Back in 2019, Matt wrote a Friday Ten list about RPG franchises he’d like to see return. One of those was Baten Kaitos. In the article, he explains why it’s not likely for a sequel to be made. In February 2023, during a Nintendo Direct, the next best thing happened: a remastered version of the two games was announced for the Nintendo Switch. Now, publisher Bandai Namco has announced a release date in September.
The games feature a card-based RPG system that allows for split-second decisions, edging participants closer to victory. In each game, the player takes on the role of a Guardian Spirit who is guiding the protagonists through their journey.
Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 Remaster Introduces new features to the game: encounters-off, auto-battle, skip cutscenes, and auto-save. These functions are all meant to make the game(s) more accessible to new players. The game and battle speed can be increased up to 300%. An Instant KO option can win battles in a single attack. When rest is required, enable No Encounter to avoid battles.
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (Baten Kaitos 1) was originally released in 2003 for GameCube. Guide Kalas as he sets out across a floating island kingdom in the clouds on a mission to seek revenge for the death of his brother and grandfather. Along the way, he meets Xelha, and they both embark on a journey to defeat the Alfard Empire.
Baten Kaitos Origins (Baten Kaitos 2) launched in 2006, for the GameCube (which was nearing its end). It is a prequel set 20 years before the first game’s events. This time, the protagonist is Sagi; he’s a spiriter with a connection with Guardian Spirits. He’s part of the Dark Service, an elite unit of the Alfard Empire. After being framed, he sets out on a journey to clear his name.
Developed by Monolith Soft and published by Bandai Namco, Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 Remaster will be released for Nintendo Switch on September 14 in North America, Japan, and Asia; it will be released on September 15 in Europe.
