Grandia HD Assortment Evaluation (PS5 / PS4)

Grandia HD Assortment bundles collectively two basic JRPG adventures from the tail-end of the style’s golden age, a collection that has lengthy since fallen by the wayside. Grandia, initially launched on the SEGA Saturn, would make its approach 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 similar launch that got here to Nintendo Swap in 2019, however with out the efficiency points. There’s additionally little or no in the way in which of extras or the trendy conveniences we have come to anticipate from collections of this type (Grandia II does get a Laborious Mode). Nonetheless, the collection is one even seasoned RPG followers might need missed, and it may be extremely charming, offered you are prepared to endure a bit bit.

Lesser recognized than storied (and nonetheless operating) contemporaries like Dragon Quest or Last Fantasy, the Grandia collection was however profoundly influential, because of a refreshing turn-based fight system that may be automated to an affordable degree of competency. Developed by the now-defunct Japanese developer Sport Arts (maybe higher recognized for its Lunar franchise), the Grandia collection 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 collection peaked with Grandia II, and for that alone, the Grandia HD Assortment is value investigating for style fans.

Like Last Fantasy, particular person entries within the Grandia collection are unrelated, and the primary sport is tough. The mechanics being labored out within the authentic would solidify within the sequel, with crucial components like characters with the ability to counter or disrupt enemy assaults already current. Graphically, Grandia is in a clumsy 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 harking back to video games like Breath of Fireplace IV, Dragon Quest VII, or the early Trails collection.

Grandia tells a easy sufficient story and follows Justin, a younger boy who desires 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 far and wide, and gamers must deal with the aggressive Garlyle Forces repeatedly all through, that are commanded by the sport’s genuinely compelling antagonist, Basic 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 continuously 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 value trying out 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 prepared to tackle harmful jobs for the fitting value. Sarcastic, annoying, and abrasive, Ryudo is lots however finally learns to mellow out over the course of an expansive journey.

As is typically the case with parallel initiatives, the worlds of Grandia II and Last Fantasy X bear unusual similarities, like Deep Influence 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 deal with a mysterious, demonic swordsman from his previous, to not point out an evil Pope. Alongside the way in which, they’re going to collect an eclectic crew of companions and uncover the Church’s darkish secret.

Grandia II seems 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, referred to as the IP gauge right here. Characters take turns in accordance with a operating timeline, activating assaults on a particular a part of the ‘monitor’. Commonplace assaults might be combo or crucial; combo is best for dealing constant injury, however touchdown a crucial assault whereas an enemy continues to be in its motion part 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, preserving 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 occasion members can have as much as 4 hits in a combo, and fights turn into fairly hectic. Your companions can equip Mana Eggs, which permit entry to magic and particular skills, and investing in them is actually your long-term character growth. There are shades of Last Fantasy VIII’s GF system to it, or, once more, Trails and its Orbments, nevertheless it stays distinctive in execution.

At full value, nonetheless, £32 or $40, that is a fairly 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 Laborious Mode for Grandia II.

Conclusion

Grandia HD Assortment makes two basic, 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 attraction to anybody apart from probably the most hardcore style fans.