Langrisser I & II is both a revival and a tribute to one of tactical role-playing’s foundational series, rebuilt and reimagined by Chara-ani Corporation and published by NIS America. These two games, originally released in the early 1990s, are considered precursors to the modern strategy RPG as we know it, and this remake set seeks to preserve their essence while making them accessible to contemporary players. Set in a sprawling world torn between light and darkness, the collection tells two interconnected tales about the struggle for control over the sacred sword Langrisser and its evil counterpart, Alhazard. Though the stories are steeped in traditional fantasy tropes of kingdoms, divine relics, and chosen heroes, they retain an earnest charm that reflects the period in which they were born. The first game follows a young noble named Ledin on his journey from dispossessed prince to savior, while the sequel introduces new protagonists whose moral choices shape the destiny of nations. Together, they provide a sweeping view of a world where every battle carries the weight of history and choice. What defines Langrisser I & II most profoundly is its meticulous tactical system. Each mission unfolds on a grid-based map filled with enemy formations, environmental obstacles, and strategic choke points. Players control a group of commanders, each capable of hiring and leading units known as mercenaries. These soldiers fight under the influence of their leader’s command radius, gaining bonuses when close to their commander and losing efficiency when they stray too far. The interplay between commanders and their units gives combat a layered sense of positioning and control. Every class—from infantry to cavalry, fliers, archers, and mages—exists in a rock-paper-scissors balance of strengths and weaknesses, demanding forethought before each engagement. The system rewards careful preparation and punishes impulsive aggression, yet it never feels punishingly rigid. Between battles, players can spend gold to hire troops, change classes, and upgrade their commanders, creating a satisfying cycle of planning, battle, and reward that remains timeless even decades after the originals’ debut. The remakes enrich this core gameplay without distorting its intent. Both games feature redesigned character models and hand-drawn portraits, accompanied by new voice acting and re-recorded music. Players can freely switch between the remastered art and music or the original 16-bit aesthetics, which adds a nostalgic flexibility that caters to both longtime fans and new players. The modern visuals, while smoother and more expressive, still retain the charm of the early 1990s anime-inspired art direction. This visual duality mirrors the collection’s overall design philosophy—modern accessibility built atop classical foundations. The interface has been streamlined for ease of use, and the remaster introduces features like faster battle animations and adjustable difficulty levels, making it less daunting for newcomers without sacrificing the strategic depth that defined the originals. In terms of storytelling, the Langrisser series was among the first in its genre to incorporate branching routes and moral decisions. Langrisser II in particular stands out for its dynamic path system, where player choices determine which factions to ally with and how the war ultimately resolves. Rather than presenting a single linear campaign, the game allows players to side with different kingdoms or even betray former allies, leading to multiple endings. This branching design significantly enhances replay value, encouraging experimentation and moral reflection. While the writing remains straightforward and often idealistic, it captures the sense of sweeping adventure and moral struggle that characterized early JRPGs. The updated localization by NIS America breathes new life into the dialogue, preserving the sincerity of the original script while polishing it for modern audiences. The sound design is another cornerstone of the experience. The soundtrack, composed by Noriyuki Iwadare and others, has been beautifully reorchestrated for the remaster, blending rich orchestral arrangements with faithful renditions of the original melodies. Each track enhances the emotion of battle and exploration, and the option to toggle between classic and new soundtracks adds another layer of customization. Voice acting, delivered in Japanese, brings the cast to life and elevates the game’s emotional beats. Combined with the art and atmosphere, the music helps establish a world that feels both heroic and melancholic, filled with the echoes of ancient wars and divine relics. Despite its many strengths, Langrisser I & II carries with it the marks of its heritage. The pacing of battles can be deliberate, sometimes bordering on slow, particularly in the first game where early missions are more straightforward. The AI can also feel predictable, occasionally leading to repetitive engagements. Yet these elements are not flaws so much as reflections of the series’ origins, and the remaster’s quality-of-life improvements go a long way toward smoothing the experience. For those accustomed to modern strategy titles like Fire Emblem or Disgaea, Langrisser may feel archaic in presentation, but beneath its simplicity lies a depth of planning, class customization, and tactical nuance that few contemporary games replicate so faithfully. Ultimately, Langrisser I & II is less a reinvention than a celebration of where tactical RPGs began. It captures the genre’s roots—the careful unit management, the moral ambiguity of war, the thrill of victory through patience and intelligence—and reintroduces them with thoughtful modernization. For newcomers, it serves as a history lesson wrapped in engaging strategy; for veterans, it’s a return to form that honors the spirit of a classic series. It may not dazzle with spectacle or cinematic storytelling, but it delivers something rarer: authenticity and purpose. Langrisser I & II stands as both a bridge between eras and a reminder that, even in the age of flashier titles, the art of slow, deliberate strategy remains timeless. Rating: 7/10
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