Summary
Video game publisher Bandai Namco has shadow-droppedBaten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remasteron Steam, and at a temporarily discounted price. Consisting ofBaten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost OceanandBaten Kaitos Origins, the pair of Monolith Soft and tri-Crescendo-developed RPGs - bundled together asBaten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster-were originally released in 2003 and 2006 exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube, are now available on PC for the very first time. Players can again step into the shoes of Kalas and Sagi on their respective journeys to stop the nefarious Alfard Empire.
News of the remastered cult classic titles first broke in February 2023, when the games were revealed to be re-releasing in the form ofBaten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster.In the months following the surprise reveal, there were leaks that theclassic GameCube RPGs were headed to PC, butBaten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remasterlaunched in September 2023 for the Switch only. With rumors of the PC version being scant in the interim, it made the chances for it appearing elsewhere slim, with the recent shadow drop catching many fans off-guard.
Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remasterobviously features updated and enhanced visuals, including higher resolution textures, environments, and character models, as well as an expanded aspect ratio for modern monitors. According to the game’s Steam listing, numerous quality-of-life improvements have also been made, including a refreshed UI with new sorting features, auto-save, and a help menu.Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remasteralso includes New Game+, which allows players to retain their magnus, levels, and ranks, and New Game-, a level-restricted mode for players seeking a serious challenge.
Although the title may be considered iconic within some gamer circles, last year the original game’s director revealed thatBandai Namco didn’t originally want theBaten Kaitosname, with the publisher giving some initial pushback. In a series of translated tweets,Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Oceandirector Yasuyuki Honne said he first thought of the name when creating an airship for the first game, which in turn helped inform the naming of other things in the firstBaten Kaitos. Upper management apparently protested, but eventually approved the unique name.
Classic JRPG Revivals Continue
While the shadow drop ofBaten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remasteron Steam is likely to be a shock to many, it isn’t the only JRPG of note to be recently released in such a way. A pair ofSquare Enix JRPGs have shadow dropped on Xbox and PlayStationin the form ofOctopath TravelerandOctopath Traveler 2, coincidentally another fan-favorite and its critically well-received sequel.
With the firstBaten Kaitosgame considered to be one ofthe best GameCube RPGs of all time, PC gamers can finally get a chance to dive into the world ofBaten Kaitos.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster
WHERE TO PLAY
Delve into the world of Baten Kaitos as you strategize with the unique card-based battle system in these two immersive RPG masterpieces. Play as a guardian spirit who guides the colorful cast as they struggle against destiny itself.A long time ago, there was a great conflict between the evil god and the people. After a fierce battle, the people managed to seal off the evil god, but what was left behind was only a desolate land. The people thus chose to abandon the land and live in the sky.Such fairy tales were passed down as legends. At this time, people had wings called Wings of the Heart and lived a peaceful life. It was an era of long-lasting tranquility. …But the collapse had quietly begun.When a young man calls your name, the name of the spirit, the story begins to unfold. A story set on a floating continent in the sky, where thoughts and prayers intersect.Unique Magnus Battle SystemIn the world of Baten Kaitos, the true essences of all manner of things, including equipment and items, can be extracted and stored inside cards called magnus. A magnus' contents can be released at any time, returning the magna essence sealed inside to its original form.
