SaGa: Scarlet Grace

About

SaGa: Scarlet Grace is a large RPG that swaps traditional dungeons for a vast open world where every step triggers story shifts. Choose from four protagonists whose decisions reshape the narrative, leading to wildly different outcomes across 30 to 60 hours. Battle in turn-based combat with nine weapon types usable by any character, and manage a rotating party of five from a pool of six allies. The world map teems with events that alter the flow of the story, pushing you to adapt strategies as ancient conflicts and political betrayals collide. The game stands out for its deep branching paths and flexible combat. Each character you meet can join your cause, creating unexpected team dynamics. Without set dungeons, exploration drives progression, rewarding curiosity over repetition. While the 2016 release date might raise an eyebrow, its nonlinear design and 70-year post-empire setting offer fresh stakes for strategy-focused RPG fans. The lack of hand-holding might overwhelm some but rewards those who dive into its intricate systems.

Storyline

From Gematsu: "Firebringer—an evil god, banished by the star gods for his betrayal. He is turned into a comet and sent away. Other dark demons that have been suppressed begin to become violent and the world falls into chaos. The star gods grant power to one man. He leads the people in a war against Firebringer and establishes an empire. The dark demons are pushed underground, and the evil god’s star leaves. After that, the evil god’s star returns every 150 years. For ages and ages, they meet Firebringer and his demons in battle. Over time there are emperors who prepare diligently and defeat the evil god easily, but there are also emperors who are careless and drive the world into ruin. Finally, after a seventh invasion, the evil god’s star was decimated. The war that lasted 1,000 years is brought to an abrupt stop. The people rejoiced to usher in peace. Fragments of Firebringer rain down onto the earth, like fireworks celebrating the victory of the humans and star gods. If Firebringer is extinguished, even the empire would become unnecessary. The empire continues to rule, and many places react with rebellion. This ties into a civil war by the emperor’s son and company. Amidst the chaos, a hero brings down Firebringer, the emperor is assassinated, and the empire collapses. 70 years later. Hardly anyone who remembers the era of the empire is around anymore. The world remains in chaos. No one notices a new danger approaching. However, a new hero arises for the new era."