Square’s Hidden Gem on the PS1 Had One of the Most Innovative Combat Systems

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The first PlayStation was a fantastic platform for game developers to try new things, offering impressive 3D graphics, compelling stories, and large, detailed game worlds. SquareSoft really stood out during this time, with games like *Final Fantasy VII* revolutionizing the role-playing genre, alongside other popular titles like *Chrono Cross*. However, a lesser-known game on the PlayStation also deserves attention. It featured a uniquely innovative and enjoyable combat system that went on to influence many later games, but unfortunately never received the widespread praise it deserved.

Although *Legend of Legaia* had a really unique and fun battle system, it didn’t become widely popular, likely because it wasn’t well-known and didn’t receive much marketing. It’s a shame, because I really enjoyed it! The battles were captivating, and I loved learning the complex system and creating powerful combos. Prokion, the game’s developer, took a big risk by doing something different from other RPGs of the time, and even though it’s been largely forgotten, it remains a special game to me.

Legand of Legaia, a Classic RPG With a Twist

Let’s be real – *Legend of Legaia* isn’t known for its story. It wasn’t groundbreaking or particularly original, sticking to many of the familiar themes found in Japanese role-playing games from the late 90s. It features the usual plot: a group of teens trying to save the world, a problematic energy source, and a villain aiming for ultimate power. This formula was common in games of that time, and it’s not the reason why the game has gained a dedicated fan base.

I remember this game most vividly because of how fun its battles were. Back then, I didn’t usually enjoy fighting monsters throughout an entire game, but this one kept me engaged. The combat felt different and responsive, allowing me to try out different moves and tactics in every fight. It took a standard turn-based system and made it special with something called the Tactical Arts System, which is what everyone remembers it for.

Deep Mechanics That Rewarded Experimentation

The Tactical Arts System wasn’t just about picking an attack from a list. It let players create attacks on the fly by combining punches and kicks in any order. The specific combination chosen determined which moves and techniques were used, letting players discover unique attacks through experimentation – similar to how combos work in fighting games.

The game used an action point (AP) system to control which abilities you could use, limiting how many actions you could take each turn. The number of AP you had depended on your character and increased as you gained levels. Each of the three playable characters – Vahn, Noa, and Gala – had a unique playstyle, making combat more varied and interesting. To truly master a character, you needed to experiment with different combinations of attacks, unlocking new abilities through skillful combos.

I absolutely loved how *Legend of Lagaia* handled magic! It wasn’t just about grinding levels or finding items. You actually had to *fight* to learn new spells, battling these creatures called Seru. The coolest part? Only the person who landed the final hit on a Seru could absorb its magic. It made battles way more strategic – you really had to think about which character you used and when, and experiment with combos to make sure *you* got the spell. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about *how* you won!

Sony’s Forgotten Masterclass in Combat Design

While *Legend of Lagaia* didn’t change how stories are told in RPGs, it dramatically improved turn-based combat. With more support, it could have greatly influenced the genre and become a truly memorable game. Its innovative combat system, inspired by fighting games, gave players a lot of control, and the AP and Seru systems added a lot of strategy. Even now, few games offer such a unique and captivating experience.

Man, it’s a bummer that *Legend of Lagaia* is still stuck on the PlayStation – you basically need to emulate it to play these days. Honestly, if they ever remastered it with some updated graphics and little improvements to make it more user-friendly, it would be amazing for the series. I’m not holding my breath, though! It’d be incredible to see a new game come out, one that really builds on that complex battle system and tells a compelling story. That would be a fantastic surprise.

Turn-based RPGs have always had a dedicated fanbase, but they’re becoming popular again with games like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* and the *Persona* series. I’m hoping *Legend of Lagaia* gets a remake or remaster – *Square Enix* is already updating a lot of older titles. Until then, I’ll always cherish the memories I have of this lesser-known PlayStation 1 game.

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2025-10-08 17:15