Everybody asks me what my choice would be for a remake and my answer is always Xenogears. Imagine being able to play through the stuff that is only talked about in disc 2!
Honestly I liked xenogears all the way through especially some stuff on disc 2 just tighten some things up and I’d buy at the 60 dollar price tag for a physical release
Thanks for a review. I'm 35 and on a journey to play all the JRPG classics I missed out on and I was looking at the HD collection - I have never played Grandia, but aware of its reputation. You're a cool guy, man. You exude appreciation for these games that shaped us.
Don't care what this schlub says about Grandia (with a short vowel A!) I LOVED Grandia much better than FF VII. I will admit I did NOT get a PS1 until after the craze of the system died down. Ugh... he keeps saying the name wrong EVERY time!
I really loved it back in 2000 when I got it but even then I realized the graphics were subpar but I'm playing it again and it was hard to get used to the graphics and slow gameplay but I'm enjoying it at 25hours in. Definitely more repetitive than I remembered.
That drawing is really special. Thanks for the review. Grandia has such a special place in my heart. Love the series. Part 1 and 2 were really great. Not a lot of games pull my heart strings.
I only just discovered that this exists, and about half way through your video I fired up the Switched and snagged a digital copy for half-off in the e-shop! I haven't played these since they were new releases (never having owned them, only having played a friend's copy). I've missed them dearly and I'm really excited to play them again!
I was thinking that I'm starting to get old with turning 26, then Johnny talks in nostalgia about being 25 and 26 playing this originally and helped put things in perspective
I'm the same age as him and I get that all the time too! People think I'm in my late 20's!! It must be our generation we age gracefully!!!!! Or maybe because we are gamers!! Who knows!!!! Lol
I just love all these generations of people playing Grandia. I was shown this game by a family member in his late 50s when I was 7 years old, and hearing you say you played it at 25 is awesome. I'm 27 now rinsing through Grandia 1 again for easily over the 20th time, and now people much younger than me get to enjoy these games. Thanks for another great video!
@Cleric I actually really like the combat in Octopath Traveler, too, but yeah, I think maybe Grandia and press turn might still be the best. But there are definitely other great ones out there, like Shin Megami Tensei and Etrian Odyssey (although that maybe gets even a little too fiddly/planny).
@@lubenretrolletarios7901 I can't even remember the dialog! I think the graphics aged poorly, but I always hated that rotable pseudo-3D look in PS1-era RPGs. Ick. I preferred 16-bit 2D to that. And the early polygonal stuff, even Dreamcast era, was kind of hideous, and is especially hideous now.
my favorite it probably the additions system in legend of dragoon. pulling off and leveling up additions was so fun that i never got annoyed by random encounters like i did in a lot of other old rpgs.
@@libatako Legaia 2 while not connected to the original storyline a lot of legal stuff happened during development, it was a solid game in its own right the combat was outstanding.
Grandia is a deeply special game for me, and I'm always glad about when people tell their stories about what they were going through and how the game was a relevent experience for them. I personally met my wife 18 years ago, because of the game and just from kicking about on the GameFAQs forums for the game. We're about to sit down and play the remake through together, which will be the first time we have played the game together as well. I genuinely hope that others will come across the game and have those deeply meaningful experiences, and feel the drive to take the plunge and set off on their own adventures too.
"The default language is English and I love the voices. They're not good some of them, they're horrendously bad but that creates the charm" Lmao I love this channel and the positive spin mixed with your nostalgia. Great work as always Johnny. Never played Grandia but I'll give the Switch version a look.
Wow your parents had a REALLY nice basement. Really cool to hear about these memories. I remember when I turned 18 and moved out of my parents house for the first real time on my own. I had just bought my Turbografx 16 on clearance and there are so many memories wrapped up in that system because of that. Walking around after work, looking for games on clearance bins, drooling over the CD Rom attachment and then finally finding one, with 10 games and a TurboTap for FIFTY DOLLARS! Good times!
Love this. Thank you. It's amazing you got to hang out the character designer and he did a drawing for you... So cool. I'm praying we get a physical version.
