Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lennus II: Fūin no Shito builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor, offering a robust turn-based combat system that remains engaging throughout the adventure. Random encounters keep tension high as you traverse the four drifting islands of Andell. Battles are presented in a first-person perspective, invoking nostalgia for classic JRPGs while ensuring each clash feels personal and strategic.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the most intriguing mechanics is the trade-off between magical power and vitality. Spells draw from your hit points rather than a separate MP pool, forcing you to weigh each decision carefully. Do you unleash a devastating elemental onslaught at the risk of weakening Farse’s life bar? Or do you rely on physical attacks and conserve HP for crucial healing moments? This design adds a layer of resource management uncommon in contemporaneous titles.

The inclusion of mini-bottles as refillable healing items in towns is a smart twist on traditional potion systems. Instead of hoarding consumables, you’re encouraged to explore and return to settlements to replenish your supplies, reinforcing the importance of re-visiting each island’s hub. Equipping magical artifacts expands your strategic options further, granting access to eight elemental spell types that can turn the tide of battle when used wisely.

Party customization blossoms through the Terrano companions you choose. With five unique Terranos available and only three slots per playthrough, each combination alters your combat synergy. Whether you favor brute strength, supportive magic, or more exotic elemental affinities, Lennus II lets you tailor your party to suit your playstyle, injecting replay value and personalization into every new attempt.

Graphics

Visually, Lennus II stands as a showcase of mid-1990s Super Famicom prowess. The game’s color palette bursts with lush greens, deep blues, and fiery reds, capturing both the ancient mystique and high-tech wonder of Andell. Background tiles in towns, dungeons, and overworld segments are detailed, making exploration a joy purely from an aesthetic standpoint.

Character sprites possess a crisp clarity, with each Terrano displaying distinct attire and animations that reinforce their personalities. Battle sequences feature smooth spell effects—flames curl convincingly, and ice shards scatter across the screen. Even the first-person enemy portraits boast expressive faces, lending bosses a memorable presence that sticks with you long after their defeat.

Environment design shines in the floating island concept. Dramatic vistas of drifting landmasses and ancient ruins evoke a sense of wonder and scale. Dungeon interiors balance intricate stonework with ambient lighting effects, creating a foreboding atmosphere that complements the narrative stakes. Whether you’re delving into temple catacombs or scaling mechanical towers, the visual consistency remains top-notch.

Though the hardware’s limitations occasionally show—some sprite flicker in crowded battles, and animation frames are modest by modern standards—these minor quibbles do little to detract from the overall art direction. Lennus II’s graphics strike a perfect harmony of technical finesse and imaginative design, immersing players in a captivating world that feels both timeless and distinct.

Story

The narrative of Lennus II revolves around Farse, a hero summoned by Andell’s sages to retrieve four magic orbs and reunite the floating islands. This premise weaves ancient prophecy with advanced steampunk-like technology, creating a setting where mystic temples coexist with mechanical contraptions. It’s a compelling backdrop that fuels your desire to explore every nook and cranny.

Throughout the journey, Farse is joined by Terranos—big-eared denizens with varied backgrounds and motivations. Each companion brings unique dialogue and personal stakes, enriching the main plot without overshadowing the central quest. Interactions among the party members evolve naturally, offering slices of humor, tension, and heartfelt camaraderie at key narrative beats.

Pacing is generally strong, with story revelations spaced across each island. Early chapters focus on establishing the curse’s gravity and the bonds between characters, while later segments escalate toward a climactic confrontation at the Temple of Andell. Side quests and optional dungeons are woven seamlessly into the main arc, allowing players to deepen their understanding of Andell’s lore without derailing momentum.

While the game was never officially localized outside Japan, the underlying themes—unity, sacrifice, and the clash between antiquity and innovation—resonate universally. Even without an English script, the evocative music, heartfelt voice samples, and expressive visuals communicate the emotional core effectively, rewarding players who venture into Lennus II’s grand tale.

Overall Experience

Lennus II: Fūin no Shito delivers a comprehensive JRPG adventure that appeals to both nostalgic retro gamers and newcomers seeking a deep, mechanically rich experience. Its blend of strategic combat, thoughtful resource management, and party customization ensures that no two playthroughs feel identical. The sense of accomplishment in reuniting Andell’s islands never grows stale, thanks to varied environments and cleverly designed dungeons.

The game’s presentation elevates its mechanical strengths. Gorgeous pixel art, evocative music, and a story that balances earnest drama with lighthearted moments create an immersive journey from start to finish. Explorers will appreciate hidden rooms, lore-packed texts, and side quests that shed further light on Andell’s history, making every hour spent in this world feel worthwhile.

Accessibility can be a hurdle for non-Japanese speakers, as the absence of an official translation may necessitate fan patches or translation guides. However, for those willing to overcome this barrier, Lennus II offers a deeply rewarding adventure brimming with unique mechanics and a memorable narrative. It stands as a hidden gem in the 16-bit era, deserving recognition alongside more mainstream classics.

Ultimately, Lennus II: Fūin no Shito is a must-play for aficionados of classic JRPG design. Its thoughtful balance of challenge and reward, combined with a richly realized world and charming characters, delivers an experience that continues to inspire and captivate long after the final credits roll. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or discovering Andell for the first time, Lennus II promises a journey you won’t soon forget.

Retro Replay Score

null/10