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{{GameInfobox | image = Image-Ulsagalogo.jpg | caption = | developer = Square Production Team 2 | publisher = Square, Square Enix, Atari Europe | designer = Akitoshi Kawazu | composer = Masashi Hamauzu | jp_rel = {{Release|2002|December|19|JP|PlayStation 2}}<ref name="Famitsu">{{cite web | author=Winkler, Chris | date=December 11, 2002 | title=Famitsu Rates Zelda: The Wind Waker and Unlimited SaGa | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2002/2250.html | publisher=[[RPGFan]] | accessdate=2008-12-13}}</ref> |na_rel = {{Release|2003|June|17|NA|PlayStation 2}}<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=June 17, 2003 | title=IGN: SaGa Ships | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/424/424600p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |eu_rel = {{Release|2003|October|31|EU|PlayStation 2}}<ref name="EUrelease">{{cite web | date=September 11, 2003 | title=PS2 News: Bonus Final Fantasy disc with Unlimited Saga | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=96213 | publisher=ComputerandVideoGames | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> | genre = RPG | features = Single-player | ratings = ESRB-T, PEGI-12+, USK-6+ | platforms = PlayStation 2 | media = DVD-ROM | discs = 1 | series = SaGa }} {{nihongo|'''''Unlimited Saga'''''|アンリミテッド: サガ}} is a [[console role playing game|role-playing video game]] developed and published by [[Square Co.]] (later [[Square Enix]]) for the [[PlayStation 2]] as the ninth game in their ''[[SaGa (series)|SaGa]]'' series. Originally released in Japan in December 2002, the game was later made available for North American players in June 2003 and in Europe the following October. The game was designed by series veteran [[Akitoshi Kawazu]] who is given a [[byline]] on the cover of the game's packaging, with music composed by [[Masashi Hamauzu]] who had previously provided the soundtrack for the game's predecessor, ''[[SaGa Frontier 2]]''. A special limited collector's edition was made available exclusively in Japan and was released alongside the regular edition. Set in a [[fantasy]] world, the game follows the exploits of seven adventurers as they travel the world in search of the Seven Wonders, mysterious artifacts left behind by an ancient civilization that are said to bring about a new golden age of peace and prosperity when found. Taking a departure from previous games in the series, ''Unlimited Saga'' is structured more like a [[board game]] than a traditional role-playing endeavor, with heavily randomized features such as the roulette-like "Reel System" and hidden traps to hinder a player's progress. ''Unlimited Saga'' was a commercial success, having sold over half a million units worldwide to date. While the game was mostly well received in Japan, it was largely panned by critics in North America and Europe for its unorthodox gameplay and high difficulty. == Gameplay == [[Image:usaga1.jpg|thumb|left|A battle scene where a player uses the Reel System to attack an enemy.]] Players must navigate their characters through a number of environments while completing story-based objectives in order to advance the plot. Players can assume the role of one of seven characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and back stories, and become involved in the narrative by interacting with non-player characters and exploring dangerous areas.<ref>{{cite web | title = Unlimited Saga RPG PS2 Review | work = | publisher = Kidzworld | url = http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3742-unlimited-saga-rpg-ps2-review | accessdate = 2009-04-14}}</ref> During the game, players will explore towns which can be used to gather information and purchases good to aid them on their journey before setting off for the wilds. Unlike previous ''[[SaGa (series)|SaGa]]'' series games, rather than freely roaming through dungeons, forests, and other environments, the game is structured like a [[board game]], referred to as the "Map Movement System", where players must move space by space to reach the end. On some spaces, the player may encounter objects such traps or locked doors that can be overcome by using the "Reel System", a device resembling a [[roulette]] wheel that may result in a good or bad outcome. While navigating the game board, the player will also encounter enemy monsters that must be defeated in order to advance. Combat in ''Unlimited Saga'' takes place using a [[turn-based strategy|turn-based]] system where the player must input commands for each character individually, which are then carried out in order in accordance with their "speed" statistic. Parties can consist of up to five characters who are recruited either automatically as part of the story, or once a player has completed certain objectives. After selecting a specific attack to use each round, the player must then utilize the Reel System to randomly decide whether the action will take place. Depending on what icon the Reel lands on, an attack