I Am Setsuna

I am Setsuna is a classic JRPG that brings back the genre’s traditional mechanics and look. It has a familiar Active Time Battle (ATB) combat system, a cozy isometric art style with some modern flair, and a story that follows well-known JRPG tropes.
The story is decent although lacking in substance and could probably be told in about 30 minutes. Much of the game is spent doing inconsequential chores and errands for others in-order to progress the journey slightly. The main character, Endir, has an interesting backstory, but his purpose quickly take a backseat to Setsuna’s, which makes him feel a bit pointless as the game goes on. Like many JRPGs, the big lore dump happens near the end, so while the ending is satisfying, the pacing feels off.
Visually, this game is quite beautiful. I am Setsuna opts for tableau style visual design, muted colour palettes to emphasize the snowy winter felings, with subtle splashes of colour, which all really enhance the classic isometric feel and graphical stylings. The 3D on pseudo 2D static backgrounds makes it feel like a modern take on classic PS1 RPGs. It's really well-done.
The soundtrack stands out as something unique. An entirely piano-driven score, more subtle than the usual epic JRPG soundtracks. It’s an interesting choice, but it can feel repetitive—I ended up turning down the volume after a while.
The combat maintains a traditional feel, offering both an active and "wait" option for players preferring a slower pace. Enemies move around the battle screen, adding an element of timing for AoE attacks reminiscent of Chrono Trigger. The momentum system, which requires timed button presses to enhance attacks, adds some engagement, though the “Flux” system—intended to trigger random bonuses for your talismans—felt inconsistent and ultimately inconsequential. Character customization depends on equipping skills in talisman-dependent slots, which felt cumbersome and less satisfying than other JRPG systems. I wasn't really a huge fan of this system, and found myself still confused by Flux at the end of the game.
Overall, I am Setsuna is a relaxed, low-stakes game. While the story may not be particularly memorable, the beautiful art and nostalgic feel make it enjoyable, especially for fans of classic JRPGs looking for a familiar experience.

Pros:-
1. Nice storyline
2. Basic fighting and weapons/sprit nite level ups.
3. Beautiful character
Cons:-
1. Character hard to level up. Need to grind a bit.
2. Story will be flat when approaching last boss. Seems a bit rush also.
3. Every decision making we make in the game does not affect the storyline. So it is quite useless.

I had a genuinely pleasant experience with I Am Setsuna, despite initially putting it off due to its pale, melancholic aesthetic. What initially deterred me eventually became one of its most compelling features once I gave it a proper chance. While it may not rank among the best JRPGs I've played, the game resonated with me enough to pursue 100% completion.
The game clearly draws inspiration from classics like Chrono Trigger, though it never quite reaches those heights. The story, while familiar, moves along steadily, though the characters didn't forge strong connections. The endgame sidequests attempt to deepen character development similar to Chrono Trigger, but ultimately fall short of their ambition.
The gameplay strikes a balance between simplicity and depth, though it stumbles in explaining crucial mechanics. The flux and momentum systems, while interesting, are poorly explained in-game. Many players, unfortunately, progress through most of the game without fully understanding these features, which significantly impacts the experience.
What truly distinguishes I Am Setsuna is its unwavering commitment to its melancholic tone - a quality that permeates every aspect of the game. This consistency shines brightest through its outstanding piano soundtrack, which not only enhances the game's atmosphere but elevates the entire experience. The music serves as the perfect companion to your journey, compelling you to see the story through to its conclusion. I know some people hated it, but for me it's a big W.
Having just completed it, I'm already experiencing a sense of nostalgia - a testament to how effectively the game creates a lasting impression despite its shortcomings.

This is a shorter game that is pretty good & priced appropriately. The combat is fun and fairly intricate, the story is compelling and there are some great characters. In my opinion it's shortcomings are the repetitive enemies & combat tactics, as well as it's overall world. I completed 1 play-through of the main story and found that certain enemy archetypes popped up 3-4 times.
If you're looking for a fun RPG that poses a decent challenge, I'd recommend picking up I am Setsuna. I wouldn't expect to be blown away, however for $15 CAD I found this game to be worth the price.

Unfulfilled potential is probably how I'd describe Setsuna, or a beginners JRPG. It's got all the components to make a good rpg. Decent story, potentially interesting battle mechanics. It just didn't quite reach the end there. I'm left wondering is that all there is to this game? Perhaps I'm overthinking it.
Setsuna is a good beginner friendly JRPG

Pros:
• Engaging combat system reminiscent of classic JRPGs like "Chrono Trigger."
• Emotional storytelling that explores themes of sacrifice and resilience.
• Beautiful art direction with stunning snowscapes and well-designed characters.
• Haunting piano soundtrack that sets the tone for the entire experience.
Cons:
• Some may find the pacing a bit slow, especially during certain parts of the story.
• Limited variety in environments and enemy designs may feel repetitive for some players.
"I Am Setsuna" offers a heartfelt journey through a world filled with melancholy and magic. While it may not be without its flaws, its engaging combat, emotional narrative, and beautiful art for 2016 game make it a memorable experience for those seeking a captivating RPG adventure.

My personal opinion of I Am Setsuna

I Am Setsuna is a beautifully made RPG that captures the nostalgia of classic JRPGs while introducing a heartfelt story (The story kinda gives off a Final Fantasy X vibe). The game's art style, inspired by the SNES era, is stunning, with snow covered landscapes and a melancholic atmosphere that adds depth to the narrative.

The music is beautiful, composed by Tomoki Miyoshi, and complements the emotional journey of the characters and what they go through.

The game play, while reminiscent of the old school turn based combat systems, is refined and engaging, offering both nostalgia and fresh challenges (The game has similar combat features like in Chrono Trigger with team up attacks).

Overall, I Am Setsuna is a must play for fans of traditional JRPGs, delivering an experience that may hit your nostalgia.