Grandia was the first game I ever played with voice acting, I was so hyped as a kid! I agree the music is phenomenal. One track I particularly remember is the sandy beach of gumbo :') That track was emotional on a whole new level
Hey John, I really liked this review. You talk about games the way I seem to talk about them to people, and I can really resonate with what you're saying, even though I havent played Grandia yet. I will soon though, as I'm on a personal quest to play a lot of old school RPGs, and this has hyped me up even more! I really love how it looks, and the combos in combat, and the character portraits! I'm 20, and you're basically the same age as my father, and this also reminded me of how we'd talk about FF7 when I played it throughout my childhood. I've seen some videos of yours around the past year, and I really appreciate your perspective and enthusiasm on games! I'm subscribing
Wow! That draw from the disigner it's really a treasure! I'm 45 years too, and RPG Lover as well. I loved in Vancouver in the Ash street in new west minister, and at that time I bought when it came out Parisite Eve at the Sony Store. Grandia 1 it's one of my favorites Rpgs among with Chrono Trigger, FF VI, Dragon Quest VIII, Nier, etc,etc. I just hope for a physical version of Grandia, and what about Grandia III? We could be friends if I live there lol. Please continue with that natural spark for your reviews! Greetings!
Man, you talk so passionate about these games, really love your vídeos, thank you and continue the good work Brasilian guy here, sorry for my english, i hope you understand
I remember playing 2 on the Dreamcast. Loved the voice acting, art style, characters, and music. I recall that it came with a bonus cd & remixes. Awesome to see this series return for a new gen. Nice memory, never know who you might meet & have a chat with. Fantastic 🎉🎉🎉
And it is funny, we had a similiar situation with Grandia, I was moving too, I had to leave my best friends behind.. it was such a hard time to me and Grandia helped me to go through it. Thanks for the video. Cheers from Brazil.
I bought the first Grandia maybe 3 years ago in the PS store on PS3 thinking "whatever, it's only 5 bucks. I'll take a chance on it" Within the first few hours, it became one of my favorite games of all time. It truly capture the essence of going on a big adventure and my spine tingles Everytime I see that opening FMV and that violin at the main menu is played. It truly is one of the best RPGs of all time!
I love your videos, I feel we grew up during the same period ( me in the U.K. but universal experiences in playing. I bought GRANDIA HD on switch and playing it for the first time. I’m enjoying it regardless of low score reviews for the pure simple fact that I appreciate the legacy and work gone into this game. Your passion shines through it’s so authentic. Thanks for all your content and work that yah do.
This brought a tear to my eye man. Our stories are similar for this game. I was 11 and I was moving from my old house and leaving all my old friends behind for better things in my life(it sucked for me). Your reviews really resonate with me because you seem to be a legit fan unlike Dreamcast guy who hurries to make the first review before anybody else while not really sounding like the “biggest” fan. Anyway keep em coming dude you got a supporter in me. Also that signed artwork is awesome man you got a prized piece for sure
John - we DM'ed on Grandia back in Summer of 2011. My life has changed so much over the past 12 yrs. Appreciated the conversation then & even more so now looking back! Thanks for all the great memories man 😎💪
Wow, this was such a nice and moving story. Thank you for sharing those memories with us! I came here expecting a game review and got a touching and inspiring story instead, like most of us must have growing up on videogames, it was like chatting to an old friend. Nice vid, you got yourself a subscriber and a fan. Best wishes from Brazil!
You are a legend man, easily one of the best content creators in the gaming industries, your passion is very inspiring and so is your personality. You rock!!!
Dude, I really love your channel. I just stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and really appreciate what you do. We have almost the exact taste in games and your approach to review/discussions is great. Thanks for the content!
The german version of G2 on this collection has a translation Problem. They‘ve translated the „miss“ for a missed attack to „Fräulein“ which is the german word for a woman called „miss“ 🤣
Hahhaah ich dachte immer das ist normal so, als ob das Spiel sich über Ryudo Spass macht, denn Ryudo ist ein Macho also soll Fraulein seinen Ego schaden.
