Grandia HD Assortment bundles collectively two traditional JRPG adventures from the tail-end of the style’s golden age, a sequence that has lengthy since fallen by the wayside. Grandia, initially launched on the SEGA Saturn, would make its method to PS1 in 1999, and its narratively unconnected however mechanically superior sequel, Grandia II, first got here to Dreamcast earlier than arriving on PS2 in 2002.
Each video games stay constrained by the constraints of decades-old design philosophy and might typically be maddeningly obtuse. Functionally, the Grandia HD Assortment is identical launch that got here to Nintendo Change in 2019, however with out the efficiency points. There’s additionally little or no in the way in which of extras or the fashionable conveniences we have come to count on from collections of this type (Grandia II does get a Arduous Mode). Nonetheless, the sequence is one even seasoned RPG followers may need missed, and it may be extremely charming, supplied you are keen to undergo somewhat bit.
Lesser recognized than storied (and nonetheless operating) contemporaries like Dragon Quest or Remaining Fantasy, the Grandia sequence was however profoundly influential, because of a refreshing turn-based fight system that may be automated to an inexpensive degree of competency. Developed by the now-defunct Japanese developer Recreation Arts (maybe higher recognized for its Lunar franchise), the Grandia sequence spanned a shocking three mainline entries, a remix of the primary sport, a combat-focused spin-off, and even a short-lived MMO. Nonetheless, the sequence peaked with Grandia II, and for that alone, the Grandia HD Assortment is price investigating for style fans.
Like Remaining Fantasy, particular person entries within the Grandia sequence are unrelated, and the primary sport is tough. The mechanics being labored out within the authentic would solidify within the sequel, with important parts like characters with the ability to counter or disrupt enemy assaults already current. Graphically, Grandia is in an ungainly place, a product of that unusual time when video games would use character sprites in a 3D sport world. Polygonal character fashions arrive within the sequel, however visually, it is paying homage to video games like Breath of Fireplace IV, Dragon Quest VII, or the early Trails sequence.
Grandia tells a easy sufficient story and follows Justin, a younger boy who goals of changing into a terrific adventurer. Justin stays as unlikeable as ever, one thing that hasn’t modified with the passing of all these years, however the solid does get higher as issues progress. Tonally, it is in all places, and gamers should take care of the aggressive Garlyle Forces repeatedly all through, that are commanded by the sport’s genuinely compelling antagonist, Normal Baal, and his second-in-command (and son), Colonel Mullen. For instance, moments of considerably compelling politicking are undercut by Mullen’s three feminine squadron commanders, who consistently compete for his consideration and are pushed right into a jealous rage by Liutenenant Leen, Mullen’s love curiosity and succesful aide-de-camp. Like we mentioned, it is a unusual sport, however price testing in its personal proper.
The sequel is a substantial improve, and Grandia II holds up a lot better. Protagonist Ryudo is a Geohound (which is nothing like a SOLDIER), a mercenary keen to tackle harmful jobs for the suitable value. Sarcastic, annoying, and abrasive, Ryudo is lots however finally learns to mellow out over the course of an expansive journey.
As is usually the case with parallel tasks, the worlds of Grandia II and Remaining Fantasy X bear unusual similarities, like Deep Affect and Armageddon. The ominous Church of Granas hires Ryudo to escort Elena, a Songstress, on a non secular pilgrimage that seems to be of world-shaking significance. The far more enjoyable Millenia often possesses Elena, and Ryudo should take care of a mysterious, demonic swordsman from his previous, to not point out an evil Pope. Alongside the way in which, they will collect an eclectic crew of companions and uncover the Church’s darkish secret.
Grandia II looks like a giant step ahead, from the writing to the music to the fight, and it is the higher sport to our thoughts. Like the primary, fight is turn-based however feels refreshingly fluid, not not like FF7’s ATB, known as the IP gauge right here. Characters take turns based on a operating timeline, activating assaults on a particular a part of the ‘observe’. Commonplace assaults will be combo or important; combo is best for dealing constant injury, however touchdown a important assault whereas an enemy continues to be in its motion section will “cancel” it. The assault nonetheless goes off however is considerably delayed on the IP gauge, and this added layer of technique does a shocking quantity of heavy lifting, holding fight participating over the course of the sport’s 30+ hour runtime.
Finally, fight will get to the purpose the place every of your 4 celebration members can have as much as 4 hits in a combo, and fights develop into fairly hectic. Your companions can equip Mana Eggs, which permit entry to magic and particular talents, and investing in them is actually your long-term character growth. There are shades of Remaining Fantasy VIII’s GF system to it, or, once more, Trails and its Orbments, nevertheless it stays distinctive in execution.
At full value, nevertheless, £32 or $40, that is a reasonably robust promote, even for fans. With no quality-of-life options to talk of, like the flexibility to hurry up gameplay or create save states, you are getting the identical previous video games with widescreen assist, visible updates, and Arduous Mode for Grandia II.
Conclusion
Grandia HD Assortment makes two traditional, influential RPGs extra available to a contemporary viewers. However with little in the way in which of extras and fairly a steep asking value, it’s unlikely to enchantment to anybody aside from essentially the most hardcore style fans.
