Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster Reviews
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is a worthwhile release, though it feels like a bit of a mixed bag. Despite some cool ideas here, both games epitomize the 'flawed masterpiece' while the changes and updates made for this remaster are minimal at best (though obviously welcome). This package is easy to recommend to any fans who want to venture further into Monolith's back catalog and are looking for something a little unconventional to scratch that RPG itch. Just recognize that this isn't something that you need to rush and play immediately and that both games are very much products of their time, with design elements that feel outdated in a modern context.
Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster brings two GameCube classics back from the dead, and they're still worth playing in 2023
The Baten Kaitos Collection is a duology remaster that's full of contrasts, demonstrating perfectly the highs and lows that come with bringing decades old games to new consoles. The two games are great little JRPGs from yesteryear, however given the weird nature of the first and the generic nature of the second, it's difficult to recommend to any but those wanting the nostalgia trip or die-hard fans of the genre.
In an ideal world, the remasters probably would have worked better as proper remakes. Baten Kaitos and Origins’ pre-rendered backgrounds were gorgeous on the Gamecube, and they’re just as lovely now. Some aspects would have benefited from more improvement, though. Character animations, limited dialogue illustrations, awkward battle structures, and wonky localization weren’t great at the time and don’t hold up quite so well. Both games are still worth experiencing, but there are a few more hurdles to enjoying them than there should be.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is a great opportunity to discover, or replay, two role-playing gems from the GameCube catalog. Although the visual improvement is evident, Bandai Namco could have done more, such as translating Baten Kaito Origins or polishing the technical plot a little more. Even so, great adventures, with an unforgettable combat system.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
RPGs don’t always age well. Things like combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving can change drastically in a handful of years. The Baten Kaitos games hold up pretty well, all things considered. The visuals are great and the combat is excellent. The Remaster also does a great job of smoothing over certain rough patches. There’s a generous autosave system in place, for one thing. The modern combat upgrades also go a long way to making those slow battles feel faster. On the other hand, the story feels very by-the-numbers. I felt like I was running down a checklist of tropes within a few hours of the first game. But if card-based battle systems are your thing, this collection is a godsend. If nothing else, Baten Kaitos I&II provides a fascinating snapshot of a lost era of GameCube RPGs.
Following the decadent drift of Tales of Symphonia Remastered, the restoration of BATEN KAITOS I & II HD REMASTER didn't quite convince us.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is a pretty straightforward of two great JRPG from the Gamecube. Best resolution and some quality of life improvements is all that your are going to fin here, but is also a pretty good chance to play this cult games.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Baten Kaitos has no shortage of amazing ideas—and just as many shortcomings to go along with them.
While this remaster might not be to the quality that the Baten Kaitos series deserves, it still is a lovely way to play and revisit these classics after so long.
As you would expect from the genre, both of the Baten Kaitos games are quite lengthy. Even if you use the speed up features like I did, they could still easily take you anywhere from 40-60 hours to beat. In that sense, Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is definitely a solid bang for your buck – but how many of those hours are genuinely fun? That heavily depends on if you can put/keep up with the battle system – and even then the other aspects of the duology aren't winning awards either, with the exception of Monolith Soft's signature worldbuilding. The "quality of life menu" defines the remaster, for better and for worse – if its implementation was more mindfully done it could've actually made the originals great, instead of merely showcasing how flawed they were and making their worst parts more tolerable. I'd be willing to overlook these flaws – especially in the case of Origins because of its story and characters – if only they just let me pick my cards in peace. From my perspective, its age is the primary thing that holds the series back – in fact, I have no doubt that if Monolith Soft were to make Baten Kaitos 3 today, it would be amazing. I don't know who to recommend Baten Kaitos I & II to though – I suppose big JRPG fans could do worse for the price, as long as you're aware of what you're getting into.
After a disappointing remaster dedicated to Tales of Symphonia, Bandai Namco gives the Baten Kaitos franchise the treatment it deserved, gifting us with a solid remaster of two of the most obscure but also most appreciated GameCube JRPGs.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster brings back one of the greatest RPGs ever made as well as its impressively fleshed-out prequel so if you want to experience an incredible story with phenomenal strategic card-based combat then definitely pick this collection up.
The blend of nostalgic charm and modern enhancements makes Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster a standout title that showcases the enduring appeal of the classic GameCube titles. Whether you’re revisiting the skies or soaring through them for the first time, this remaster is an adventure worth going on. The journey is as magical as it was years ago, and the improvements make it even more enjoyable today.
Baten Kaitos I & II are back for both the older and newer generation of players to enjoy in the Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster. What is new and improved? What is all the hype about among enthusiasts? Should you buy this title, wait for a sale or leave it be? Read all about it in this review for more information so you can decide.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster offers a visually refreshed yet faithful experience, balancing nostalgia with updated features. However, the dated gameplay and slow pacing reveal the limitations of this otherwise engaging remaster.
Baten Kaitos I & II, originally released on the Gamecube, have been remastered for the Nintendo Switch. The upgrade brings players back into the enchanting fantasy world, with beautiful visuals and a compelling story. Although Part 1 already scored highly, Origins surpasses its predecessor on all fronts, with significant improvements in both visuals and gameplay. Both games introduce a unique card-based battle system, which adds an interesting and tactical dimension to the game. Highly recommended for RPG enthusiasts looking for a refreshing experience.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Baten Kaitos I & II Remaster arrives as the ideal way to experience these two classics in 2023. After almost two decades trapped in the Nintendo GameCube, it is finally possible to experience all the strangeness and creativity that this dormant franchise has to offer. Both titles show their age at times, in addition to having their own specific flaws, but it is undeniable that this collection brings the right improvements for RPG fans and the curious to enjoy these adventures anywhere with the Switch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster brings back two fantastic cult classics with improved visuals, and some limited QoL features.
As someone who hadn’t played these titles originally I was very apprehensive coming into Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster. These games have a cult following and you either haven’t heard of or played them, or you love them. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground and I was worried they were overhyped or would have been outshined by more modern games. I was wrong, Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is quite possibly my favorite JRPG title of the year. The games feel, for the most part, just as fresh as they would have at release, and the QoL features help where some rust has gathered. Two genuinely forgotten gems that shine far too bright for the lack of exposure these games have had. I hope this package gives Bandai the nudge to greenlight Baten Kaitos 3. If you’re a JRPG fan and haven’t tried these titles before, you owe it to yourself to discover Bandai Namco’s best-kept secret.