SaGa Emerald Beyond is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix, creator of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. Part of the science fantasy series SaGa, the spiritual successor of Final Fantasy II, this game introduces six new characters of diverse backgrounds on their journey to various worlds along the mystical Emerald Waves.

Like previous releases, SaGa Emerald Beyond features open-world exploration and non-linear branching plots, where every choice you make affects the outcome of your story. What’s more, the combat system remains turn-based, keeping the classic Glimmer system and United Attacks with several refinements. A demo of the game is available.

Worlds of choices

After years in the works, the highly anticipated installment of the SaGa series after the browser game Imperial SaGa Eclipse arrives with a new set of protagonists and multiple worlds to explore. SaGa Emerald Beyond takes place across 17 worlds held together by the Junction, through which each of the six leading characters travel. Players take control of these characters as they hop to different worlds along Emerald Waves.

The characters are as diverse as they can get. From a human trying to protect his home city to a vampire lord who wants to reclaim his throne, each protagonist has reasons for embarking on a journey, and you possess the power to change their destinies. Each of the 17 worlds comes with distinct environments, ranging from a luscious forest to a coven run by five witches. 

The game features non-linear, branching storylines, which means the choices and actions you make in one world will influence another storyline in a separate world. It also retains a turn-based combat system featuring the Glimmer system and United Attacks with some tweaks for added drama. Some fans, though, are disappointed with the lackluster gameplay, without the elements they expected, such as NPCs and dungeons. There are no tutorials, either.

Compelling addition

For strategic RPG veterans and long-time fans seeking diverse and sprawling worlds to explore, stories that unfold based on their choices, and a combat system rich with options, SaGa Emerald Beyond presents a gripping and content-rich experience with immense replay value. With six additional characters in the SaGa universe, you can forge a story that you can call your own. Some missing gameplay elements, though, are a letdown.