Square Enix's Spring 2021 Sale Offers Big Discounts On Switch And 3DS

Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, and Romancing Saga II are good games and these are the best versions of them.

What better way to celebrate Monday than with mediocre discounts. Sum that start of this week up perfectly.

@riChchestM u ok hun?

thinking of giving romancing saga a go, never played a saga game before and they look unique enough to be worth the price tag. really wish square enix would stop with the garish mobile menu interfaces in their console ports though, screenshots from the originals are so much easier to look at.
shameless plug for the dragon quest games for anyone that hasn't played them, DQ II is a lot more enjoyable (imo) than many would lead you to believe and DQ III is a classic. can't go wrong when they're that cheap!

Does anyone know if I Am Setsuna is worth it? I keep hearing about it.

@CartuneCartune
Most people like it but I hate it.
You never get out of the snow,it's very nice the first hours but it's gets really boring looking at the same scenery.the story is not bad but very simple,not a lot of character development. The battle system is ok but nothing we haven't seen a million times before.artstyle is bland and cheap looking imo.

@CartuneCartune I played the studio's second game, Lost Sphear, which I understand is similar to I Am Setsuna in a lot of ways, and found the whole thing very flat. didn't play it for very long before I gave it up but, that being said, the story in I Am Setsuna looks a lot more interesting than it ever did in Lost Sphear. their battle systems are quite similar to Chrono Trigger but not quite as polished but worth giving a go if you liked the battles in that - can't think of much else that does the same!

Definitely grabbing Chocobo Mystery Dungeon finally ($19.99). Maybe Star Ocean too.

That's a great deal for Star Ocean! Would really recommend to anyone who likes to pick and choose who they recruit in their RPGs. Would pick that up if I hadn't already. Also coming from a Star Ocean guy, it's nice to see the series described as one of Square Enix's 'heavy hitters' here, but I'm not sure that's true anymore sadly

Time for me to pick up Collection of Mana I guess, shame it doesn't include Secret of Evermore though

Are these discounts only available in Europe? I would love to snag FFVII but I live in the states... is it in America too?

@CartuneCartune It's definitely a decent game but you rather not want to get the Switch version or the awful PS Vita port. If you prefer better performance get it on Steam.

I am Setsuna was really good. Switch version had some additional content too, I think. Anyways, enjoyed it thoroughly. Great battle system, kinda reminded me of Paper Mario 64 in an abstract way.

@CartuneCartune Hmm I personally enjoyed it more than Bravely Default 2 for story. Not many like its ending including me..

I think it's not worth it. Better just watch the playthrough on Youtube..

I grabbed star ocean 😊

I only have 4 or 5 of those surprisingly. May investigate others

@riChchestM Apparently the answer is to pronounce both entitlement and willing participation in the race to the bottom pricing of video games that prevents many developers from receiving a fair return on their work. Not how I like to celebrate, but hey, you do you.

Tempted to buy FFVII, but i've already spend to much Money last Month for the N64 Everdrive aaaand i have it for the PSX.
So i'll play it that Way if i want.

@JimmySpades Your comment would sting more, were it not about re-re-releases by a giant conglomerate

@JimmySpades Whenever I see the word "entitlement" in a post, I immediately ignore whatever follows. It's a lazy insult that shows the poster has no real argument and is just rationalizing the terrible behavior of whatever company they uncritically support.

@riChchestM Nintendo and Square wear boots made of chocolate. Only explanation I can come up with for why so many people are so willing to look past their horrible treatment of customers.

Got FFVII and FFX/FFX2.

@TheWingedAvenger "Final Fantasy VII...the best versions of them."

Since you put it out there, is it much better? I own the PS1 discs and still have my PS3 hooked up. I have a PS1 still but messing w/ the memory cards is a bit too much. Not having to juggle discs would be nice but not sure it's worth $8 to be lazy.

@NikHogan US store. Sale actually started last Thursday, been thinking about FF7.

https://www.nintendo.com/games/sales-and-deals/

@rjejr Since you put it out there, is it much better? I own the PS1 discs and still have my PS3 hooked up. I have a PS1 still but messing w/ the memory cards is a bit too much. Not having to juggle discs would be nice but not sure it's worth $8 to be lazy.

