Story

SaGa Frontier is a role-playing game developed by Square for the PlayStation, released in 1997 in Japan and 1998 in North America. It stands out for its non-linear narrative structure and the freedom it offers players to explore its vast world. The game unfolds in a universe called The Regions, which consists of interconnected worlds, each with its own distinct environment, culture, and secrets.

At the heart of SaGa Frontier’s storytelling is the Free Scenario System, which allows players to choose from seven unique protagonists, each with their own storyline, objectives, and motivations. These protagonists include:

• Asellus: A young girl caught between the worlds of humans and mystics after a near-death experience.
• Blue: A magician on a quest to master all forms of magic and face his twin brother.
• Emelia: A former model seeking revenge for the murder of her fiancé.
• Lute: A carefree musician who gets swept up in a larger conflict.
• Red: A superhero in disguise, fighting to avenge his family.
• Riki: A creature from a dying world seeking a way to save his home.
• T260G: A robot searching for its lost memories and purpose.

Each character’s journey is distinct, yet they occasionally intersect, offering players a tapestry of interwoven narratives. This narrative structure encourages replayability as players are driven to experience each character’s perspective and uncover the full story of The Regions.

Gameplay

SaGa Frontier is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, which can be both rewarding and challenging for players. The game employs a turn-based combat system, but it diverges from traditional RPGs with its unique approach to character progression and skill acquisition.

The game’s signature feature is its Glimmer system, where characters learn new abilities in the heat of battle. Instead of leveling up in a conventional sense, characters gain proficiency with specific weapons and techniques, which can suddenly reveal new skills mid-fight. This system adds an element of surprise and strategic depth, as players must adapt to new abilities as they emerge.

SaGa Frontier also offers a diverse cast of characters, each belonging to different races such as humans, mystics, mechs, and monsters. Each race has its own method of growth and skill acquisition. For example, humans can equip various weapons and armor, gaining new skills as they fight, while mechs improve by equipping new parts and software. Monsters, on the other hand, can absorb defeated enemies to gain new forms and abilities.

The Free Scenario System not only affects the story but also influences gameplay, as each protagonist’s campaign presents unique challenges and quests. This system allows players to approach the game in a multitude of ways, choosing the order in which they tackle quests and the paths they take through The Regions.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, SaGa Frontier was visually striking, utilizing a combination of pre-rendered backgrounds and sprite-based character models. The game’s art direction embraces a vivid and varied aesthetic, reflecting the diversity of the game’s world. Each region in the game is distinct, ranging from the technologically advanced city of Manhattan to the mystic-filled realm of Facinaturu.

The character sprites are detailed and expressive, enhancing the personality and uniqueness of each protagonist and their companions. The game’s visual style, while somewhat dated by modern standards, still possesses a charm that resonates with fans of classic RPGs.

The sound design of SaGa Frontier complements its visual presentation with a memorable and varied soundtrack composed by Kenji Ito. The music ranges from epic battle themes to serene melodies, effectively capturing the mood of each region and enhancing the emotional impact of key story moments. Sound effects are well-crafted, adding to the immersive experience during exploration and combat.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, SaGa Frontier received mixed reviews. Critics praised its ambitious non-linear narrative and deep gameplay mechanics but criticized it for its perceived lack of polish and complexity, which could be daunting for newcomers. The game’s open-ended structure and difficulty spikes were also points of contention.

Despite these criticisms, SaGa Frontier has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. Its unique approach to storytelling and gameplay has been appreciated by players seeking a more experimental RPG experience. The game’s replayability, driven by its multiple protagonists and branching storylines, has contributed to its lasting appeal.

In 2021, SaGa Frontier Remastered was released, bringing the game to modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. This remastered version introduced enhanced graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and additional content, such as a new protagonist story arc, further cementing the game’s legacy and introducing it to a new generation of players.

Conclusion

SaGa Frontier stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of late-90s RPG design. Its non-linear storytelling, diverse cast of characters, and intricate gameplay systems make it a unique experience in the role-playing genre. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as some of its contemporaries, its impact on the genre is undeniable.

The game’s influence can be seen in the continued development of non-linear narratives and character-driven storytelling in modern RPGs. SaGa Frontier remains a beloved classic for those willing to embrace its quirks and complexities, and its remastered version ensures that it will continue to captivate players for years to come.