In the demo, you can enjoy the beginning of the story, up until Emperor Leon and his teammates challenge Kzinssie, one of the Seven Heroes. Save data from this demo can be carried over to the full game.
In addition, we've received a message for you all from Shinichi Tatsuke, the producer of this game. Please enjoy them below, in interview format.
1. For people who have never played, or perhaps even heard of, the original Romancing SaGa 2, please can you describe Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven in your own words?
In this game, players will experience an epic story that is rarely found in standard RPGs. The player becomes the Emperor of the Empire and confronts the Seven Heroes. However, the Seven Heroes are too strong to be defeated in a single generation, so the power of imperial succession is used to pass on abilities and knowledge to the next emperor from one generation to the next. Thus begins a battle that spans thousands of years between the Empire and the Seven Heroes.
2. What made you decide to remake Romancing SaGa 2?
I was invited to join the project by the original creator, Kawazu-san, and the rest of the SaGa team; that was the beginning. The development team had just finished Trials of Mana, and we were considering what to make next, so the timing was perfect.
3. Do you need to have played a SaGa game before to enjoy this one?
This title has no connection to the rest of the SaGa franchise in terms of worldview or storyline, so anyone can enjoy the game. In addition, the game is designed to be easy to pick up even for beginners, with comprehensive tutorials and an option to select the difficulty mode.
4. What new features have been added to this remake?
There are a lot of new features in this remake! There are new episodes from the Seven Heroes’ pasts, the battle system has been updated with increased strategic elements through United Attacks and the timeline, we’ve added new areas for character growth with abilities, plus new classes, new formations, new techniques, and new spells. There’s also upgraded facility development and equipment crafting in the game, in addition to new mini-games, such as the University Exams and Mr. S Finder. I’m also happy to share we’ve added three difficulty modes to choose from, fully voiced event scenes with English and Japanese voice acting, the soundtrack has been completely redone, and we’ve included the option to toggle between the rearranged version and the original retro music… There’s quite a lot, and even more for players to discover in the full game!
5. What are some key techniques for getting the most out of the battle system?
First, think about using various techniques and spells to strike the enemy’s weakness. If you can strike the enemy’s weakness, the Overdrive gauge in the lower right corner will increase and you will be able to inflict a powerful United Attack.
6. There are new difficulty levels in the game. Why did you add these and how do they change the game?
In order to encourage more players to experience this title and reach beyond those that have already played the original, we have prepared a “Casual” difficulty mode, which will enable newcomers, or simply those looking for a more story-focused experience, to play the game without frustration. On the other hand, we’ve also prepared a “Normal” difficulty mode for RPG players who are used to strategic turn-based combat and a “Hard (Classic)” difficulty mode for fans of the original title and SaGa.
7. Please tell us a little about the lineage system and what positive elements it brings to the game.
There is a limit to the techniques, spells and such powers that a single emperor can learn. However, these powers can be passed down through generations to emperors of various classes, which will ultimately help birth emperors with overwhelming powers. You’ll need to accumulate several generations worth of power and experience in order to defeat all of the Seven Heroes.
8. What are you most excited for fans to discover when they play the game or demo for themselves?
It's up to the player to decide which order to defeat the Seven Heroes and which class to select for the Emperor’s succession. There are as many stories as there are players, and I hope that players will weave their own unique Romancing SaGa 2 history.
9. Do you have advice for players who are starting the game or demo for the first time?
I think it’s best to first enjoy the story and gradually get familiar with the battles. If you are stuck, going back to the tutorials on the menu should make it easier to progress. Also, don’t be afraid to knock down the difficulty mode as needed—you can do this at any time outside of combat through the settings menu.