Remember the PS1 version doesn't use analog.

@rjejr thank you!

@Crono1973 No sticks, Dpad only? Forgot about that. I own the PS1 but the Dualshock version, Christmas '97.

It might actually be worth $8 to move around w/ the stick. Menu's are better w/ the Dpad but I don't think I could play a 100 hour game like that.

Thanks for the tip.

Now I have to decide if I should get it on PS4 for the inevitable PS5. You never know if Nintendo will let us play a Switch purchase on the Switch 2. 🤷‍♂️

@rjejr Yeah the Playstation d-pad doesn't feel very good for a long RPG game. Also, I have to point out (to all who are reading) that the inaccuracy of the d-pad on the Switch Pro Controller makes navigating the menus a nightmare. If you plan to play the Switch version with a Pro Controller, I would go for the PS4 version.

I honestly can't believe how bad the d-pad is on the Pro Controller.

It's funny to hear so many people praising Star Ocean today after I literally started this one 2 days ago from my backlog while I wait for MHR... Maybe I'll get hooked on it for the near future. Weird, fun game so far, much more than I expected.

@Crono1973 Only the launch era Switch Pro controllers have that inaccuracy problem. They fixed that with the second revision starting with the XC2 limited edition onward.

@NEStalgia Only the launch era Switch Pro controllers have that inaccuracy problem. They fixed that with the second revision starting with the XC2 limited edition onward.

I just bought another one a few weeks ago, same problem. Tried to do Auron's Overdrive in FF10 and it was impossible because you can't get any accuracy on the d-pad.

I really wish Square Enix would port over the older Final Fantasy games on Switch. 4, 5, and 6 personally. would love to play those on the Switch.

@Crono1973 Thanks. I usually use cheap knock-off wired controllers or the Joycon. I sent my Joycon in for the free Nintendo repair and it's still working, knock on wood. My two PS4 controllers, despite the limited battery, feels like only 5 or 6 hours each, well after 20+ years I'm at least used to the layout.

@rjejr

The Switch version also has x3 speed to get things moving, no encounters if you want, and a full heal/full mp/full limit option to cheese stuff. If you're a busy dad like me that wants to relive a childhood game but doesn't want to get bogged down with the grind of jrpgs of yesteryear

Has anyone picked up Forgotton Anne? I like the art style from trailers, but is the game any good?

@onex I own and beat it. It's a puzzle platformer. It's mostly narrative driven with some choices. I personally enjoyed it, just don't expect battles or dying.

@CactusMan @Classic603 Thanks. I do think I'll be picking up a new version, though to be honest the PS4 version seems better for me w/ a PS5 incoming sometime this year. Currently on sale there for the same price.

Getting rid of encounters once I grind enough to get everyone leveled up might be nice. I've been watching my son play FF7R - hence my need to replay the original - and the entire section under the disc, having to turn off 3 lights, was such an unnecessary drag. And I really really miss my victory music.

Already have FFVII on PC but I might pick it up again on Switch for that price.

Finally Star Ocean is 50% off. Among the last of Enix's (specifically) quality outputs before joining with Squaresoft, or so I've heard. Time for me to scoop this up.

Is there ANY type of QoL for DQ I-III? Given I never played the first three I'd like to scoop them up, but I'm not down for any heavy grinding these days.

@rjejr

I'm a sucker for turn based battles, so the remake and XV don't do it for me. I wonder if I'm done with new FF titles

still don't regret giving up waiting for them to put the last remnant on sale. The game square hates with a pashion.

@MeloMan cool thanks ^^
May give it a closer look.

@rjejr
If you have a PS3 hooked up and have the FF7 discs, then it's not worth it to buy the Switch version. It's the same game. However, the Switch version is slightly better looking and allows you to "cheat" by speeding the game up when you're pressed for time. I played it in handheld mode and it looked awesome, so if you want to play it portably, you might consider the Switch version a worthwhile buy.