Brother you took me backkkk. The 2 decades long nostalgia factor is strong. Your take is the most important and I'm pleased to hear they did the original Justice. I've always said that there are 2 rpgs tied for #1 for me. Xenogears for the mind but Grandia is closest to my heart. Awesome video, thanks for the honest review! 🤘🔥
I've just played FFVII and Grandia for the first time ever, on the Switch, and I have to say that whilst I enjoyed both games I would say that for me personally Grandia is a FFVII killer. Really loved the graphical style and gameplay
This is probably the only jrpg where I am always excited to start it back up again. I have lost my save file 4 times now and the excitement and anticipation is still there. Everything about this game is brilliant. I'm so glad you got to meet him. That is a Legendary meeting.
I played Grandia II on Dreamcast but never finished it. I still need to play the first game. The grandia series is one my bucket list series for sure. It's amazing how we can remember intrical parts of our lives and the video games that were with us at the time. It makes them more special. I definitely hope they release a physical copy and I'm glad this exists. However I will be playing the PS1 version of Grandia 1 when I get to it.
These games were probably one of the most underapreciated games 20 years ago. I remember starting playing this game about 16-17 years ago and yes this game has a lot of treasured memories. Now I recommend anyone to buy this game for the switch specially parents with children who's able to play these games to have the same gaming experiences we had.
You could probably bundle that drawing with the original boxed game for a real pretty penny on eBay, but the way you obtained it is so special I’d keep it for life too.
Grandia 2 is still my all time favorite game. I got it with my dreamcast and that was one of the games that led me down my career path and made me who I am today. I am so glad to have it on a newer console. Thanks for making this video, man.
First time watching the channel, but I loved this review! Your enthusiasm and passion with these games is really pushing me to give Grandia a try! Loved the stories as well of your history with the series and the folks working on it. Great video!
I wish they made something like Alisia Dragoon again but thanks for raising my interest in Grandia even more. I didn't know they made them too (and I didn't read description).
I wanted a new Lunar for so long but then we got that utter disappointment in Dragon Song. In my mind Grandia 1 basically is Lunar 3. I never finished it, but from what I played of it other than being a new storyline it sure felt like what the game following Lunar 2 would be. I don't really know if they could ever make a game that their older games were. Lunar 1, 2, and the original Grandia are so good. But they had trouble shifting with the gaming industry.
It is on 50% discount on the nintendo eshop but I have spent so much money lately getting games that I was doubting. You have helped me making up my mind. I played Grandia 2 on the DC, and though I am not a very RPG gamer, it was love at first sight. Same happened with Skies of Arcadia. Ever since I played Grandia 3 and Grandia Extreme but they were not good at all. I really need to play the 1st one. What a great anecdote my friend, you are a truly blessed man!
I am playing Grandia for the first time now, after the first few hrs I am already involved, I love it, expecially the voices (JP). Thanks for this amazing video, I did not know you but from now on this channel will be on my weekly watching list. Keep on with the amazing work! 😁
Watching this as the physical copy is just to launch on LRG in a couple of days. I absolutely can't wait to own this physically on switch. Another great video! Congratulations on the baby!
Grandia is a really nice game :) But am still waiting for a HD release of Suikoden 1 and 2, come on Konami Wake up, guess it wont ever happen but one can Always hope.
I remember many years ago messaging you and talking about our love of Grandia. So cool to see you once again talk about Grandia, just this time we get a nice little gift of an HD remaster. Really liked that story about when you first played Grandia in your parents basement. And seeing that footage was awesome!
First Video I've seen from you and you just seem like the most wholesome person, reviewing one of my favorite games, and you have that awesome picture of Justin, what an amazing experience :O !
The best thing about the rerelease is that so many people on the internet talk about it again. I don't know anybody who played this game, for me it was what ffvii was for other people. I've spend the last 2 days watching reviews and reading comment sections. I'm happy like a child :)
I just picked up the hd collection of grandia and it is awesome!! I can’t believe I waited this long to ever play this game. Thank you for the videos because I see so many games I’ve never played. Keep he vids coming
Thanks for the video! I totally get where you're coming from regarding your feelings with these games. I'm right around your age (I'm 43) and I also sometimes can't believe 20 years has gone by since I first played Grandia. The Playstation version was a Christmas gift from my girlfriend at the time. (She got me all the classic PS RPGs as gifts, Grandia, Front Mission 3, Star Ocean, Xenogears, FF 9 - she was a great girlfriend!) I lost my copy during a move from the east coast to the west coast U.S. and a few months ago I tracked down physical copies of both games so I could play them again. I would've waited had I known they were being re-released, but at the same time I'm happy to have physical copies of both games again.
