The Legend of Legacy, a classic RPG from FuRyu Corporation that was originally published on the 3DS, returns in high definition with the HD Remastered edition, published by NIS America. Available now on PlayStation 5, this remaster brings back the charm of the original game while introducing subtle enhancements to make it a smoother experience for both newcomers and returning players.
Set in the mystical land of Avalon, The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered’s narrative invites players to unravel the secrets of an ancient fantasy realm. Before doing so, you get to choose from seven unique characters, each with their own motivations for going out to explore the uncharted territories of Avalon. While the narrative may feel minimalist compared to more recent RPGs, the focus on exploration over a deeply intricate story adds to the allure of the adventure – and it’s easy to see why this would have been a good choice for the 3DS’ limitations. However, for those seeking a narrative-rich experience with lots of audiovisual storytelling, the story’s simplicity may leave something to be desired.
Looking towards gameplay, The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered – at its core – offers a blend of exploration and strategic turn-based combat that is reminiscent of the SaGa series. The game’s combat system emphasizes weapon proficiency and formation strategies, where characters evolve based on their actions in battle rather than traditional experience points. It’s a good approach that adds depth to character progression and ties it directly to your actions in combat, but it can occasionally still lead to a few frustrating difficulty spikes, especially in encounters with stronger foes.
Navigating the world of Avalon is intuitive, thanks to responsive controls that seamlessly transition between exploration and combat. The HD Remastered edition breathes new life into the game with improved graphics, enhancing the immersive experience to the point where you’d be forgiven if you forgot about the game’s humble handheld origins for a while. However, some areas do exhibit visual imperfections, such as blurred textures or occasional pop-in effects, detracting slightly from the overall presentation.
These visuals are backed up by a captivating soundtrack that was composed by Masashi Hamauzu. From sweeping orchestral pieces to atmospheric melodies, the music enhances the sense of adventure and discovery now that it’s being played on the big screen. But while the sound design is generally well done, a few repetitive character noises can detract from the immersion.
In conclusion, The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered successfully revitalizes a classic RPG experience for the modern era. Despite its limited narrative depth and occasional technical flaws, the game’s engaging exploration, strategic combat, and strong soundtrack make it a worthwhile journey for RPG enthusiasts. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer to the world of Avalon, this remaster offers a nostalgic yet refreshing adventure that’s worth embarking on.
Score: 7.0/10
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