life Science Research Institute" in SaGa Frontier 1, this dungeon has a unique atmosphere that suggests there are various background stories and events to unfold.
They share several commonalities, such as appearing ordinary at first glance before attacking, and conducting research on immortality.

There's only one person who won't attack you even if you talk to them, but even that person will attack you with a headache after the event.
You can get a general idea of what kind of facility it was from Ultimania guides and such, but it's a really creepy dungeon.

It seems that Isis, the Sound Demon General, and Gustav had some connection.
In the final Megalith battle, when Gustav duels the Sound General, he has some unique lines of dialogue.

A rare sight: all the Edelritter members gathered together.
I somehow felt it was similar to the atmosphere when Griffith formed the new Band of the Hawk in the manga "Berserk."

His ability to remain unfazed even after his father Charles's death, and instead steer the country toward strengthening the unity of the nobles, is truly remarkable.
It's impressive how they voluntarily relinquished their interests near Han Nova, demonstrating that they're not acting out of personal gain or loss.

The Battle of South Mound Top is a battle that many players have despaired over, and is almost impossible to clear on your first try.
Up until now, the combat battles have basically been about defeating the enemy as the clear condition, so I feel like that's a trap.
The starting point for success is realizing that the key to victory lies not in trying to defeat your opponent by force, but in enduring their attacks and buying time.
If you can figure out when the fake Gustave army will start moving, and by what turn you need to establish a defensive line, you'll have a chance of winning.

It was an extremely difficult battle, a fitting conclusion to Gustave's story.

Even in a situation where he was caught stowing away and locked up, his audacity to yawn and get sleepy shows he has the makings of a great person.
It's possible that this drowsiness is a result of Premiere's magic.

In the Endless Slime Dojo in the Giant Earthworm Hole, it becomes much easier if you have sufficiently increased your HP.
Furthermore, it's an ideal place to earn experience points and learn skills such as the Soul Song, so be sure to train your characters well.

An additional scenario reveals that the two had indeed met in the past.
What makes it so meaningful is that it serves as both an expression of gratitude for this very moment and an acknowledgment of gratitude for something that couldn't be properly expressed when one was little.
Gustav may not be aware of it.

Gustav has a mature demeanor, but perhaps Ginny's words offended him.
I feel like everyone is being influenced by Ginny's energetic drive and initiative.

I believe Fireflake and Greengrass are exactly the same in terms of performance, so why do both exist?
Is there a factional dispute between the "Flame/Tree" faction and the "Tree/Flame" faction?

He became the king of the entertainment district, and you can sense his great character.
Many players will likely build three entertainment districts in order to obtain the Dead Stone needed to defeat the final boss.

I understand Nuviem's frustration at being insulted by Charles, but the fact remains that he continued to sow the seeds of conflict because of it, which ultimately resulted in the loss of many lives.
For royalty, pride can sometimes be the reason to fight, but Première doesn't seem to accept that.

These words carry weight because they come from Tycoon Will, a legendary digger and a true hero himself.

Although Gustav doesn't appear in the original version despite going to provide support, it seems he was actually going to attack a supply base rather than the battlefield.
Did you do it, David?!

Additional scenarios for Gustav and David.
When the newly added battle theme "Feldschlacht V" started playing, I thought, "Oh! A new song!"
Which "Feldschlacht" do you like best?

I had a vision of a scene from my youth where Gustave and Kelvin worked together to rescue Flynn from kidnappers.

Before venturing into the final dungeon, I'll make sure to defeat the Dead Sage first.
It wasn't a particularly difficult fight, but I panicked when two of my characters were turned to stone.

Just as Will Knights and William are portrayed in contrast to each other, Gustave and Bols also seem to be contrasted in a similar way.
It's truly heartbreaking that he died without ever showing any remorse.

Sargon wasn't so much recruited by the Edelritter as he was practically tricked into joining the quarry facilities, so I feel a little sorry for him.
It seems they've accepted that they are a flawed being, and they've made up their minds.

The moment a feud that had lasted for over 100 years was severed.
It's deeply moving to think that Gustave's sword, which ushered in a new era, destroyed the Egg, a relic of a bygone age.

END

I was aiming to get powerful tools that could be made once the amount of chips in circulation increased, so I put a lot of effort into collecting chips.
However, I never actually had a chance to use it.

After clearing the game

After clearing the game, you can freely listen to the background music used in this game.
Just like a regular music player, you can specify continuous playback, loop playback, shuffle playback, and more.

Similarly, a gallery where you can view illustrations of each character will also be available.
You can enjoy illustrations by Tomomi Kobayashi that appear in setting materials and other publications.
I had seen Will and Gustave before, but I had never seen Narces, the fake Gustave, or Sargon, so it was all very refreshing.

This is an additional scenario that can be viewed after clearing the game.
From here on, you'll have to see for yourself!

After clearing the game, scenarios will appear where you can challenge enhanced demon generals and eggs.
You can take on the challenge with the Will generation, Rich generation, or Ginny generation, and you can swap members at the base, Vestia, as long as they are characters from the same generation.
For Ginny's generation, in addition to the six main characters, you can also bring along Julia and David.

As a side note, I like that the Heishi Shōrin Sword has the same graphic design as Gustave's sword.
Although this is an original setting from the novel included in the Ultimania, Gustave once...Heiko Shorin SwordHe said that he had been watching it and was making his own sword with that as his goal.

サントラ: SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered Original Soundtrack(Amazon)