Grandia was always so refreshing because of how cheerful and upbeat Justin is. Amidst a sea of sullen and mopey emo rpg protagonists (Cloud is a serious downer which made ffvii very unenjoyable for me) I loved the cast of Grandia.
I've never played Grandia - but back in my teen days i got to play Grandia 2 and it blew me away. Definitely getting the collection on the switch. Hope to experience your joy when playing myself
Love the review!! This made me so happy! Grandia is special. I was in middle school living in Germany, so we had to rely on gaming magazine to inform us or going to the store and reading the back of the game itself. I'll give the 2nd a try, never played it.
Grandia and skies of Arcadia will always be one of the greatest RPG games I have ever played. The golden age of RPG’s with final fantasy 6,7,8,9 and 10 was great.
I always come to you for these type of reviews my brother. Someone who exudes passion about these type of titles. Keep up the good work! I’ve been a huge fan for years!
Grandia 2 was and still is one of my favorite games of all time and the story is still one of my favorites to this day... I only played it on the ps2 and will on occasion go back and play it but now i will have to get the remake versions this brings me so much joy
Grandia II on Dreamcast is prob my favorite RPG of all time, the music is incredible. FFVII and Skies of Arcadia and a few others are great too but the music in Grandia II was amazing. It's hard to really have a favorite.
Just with those storys and memories from when you were younger, makes this such i awesome review/video. Im 26 now so i hope i can play this game for the first time and have nostalgia for it when im 45
I'll start this one after I've finished Y's 8 on my Switch. Getting through Y's 8 atm and enjoying the hell out of it. I seem to get stuck and discouraged then I push on and bam like any good Rpg it keeps unfolding in all its beauty. I started Grandia on my PS1 classic. Did the start bit getting the helmet, shield n that then got across the bridge and didn't play further. I liked it. Was gonna replay ASAP. Nice review John!!!!!!!!!! Or brief look at, nice one!
I wonder if my 18 year old nephew would play this, afterall he does play other JRPGs. Something to own for this Christmas. I'm currently playing Grandia for the first time since it was released on the PSX and I was so excited to see it having a physical release in Asia.
I read something quite a while (if I found it I will upload it), that "Sony didn't want it because player are not interested in this kind of game." Something like that.
And this will eventually be on PS4, Nintendo just likely paid for timed exclusivity. No reason not to come to PS4 as it would have more than double the player base. Not to mention it will have more of a fan base since the original came out on PS1.
Grandia 1 and 2 are two of my favorite games from when I was younger. Never heard anybody talk about these games for years, and now all us nerds are coming out of the woodwork to show our love for two classic JRPGs. It warms my heart.
Grandia was the first game I ever played on the Playstation, I loved it, it's still one of my top 5 favorite RPGs of all time and would play it again if I had the chance (sadly, I sold the game years ago along with my entire play station collection due to frustration with my broken system at the time). This game has an awesome sound track and epic story with very good humor and characters. It truely is a story of a boy who goes from basicly just playing on the street with his friends to becoming an epic hero that saves the world; while somehow staying light hearted and identifiable throughout with the various down-to-earth characters and their quirky personalities. Grandia II was very good though I could not say it's better then the first one; I think I still have it on the Dreamcast, but good lord, no faces???? huge miss on the Dreamcast version (never played the PS2 version but I hear it was an inferior port of the Dreamcast version).
I was bought Grandia for Christmas when I was a child back but couldn't get used to the combat system. I played it last year and fell in love with it - such a charming game
I was thinking, “cool, I can trade my copy of G1 on PS1 and G2 on Dreamcast for something on my long list of games that I want and then just get this.” Then I find out its effing download only
I played Grandia 2 six years ago, and it was also the last game I played in my parents house before moving out XD. May be slightly nostalgic because of that, but I remember loving every moment of it.