may land as intended, deal increased damage, or fail completely. While characters will initially have only a normal attack, they will randomly learn new combat skills based on their equipped weapon by continually attacking enemies, thus adding them to the Reel for a chance to use them in future battles. Any character may equip up to two different kinds of weapons, which have their own set of skills to learn. Players have the option to use multiple Reels instead of just one for a combo attack each round, allowing more than one character to attack an enemy at the same time. By winning battles, characters gain increased statistics that allow them to battle progressively more difficult enemies. ==Plot== {{expand|date=January 2009}} ===Characters=== *'''Laura''' – Voiced by: [[Kelli Cousins]] – A former pirate who finds herself embroiled in a young prince's troubles. *'''Judy''' – Voiced by: [[Hilary Haag]] – A young witch whose goal is to save her grandfather who is trapped in a mirror. *'''Ventus''' – Voiced by: [[Chris Patton]] – A courier whose goal is to avenge his brother's death. Called Vent in Japanese. *'''Mythe''' – Voiced by: [[Vic Mignogna]] – An inventor searching for a mysterious silver-haired girl. *'''Kurt''' – Voiced by: [[James Marshall (actor)|James Marshall]] – A noble who intends to find out the origin of his cursed gauntlet. Called Cash in Japanese. *'''Ruby''' – Voiced by: [[Jessica Boone]] – A fake fortune teller who travels the world visiting various ancient ruins. *'''Armic''' – Voiced by: [[Tiffany Grant]] – A member of the Chapa tribe sent out to find items needed for a rain making ceremony. ==Development== ''Unlimited SaGa'' was [[game director|directed]] and [[game producer|produced]] by [[Akitoshi Kawazu]], the creator of the ''SaGa'' series. The characters were designed by [[Yuichi Shiota]], and the art direction was handled by [[Yusuke Naora]], who previously worked on ''[[Final Fantasy X]]''. For the graphics, Square partnered with [[Adobe Systems]] to create "Sketch Motion" during battles. Using programs such as [[Adobe Photoshop|Photoshop]] and [[Adobe After Effects|After Effects]], hand-drawn 2D designs were combined with 3D models to create a unique hybrid look.<ref name="Sketch">{{cite web | author=Adobe | title=SQUARE - UNLIMITED SaGa Feature | url=http://www.adobe.com/jp/digitalimag/features/square_saga/index.html| publisher=Adobe.com | accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref> As with other games in the series, director Akitoshi Kawazu chose a non-traditional way of designing the game. He stated, "As far as ''Unlimited Saga'' is concerned, we said let's tackle the basics of game design once again. We didn't try to emphasize the realistic details, but rather symbolize, and cut out the parts we didn't need. We thought, let's dare to do a 'not express' thing and we calmly [stuck] to that route."<ref name="Quote">{{cite web | author=Chris Winkler, Eve C. | date=2003 | title=Creator's Talk Interview #1: Akitoshi Kawazu | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/creatorstalk/index1.html | publisher=[[RPGFan]] | accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref> ===Audio=== {{seealso|Music of the SaGa series}} The music was composed by [[Masashi Hamauzu]], while [[synthesizer]] programming was done by [[Ryo Yamazaki]]. The two previously collaborated on the soundtrack for ''[[SaGa Frontier 2]]'' after the departure of previous series composer [[Kenji Ito]]. Because the game uses [[streaming audio in video games|streaming audio]], it was possible for the sound team to use real acoustic instrument sounds in place of a synthesizer.<ref name="songs">{{cite music release notes| Name=UNLIMITED: SaGa Original Soundtrack | Artist=Masashi Hamauzu and Ryo Yamazaki | Type=album| Year=2002| Format=CD liner| Publisher=DigiCube| PID=SSCX-10078~9| Location=Japan}}</ref> Three pieces, including "March in C", were written for full [[orchestra]]. Live recording of [[chamber ensemble]]s of tracks such as "Feel Uneasy About the Wonders" and "Battle Theme IV" pitted solo instruments against one another to create what Hamauzu considered a [[Latin American music|Latin sound]]. The ending vocal piece "Soaring Wings" was written specifically for singer [[Mio Kashiwabara]].<ref name="songs"/> ''Unlimited Saga'' features 5-channel [[surround sound]] support from [[Dolby Laboratories|Dolby]]'s [[Dolby Pro Logic#Dolby Pro Logic II|Pro Logic II]].<ref name="Dolby">{{cite web | author=Heath Hindman | date=2003 | title=Preview: Unlimited SaGa | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/saga/usaga/usagaprev.html | publisher=RPGamer | accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref> The game's soundtrack consists of 58 songs spanning two discs. It was released on January 22, 2003.