I Am Setsuna

About

I Am Setsuna is a traditional JRPG built around turn-based combat and a story steeped in mythic tragedy. You play as Setsuna, a young woman bound to a ritualistic duty on a secluded island. When a violent beast disrupts the balance, she embarks on a voyage with a small crew to deliver herself as a sacrifice. The gameplay mixes grid-based battles with resource management, requiring careful planning to survive escalating threats. Exploration is minimal, but dialogue and character interactions shape the emotional core of the journey. The game stands out for its stark, hand-drawn visuals and a narrative that leans into melancholy themes. Its art style blends watercolor landscapes with haunting creature designs, creating a distinct aesthetic that feels both delicate and foreboding. Reviews note the story’s emotional weight but highlight uneven pacing and a lack of modern RPG conveniences. With a Metacritic score of 72, it appeals to players nostalgic for 90s-era RPGs but prepared for a deliberately old-school approach. Released in 2016, it remains available on PlayStation 4, PC, Switch, and Vita.

Storyline

"The island had a custom. To maintain peace, once a decade, a sacrifice was offered to a fiend on the island. However, one year, the fiend grew violent before the next sacrifice was due. Those living on the island were afraid and tried to calm the fiend by offering a sacrifice; Setsuna, chosen because of her powers of enchantment. Setsuna must leave with her safeguards for the farthest land, where the ceremony of sacrifice will be held."