The VDP2 water effects, shadows, and battle backgrounds of the superior Saturn original are absent in this collection. It's the PS1 port through and through. Damn.
No matter how many rpgs I play, I always go back to play Grandia 2 is such an incredible game, the gameplay, the music, the story, the characters, my Dreamcast is still thinking, so is my Playstation 2.
I didn't know this came out already. Grandia is my all time favourite game. It shaped me as a kid when I played it and made me want to travel and explore the world. No other game has been able to encapsulate the feeling of wonder, exploration, friendship, hardship and so forth than Grandia. It's a shame that the series has stagnated.
Grandia 2 sound effects are messed up, there is a pause between some audio loops. There is also some slow down during fights with multiple larger enemies in handheld mode. Only experienced slow down once in tv mode so far 25 hours in. Still enjoying it but number 1 was the first game to make me cry and I guess I have a deeper connection to it.
I just want Skies of Arcadia remastered and released on the Switch...
Fuck yes. One of it not the best rpg on the dreamcast/GameCube.
Omg I remember playing skies of Arcadia and grandia 2 both at the same time on Dreamcast as a kid!!
Seriously this needs to happen
Please Give Us Skies of Arcadia Remaster #weloveyouSega
Right? Is that too much to ask for???? One of the best rpgs ever. I loved exploring and discovering land marks and treasures. Nve forget that Lil Jack
I hope Xenogears gets this kind of treatment someday soonish.
Agrees, but I want brave fencer musashi and threads of fate done first.
Just finish disc 2 the right way is all I ask
@@Lightspeeds if only
Everybody asks me what my choice would be for a remake and my answer is always Xenogears. Imagine being able to play through the stuff that is only talked about in disc 2!
Honestly I liked xenogears all the way through especially some stuff on disc 2 just tighten some things up and I’d buy at the 60 dollar price tag for a physical release
Thanks for a review. I'm 35 and on a journey to play all the JRPG classics I missed out on and I was looking at the HD collection - I have never played Grandia, but aware of its reputation.
You're a cool guy, man. You exude appreciation for these games that shaped us.
Grandia was and still is my favorite RPG. Amazing soundtrack, loveable cast and heartwarming story.
Don't care what this schlub says about Grandia (with a short vowel A!) I LOVED Grandia much better than FF VII. I will admit I did NOT get a PS1 until after the craze of the system died down. Ugh... he keeps saying the name wrong EVERY time!
yeah grandia is on the top of my list of jrpg's it was 100 times better than any rpg
I really loved it back in 2000 when I got it but even then I realized the graphics were subpar but I'm playing it again and it was hard to get used to the graphics and slow gameplay but I'm enjoying it at 25hours in. Definitely more repetitive than I remembered.
That drawing is really special. Thanks for the review. Grandia has such a special place in my heart. Love the series. Part 1 and 2 were really great. Not a lot of games pull my heart strings.
I hope they left the swearing in 😊
I found your channel because of Grandia and Phantasy Star
I found Johnny's channel after the UK magazine Retro Gamer reviewed it almost a decade ago!!
I found Grandia and phantasy star because of this channel
@@ninjakoala7899 @Matt Hopper i found these comments because of youtube
I only just discovered that this exists, and about half way through your video I fired up the Switched and snagged a digital copy for half-off in the e-shop! I haven't played these since they were new releases (never having owned them, only having played a friend's copy). I've missed them dearly and I'm really excited to play them again!
45? dude you look really young! also never played the first Grandia, I guess this will be my chance.
I was thinking that I'm starting to get old with turning 26, then Johnny talks in nostalgia about being 25 and 26 playing this originally and helped put things in perspective
I'm 38 and I figured Johnny is older than me because he mentions how old he was when some things were released. But yeah, hard to believe.
@@Graterstuuf Yeah, let's not have children so we'll be overtaken by the third world. Great idea!
