Langrisser I & II Remastered Collection Review

Langrisser I & II
Developer: Chara-Ani
Publisher: NIS America, Inc.
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch/Switch Lite
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC

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We are without a doubt in an SRPG renaissance right now, and that is all thanks to Fire Emblem. Whether you are a fan of the series or upset about the SSBU fighters, the fact is you are still talking about it. Fire Enblem may be the most popular SRPG now, but it is not the only one! NIS is remastering the classic Disgaea series, Digimon Survive is releasing this year, and then there is Langrisser.

It looks like publisher NIS is back again with another SRPG classic, Langrisser. This is a series that found its fame on the Sega Mega Drive in the 1990’s but has since vanished. With that being said, how does this remaster hold up against other SRPG’s? Or better yet, are these games still fun? Keep reading this review for a complete in-depth analysis of Langrisser I & II!

Let’s get one thing straight right now- this Langrisser collection is difficult to recommend.  Before you click away, let me explain. Langrisser I & II were both good games when they were released in the 1990’s, and thanks this remaster they are still good games today. For background, while both of the games in the collection are part of the same series, they do not share the same story or characters. Both games have a setting and tone similar to Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series, yet there are of course differences. I’ll try to keep the FE comparisons to a minimum, but I feel like it’s essential to review Langrisser. This review will examine the collection by itself, and how it holds up in a modern-day market.

In the Langrisser games, the story is divided into chapters, with each chapter containing one combat “scenario”. Players begin each chapter on a menu with options to purchase equipment, re-class characters, and an option to start playing. That initial menu is foreshadowing how the game actually plays, and one of Langrisser’s strengths is how streamlined the experience is. I love that the games are so straightforward, it makes the RPG mechanics and systems accessible for new players. Once players start a chapter, they are given the option to hire soldiers for their commanders which act as additional units in battle. Players unlock different classes of soldiers as they rank each of their commanders. Alongside the types of soldiers, players can unlock different classes for the commanders, which gives more control over the battle.

SRPG fans know that a game is only as good as its map design. My biggest issue with both games are, in fact, their map designs. Even when compared to older SRPG’s, the maps in Langrisser are by far the weakest. There is too much space in each map, so it takes a few turns just trying to reach an enemy. Yet, after you reach and defeat an enemy it will take even more turns to get the next. This occasionally made me lose attention and burnout on the game despite having only played a few chapters.

While the maps are all generally too big, especially in early chapters where mobility is limited, once a commander reaches an enemy that is where the game gets fun. Various buildings and environments require players to use some strategy in up-close battles. It was in these moments that Langrisser shines and becomes a fun experience.

Earlier I mentioned that I cannot easily recommend Langrisser I & II, and now I’m going to explain why. There are more SRPG’s available now than in the 90’s, which means that players have a decent variety to choose from. However, the problem with Langrisser on current systems is that there are just better games too play. If you are someone who wants to try out an SRPG for the first time the ONLY game I recommend is FE3H. With hundreds of hours of content and easy-to-learn approachable mechanics, this is the perfect game for SRPG/RPG newcomers. If you’ve already played and enjoyed FE3H, then play it again! But if you’ve already done everything there is to do in that game and want a new similar experience then Langrisser could be your best bet. Like I said earlier, this collection features two good games that fans of the genre will enjoy.

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Final Thoughts:

The Langrisser I & II collection pairs two good games and makes this once forgotten franchise accessible again. Even though the games’ age definitely shows, both are still fun and can fill that SRPG void in your heart. The map design is the weakest part of the collection, but smart tactical battles makes this collection a well-rounded experience. Langrisser’s straightforward gameplay makes both games accessible for modern audiences. If any of this sounds fun to you, Langrisser I & II might be worth looking into. The collection is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC via Steam.

Review copy provided by publisher.