"Romancing SaGa 2: Interview with Producer Shinichi Tatsuke and Steam Deck Preview"

Many fans of the SaGa series have been drawn in through various releases across different console generations. My own journey with the series began nearly a decade ago with Romancing SaGa 2 on iOS, a game that initially challenged me due to its unique gameplay that diverged from typical JRPG mechanics. Now, as a devoted fan, I was thrilled to learn about the announcement of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a full remake of the classic, set to release on Switch, PC, and PlayStation.

For this article, I've had the opportunity to play the early demo of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven on Steam Deck, and I also interviewed the game's producer, Shinichi Tatsuke, who previously worked on the Trials of Mana remake. Our discussion covered a wide range of topics including the remake process, lessons from Trials of Mana, accessibility features, potential future ports, and even personal preferences like coffee. The interview was conducted via video call and has been transcribed and edited for clarity and brevity.

TouchArcade (TA): How does it feel to have worked on the remake of Trials of Mana and now on Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, both beloved classics?

Shinichi Tatsuke (ST): It's an immense honor to work on remakes of legendary titles from the pre-Square Enix merger era, when Square was still Squaresoft. Both Trials of Mana and Romancing SaGa 2 were released almost 30 years ago, which provided a great opportunity for us to enhance them significantly. Romancing SaGa 2, in particular, stands out with its unique systems that remain fresh and appealing to modern gamers.

TA: The original Romancing SaGa 2 was notoriously challenging. How did you balance staying true to the game while making it accessible for new players, especially with the modern graphics?

ST: The SaGa series is known for its difficulty, which is cherished by hardcore fans but can be a barrier for newcomers. We introduced multiple difficulty options to cater to both groups. The normal mode is tailored for standard RPG fans, while the casual mode allows players to enjoy the narrative without the steep challenge. This approach, akin to adding honey to spicy curry, aims to make the game more approachable without diluting its essence.

TA: How did you manage to deliver the original experience for veteran fans while also incorporating quality of life improvements?

ST: The SaGa series is not just about difficulty; it's also about understanding the game's mechanics. In the original, crucial elements like enemy weaknesses were not visible, making the game feel unfair. For the remake, we've made these elements clear to players, improving fairness and enjoyment for modern audiences without compromising the game's challenge.

TA: Given my positive experience with Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven on Steam Deck, has the team focused on optimizing the game for this platform?

ST: Yes, the full release will be compatible and playable on the Steam Deck, ensuring a smooth experience for players.

TA: Can you share how long the development of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven took?

ST: We started the main development towards the end of 2021, but I can't provide more specific details.

TA: What did you learn from the Trials of Mana remake that you applied to Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven?

ST: From Trials of Mana, we learned that players appreciate soundtracks that stay true to the originals while benefiting from modern technical enhancements. We also added the option to switch between the original and newly arranged soundtracks, a feature well-received by players. Additionally, while we could apply some learnings directly, we also developed new approaches for SaGa's unique aesthetic and gameplay.

I expressed my appreciation for the "Romancing SaGa 2 Primer" video, which helped introduce the game to new players.

TA: The Trials of Mana remake eventually came to mobile. Are there any plans to bring Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven to mobile or Xbox?

ST: At the moment, we do not have any plans to release on those platforms.

TA: Finally, how do you like your coffee?

ST: I don't drink coffee as I'm not a fan of bitter drinks, nor can I drink beer.

I'd like to extend my thanks to Shinichi Tatsuke, Jordan Aslett, Sara Green, and Rachel Mascetti for their time and assistance with this interview and preview access.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Steam Deck Impressions

I was thrilled yet cautious when I received a Steam key for the Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven demo. The reveal trailer was impressive, but I was unsure about its performance on Steam Deck. Happily, the game runs beautifully on the Steam Deck OLED, making it my preferred platform over PS5 or Switch. The demo's few hours were enough to convince me of its quality.

The visuals and sound of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven are striking on the Steam Deck. The game introduces battle and stats gradually, making it easier for newcomers while retaining the essence of the original. The quality of life improvements and new audio options enhance the experience without losing the game's challenging nature.

The remake's visuals and overall feel exceed my expectations. While I loved the Trials of Mana remake, I believe Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might outshine it, partly due to my personal affection for the original. The PC port on Steam Deck is remarkably well-optimized, offering various settings for screen mode, resolution, frame rate, and graphics. I achieved a near-locked 90fps at 720p with most settings on high or maximum.

I opted for English audio during my initial playthrough, finding the voice acting commendable. I'm eager to experience the game with Japanese audio as well, possibly alternating between languages across different platforms. The effort to modernize the game while preserving its core SaGa identity is evident and appreciated.

I'm eagerly anticipating the full release and will also test the demo on consoles. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a must-try for RPG enthusiasts, and I hope it encourages more players to explore other SaGa titles. Square Enix should consider remaking SaGa Frontier 2 next.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is set to launch on October 24th for Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4 worldwide, with a free demo available today on all platforms.

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