I'm the same age as him and I get that all the time too! People think I'm in my late 20's!! It must be our generation we age gracefully!!!!! Or maybe because we are gamers!! Who knows!!!! Lol
He looks 45. If he was wearing a dress shirt and tie, he’d look like a principal
I just love all these generations of people playing Grandia. I was shown this game by a family member in his late 50s when I was 7 years old, and hearing you say you played it at 25 is awesome. I'm 27 now rinsing through Grandia 1 again for easily over the 20th time, and now people much younger than me get to enjoy these games. Thanks for another great video!
Still possibly the best combat system in the history of console RPGs.
yeah it is
yeah. and no random encounters, thank god. this makes a real pleasure to play it even today. but the silly dialogue aged really badly...
@Cleric I actually really like the combat in Octopath Traveler, too, but yeah, I think maybe Grandia and press turn might still be the best. But there are definitely other great ones out there, like Shin Megami Tensei and Etrian Odyssey (although that maybe gets even a little too fiddly/planny).
@@lubenretrolletarios7901 I can't even remember the dialog! I think the graphics aged poorly, but I always hated that rotable pseudo-3D look in PS1-era RPGs. Ick. I preferred 16-bit 2D to that. And the early polygonal stuff, even Dreamcast era, was kind of hideous, and is especially hideous now.
my favorite it probably the additions system in legend of dragoon. pulling off and leveling up additions was so fun that i never got annoyed by random encounters like i did in a lot of other old rpgs.
The story of you meeting the makers of the game and the footage was incredible!!
Everyone talking about Grandia, Skies of Arcadia, and XenoGears. I'm still waiting for a remake of Legaia.
Iroquois Pliskin and ONLY Legend of Legaia....not that..whatever it was part 2 on the ps2
@@libatako That was a Sequel not a remake.
Legaia 3!!
@@libatako Legaia 2 while not connected to the original storyline a lot of legal stuff happened during development, it was a solid game in its own right the combat was outstanding.
You and me both, brother.
Grandia is a deeply special game for me, and I'm always glad about when people tell their stories about what they were going through and how the game was a relevent experience for them. I personally met my wife 18 years ago, because of the game and just from kicking about on the GameFAQs forums for the game. We're about to sit down and play the remake through together, which will be the first time we have played the game together as well.
I genuinely hope that others will come across the game and have those deeply meaningful experiences, and feel the drive to take the plunge and set off on their own adventures too.
"The default language is English and I love the voices. They're not good some of them, they're horrendously bad but that creates the charm"
Lmao I love this channel and the positive spin mixed with your nostalgia. Great work as always Johnny. Never played Grandia but I'll give the Switch version a look.
In a world of perpetual chaos, it is so great to see the happiness and love displayed on this channel!
She's coming to DC comics and she wears a solar system as a necklace
Wow your parents had a REALLY nice basement. Really cool to hear about these memories. I remember when I turned 18 and moved out of my parents house for the first real time on my own. I had just bought my Turbografx 16 on clearance and there are so many memories wrapped up in that system because of that. Walking around after work, looking for games on clearance bins, drooling over the CD Rom attachment and then finally finding one, with 10 games and a TurboTap for FIFTY DOLLARS! Good times!
Love this. Thank you.
It's amazing you got to hang out the character designer and he did a drawing for you... So cool. I'm praying we get a physical version.
Grandia 2 is one of my favourite games of all times, played it first time when i was like 9 years old, now i'm 27 playing it again for the 6th time
Grandia was the first game I ever played with voice acting, I was so hyped as a kid! I agree the music is phenomenal. One track I particularly remember is the sandy beach of gumbo :') That track was emotional on a whole new level
Hey John, I really liked this review. You talk about games the way I seem to talk about them to people, and I can really resonate with what you're saying, even though I havent played Grandia yet. I will soon though, as I'm on a personal quest to play a lot of old school RPGs, and this has hyped me up even more! I really love how it looks, and the combos in combat, and the character portraits!
