I Am Setsuna Reviews

I Am Setsuna is ranked in the 60th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10
Mar 19, 2017

There is something inherently magical about I Am Setsuna. This throwback to the past is a memorable one, that, despite the game's simplicity, Tokyo RPG Factory's reliance on traditional design results in an experience that rediscovers an age old mastery in the genre.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 29, 2017

One of the best launch games for the Nintendo Switch, I Am Setsuna and Zelda will keep your console busy with quality gaming.

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Unscored
Jul 31, 2016

Still, curiosity outweighed my better judgment and I decided to give this game a try anyway. I’m glad I did—I Am Setsuna has its moments of being enjoyable—but the poor writing was enough to ruin the whole experience by the end and cause me to question why this game falls so short.

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Unscored
Aug 18, 2019

Ultimately, although the story falls somewhat flat, I am Setsuna is probably worth a playthrough if you’re feeling nostalgic for Chrono Trigger or other classic JRPGs of yore. It delivers on all its promises in the strictest sense, without actually delving any deeper or providing much other than a glorified reproduction of the games it is based on; I enjoyed it, sure, but couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed at the end. The game is undeniably fun and moderately absorbing but doesn’t bring anything new to the table, leading us to wonder (not for the first time) if an outright remaster of Chrono Trigger wouldn’t have been a better use of Square Enix’s resources.

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7 / 10.0
Aug 6, 2016

I Am Setsuna is a great game, but that's all. It falls short of it's full potential in a few different ways, but fortunately the excellent soundtrack and brilliant art direction make it a joy to experience.

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Jul 18, 2016

A lovely little low-key JRPG that feels like the work of a small, passionate indie developer that just wants to pay homage to the classics it looks up to. 'I Am Setsuna' isn't a revolutionary game or a rebirth of the genre, as the marketing seems to imply. What 'I Am Setsuna' ultimately ends up being is a remarkably well-made, charming game that's endlessly endearing and entirely devoid of cynicism.

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GameSkinny
Top Critic
Jul 20, 2016

Fans of SNES era RPGS will absolutely want to pay the asking price, but if you cut your teeth on modern massive world 3D titles, this one won't be for you.

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8 / 10
Aug 2, 2016

I Am Setsuna is an interesting take on the classic JRPG genre. Tokyo RPG Factory has managed to take one of the best turn-based battle system from fan favorite Chrono Trigger and used it to create a simple but memorable experience that might satisfy the thirst of JRPG fans.

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David Lovato
Top Critic
6 / 10
Sep 14, 2016

I Am Setsuna is a solid title. The story and gameplay both have their moments, even if they feel a little too reliant on nostalgia, and the wooden battles don't stop this from being something JRPG fans will still enjoy. A gorgeous soundtrack accompanies a beautiful, if not repetitive, snowy landscape, and the game holds its own and should feel right at home to people who like mobile RPGs.

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80 / 100
Aug 2, 2016

I am Setsuna may not blow you away - it’s simple and understated, but there’s a lot of charm in that. This quiet JRPG is a solicitous throwback that makes its case through thoughtful moments instead of flashy cutscenes.

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7 / 10.0
Aug 19, 2016

I Am Setsuna lacks confidence in itself but still tries to stand with the greats. Chrono Trigger was a tremendously ambitious and far-reaching game because iIt ventured across space time and took huge risks with its characters. I Am Setsuna wants to remind you of classic games such as Chrono Trigger but doesn't have the courage to do anything more than that. If I Am Setsuna had been released as a $20 indie title, it would be more understandable, but as a $40 game published by Square Enix, it is found lacking. RPG fans will probably have a fun, if forgettable, time with the game, but there's no need to rush out and buy this one unless you've exhausted your other options first.

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55 / 100
Aug 10, 2016

At its core, I Am Setsuna plays precisely like a classic JRPG of the Active Time Battle variety, and requires smart, spur-of-the-moment strategy as those games once did.

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Jul 20, 2016

I Am Setsuna is perfect for those hoping to get their JRPG fix without sacrificing all their available free time for the next six months or anyone interested in completing a role-playing game that prioritizes enjoyability over hours played.

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Jul 19, 2016

This game, which is about sorrow, provides us with a mournful look at humanity and yet also gives us hope that there is good in people, even in the darkest of times. The game itself is a nostalgic hymn for so much of what we’ve lost in the JRPG genre as it pushes ever closer to visceral action. Wrapped together they make for one of the most heartfelt and meaningful games that you’ll play for quite some time to come

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8.5 / 10.0
Aug 16, 2016

I Am Setsuna is a very good JRPG. Its combat system is very good and despite its long story, the combo mechanism doesn’t allow the game to get repetitive. I Am Setsuna’s Locations are very beautiful and exquisite and it also has a very immersive story. It is not flawless but every JRPG player will enjoy this.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8 / 10
Jul 19, 2016

This is almost certainly the fanboy in me talking but I Am Setsuna deserves more

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Cubed3
Flynnie
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 16, 2018

There are better JRPGs that could be played portably on the GBA, DS, and Vita, but I Am Setsuna is the best JRPG that can currently be played on Nintendo Switch. The game isn't without its faults, though - namely the repetitive nature of environments, enemies, and bland NPCs. However, it has a powerful narrative that is driven by its backdrop and score; elements that should be greatly appreciated by all fans of the genre.

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6.5 / 10.0
Mar 8, 2017

A strong base game is at the core of I Am Setsuna, but it’s surrounded by some very depressing environments that make getting the best of the battle system difficult. Bundle up and get ready for a short story with a lot of snow.

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Aug 3, 2016

A charming and competent RPG which is let down by a lack of variety, depth and originality.  Retro JRPG fans will like it though.

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Unscored
Aug 3, 2016

I Am Setsuna is the perfect antidote for our hot and angry summer

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