Developed by Masaya Games, the Langrisser series is a timeless collection of tactical, turned-based JRPGs that have appeared on just about every computer and console system imaginable, including the NEC PC-8801 and MSX (among others). The recent Nintendo Switch release (known only as Langrisser I & II) contains remastered versions of the first two games from the iconic – and very popular – role-playing series. But despite its pedigree as an RPG series, Langrisser has staid mostly in the background as of late, as games like Fire Emblem and Persona continued to receive sequels to the interest of fans.
And while the Nintendo Switch release of Langrisser 1&2 isn’t technically anything new, it does at least introduce a new generation of gamers to the first two releases in the series, while also providing a much-needed graphical facelift. The stories behind both games are not nearly as interesting as some of the RPGs available today, but they are decent enough to keep the player interested. For example: in the first game, the player assumes the role of Prince Garett, as he battles a powerful evil inside the walls of the Dalsis empire. During the second game (i.e. Langrisser II), the evil forces of Chaos return to seek revenge. As the game’s protagonist, Erwin – the player must navigate their army through multiple battles until the right path that leads to ‘peace’ is found.
With that said, both games retain the same classic gameplay of their predecessors. First and foremost is the World Map, which appears between chapters. This ‘map’ also doubles as a menu system, where the player can customize their ‘Commanders’, ‘Shop’ for items, evaluate the ‘Story Tree’ to check progression, Save/Load a game via ‘Data’, and then ‘Deploy’ when finished. Leaving this menu starts the next chapter in the story. (When deploying, the player has to ‘recruit’ solders for themselves and any generals available to the party.)
Like the RPGs of old, Langrisser’s gameplay utilizes a grid-like, turn-based system for both its exploration mechanics and combat sequences. This means the game is not played in real-time, and the enemies that occupy the playfield will not move until the player ends their turn.
Everything is controlled via the ‘Command’ menu, which appears when a unit is selected. From this menu, the player can choose to ‘Move’ the highlighted unit, ‘Attack’ a nearby enemy, or cast ‘magic’ (if the unit is capable). When the player engages an enemy, a brief cinematic shows both armies fighting. Since this process is completely automated – and requires no input from the player – it all comes down to the strengths and weaknesses of each unit.
What really helps both games stand out is the ‘Mercenary’ system. This system provides a handful of story-driven characters known as ‘Commanders’. These leaders can participate in battles and gain XP from whatever they (or their units) kill. Interestingly enough, the player can leave their Commander idol on the battlefield and still gain XP. It’s a simple system that just about anyone can understand, even if they are not familiar with the original game(s).
Langrisser I & II is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It harkens back to a time when role-playing games were more about content and gameplay, and less about dazzling the player with 60fps, 4k visuals in 3D rendered environments. Langrisser I & II is as simple and pure of an RPG experience that gamers can experience, bar none.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: NIS America
Publisher: NIS America
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: $49.99
Langrisser I & II Official Website: https://nisamerica.com/games/langrisser
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Beautiful illustrations and revamped sprites adds vigor to this RPG classic. | |
| Sound |  |
| The remastered sound effects sound great. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Classic gameplay that has remained mostly untouched. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Despite being a remaster, Langrisser I & II is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. | |
