When I AM SETSUNA was announced last year, I was a bit skeptical.  A new studio was created to bring back the classic RPGs that I grew up loving (Tokyo RPG Factory), and it all just sounded too good to be true.  This kind of stuff rarely turns out well, and hopes and dreams are crushed, especially when they explain that the inspiration was Chrono Trigger.  Well, Chrono Trigger is my favorite game of all time, so, yeah, the butterflies in the stomach started flapping their wings.  The voice in my head and the feeling in my heart kept me on the level, though, because reality doesn’t always resemble what you want.

With the concept spoken about and the artwork shown, I had to remain very hopeful, but grounded.  Throughout then until now, I paid attention to this game, and the more and more I saw, the more and more I got excited.  This may actually be real.  A spiritual successor to Chrono Trigger may actually exist!!  Today, we finally got the first gameplay trailer.  My fears may turn out to be false.

 

 

The game looks wonderful.  Graphically, it takes the classic look and modernizes it.  Musically, the track we have here, if any indication, is going to give us another soundtrack to remember.  The battle system?  Looks to be lifted straight from the time-traveling master.  I have to do my best to once again contain my enthusiasm, because a 2 minute trailer could be deceiving, but, damn, it’s hard to do when it looks like everything I’ve been wanting from an RPG for almost the past decade (shout outs to Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey).  From the press release:

“RPG fans can rejoice as the first gameplay trailer for I AM SETSUNA™, the debut title from Tokyo RPG Factory, showcases the CHRONO TRIGGER® inspired battle system. The trailer also introduces viewers to the beautiful art, music, story and game design in this classic RPG for modern times.

I AM SETSUNA is the sorrowful story of Setsuna, a young woman of incredible inner strength, and the sacrifice she must undertake to the save the people of her land. As Setsuna leaves with her two bodyguards for the farthest lands, players will be immersed in an emotional and unforgettable story of true bravery.

I AM SETSUNA will be available digitally on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and STEAM® on July 19, 2016 in North America for $39.99. Fans can pre-order today on STEAM to receive a special music track from composer, Tomoki Miyoshi.”

 

 

You know what?  I think I’m prepared to be disappointed, but at the end of the day, if I’m not, and this game delivers like I think it could?  That just makes it all the better.  And I just can’t wait.