- Release Date: February 15, 2000
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Style: Third-Person 3D RPG
- Similar Games: Vandal-Hearts (PlayStation), Wild Arms (PlayStation), SaGa Frontier (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VII (IBM PC Compatible), Thousand Arms (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VIII (PlayStation), Vandal-Hearts II (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VIII (IBM PC Compatible), Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VIII (PlayStation)
Game Description
There are many things that help to create history. Each story, decision and battle has two sides that help to create it. However, only the victor's story is ever really told. You are about to get the chance no one has ever had: you will learn both sides of the story.Young
As
Deep inside he always felt that his parents were murdered. This feeling would lead him to seek the truth. However, the truth may destroy him and everything he has learned to love.
In Saga Frontier 2 by Square Soft, you are able to choose from either
Choose the roles for each of your four team members. There are three unique roles that each character can play in the game. They can have the role of Individual, which helps to strengthen their own abilities and affects the actions of all your allies. Then there is Support, which affects the entire party. Lastly, the role of No Battle comes in handy when your team needs to negotiate its way out of a fight. After selecting roles, teach them the secrets of weapon and Spell Arts. Weapons are for physical attacks and Spell Arts help to draw out Anima, not only in your characters but in their weapons as well.
Depending on the character and the weapon used, they can cast spells according to six different arts: Tree, Stone, Flame, Water, Tone and Beast. Each art has different weaknesses and strengths but when combined, they can create devastating combo attacks that will destroy the enemy. The more times you use the arts the stronger you will become.
Next, choose from three different Battle Modes. In the Duel Battle mode, you must choose one member of your party to represent the entire team in one-on-one combat. Here, the character you have chosen can learn more attacks and master skills faster. Choose your moves carefully as each decision will affect the tide of battle. In the Team Battle mode you rely on your entire team in order to win. You must plan not only the style of your attacks but also the roles each of your team will have. Lastly, there is the Strategic Battle mode. Here, you are not just limited to the three party members but you also take command of several different units, using careful planning and maneuvers to conquer the world.
Are you prepared for what has been set before you? Which path is the one that will lead you to greatness? Can you create history or will you fall prey to the errors of the past?
Roots & Influences
Believe it or not, this is the fifth installment in the "Romance Saga" series. The United States has thus far seen two games in the series -- SaGa Frontier and this sequel, SaGa Frontier 2. Where as the first American release utilized pre-rendered backgrounds and sprite-based characters, the sequel features hand-painted watercolor graphics. While the original featured a multitude of characters with various quests, this one features two characters with different types of battle scenarios and a Chronicle that allows you to view each characters' histories at any given time.SaGa Frontier resembles Squaresoft's flagship Final Fantasy series as both feature turn-based battle sequences involving multiple party members. There are times, however, when you'll control a small army of men -- it's kind of like Konami's strategic Vandal-Hearts series.
Review: Overall
Square Soft's SaGa Frontier 2 is an inventive and captivating role-playing game. With two separate storylines that eventually intertwine, various battle styles and other goodies, it is a must have for any RPG fanatic. Needless to say, it will give you many hours of gameplay.At the beginning of the game, you'll choose between
However, you're not limited to playing the storyline you selected at the beginning of the game. What makes SaGa Frontier 2 so inventive, aside from the fact you have the option of playing two completely different storylines that crossover, is the fact that you can switch back and forth between the two. There's an interface feature called the Chronicle that lists the different histories behind each character; you can view this any part of the history as you'd like. Once you've finished, you can access the world map and select any event listed. Depending on what you've done, you may be treated to a storyline advancement or an important battle. After completing the given event, you'll notice a change in the Chronicle. Basically, this lets you write history.
Another thing that makes SaGa Frontier 2 a must have is the three separate battle modes. While you're given the typical party battle available in almost every other RPG, there are times when your characters will engage in one-on-one fights with the enemy. In some cases, you'll command completely different armies of men. Admittedly, you won't have these choices in every single battle, but depending on where you are (such as the ruins or an open outdoors area), the computer will give you the option to duel or immediately send your party into battle. You'll only control armies at selective points throughout the game. As not to spoil anything, you'll have to play to find out where.
Goodies come in the form of helpful skills known as Spell Arts and weapons. As you progress throughout the game, the more your characters use them, the stronger they become. During any given battle, your characters may suddenly learn a new skill and apply it in the remainder of the fight. You'll want to use your weapons and magical spells often; be sure to pay attention to the symbols under the attacks you choose as they'll affect the damage handed out. In the Duel mode, you can choose from four different things to execute. If you combine them in the right order, your characters will do amazing combination attacks not available in the Team styled battle system.
Last and certainly not least, SaGa Frontier has a nice graphical flair. Not only does it play well with lots of options, it is also gorgeous to look at. Although it looks and feels like a 3D role-playing game without the blockish polygonal look, the environments have been completely rendered in hand-painted watercolor. Basically, it's like playing in a painting. After going through this game, you may wish more developers would create games in this painstaking style.
SaGa Frontier 2 not only improves on the original American release, but sets a new watermark for other RPGs to follow. With so many things packed into this game, you'll be playing it for a long time. Once again, Square Soft has outdone themselves and rules the roost.






