The original game was sometimes poorly sign-posted, but the remaster has a "story" option that not only refreshes the plot but also gives direct hints about where to go next if you're lost. This allows you to explore, find new recruitable characters to join your party, discover side-quests, and so on at your leisure.
SAGA FRONTIER REMASTERED CHARACTERS FREE
Once you get access to free travel, you can go anywhere in the world unless there's a plot reason that you can't. It adds a sense of freedom that you don't often get in RPGs. Some characters have somewhat-linear storylines that let you explore between plot beats, while others are free-roaming adventures. Part of the storytelling is largely non-linear. I find the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" storytelling method to be charming, but if you're looking for a tight, well-crafted narrative, Saga Frontier does not deliver. Some things are explained and detailed, and other things merely exist. It isn't enough to taint the charming aspects of the game, but some characters are distinctly unequal. Some characters, like supermodel-turned-murder-suspect Emilia, feel like a good chunk of their story occurred off-screen or went unexplained. Depending on the character, the plot can be fun or an incoherent mess of random events. Saga Frontier's storylines are a tremendously mixed bag. It matches the style and tone of the game and feels like a natural fit. It's a neat addition to the game, and I was happy with it.
SAGA FRONTIER REMASTERED CHARACTERS FULL
Fuse's scenario is more like a fun "What if?" scenario full of Easter eggs and inside jokes, so it feels appropriate to play as Fuse after you've finished the rest of the cast. However, it isn't available until you finish at least one character scenario, and it's pretty clear why. While the character appeared in the original game, his scenario is brand new for Saga Frontier Remastered.
The eighth character, Fuse, was originally planned for the PS1 release and was cut for time. Lute is a boring bard with a bare-bones story. Asellus is a human saved from the brink of death who finds herself trapped between the worlds of humans and mystics. T260G is a robot trying to find her purpose in life. Riki is a monster looking for a way to save his homeland. Emilia is a supermodel framed for the murder of her fiancé. Blue is racing against fellow magician Rogue to become the greatest spellcaster of all. Red is a Kamen Rider-style superhero who's out for revenge against an evil organization. The cast list is full of distinctive characters. While there are some overarching plots, most of the game is self-contained, and you can play the characters in any order without losing much. They all play in the same world, and you'll often talk to or recruit other protagonists into your party. Rather than having a set cast, Saga Frontier lets the player choose from eight different characters, each with a unique plot and gameplay mechanics.