I Am Setsuna
In short: I Am Setsuna is an RPG game released in 2016 by Tokyo RPG Factory, available on PC, PS4 and Switch. Our score: 7.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
An acclaimed RPG by Tokyo RPG Factory.
{"title":"I Am Setsuna","description":"Dive into the poignant world of \"I Am Setsuna,\" a captivating role-playing game developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, released in 2016. This title serves as a heartfelt homage to the golden age of JRPGs, particularly those that graced the Super Famicom era, promising a journey steeped in emotion and strategic combat. The narrative centers on Setsuna, a young woman who possesses a rare and powerful magic, but at a terrible cost: her life force. To quell a monstrous entity threatening the land, she must embark on a perilous pilgrimage to a faraway land, offering herself as a sacrifice. You control Endir, a mercenary hired to protect Setsuna on her doomed journey. As you traverse the snow-swept continent, you'll uncover the tragic backstory of Setsuna, the motivations of those who guide her, and the deep-seated despair that plagues the land. The story unfolds with a melancholic yet beautiful tone, exploring themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the fleeting nature of life. Gameplay in \"I Am Setsuna\" features a turn-based combat system that bears a striking resemblance to the classic \"Chrono Trigger.\" Combat takes place on the field, allowing for strategic positioning. However, the \"Active Time Battle\" system is enhanced with the \"Momentum\" mechanic. As characters act, a gauge fills, and upon release, players can choose to activate powerful \"Techs\" – special abilities that combine character-specific skills with elemental magic. These tech…
Game details
- Developer: Tokyo RPG Factory
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release year: 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch
- Category: RPG
Our review
I Am Setsuna, developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and published by Square Enix, is a melancholic JRPG that aims to evoke the golden era of 90s RPGs. The game largely succeeds in capturing a nostalgic feel, particularly with its reliance on an active-time battle system reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy titles. The story, while a bit predictable at times, is a poignant tale of sacrifice and duty, following Setsuna on her journey to a distant land to be sacrificed to appease aggressive monsters. The snowy, desolate landscapes are beautiful yet consistently bleak, perfectly matching the game's somber tone. The piano-driven soundtrack is a standout, contributing significantly to the emotional weight of the narrative. Where I Am Setsuna falters is in its gameplay variety and depth. Combat, while functional, can become repetitive, and the character customization system, while present, doesn't offer significant strategic depth. Exploration is rather linear, and side quests are minimal, leading…
Pros
- Nostalgic JRPG feel
- Poignant story
- Beautiful, melancholic art style
- Excellent piano-driven soundtrack
Cons
- Repetitive combat
- Linear exploration
- Limited character customization depth
- Minimal side quests
FAQ
- What type of game is I Am Setsuna?
- I Am Setsuna is a turn-based RPG, reminiscent of classic Japanese role-playing games from the 90s, developed by Tokyo RPG Factory.
- What is the story of I Am Setsuna about?
- The story follows Setsuna, a young woman chosen for a sacrifice ritual to appease restless monsters. You play as Endir, a mercenary tasked with escorting Setsuna on her perilous journey.
- What platforms is I Am Setsuna available on?
- I Am Setsuna was released in 2016 and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
- Who developed and published I Am Setsuna?
- The game was developed by Tokyo RPG Factory and published by Square Enix.
- Does I Am Setsuna have a unique combat system?
- I Am Setsuna features an Active Time Battle (ATB) system, similar to classic Final Fantasy titles, but with added 'Momentum' mechanics for enhanced attacks and abilities.
More about this game
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Last updated: 01/04/2026