Square Enix hosted a large amount of playable games on the show floor at this year’s E3. The one title I was most eager to play was the classic-style RPG, I am Setsuna. This game has caught the eyes’ of the older generation of gamers who grew up with games like, Final Fantasy III and Breath of Fire. If you’re anything like me, this should make you really excited.
As I held the PlayStation 4 control in hand and traveled the map with my party, a rush of nostalgia hit me. I was immediately transported back to my Super Nintendo days. Each character is brilliantly designed with stubby legs traversing an over-world map that begged to be explored. Entering a dungeon came with just as much excitement. The battles remind me of Chrono Trigger; they pop up around you as you walk through areas. This way of approaching combat has been lost in RPG history and I’m so happy to see it make it’s mighty return.
So what’s the problem? Well, I am Setsuna is coming digitally to PlayStation 4 and Steam on July 19. In Japan, the game not only had a physical release, but it also was released on the Vita. I must admit, in my quest to relive that nostalgic RPG feeling, I’ve become deeply attached to playing these games on the go. Lucky for me, most of them receive a Vita release, but Square Enix decided to skip out on this one. The reasons behind this decision is nonexistent; even with a digital-only release the game would get into the hands of more gamers. However, Square Enix did say that they would consider a Vita release for the West if there was enough demand for it. Whether or not this worked has yet to be seen.
I am Setsuna is trip back to my early days of gaming. Where exploring areas didn’t come with a speed x4 hot key and graphics took a backseat to let the story take the wheel. This game deserves to be in the hands of all gamers to try on any console the game has been released on. Not only for classic-RPG lovers, but for a new generation of players that have yet to experience a game like this. I am looking forward to I am Setsuna, but I wouldn’t hesitate, not even for a second, purchasing a PlayStation Vita version.
