JRPG masterpiece on Saturn, with a revolutionary dynamic combat system for the era. The adventure and friendship story is sincere and touching. Exceptional music. One of the best RPGs of the entire 32-bit generation.
Your verdict
Category
RPG1 player12+
Description
Epic RPG in which Justin and his friends explore a world inhabited by ancient civilizations. Published by Game Arts, released in Japan in 1997. Dynamic battles with free arena movement, Special Power Points system, dozens of hours of storyline, cinematic-quality animated dialogue and a memorable orchestral soundtrack. A masterpiece Saturn RPG, released only in Japan and the USA.
Grandia review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
Shimmering colours, settings in relief and expressive creatures: the RPG unfurls an adventure world of delightful freshness and readability. The vividness of the hues and the charm of the design compose a warm, welcoming universe. This art direction, luminous and polished, illustrates the golden age of the JRPG.
Signed by Noriyuki Iwadare, the music unfurls adventurous orchestral themes of an infectious freshness, from the famous opening theme to the most tender melodies. Each land pulses with a rousing tune that embraces the spirit of exploration of the journey. This melodic richness, luminous and generous, remains one of the most beloved of the JRPG.
Dreaming of adventure like the explorers of old, a young boy sets off beyond the last known frontier and grows up over a journey vaster than he imagined. The tale celebrates wonder, friendship and coming of age with infectious freshness. This optimistic epic remains one of the most endearing RPGs of its time.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Manoeuvring your characters on the combat grid to interrupt the enemy at just the right moment makes every clash feel alive, while skills grow through the use of weapons and magic. The wonder of the journey and the rising power push you to chain one area after another. The adventure is long, but its infectious optimism and clever system hold you for the long run.
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Exploring a world inhabited by ancient civilisations alongside Justin unfolds a JRPG carried by the wonder of discovery. The long main quest, the evolving combat system and the many zones to comb feed dozens of hours of adventure. That generosity, celebrated by fans, offers a lifespan RPG fans cultivate.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Original Japanese Saturn edition of Grandia, distributed by Game Arts in December 1997 with the 1M tag, a cult RPG that remains for Game Arts enthusiasts the reference piece of the original chapter before the PS One port. The Saturn version carries the original rendering and a CD OST without remixing, distinct from the later PSone reading. Game Arts Japan run was short facing the dominant PlayStation, double disc with intact obi, complete with obi clearly valued among Justin Bailey completists.
Is Grandia still worth playing in 2026?
An RPG by Game Arts exclusive to Japan on Saturn, Grandia offers a tactical turn based exploration adventure with young Justin setting off to discover the world. The colourful art direction, deeply tactical IP gauge combat system and epic narration make it an absolute JRPG reference on Saturn. Without official western translation on Saturn (PlayStation version exists), the title asks for some notions. For anyone fond of adventure JRPGs or seeking a Saturn masterpiece, an absolutely essential recommendation today still truly here indeed.
