So I saw they released Final Fantasy Resonance. And it seems like an amalgam game. Like a best of episode. And that’s not what I mean. For me growing up FF7 was my introduction to the series. I had a Super Nintendo but I just missed FF6 somehow. I think it would be awesome if Square Enix’s next mainline title was a throwback (visually) and sported modern retro pixel graphics. All new characters and a new storyline though. They won’t do that but I think it would be awesome.
I also really enjoyed Xenogears, one of my top three games of all time for sure. There is a game on steam called Chained Echos that hit some of those same notes.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1229240/Chained_Echoes/
This is the kind of thing I’m talking about.
Have you played Sea of Stars? Absolutely, drop dead GORGEOUS pixel game with phenomenal music. Its not the hardest game, but it is a true love letter to old school JRPGs. One of those games that sticks with you long after you’ve beaten it.
It’s on Game Pass if you have it, otherwise you can grab it on Steam. It’s worth every penny.
Sea of Stars has some of the most beautiful art and music I’ve seen in a game of its type… and quite possibly the worst writing, too. It’s hard to overstate how awful the writing is. And the gameplay can’t save it. It’s not bad, but it’s not a game you’d play “for the gameplay” either. It’s okay.
It’s frustrating because their previous project, The Messenger, actually has pretty solid writing. It’s less story focused but the handful of NPCs are fun and have some clever lines.
I can’t really recommend people spend their money on it. If you’re going in expecting, idk, Chrono Trigger or something you’re gonna be really mad.
Unfortunately, the non-spoiler story summaries I’ve seen suck.
Twists like in FF7 where a certain person is killed, or a bad guy suddenly helps you, are big and valuable - they get you really invested in the character impact of the plot. Anything that starts and ends with “big evil god wants to destroy the world” feels dull and unsurprising. It’s part of why I never understood Dragon Quest hype.
It’s about the journey, not the destination, and the journey has plenty of twists and turns. You may know the start, you may know the end, I promise you do not know how you get there.
Is the Lord of the Rings bad because you know they’re going to destroy the ring in Mount Doom and defeat Sauron by the end?
I won’t say it’s absolutely the game for everyone, but I really don’t think you’d be as disappointed as you’re expecting. Personally, I was VERY invested in the characters by the end.
Thanks for the recommendation! Sometimes it feels like I got into JRPGs way past their prime. This one looks really fun.
Sea of Stars is excellent. If you’re experienced with JRPGs it’s not going to be super difficult and if you’re not it has a great selection of difficulty options that you’ll unlock as you play.