I'm 20, and you're basically the same age as my father, and this also reminded me of how we'd talk about FF7 when I played it throughout my childhood. I've seen some videos of yours around the past year, and I really appreciate your perspective and enthusiasm on games! I'm subscribing
Wow! That draw from the disigner it's really a treasure! I'm 45 years too, and RPG Lover as well. I loved in Vancouver in the Ash street in new west minister, and at that time I bought when it came out Parisite Eve at the Sony Store. Grandia 1 it's one of my favorites Rpgs among with Chrono Trigger, FF VI, Dragon Quest VIII, Nier, etc,etc. I just hope for a physical version of Grandia, and what about Grandia III? We could be friends if I live there lol. Please continue with that natural spark for your reviews! Greetings!
Man, you talk so passionate about these games, really love your vídeos, thank you and continue the good work
Brasilian guy here, sorry for my english, i hope you understand
Cara o happy console gamer sempre foi uma inspiração pra mim. Eu nunca lia os comentários. daí quando leio topo com um br.
My first impression of Grandia 1 was about seven years ago, and I was like, "Holy f'! This is so good!!"
I remember playing 2 on the Dreamcast. Loved the voice acting, art style, characters, and music. I recall that it came with a bonus cd & remixes. Awesome to see this series return for a new gen.
Nice memory, never know who you might meet & have a chat with. Fantastic 🎉🎉🎉
And it is funny, we had a similiar situation with Grandia, I was moving too, I had to leave my best friends behind.. it was such a hard time to me and Grandia helped me to go through it. Thanks for the video. Cheers from Brazil.
I bought the first Grandia maybe 3 years ago in the PS store on PS3 thinking "whatever, it's only 5 bucks. I'll take a chance on it" Within the first few hours, it became one of my favorite games of all time. It truly capture the essence of going on a big adventure and my spine tingles Everytime I see that opening FMV and that violin at the main menu is played. It truly is one of the best RPGs of all time!
Me too.I got tears remembering it.
I love your videos, I feel we grew up during the same period ( me in the U.K. but universal experiences in playing. I bought GRANDIA HD on switch and playing it for the first time. I’m enjoying it regardless of low score reviews for the pure simple fact that I appreciate the legacy and work gone into this game. Your passion shines through it’s so authentic. Thanks for all your content and work that yah do.
This brought a tear to my eye man. Our stories are similar for this game. I was 11 and I was moving from my old house and leaving all my old friends behind for better things in my life(it sucked for me). Your reviews really resonate with me because you seem to be a legit fan unlike Dreamcast guy who hurries to make the first review before anybody else while not really sounding like the “biggest” fan. Anyway keep em coming dude you got a supporter in me.
Also that signed artwork is awesome man you got a prized piece for sure
John - we DM'ed on Grandia back in Summer of 2011. My life has changed so much over the past 12 yrs. Appreciated the conversation then & even more so now looking back! Thanks for all the great memories man 😎💪
"Is there going to be a physical copy by strictly limited or limited run?"
Limited run games: yes
And if you missed that, there's always Play Asia.
Wow, this was such a nice and moving story. Thank you for sharing those memories with us! I came here expecting a game review and got a touching and inspiring story instead, like most of us must have growing up on videogames, it was like chatting to an old friend.
Nice vid, you got yourself a subscriber and a fan.
Best wishes from Brazil!
You are a legend man, easily one of the best content creators in the gaming industries, your passion is very inspiring and so is your personality. You rock!!!
Dude, I really love your channel. I just stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and really appreciate what you do. We have almost the exact taste in games and your approach to review/discussions is great. Thanks for the content!
That anecdote in the second half about meeting the character designer was a gem, really nice. Thanks for your video!
I was 14 when I played grandia. I cant imagine it being 25...
Having played all the Nineties RPG on the SNES and PS1, I totally LOVE your enthusiasm for these games. FAVORITE CHANNEL!
The german version of G2 on this collection has a translation Problem. They‘ve translated the „miss“ for a missed attack to „Fräulein“ which is the german word for a woman called „miss“ 🤣
ZockAmigos that’s fantastic.
Don't install patches! I bet they will fix this hilarious quirk :)
@@baka_ja_nai I don't think they'll fix it
Cut google some slack. It didn't even get paid to translate the game.
Hahhaah ich dachte immer das ist normal so, als ob das Spiel sich über Ryudo Spass macht, denn Ryudo ist ein Macho also soll Fraulein seinen Ego schaden.
