I tend to be indifferent to remastered versions of older games. In fact, I don’t think I own a single one. But that will change with The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered, because the game is quite frankly brilliant. And it should be: it was made by some impressive industry vets from the SaGa and the Final Fantasy series, including art director Masayo Asano, character designer Ryo Hirao, composer Masashi Hamauzu, game designer Kyoji Koizumi, illustrator Tomomi Kobayashi, monster designer Yuichiro Kojima, and Masataka Matsuura. The game first launched for 3DS in early 2015; the remaster is set to be released approximately nine years later, in early 2024. I’m almost sad they didn’t hold off for the tenth anniversary but honestly, the sooner this game is in my hands, the better.
The island of Avalon was discovered ten years ago, and is still shrouded in mystery. The continent is said to have been forged by the gods and elementals, and homes several fabled (and extremely powerful) treasures. This has brought many brave souls to Avalon, wanting to investigate.
Related reading: My five-star review of The Legend of Legacy for 3DS.
The game follows the story of seven not-quite heroes as they visit the untrodden lands to fulfill their unique desires. Each has their own motivation, their own skills, their own stories, and their own endings. Players will manage battle formations and instruct specific combat roles (these are flexible, not fixed) to win seize victory in battles, as well as use the ancient power of the elements by forging contracts mid-battle to call down powerful skills.
Pre-orders are already open for a limited edition via the NIS America Online Store. This physical edition includes a copy of the game, The Legend of Legacy HD remastered digital soundtrack, a mini art book, a 55-page “Chronicles of Avalon” art book, The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered Masashi Hamauzu original soundtrack, a “War of the Elementalists” cloth poster, seven “Seekers of the Graal” art cards, and a collector’s box. There will also be a deluxe edition, which isn’t up yet on the store; it includes the game, a digital soundtrack, and a mini art book.
Developed by FuRyu and published by NIS America, The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in early 2024.
“The Legend of Legacy” sounds like a parody of a fantasy game title. Just needs a “rebirth” or “revelation” subtitle.