Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven

This polished remake of an obscure JRPG gem is the most inviting way to dive into Square Enix's long-running SaGa series.

Romancing SaGa 2 boasts an expansive 3D world to explore, gorgeous character models and equipment, and compelling enemy designs. You can even choose between the original and a remastered orchestral score full of earworms from the glory days of the '90s. A remake of a classic JRPG many Western fans have missed, even three decades later, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven's inventive mechanics make it a worthwhile experience.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a bit of an underwhelming RPG that has some unique gameplay mechanics. The open-ended world narrative structure feels freeing, but the characters are boring. The glimmer mechanic is fun, but the battle system lacks a strategic hook. Each of its gameplay systems is a double-edged sword, as we'd find a particular aspect enticing while another was baffling. It feels like a slight step back from the other recent SaGa games, but if you're a fan of the series, Revenge of the Seven might resonate with you more than it did with us.

The unique approach to genre staples may not be for everyone, but for anyone looking to check out one of Square's legacy franchises, I’d recommend Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven in a heartbeat, or at the very least check out the free demo that’s out and see for your self. Regardless, it’s great to see new life being breathed into the franchise, and I hope Romancing SaGa 3 receives a similar remake treatment one day as well.

A landmark achievement in remaking a classic RPG where every change brings value to the experience, and none of the core essence of the original is lost in the transition.

As one of games media’s self-described SaGa Sickos, I had one question on my mind coming into Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven. Could a SaGa be rebuilt, explicitly for approachability, and still feel like SaGa? Or would sanding it down and making it friendlier turn it into a less daring and bold RPG that’s harder to distinguish from Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest? While some parts did have me feeling a little curmudgeonly, at the end of the day the answer is yes. Romancing SaGa 2’s remake is a fulfilling journey, giving fans of the original plenty to sink their teeth into, while simultaneously offering something that’s a lot more palatable for curious parties to finally set their fears aside and try something new. If it clicks, though, I implore you to dive into the deep end afterwards. Don't sleep on SaGa!

One of Akitoshi Kawazu's most experimental titles from the Super Famicom, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven shows that a classic JRPG can be given a complete overhaul to turn into something brand new while still retaining its unique quirks and charm.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven's Nintendo Switch 2 version is a must-try for JRPG enthusiasts, offering a story focused not on one character but on the entire world. Its entertaining, if slightly grinding, gameplay, and its sheer volume of content make it difficult to fully grasp in one playthrough.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven delivers a faithful remake of the original game, preserving all the aspects that made the SNES classic a timeless masterpiece, while introducing a range of quality-of-life improvements and new story elements, making this remake the definitive version of one of the best games in the SaGa franchise.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a classic turn-based JRPG that has been reinvigorated with deeper gameplay and new ideas that will keep it relevant for years to come. It's faithful where it counts and improves upon the experience, justifying itself with innovations and rebalances that invite veterans and newcomers to see why this franchise keeps enduring.