<ref name="Soundtrack">{{cite web | title=Unlimited SaGa Original Soundtrack | url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/albums/u/unlimitedsaga.shtml | publisher=SquareEnixMusic.com | accessdate=2008-06-13}}</ref> ===Merchandise=== ''Unlimited Saga: Limited Edition'' was released in Japan on the same day as the regular version of the game. It included a promotional ''Unlimited SaGa Maxi Single CD'', a 3-song [[Compact Disc|CD]].<ref name="Maxi">{{cite web | title=UNLIMITED SaGa MAXI SINGLE CD | url=http://www.gmronline.com/info.asp?CatNumber=none0173 | publisher=GMROnline.com | accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref> ''Unlimited Saga Collector's Edition'' was released in Europe and included a bonus [[DVD-ROM|DVD]] titled ''[[Final Fantasy X-2|Eternal Calm Final Fantasy X-2: Prologue]]''.<ref name="EUrelease"/><ref name="Prologue">{{cite web | author=Justin Calvert | date=September 10, 2003 | title=Final Fantasy X-2: Prologue for US and Europe | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy10/news.html?sid=6074857 | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref> A number of books were published by [[DigiCube]], including ''Unlimited Saga: The First Guide Book for Beginners'', a strategy guide; ''Unlimited Saga Material Collection: Lead to the Destiny'', an artbook; and ''Unlimited Saga: Visual Arts Collection'', a book containing CG images.<ref>{{cite web | title=UNLIMITED: SaGa - The First Guide Book for beginners | url=http://store.animebooks.com/unsagfirguid.html | publisher=AnimeBook.com | accessdate=2009-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Unlimited: Saga Material Collection ~Lead to the Destiny~ | url=http://store.animebooks.com/unsagmatcoll.html | publisher=AnimeBooks.com | accessdate=2009-01-17}}</ref> Studio Bent Stuff also published a companion book.<ref>{{cite web | title=株式会社スタジオベントスタッフ | url=http://www.bent.co.jp/main/works/ks14/naiyo_fr.htm | publisher=Bent.co.jp | language=Japanese | accessdate=2009-01-17}}</ref> A set of postcards and posters was released by Square via its DigiCube distribution service.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=September 3, 2002 | title=New Square Merchandise Wave | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/369/369873p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-01-12}}</ref> To promote ''Unlimited Saga'' in North America, Square Enix held the "Hall of Valor" contest beginning on the game's release date, June 17, 2003 and ending on July 27, 2003. It consisted of three challenges where players would have to send in answers to difficult questions related to the game. Prizes included products by electronics manufacturer [[Denon]].<ref name="Contest">{{cite web | author=Square Enix staff | date=2003 | title=Hall of Valor Contest | url=http://www.u-saga.com/contest.html| publisher=U-Saga.com | accessdate=2008-06-10}}</ref> ==Reception== {{VG Reviews |Edge = 3.0 / 5<ref name="Edge">{{cite journal | title=Unlimited Saga review | journal=Edge Magazine | publisher=Future Publishing | page=108 | date=November 2003 | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |EGM = 3.33 / 10<ref name="EGM">{{cite journal | title=Unlimited Saga review | journal=Electronic Gaming Monthly | publisher=Ziff Davis Media | page=108 | date=July 2003 | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |Fam = 31 / 40<ref name="Famitsu"/> |GamePro = 2.5 / 5<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web | author=Fennec Fox | date=June 16, 2003 | title=Review : Unlimited: SaGa [PS2] - from GamePro.com | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/29813/unlimited-saga/ | publisher=[[GamePro]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |GSpot = 4.3 / 10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web | author=Shoemaker, Brad | date=June 17, 2003 | title=Unlimited Saga for PlayStation 2 Review - PlayStation 2 Unlimited Saga Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/unlimitedsaga/review.html | publisher=[[GameSpot]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |GSpy = 28 / 100<ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web | author=Nutt, Christian | date=June 16, 2003 | title=UNLIMITED: SaGa (PS2) | url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/june03/usagaps2/ | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |IGN = 6.6 / 10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | date=June 10, 2003 | title=IGN: UNLIMITED SaGa Review | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/423/423334p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |OPM = 2.0 / 5<ref name="Mana">{{cite journal | title=Unlimited Saga review | journal=Official PlayStation Magazine | publisher=Ziff Davis Media | page=94 | date=July 2003 | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |GR = 52%<ref name="GameRankings">{{cite web | title=Unlimited Saga Reviews | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/561939.asp | publisher=[[GameRankings]] | accessdate=2009-02-01}}</ref> |MC = 45 / 100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web | author=Metacritic staff | title=Unlimited SaGa (ps2: 2003) | url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/unlimitedsaga | publisher=[[Metacritic]] | accessdate=2008-06-09}}</ref> |award1=''Famitsu'' Silver Award (2002)<ref name="Famitsu"/> |award2=PlayStation Gold Award (2003)<ref name="Gold">{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=June 29, 2003 | title=Sony Honors PS2 Games | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/430/430957p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-01-12}}</ref> }} ''Unlimited Saga'' entered the Japanese sales charts at number 3 behind ''[[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire]]'', selling 196,471 copies.