Fulling the dreams of gamers everywhere, Square Enix (finally) announced the Seiken Densetsu Collection for Nintendo Switch. Set to release both physically and digitally on June 6, 2017, this collection will include the following:
- Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden (aka Final Fantasy Adventure for the original Gameboy)
- Seiken Densetsu 2 (aka Secret of Mana on SNES)
- Seiken Densetsu 3 (Super Famicon, was only released on Japan)
While this compilation screams “TAKE MY MONEY NOW” there is one huge catch – this release is Japan only. Yes, the Switch is region free so importers can take advantage of this, but do not expect Square to translate Seiken Densetsu 3. Also sort of known as Secret of Mana 2 here in the US, this beautiful sequel was never released in America supposedly because translation would be a challenge to fit English text on an already crammed cart among other things. Also, Square had every opportunity to release this highly wanted sequel on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS Virtual Console but never took advantage of this. Perhaps they knew all along they were going to save it for a compilation, but still doesn’t look promising for an official English version although a fan translation has been around for years.
Also, the first game in the Seiken Densetsu series has been recreated a few times now. Starting off as an original Gameboy release, it eventually received an enhanced make over on Gameboy Advance and another total overhaul on mobile and Vita. Apparently the original Gameboy version is the version included in this compilation and is also outfitted with an option to be playable through a few different screen size options.
Other features include three player co-op support with 2 and 3 which is a great fit for the Switch environment (originally only playable using the SNES multi-tap accessory) and the ability to save anywhere. There is also supposed to be a music mode to listen to the game’s outstanding soundtrack.
Let us know what you think about this compilation. The good news is, if Square Enix has not forgotten about their fan favorite Mana series, perhaps they will also bring Radical Dreamers to the Virtual Console service (hey, we can dream, can’t we?).
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