Bandai Namco originally released Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster for the Nintendo Switch, initially believed to be an exclusive. However, in early June, they unexpectedly released the remaster for PC on Steam.
Having already played the collection on the Nintendo Switch, I wanted to evaluate the quality of the PC port. While the port appears to be well-executed, there are some noticeable drawbacks. One significant issue is the control layout. Bandai Namco seems to have overlooked that the game is now running on a PC with an Xbox controller. The controller layout remains similar to that of the Nintendo Switch, which can be confusing. I found myself stuck at the beginning because I kept pressing A to confirm when it was B. Although key bindings can be changed, this does not resolve the problem with the on-screen icons, requiring players to memorize the correct controls.
On the positive side, the PC version is well-optimized and designed to run on a wide range of hardware, including the Steam Deck. I was able to configure it to run smoothly at 60 FPS. However, I wish they had integrated the launcher into the game as they did on the Nintendo Switch, where players could choose between the two games. On the PC version, games are selected from the Steam menu, which can be somewhat cumbersome on the Steam Deck.
Baten Kaitos is a game that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for me. It is one of the JRPGs that was originally exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, alongside titles like Tales of Symphonia. Although the story is not as memorable as many other JRPGs from that era, the battle system is outstanding. The core of the battle system revolves around Magnus, a set of collectible cards that represent all living things in the world. The main story centers on the End Magnus, a set of five powerful cards once used to seal away Malpercio, an evil deity threatening the world.
In combat, players must build a deck of Magnus cards, which are then used during battles. These cards can represent various actions, such as attacks, spells, and items. When the deck is depleted in combat, it shuffles again, applying to both players and enemies. This dynamic creates an engaging combat system, even during random encounters, which are often repetitive and dull in classic JRPGs.
One of the improvements I particularly enjoyed in this PC release is the ability to run the game at a higher frame rate. The game can now be played with an unlocked frame rate, potentially reaching over 100 FPS. By default, the game runs at 60 FPS on devices like the Steam Deck, significantly enhancing the flow of combat.
The Nintendo Switch re-release of Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster introduced several quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to speed up battles and reduce the difficulty level. These enhancements make the game more accessible to newcomers who may not have the nostalgic attachment that long-time fans do. While Baten Kaitos I benefits the most from these updates, it still often requires significant grinding for experience.
Overall, if you are a fan of JRPGs, particularly those from the PS2 and GameCube era, Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is a recommended purchase. For those who have played the games before, the new improvements offer a chance to relive fond memories on modern platforms. Although many of us have resorted to emulation in the past, the quality-of-life and visual upgrades in this remaster make it a worthwhile investment.