@Crono1973 That's.....strange. It was duly confirmed that they'd fix that years ago by numerous outlets. And the one I'd bought a year or two after had a dpad that felt COMPLETELY different on the inside and definitely didn't have accuracy problems.

I wonder if with shortages they brought back a manufacturing partner that does it wrong, or uses cheaper parts in the past year and we're back to the old problem. Eew.

@TheWingedAvenger Wouldn't be playing it portable, which is why I was leaning towards PS4, but owning the discs I am wondering if it's worth even the $8? If Sony and Nintendo were smart or business savvy they'd let us trade in discs for digital codes. My PS1 collection is probably worth something. Can't imagine there's a big market for my Dreamcast discs though.

@Classic603 I was done with FF titles after FFX-2, then again after FF13 - never even played parts 2 and 3. Got FF15 based off that 1 really good trailer w/ the Leviathon summons at the end. FF16 looks like dlc to me. Whatever it is it needs more fantasy, and colors. So no.

I'm not a fan of turn based though, not since whenever Kingdom Hearts released on PS2. DQXI was awesome, and I'd get DQ12 b/c I trust them - no dlc - but that's about it. I probably would have played the FF7 remaster day 1 if that's all it was, a remaster.

It's actually not the menus or the turn based that bothers me, It's the standing in a line not moving. Grandia 2 on Dream cast is probably the best battle system I've ever played, and it was menu driven and turn based, but with everyone moving all around the screen all the time - and distance was a determine factor to cancel attacks - it seemed like an action game, but strategy driven. I should probably go replay that instead of 7, it's much shorter, and the original still works well enough.

@rjejr
To be honest, if I were in your place I'd pay the 8 bucks and have the convenience of not having to change discs. Not to mention the little perks they've added to the Switch version.

This month I just picked up the physicals of:

I Am Setsuna (english cover) Lost Sphear, Bravely Default 2, Dragon Quest 1-3 (english cover), and Octopath Traveler. Was looking into getting the two Mana games on cart too.

Shame Star Ocean doesn’t have a physical but I think I might just have to get it for the backlog anyway. Funny as I much prefer digital on every other system; but have a thing for cartridges.

@NikHogan i played ff7 when on ps1 and finished so many times. Such a great game one of my faves all this time. You will enjoy it so much if never played. Enjoy!

I really liked ForgottOn Anne. Great studio Ghibli like graphics and a touching story. Longer than I expected, although not very challenging but I would recommend it

@TheWingedAvenger Thanks. I've talked myself out of the switch version, PS4 if anything for upgrade to PS5, but the rest of the points still stands. Trying to decide now if I really want to devote another 100 hours to the game or spend the time, and $8, on something newer. I have a 75" 4k tv scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, my first 4k tv, and even though I currently don't have a 4k console I think PS4 does HDR - also my first HDR tv - so I'm thinking that backlog may be the way I go.

But, if I do decide on FF7 - maybe after my son is done w/ FF7R and I feel really empty inside at that ending - I'll get the PS4 version.

Gonna get DQ I, II, and III now they're on sale!

I already have the Mana, Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy games. I just realized that Romancing Saga 2 & 3 were Super Famicom-only games, and that Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon was a Japan-only Playstation game. So I'm definitely getting them now.

I'm a sucker for games that weren't originally released in North America. Does anyone know of a list e.g. Famicom games that were never released on NES but are now available on Switch?

@Classic603 @CactusMan @TheWingedAvenger @Crono1973

So it's a month later, but since you alk took the time, thought I'd tell you how it panned out re: FF7

My son got a month of Gamepass for $1 and I used his account to play the PC version of FF7 on my 75" tv using my other sons old PC, Geforce GT 740 old. He has a nice laptop now.

I just finished watching my son play FF7R for 30 hours and wanted to compare the 2. So tonight after 7 hours we left Midgar.

Not sure I'll keep playing - just started No Mans Sky and Ori Will of the Wisps, and I really don't want to see that death scene again, kinda tearing up just thinking about it, but it's nice to know there are so many options to play 25 yr old games. Thanks for all the advice.