LOST SPHEAR

A Great Homage to the PS1 Classics!
I completed this game on the PS4 when it first came out and I really loved it then and still do today!
This is an RPG in the style of the PS1 classics ala FFVII-IX, Chrono Cross, Legend of Dragoon, etc. Although not as good as said games (which is fine and an unrealistic expectation) it is a superb homage to such games.
Turn-based battles, World map, towns, dungeons, evolving world map travel (on-foot to Ship, etc) - all the classic PS1 RPG hallmarks are here. The game's battle system is most akin to that of Chrono Trigger's, ironically a SNES game, in which you can see the enemies on the map and you engage in a turn-based battle that is semi-active (or full active if you prefer) once you approach them.
Battles can be quite customisable, considering the game's unique take on equipable Gear. One such example is Spritnites - these allow for new Character abilities, passive skills or to even customise an ability with a sub-spritnite, for example allowing you to recover HP when you use said ability.
The battles also feature something called "Momentum Strikes" which allow you to build up a second meter by either waiting or attacking/taking damage, once full, your character can attack or use an ability with extra "oomph" by pressing the action button at the right time, just before you execute it.
The story is very on trend with it's homage. It follows old-school tropes and cliches, but you are more than likely going to play this game for the full homage/nostalgia, so would you want it any other way?
The game will take you around 40 hours to finish, even with a few side activities here and there. A more than decent run time.
Tokyo RPG Factory, the developers of this title, also made I am Setsuna which is a very similar game and arguably the better of the two games and I would urge all who are interested or enjoyed this game to seek that one too as, in my opinion, it has the better story and more focused experience...and some beautiful music!
Tl;dr - If you enjoyed those classic RPGs from the PS1 era, you will love this game. It's a great homage to them and feels like it came straight from that era, but with some nice modern day conveniences.
Score:
78%

I was pretty skeptical going into this because it seemed like it was either gonna be REALLY good or REALLY bad. The Steam Reviews are all pretty meh on it and the 50 dollar price tag is almost unanimously why.
This game is a turn-based JRPG with the ATB system and more combat mechanics than I fucking care to explain because holy shit it always felt like you were finding or gaining more different things you could do. Admittedly, once you get into it, it's all pretty doable, but it feels like it never really wanted to commit one way or the other. Classic "next town has next best weapon" type stuff, elements, crits, etc.
The unique elements include the free movement in combat system where all attacks have their own hitbox you can position how you like (if 2 enemies are next to each other, even basic attacks can multi-hit) and the Momentum Charge system where you basically pull an FF8 and hit a button to upgrade whatever attack or skill you're using.
Story is really simple, with some fun twists and turns, but it's really wordy at times and really loves to fall back on generic "we're friends we're always there for you" dialogue for the Nth time. I enjoyed the gameplay, but I am unlikely to ever play it again, much less commit to post-game content despite really liking some ideas in it such as the Artifact System (buildable objects in the overworld that add permanent buffs or alter combat rules forever or until changed), Infusing your skills (you equip special properties to them and if you use them enough, it becomes permanently a part of it without needing it equipped anymore so you can equip it to others)
I outright skipped using the Robot Suits for 99% of the game, I think I had less than 40 Machine Kills by the end of it.
Overall: 6/10 - I really really wish it was a little better, but it's alright. $50 is a lot for it though, if it was $30 I'd say it's 7/10 lmao

i like it and im going to stick with it. the story telling is pretty good as far as rpg standards go. i have seen people bashing it and all the bad reviews kept me away from it but i find it to be a good game and the story is better than average.
i think some people giving this bad reviews are just burned out on the gaming industry or they didn't play all the rpgs and action games from the 90s. i dont think they have a good comparison for it. its a definite improvement in story telling compared to games of old.
i like it better than sea of stars. ill be sticking with it. i can definitely feel some of the old school vibes here and i am enjoying it.
its kind of sad when i win a battle or open a treasure chest and I feel something i haven't felt in years. i know its one of them that worked on it or put it there because only they do that and I never see it done right or copied by others in other games.
you should at least give it a shot or play the demo if you want more of this genre. it hardly goes on sale.

Lost Sphear is a traditional JRPG from Tokyo RPG Factory that aims to evoke the tone and structure of classic 16-bit era adventures. The story follows a group of young heroes trying to restore parts of the world that have mysteriously vanished, establishing an early sense of mystery and urgency. The narrative is straightforward and relies on familiar themes such as memory, loss, and responsibility.
Combat uses an evolved version of the Active Time Battle system. Characters can reposition during fights to adjust attack angles and area-of-effect abilities. This tactical layer adds modest depth without slowing down encounters. Boss fights introduce pattern-based challenges that require active attention rather than simple repetition.
Progression relies on a mix of standard leveling and the “Memories” mechanic, which lets players restore missing objects and unlock features. This system creates mild world-building tension while rewarding exploration. Crafting and equipment upgrades are present but kept simple, providing steady power growth without heavy micromanagement.
Visual presentation uses clean, pastel-style environments and modest character models. While it lacks high-budget spectacle, the art direction is cohesive and readable. Animations are serviceable, and effects highlight key combat abilities. The soundtrack carries light emotional weight, using piano and orchestral cues to reinforce atmosphere.
Exploration follows a traditional structure: towns, dungeons, and a world map. Side quests offer small story expansions but rarely deliver surprising mechanics. Dungeon layouts are functional rather than inventive, relying on light puzzles and enemy encounters to pace progression. Fans seeking nostalgia will find comfort; others may find the formula predictable.
Performance is stable. Load times are short, frame pacing holds during combat, and bugs are uncommon. Menu navigation is clear, though some systems are explained only briefly. The camera can feel rigid in tight interior areas, but it rarely obstructs combat readability.
Overall, Lost Sphear offers a competent but conservative JRPG experience. It succeeds at delivering classic structure, reliable combat, and a gentle tone, but rarely pushes beyond established conventions. Players nostalgic for older design patterns will find satisfying comfort, while those seeking innovation may consider it restrained.

good game