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.

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.

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.

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

Fun JRPG with good combat and an interesting story

i got very sucked into this game. i liked the snowy atmosphere. the music set the mood nicely. the story in general was interesting. i liked all the characters except for setsuna who's entire personality was getting others to believe in the power of friendship. the gameplay wasn't too challenging, but it could certainly be tricky in some cases if you didn't have a good strategy. overall a pleasant experience :)

This is not a bad game. Very cute chibi style RPG game - the storyline and some character's personalities kind of reminds me of Final fantasy 10 ... There are some lack of character development--but its alright... They really should be a better improvement in some "quality of life" features of the game...
I shall return to this game someday... just because I accidentally forgot to save. I did progress such a long way and I made a stupid move and lost in a battle. Its making me start over from the save point I made waaaaay back. I'm too lazy to start over from such a long progress I made. This is probably one of the quality of life feature that needs improvement.. I don't get why I can't save in a town (safe area) but I can only save where I have to go into my menu in the world map area - this made me forget to save the game. Also -- I wish I can sprint or run in the world map area -- just another quality of life feature needed.