The 7th Saga

"Revolutionary"

This is definitely one of the most unique RPG's to be released for the SNES, and subsequently, players either love this game, or hate it with a passion. There isn't too much middle ground for this game, and playing it is the best way you can tell if you'll love it or not. On the other hand, you could take a look at my review here and I will provide an unbiased layout of the good, the bad, and the ugly parts about this game that make it so unique to help you decide whether to pick it up or not.

Gameplay 6/10

Either it is a overhead view on the worldmap and in caves or a turnbased battle system. Walking on the world map is more fun than other RPG's as you can try to avoid the random battles. The battles however are very repetitive and involve the same strategy throughout the game. It's defend, than attack on your second turn if using a physical character. In the case of a mage you just try to use your toughest magic to kill the enemies fast. It's really just a matter of being on a high enough level as strategy is not involved in the battle sequences.

Story 7/10

Here's where the game starts off very unique, you get to pick one of 7 characters to be your main hero. You can pick from a Knight, Mage, Alien, Demon, Dwarf, Elf, or a Robot. Each comes with their own strength's and weaknesses which become more evident as the game goes on. Regardless of who you pick, the opening sequence has King Lemele tell all 7 characters to gather 7 Runes and bring them back. Although the beginning part may be rather linear, this game eventually dumps you off into the open to allow you to search for the Runes in any order....... definitely a plus. You also have the option of forming an alliance with another character, fighting them, or ignoring them. While there isn't too many twists and turns in the story, and this is by far one of the least complex storyline's in any snes rpg, your also spared a lot of headache time trying to pay attention to some detailed storyline and use your energy to gather the 7 Runes in your choice of order.

Graphics 3/10

'Repetitive' would be the keyword in describing the graphics. The overworld map is basically the same thing over and over.... and all the dungeons are the same (in a slightly different color). The battle sequences are not very visually appealing either, you see the back of your character(s) and the front of the enemies who are also the same enemies over and over in a different shade of color and with higher stats.

Music and Sound 1/10

Once again, very boring and repetitive. There is no tunes or sounds in this game that will stand out. Bring out the CD player while playing this game.

Battles 2/10

Another unique point of this game is the crystal ball in the corner that shows where the enemies are in the field/dungeons so you can try to avoid them. Even though they chase you, it is possible to go for long periods of time avoiding them. This feature is definitely a plus. The actual battles on the other hand leave much to be desired. Even with 7 different characters, the battle strategies are rather repetitive. As a warrior type you will block than attack or as a magic user just cast your strongest spell and try to eliminate the enemy as fast as possible.

Characters 8/10

Ah... 7 different characters to choose from. Each gets different equip-able weapons/armors/shields, and learns different spells at different rates. Being able to choose from the different characters is the best selling feature of this game, even though they play the game with the same storyline. As well, the characters don't stand out as much from each other as you would hope, eventually the mages use the same spells over and over while the warriors follow the same block/attack fighting routine.

Difficulty 1/10... with hours of level grinding

The largest complaint of this game is the amount of time required to fight enemies to gain levels. Since the battles are so linear, the only real way to win is just be strong enough to absorb the hit and attack back. This leads to hours upon hours of level grinding against the same enemies over and over in a very repetitive environment with a very repetitive battle sequence. (Luckily if you die in battle you wake up in a Inn with all your experience gained in tact, just missing half your gold)

Replayability 7/10

While the game only scores a 4 out of 10, if you choose to play it again, you will undoubtedly be choosing a different character and the story may be slightly different. Your equipment and spells however will be totally unique, as will some interactions with the opposing 6 characters, adding to the replay value. Unfortunately, it also means level grinding for hours again which may be more than you bargained for, unless you enjoy the kind of thing as some people do.

This game has so many unique features, it could of been one of the best for the SNES. Unfortunately, the graphics, music, and most importantly the battle sequences, leave much to be desired. The biggest turnoff for most people will be the amount of time required to level up outside the towns before proceeding to the next cave. The rainbow at the end?.... Should you finish this game, especially with all 7 characters, you will have accomplished a feat most gamers have not had the ability (or patience) to do.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 01/20/06