Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster Reviews
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.
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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.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster are memorable JRPGs that can finally fully spread their wings in this remastered package. While the systems might cause early confusion no matter which entry you’re playing, they both develop into a masterful adventure. The added quality-of-life features made these titles approachable for any who wish to casually revisit the narrative or experience it for the first time. I’m glad these classics have graced a modern platform for fans, both new and old.
The Baten Kaitos duology is a testament to the creativity and innovation that can be found in the world of JRPGs, and it deserves to be experienced by fans of the genre.