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74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 72 Critic Reviews What's this?

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7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 190 Ratings

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  • Summary: Inspired by Chrono Trigger, I am Setsuna is an homage to the JRPG masterpieces of yesteryear. Journey with Setsuna as she prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice and save the people of her land.
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Project Setsuna - Tokyo Game Show 2015
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 72
  2. Negative: 0 out of 72
  1. 100
    What really impressed me about I Am Setsuna is the way that the various systems layered on top of one another to reinforce and complement the intense, powerful themes that sit at the core of the game.
  2. 90
    While Square Enix is largely focused on the future with upcoming games like Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts 3, they are not one to forget the past and I Am Setsuna is one game that not just '90s RPG fans will love, but even general fans of the genre should really enjoy.
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Sep 6, 2016
    80
    Basic but beautifully crafted JRPG in the vein of the pre-PS2 Final Fantasy games. If you reminisce fondly about the genre's Golden Era, this is essential. [Sept 2016, p.102]
  4. Jul 20, 2016
    75
    A lack of balance robs the combat of much of its fun and renders many of the more interesting gameplay systems moot, but it didn’t dampen the emotional impact of I Am Setsuna’s heartfelt message for me.
  5. Aug 3, 2016
    70
    I Am Setsuna seems to come straight from the classical JPRG genre. The game looks amazing and the gameplay is very smooth. The lack of length is therefore a real pity.
  6. Jul 20, 2016
    70
    I am Setsuna is as vintage as it can get and manages to recall what we did love about the JRPG genre in the '90. It is however very low budget and comparatively expensive. It also tries to tell a good story at a somewhat frantic pace in repetitive locations and throughout extremely simple fights.
  7. Jul 18, 2016
    50
    Who would have thought a game with a snowy setting such as this would look so dull? There’s some good to be discovered in I Am Setsuna, but it’s overshadowed by its sheer unoriginality and repetitiveness.

See all 74 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 30
  2. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. Jul 19, 2016
    10
    I am Setsuna is an amazing take on the old school rpg genre that molded the games we play today, but what makes it stand out in that fashionI am Setsuna is an amazing take on the old school rpg genre that molded the games we play today, but what makes it stand out in that fashion is that it also, for the most part, play as those games did as well. The updated graphics and amazing soundtrack was just what was needed to revive the dying format. This game also provides an entry to the intense rpg genre that frightens most players away from the long playtime required to finish it. Still at being roughly 40 hours long, this game provides a plethora of story. While this game doesn't serve much in the form of cut scenes, the narrative will keep you going for the hours that are up ahead, so keep in mind that a love for reading makes a love for this style of game. Expand
  2. Jul 22, 2016
    10
    I am writing this just to put the game “I Am Setsuna” into perspective.

    It is based around PS1 era role playing games (RPGs). During that
    I am writing this just to put the game “I Am Setsuna” into perspective.

    It is based around PS1 era role playing games (RPGs). During that period of time (Golden Age of RPGs) the story lines of those games (FF7, FF9, Xenogears) were original and comparable to the best books and movies ever made.

    The graphics are superior in current popular games but RPGs are not based on looks, they are based on interactive gameplay, story and strategic battles.

    However the resolution of the animation in this game is excellent.

    As for the actual story, battle system, and gameplay, I cannot really comment on that because I have not played the game.

    It may or may not be suitable for kids being introduced to RPGs. If you are looking for that sort of game you may want to check out World Of Fantasy.

    If you enjoyed games such as FF7, FF9, Xenogears, etc; when you were younger, then you will probably enjoy this game.

    There is also another important consideration when reading any reviews, if reviews are written almost immediately after a game is released, chances are the critics/users likely have not played the game at all and/or rushed through them.
    Expand
  3. Jul 19, 2016
    9
    I absolutely love this game. While the story hits a lot of familiar beats (as most JRPGs have done since '93), it's really the developers goalI absolutely love this game. While the story hits a lot of familiar beats (as most JRPGs have done since '93), it's really the developers goal of making a spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger that brought a smile to my face.

    Glad this isnt some 75-hour long snooze-fest taking place in another school full of students that we need to make connections with because reasons.
    Expand
  4. Apr 26, 2017
    8
    This game is more of a treat for those that enjoy classic JRPG's. It's not a perfect game, but it's a wonderful that can be enjoyed.

    It's
    This game is more of a treat for those that enjoy classic JRPG's. It's not a perfect game, but it's a wonderful that can be enjoyed.

    It's filled with silent emotional moments that draw you in, with the piano style music and interesting characters.

    This game is meant for people who enjoyed classic JRPG's. I highly recommend anyone who enjoys a properly told story to purchase and support this game.

    This game IS missing few character development story elements and a more emotional main character. But it does a solid job of telling it's emotional story.
    Expand
  5. Jul 24, 2016
    8
    I am Setsuna is a cute, fun turn-based RPG. For what it is, it's amazing - a modern take on the classic (around early to mid 90's) JRPGI am Setsuna is a cute, fun turn-based RPG. For what it is, it's amazing - a modern take on the classic (around early to mid 90's) JRPG format. I had heard before the game's release that it took cues from such RPGs as Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy IV. Those influences can definitely be felt.

    I can easily sum up this game in a single phrase: simple yet beautiful. Regardless of which aspect of the game we're talking about - graphics, music, story, characterization, settings, gameplay, etc - it's a very simple, yet beautifully constructed game. You won't find anything groundbreaking or revolutionary here, and the game never quite makes as strong an impression as you might want, but it's a delight to play.
    Expand
  6. Sep 14, 2016
    7
    I really was counting the days to play this. Seeing the trailers, I was immediately connected to a great era of JRPGs, when I playedI really was counting the days to play this. Seeing the trailers, I was immediately connected to a great era of JRPGs, when I played masterpieces like Chrono Trigger on the Super Nintendo.

    It's not that Setsuna disappoints. It doesn't. It is a fun, turn based, JRPG that pays tribute to the great games of the past. I loved it from the beginning to end, but always had a bittersweet taste in my mouth while playing it. It's like something is missing; the game feels bland, a bit uninspired, with over complicated combo/grind mechanics. Also, the story never really becomes interesting and the cast of characters falls short.

    I don't have any problems with the cliches, though. As a matter of fact, I was expecting every cliche possible. The game is just not as good as I wanted and expected it to be. It's a nice, small game, and a true product of love. But it's far from being nearly as good as the games it tries to mimic.

    Setsuna is a nice JRPG. Not a memorable, unforgettable one, though.
    Expand
  7. Sep 9, 2016
    3
    I'm estimating I'm pretty close to the ending of this game and sadly it disappointed me very much. It's so clear to me how Square just grabbedI'm estimating I'm pretty close to the ending of this game and sadly it disappointed me very much. It's so clear to me how Square just grabbed a classic rpg formula and created a completely generic game from it.

    The scenarios are just snow. Snow, snow and snow. The villages all look the same. The characters are the cliches you always see in JRPG's, the silent knight, the loving sweet girl, the sassy girl, the bigger guy with a giant sword, etc, they have no depth at all. The story has absolutely nothing new and the game is awfully linear to the point that they don't even pretend to give you proper sidequests. The soundtrack is full of good compositions but there is no instrumentation at all, it's all on piano and you get tired after some time.

    I'm giving it a 3 because of the art and music quality, even though they're repetitive. The rest is disposable.
    Expand

See all 30 User Reviews