The Joy of Playing Grandia, on Sega Saturn

Platform versions, Saturn patch, and remasters

• Several posters praise the Saturn original as the definitive version, noting that later PS1 and HD releases inherit graphical downgrades (texture issues, loss of shadows/2D effects, weaker audio, uneven framerate).
• The newly completed English fan translation for Saturn is seen as a big deal for preservation and as motivation to replay the game.
• Some wish Saturn’s better FMVs could be combined with modern conveniences, possibly via MPEG add‑on or simply watching the videos separately.
• Others argue the article asserts “Grandia is best on Saturn” without really justifying it, while pragmatists point out that PS1 and HD versions are more accessible on modern systems, even if imperfect.
• Grandia and Grandia II are cited as victims of Sega console failures, with later PS2 ports also viewed as technically compromised relative to Dreamcast.

Cutscenes, pacing, and “let me play”

• A major subthread laments long, front‑loaded, and unskippable cutscenes in Grandia and many JRPGs/AAA games (FFX, Bayonetta 3, Miles Morales, God of War, Tomb Raider).
• Comparisons are made to FF7’s quick “cutscene → first battle” ramp, and to Kojima/MGS where cutscenes are long but often skippable or interactive.
• Some argue that if you don’t want story, why play RPGs at all; others counter that players want interaction first, exposition later, and always the ability to skip or rewatch.
• There’s particular frustration with mandatory rewatching of long scenes before difficult bosses, seen as punishing design.

Battle system, balance, and “broken” builds

• Grandia (and especially Grandia II) is repeatedly lauded for its turn/battle timeline, cancel mechanics, and positional tactics; some call it the best JRPG combat system ever.
• Others note that poor resistance design and certain characters/element builds can trivialize encounters, undermining that brilliance.
• Broader discussion unfolds about whether single‑player RPGs should be tightly balanced: some enjoy “breaking” systems (FF8, Bravely Default, Disgaea, Noita), others prefer challenge without degenerate strategies.

Nostalgia, hardware, and remaster philosophy

• Multiple commenters share childhood memories of Grandia/Grandia II, replaying openings without memory cards, and now revisiting the games on holidays or with their children.
• The story is remembered as an earnest, uncynical coming‑of‑age adventure with very likable leads and a strong soundtrack.
• Many advocate for original hardware on CRTs or high‑quality CRT shaders, arguing the art was built for that look. CRT scarcity and bulk are a recurring complaint.
• Emulation is praised not only for convenience but also for accessibility (OCR/AI descriptions enabling blind players to navigate old games).
• There’s skepticism toward many remasters that “lose the magic” through sloppy ports or visual changes, though some studios are cited as consistently respectful of source material.