<ref>{{cite web | author=Winkler, Chris | date=December 26, 2002 | title=Unlimited SaGa Enters the Charts at Spot 3 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2002/2299.html | publisher=[[RPGFan]] | accessdate=200 9-01-11}}</ref> By the end of 2003, ''Unlimited Saga'' had sold over 438,000 copies in Japan alone.<ref>{{cite web | title=2003 Top 100 Best Selling Japanese Console Games | url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell2003b.shtml | publisher=The-MagicBox.com | accessdate=2008-12-13}}</ref> By the end of Square Enix's fiscal year in May 2003, the game had sold 560,000 copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | author=Gantayat, Anoop | date=May 29, 2003 | title=Square Enix Recaps 2002... | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/421/421419p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-01-12}}</ref> For selling over half a million copies, Sony Computer Entertainment awarded the game a Gold Award during the 9th Annual PlayStation Awards in June 29, 2003.<ref name="Gold"/> ''Unlimited Saga'' was scored a 31 out of 40 by ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine, earning the publication's Silver Award.<ref name="Famitsu"/> Prior to its release, ''Unlimited Saga'' was recognized by the [[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] in its Game Awards Future category at the organization's annual event.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=October 28, 2002 | title=CESA Award Winners Announced | url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/375/375669p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2009-01-12}}</ref> ''Unlimited Saga'' was not well-received outside of Japan, receiving mostly low to average scores from critics. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' simply declared: "This game sucks. Unlimited Saga exemplifies everything that's wrong with RPGs today and throws it all together in one deluxe package for all to avoid like the plague."<ref name="EGM" /> ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' largely agreed, stating that the game "ruined the SaGa franchise" with its "excruciating difficulty, obtuse mechanics, a stifling lack of freedom, and a brutal mission structure that punishes you as often as it rewards you."<ref>OPM staff (September 2004). "Overrated/Underrated" ([http://www.extremecroquet.com/Ziff/Flashwork/UnderOver/overrated.swf SWF transcript]). ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]''</ref> [[GameSpot]] called it "simply unpleasant to play", calling the gameplay "irksome" and remarking that "[t]he reel system is interesting in theory, but in practice it's just an annoyance".<ref name="GameSpot" /> The website would additionally pan the game's "incredibly nonsensical" story and voice acting that ranges from "decent to really bad."<ref name="GameSpot" /> [[IGN]] applauded the game's music and presentation, calling the game's audio "Unlimited Saga's most valuable asset", but found the rest of the game lacking, stating the "production values, character designs, and personable lead protagonists are a plus, but the clunky interface and lack of acceptable functionality hurt it - and hurt it bad."<ref name="IGN" /> ''[[GamePro]]'' found the game generally lacking in quality, but declared its biggest hindrance to be its steep learning curve and non-linear story, finding that "[e]ven basic navigation is difficult in this game—it will take you an hour or two before you have any idea how to get anywhere."<ref name="GamePro" /> [[RPGamer]] called ''Unlimited Saga'' the "biggest letdown" of 2003 in their annual RPGamer Awards.<ref name="Letdown">{{cite web | author=Jeff Walker and Anna Marie Whitehead | date=2003 | title=RPGamer Awards 2003: Biggest...Letdown | url=http://www.rpgamer.com/awards/2003/results/reader/letdown.html | publisher=RPGamer.com | accessdate=2008-06-09}}</ref> The game maintains a 52% average score from aggregate review website [[Game Rankings]]<ref name="GameRankings"/> and a 45% average from [[Metacritic]], which corresponds to "generally negative reviews."<ref name="Metacritic"/> {{-}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} == External links == *[http://www.u-saga.com Official North American website] *[http://www.square-enix.com/jp/archive/usaga/ Official SquareEnix Japan info page] {{ja icon}} {{SaGa series}}
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