Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Anearth Fantasy Stories: The First Volume preserves the classic turn-based RPG mechanics of its TurboGrafx CD ancestor while integrating modern quality-of-life improvements. Battles feel more fluid thanks to smoother animations, and the pacing is noticeably tighter. Encounter rates have been balanced to reduce excessive random skirmishes, letting players focus on exploration and story progression rather than constant grinding.

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The introduction of fully voiced dialogue for all pivotal conversations brings an added layer of immersion. NPCs and party members come alive in ways the original couldn’t achieve, and the voice actors’ performances help convey the emotional stakes of each encounter. Combined with more generous item distribution and re-arranged inventory placements, progression feels both fair and rewarding.

While the core mechanics remain faithful—magic points, elemental affinities, and strategic party composition—the added story sequences directly influence certain battles. New side quests unlock unique items and abilities that encourage experimentation with different party lineups. These additions ensure that veterans of the original version will still discover surprises, and newcomers will enjoy a well-paced introduction to Anearth’s strategic depth.

Graphics

One of the most immediately noticeable changes is the upgrade to higher-resolution visuals. The world’s landscapes, towns, and dungeons have been lovingly redrawn in crisp detail, with brighter color palettes that emphasize the game’s fantasy aesthetic. Even long-time fans will appreciate how familiar locales are now teeming with subtle background flourishes and dynamic lighting effects.

Character portraits during dialogue have been completely reimagined in a new anime-inspired style. These illustrations are sharper and more expressive, capturing each hero’s personality with refined line work and richer shading. While some may miss the nostalgic charm of the original portraits, the fresh art direction complements the voice acting and enhances emotional moments.

Cut scenes now play out using in-engine graphics rather than the original anime animations. This shift creates a cohesive look throughout the game, and the transitions between gameplay and story segments feel seamless. Although purists might lament the loss of the Turbo CD cut scenes, the new sequences are well-executed and integrate smoothly with exploration, battle, and dialogue screens.

Story

At its core, Anearth Fantasy Stories: The First Volume retains the sweeping narrative that made Seiya Monogatari a cult favorite. Players embark on an epic quest across the continent of Anearth, gathering allies, unearthing ancient mysteries, and thwarting dark forces. The expanded script and new story-related sequences deepen character motivations and shore up plot threads that felt underdeveloped in the original.

New dialogue options and branching interactions flesh out secondary characters, providing greater insight into their backstories and loyalties. Important conversations are now fully voiced, which heightens key dramatic beats—betrayals, revelations, and heartfelt farewells hit harder when delivered with genuine emotion. The added narrative content also offers subtle foreshadowing for future volumes, teasing upcoming challenges and rival factions.

Some players may notice that the pacing of the story takes on a slightly more deliberate rhythm due to the extra scenes. However, these additions add worthwhile context, reinforcing the motivations behind each major quest. For both newcomers and returning fans, the expanded storyline strikes a solid balance between nostalgia and narrative freshness.

Overall Experience

Anearth Fantasy Stories: The First Volume succeeds as both a loving tribute to the original game and as a standalone RPG experience for modern audiences. The combination of sharper graphics, complete voice acting, and enriched story content delivers a polished package that retains the heart of Seiya Monogatari.

Improvements in battle fluidity, item placement, and user interface collectively enhance the gameplay loop, making exploration and combat gratifying from start to finish. Though some may miss the vintage anime cut scenes, the new in-engine cinematics are a worthy trade-off that unifies the game’s visual presentation.

Whether you’re a long-time fan eager to revisit Anearth or a newcomer curious about a classic CD-based RPG, this remake offers an engaging, comprehensive adventure. With its thoughtful enhancements and timeless story, Anearth Fantasy Stories: The First Volume is a compelling purchase that will satisfy both nostalgia seekers and genre enthusiasts alike.

Retro Replay Score

null/10