TL;DR
Lost Sphear is a nostalgic JRPG from the creators of I Am Setsuna, channeling the magic of 90s classics like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. With its turn-based battles, charming pixel art, and a sincere, un-cynical story about friends saving the world, it's a delightful throwback for genre veterans. While the storytelling can feel a bit slow and dated, and it doesn't quite hit the same iconic highs as its inspirations, Lost Sphear offers a pleasant and respectful homage to a beloved era. Curious to see if this retro gem is for you? Dive into our full review to find out!
(Click above to see our video review of Lost Sphear)
You may recognize Tokyo RPG Factory from I Am Setsuna, released last year for Nintendo Switch. They have returned with Lost Sphear, a new role-playing game with a retro aesthetic. The approach remains consistent with their previous title, reminiscent of classic 90s Square Enix JRPGs like Final Fantasy V and VI, as well as Chrono Trigger. Consequently, fans of that era will likely be the primary audience, although newcomers interested in the genre should also consider this title.
The game features turn-based battles, a group of close friends embarking on an adventure to save the world, and period-accurate pixel sprites, albeit in higher resolution. It’s refreshing to encounter a game as sincere and un-cynical as Lost Sphear. Its charm stems from its focus on relatively mundane issues, presented with a certain naivety that can be endearing. However, the storytelling feels dated at times, and the plot’s progression can seem slow. Expect small maps, fishing, social interactions, and occasional battles. It resembles a respectful and conservative remix of a classic genre.
If you appreciate the aforementioned style of game and have experience with the Square Enix classics, you likely have a good idea of what Lost Sphear offers. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of those classics, and despite its reasonable price, it ultimately serves as a pleasant, albeit somewhat forgettable, pastime. However, for those seeking new JRPG experiences, there are certainly worse ways to spend your time. For others, its stripped-down, dialogue-heavy nature might not be exciting enough compared to other available options.
