Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Super Famicom, Wii
- Developers: Square
- Publishers: Square Enix
Romancing SaGa 3: A Timeless Masterpiece of the JRPG Genre
Released in 1995 for the Super Famicom, Romancing SaGa 3 is a timeless masterpiece of the JRPG genre. Developed by Square (now Square Enix), the game is the third installment in the SaGa series, and it is known for its innovative combat system, branching storyline, and memorable cast of characters.
Story
Romancing SaGa 3 is set in the fictional world of Mardias, which was created by the God Marda. Long ago, war raged between three wicked gods, Death, Saruin, and Schirach, and the lord of all gods, Elore. At the end of that long conflict, Death and Schirach were stripped of their powers, and Saruin was imprisoned through the might of the ten Fatestones and the hero Mirsa’s ultimate sacrifice.
A millennium had passed, and the Fatestones were scattered throughout Mardias. All this time the powers of evil festered, bent on releasing Saruin from his prison. The player takes on the role of one of eight different protagonists, each with their own unique story and motivations. As the story progresses, the player’s choices will shape the course of the narrative, leading to one of multiple possible endings.
Gameplay
Romancing SaGa 3’s combat system is one of its most innovative features. Unlike traditional JRPGs, which use a turn-based system, Romancing SaGa 3 uses a real-time system. This means that the player’s characters and the enemy characters can attack each other at the same time. The player must carefully manage their characters’ actions in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the enemy.
Another unique feature of Romancing SaGa 3 is its branching storyline. The player’s choices throughout the game will affect the story’s progression, leading to one of multiple possible endings. This gives the game a high degree of replayability, as players can experience different storylines and endings by making different choices.
Characters
Romancing SaGa 3 features a large and diverse cast of characters. Each character has their own unique backstory, motivations, and abilities. The player can recruit up to eight characters to their party, and each character can be customized to fit the player’s playstyle.
Some of the most popular characters in Romancing SaGa 3 include:
- Hauser: A young swordsman who is on a quest to avenge his father’s death.
- Katarina: A skilled archer who is searching for her missing brother.
- Ellen: A powerful sorceress who is trying to stop the forces of evil from resurrecting Saruin.
- Saruin: The main antagonist of the game, Saruin is a powerful god who is imprisoned by the Fatestones.
Graphics and Sound
Romancing SaGa 3’s graphics are impressive for a Super Famicom game. The game’s world is large and detailed, and the character sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a mix of orchestral and rock music.
Legacy
Romancing SaGa 3 was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game has been praised for its innovative combat system, branching storyline, and memorable cast of characters. Romancing SaGa 3 is considered to be one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, and it has inspired numerous other games in the genre.
Conclusion
Romancing SaGa 3 is a timeless masterpiece of the JRPG genre. The game’s innovative combat system, branching storyline, and memorable cast of characters make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding JRPG experience, then Romancing SaGa 3 is the perfect game for you.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
