Square Enix is preparing to release Romancing Saga 3: Destinies United, a remake of a classic turn-based RPG originally launched in the mid-1990s. The upcoming title aims to bridge the gap between eras of role-playing games by incorporating updated visuals and faster gameplay suitable for modern audiences, while retaining the core design of the original.
During a hands-on demonstration, the game showcased its blend of classic and contemporary RPG features. Players take control of a party venturing into Gwayne's Den to confront a dragon. A stealth mechanic allows for preemptive strikes against unsuspecting enemies, granting a small but beneficial advantage at the start of combat. Battles unfold in a traditional turn-based style, with a turn-order indicator displayed on screen. The player's party in the demo included the leader Khalid, the fairy Peony, the fighter Ellen, the masked swordsman Robin, and, notably, Flurry, a sentient snowman character who, despite being less powerful, proved to be a standout element.
Each party member offers distinct combat approaches. Khalid utilizes water-based attacks, while Ellen specializes in electric-charged melee. A unique Glimmer mechanic can transform a chosen ability into a more powerful variant, sometimes permanently unlocking new skills for the duration of the demo. While the random nature of Glimmers may not always be convenient, the potential for a game-changing ability to emerge during a challenging fight adds an element of excitement.
The game also features a formation system, allowing players to strategically position their party members. This adds a layer of depth to combat, as certain attacks target specific rows or areas of effect. The formation system encourages tactical positioning beyond the conventional 'strong characters in front, weaker in back' approach, as some attacks can reach the entire party regardless of placement. Various formations are available, hinting at further strategic possibilities.
The demo culminated in a boss battle against Gwayne, a formidable black dragon. Gwayne employed powerful area-of-effect attacks and single-target assaults that dealt significant damage. To counter, the game utilizes an Overdrive mechanic, which charges as players inflict damage. Activating Overdrive allows two party members to unleash a combined, high-damage attack, adding another layer of excitement to boss encounters.
Romancing Saga 3: Destinies United is slated for release in February on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The remake appears poised to offer a compelling experience that respects its classic origins while incorporating enough modern refinements to appeal to a broad audience, potentially standing out with unique elements like its fighting snowman.