Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about two games from a classic JRPG series: Grandia and its sequel, Grandia 2. I was a huge fan of the first one, and recently got around to playing the second. They offered quite different experiences, so let’s dive into my thoughts on each.
Grandia 1: An Amazing Surprise
Grandia was an amazing surprise for me. Until one of my viewers mentioned it, I had never heard of it, and by the time I beat it, I found myself loving the game. I went through it in a blind way: I didn’t look up anything (unless it had to do with directions because, sadly, I’m not the best at working with a compass…), but when it came to the story, I was truly amazed!
Right away, I was charmed by the music and the main character, Justin. It’s rare for JRPGs to have bubbly and happy characters, so I really welcomed Justin, as was his friend Sue. The story was just as nice as everything else, especially the intro song, which can be heard a lot throughout the game.
One thing I always loved about these games is that although they are set in a fantasy and fictional world, the story can be oddly relatable at times, and that was the case with this game. The story was simple enough not to make you confused or even pull you away from the main plot, and it kept you entertained and immersed for the whole game. By the time I beat it, I didn’t even realize I had put over 100 hours into it!
Overall, I have nothing but positive thoughts about Grandia.
If you’re a JRPG fan, I think this game would be right up your alley, and it’s definitely worth a first playthrough experience.
Grandia 2: Hopes vs. Reality
After such a fantastic experience with the original, I was eager to see what Grandia 2 had in store. I finally finished it recently, after chipping away at it for a while. As a big fan of the original Grandia, I went in with a mix of excitement and cautious optimism… which unfortunately didn’t last.
While Grandia 2 isn’t terrible, it falls far short of its predecessor and left me feeling pretty disappointed. I would rate this game 4 out of 10.
Grandia 2: A Story That Lost Its Way
One of my biggest issues with Grandia 2 is the story. It starts with a somewhat intriguing premise, but it quickly becomes convoluted and messy. There are too many plot threads, sudden shifts in tone, and moments that just don’t make a lot of sense. The first Grandia had a simple, charming narrative about a boy’s journey to become an adventurer. Grandia 2 tries to be much grander and more epic, but it ends up feeling unfocused and, frankly, a bit pretentious.
Shallow Characters, Despite Attempts at Depth
The characters were another letdown. While the game attempts to give them complex backstories and motivations, they mostly fall flat. Ryudo, the protagonist, is the classic cynical mercenary, but his development feels rushed and unearned. The supporting cast is similarly underdeveloped, with their personalities often reduced to a single defining trait. I never really connected with any of them on an emotional level, which is a stark contrast to the memorable cast of the first game.
Gimmicks Over Substance in Gameplay
Grandia 2 introduces a few new gameplay mechanics, like a more customizable skill system and special “Mana Eggs.” However, these additions feel like gimmicks rather than genuine improvements. They don’t add much depth to the core gameplay, and in some cases, they even make it feel more clunky. The combat system, while still enjoyable at times, also suffers from some pacing issues and repetitive enemy encounters.
Not as Grand as the First: Final Thoughts on Grandia 2
Overall, Grandia 2 felt like a step backward in almost every way. The magic, charm, and sense of wonder that made the original so special are largely absent. While it had its moments, the messy story, shallow characters, and reliance on gimmicky mechanics left me feeling underwhelmed. It’s a shame because there’s potential here, but it’s buried under layers of questionable design choices.
What Are Your Thoughts?
So, that’s my take on Grandia and Grandia 2 – two very different experiences for me! If you’ve played either or both, especially Grandia 2, I’d love to hear what you thought. Did you feel the same way, or did you enjoy the sequel? Let me know in the comments!