Video Game Review: Langrisser I & II

Langrisser I & II

NIS America

Strategy

Nintendo Switch

Langrisser is a classic fantasy role-playing game that first debuted in 1991. Its sequel, Langrisser II, released in 1994 but never saw a release outside of Japan. A few other sequels later came out, including a successful mobile game, but the series never gained the traction that other popular tactical RPGs like Fire Emblem had. Prior to this year, the only way to experience the series was through fan translations, but NIS America has brought the first two entries to the West with Langrisser I & II, a fully remastered collection.

There is tons of value in this collection, with over 50 hours of playtime. Fans of tactical games will find themselves right at home when playing Langrisser, which has a lot in common with Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics. Players will control a group of heroes and give them commands on a grid that acts as a map. The heroes come with various weapons and have different classes, which act as a rock-paper-scissors system. Of course, the characters have various stats that make the game a bit more complex than a game of simply countering weaknesses.

Players will recruit commanders throughout the game, and each commander can bring along units that assist them through battle. Players can hire mercenaries to help protect their commanders, giving the game an interesting system in which players can push their luck when it comes to spending their currency. Systems like permadeath add a sense of urgency to every battle, making every move have a significant impact. The characters themselves are likable despite being full of cliches and tropes. The same goes for the story, which involves a typical clash between a young hero and the forces of evil. Still, the game is full of charm and all of the tropes don’t stop this from being easy to enjoy. Branching paths and customizable protagonists give the game some extra replayability as well.

Langrisser is a tactical franchise that forces players to rely on strategy to succeed. Those who have gotten comfortable with games where they can push through waves of one or two overpowered characters might find their limits pushed a bit in these games. The games don’t hold the player’s hand much, and while there are a few selectable difficulties, this is a fairly hardcore series. The combat is satisfying, and progressing through the stages is rewarding.

This collection has remastered quite a few areas of the two games it includes, bringing the series to the modern age. The character designs are wonderful, with neat anime-inspired looks. Some of the women’s costumes are a bit over-sexualized and impractical for war, but their designs are at least memorable. The sprites have a bit of chibi charm to them, making the wars look adorable. If this aesthetic turns off hardcore players, the option to default to the retro looks is there. Players can even tweak if they only want to change the portraits or the actual gameplay. The ability to mix and match allows Langrisser I & II to look exactly how players want it to.  The maps look great, though there isn’t too much variety in map design. The music is fantastic, with catchy tunes that will get stuck in the player’s head after turning the game off. Overall, fans and newcomers alike will be satisfied with the production quality of this collection.

Langrisser I & II is a solid collection of fine games that have aged wonderfully. Strategy fans will want to pick this one up, and it deserves to be placed with Fire Emblem Three Houses and Wargroove as the best in the genre on the Nintendo Switch.