Brother you took me backkkk. The 2 decades long nostalgia factor is strong. Your take is the most important and I'm pleased to hear they did the original Justice. I've always said that there are 2 rpgs tied for #1 for me. Xenogears for the mind but Grandia is closest to my heart. Awesome video, thanks for the honest review! 🤘🔥
I've just played FFVII and Grandia for the first time ever, on the Switch, and I have to say that whilst I enjoyed both games I would say that for me personally Grandia is a FFVII killer. Really loved the graphical style and gameplay
This is probably the only jrpg where I am always excited to start it back up again. I have lost my save file 4 times now and the excitement and anticipation is still there. Everything about this game is brilliant. I'm so glad you got to meet him. That is a Legendary meeting.
I played Grandia II on Dreamcast but never finished it. I still need to play the first game. The grandia series is one my bucket list series for sure. It's amazing how we can remember intrical parts of our lives and the video games that were with us at the time. It makes them more special. I definitely hope they release a physical copy and I'm glad this exists. However I will be playing the PS1 version of Grandia 1 when I get to it.
These games were probably one of the most underapreciated games 20 years ago. I remember starting playing this game about 16-17 years ago and yes this game has a lot of treasured memories. Now I recommend anyone to buy this game for the switch specially parents with children who's able to play these games to have the same gaming experiences we had.
You could probably bundle that drawing with the original boxed game for a real pretty penny on eBay, but the way you obtained it is so special I’d keep it for life too.
I love Jonny's enthusiasm for games and the medium.
Grandia 2 is still my all time favorite game. I got it with my dreamcast and that was one of the games that led me down my career path and made me who I am today. I am so glad to have it on a newer console. Thanks for making this video, man.
Thanks for getting the port basics right. You also clarified which versions of these games were getting in this collection. Great job!
First time watching the channel, but I loved this review! Your enthusiasm and passion with these games is really pushing me to give Grandia a try! Loved the stories as well of your history with the series and the folks working on it. Great video!
Johnny, I simultaneously love your videos and hate your videos because they make me want to play all of these games!
I wish GameArts would make a new RPG.
They might if this sells well.
I wish they made something like Alisia Dragoon again but thanks for raising my interest in Grandia even more. I didn't know they made them too (and I didn't read description).
I wanted a new Lunar for so long but then we got that utter disappointment in Dragon Song.
In my mind Grandia 1 basically is Lunar 3. I never finished it, but from what I played of it other than being a new storyline it sure felt like what the game following Lunar 2 would be.
I don't really know if they could ever make a game that their older games were. Lunar 1, 2, and the original Grandia are so good. But they had trouble shifting with the gaming industry.
@@danhalo1405 that news still hurts till this day😭
I never really got around to these too much back in the day.. this is... an intriguing proposition. The filters look great!
It is on 50% discount on the nintendo eshop but I have spent so much money lately getting games that I was doubting. You have helped me making up my mind. I played Grandia 2 on the DC, and though I am not a very RPG gamer, it was love at first sight. Same happened with Skies of Arcadia. Ever since I played Grandia 3 and Grandia Extreme but they were not good at all. I really need to play the 1st one. What a great anecdote my friend, you are a truly blessed man!
I’m happy too that you are around 19 years later to talk about Grandia :). Your videos are awesome!
Love the passionate way you talk about videogames... Your channel It's a breath of fresh air on UA-cam.
I am playing Grandia for the first time now, after the first few hrs I am already involved, I love it, expecially the voices (JP). Thanks for this amazing video, I did not know you but from now on this channel will be on my weekly watching list. Keep on with the amazing work! 😁
I’m touched. Grandia 1 always has a special position in my heart
Watching this as the physical copy is just to launch on LRG in a couple of days. I absolutely can't wait to own this physically on switch.
Another great video! Congratulations on the baby!
Grandia is a really nice game :) But am still waiting for a HD release of Suikoden 1 and 2, come on Konami Wake up, guess it wont ever happen but one can Always hope.
THIS
@@AmiiboArcanaMeaning??????
@@fredrik357
He agrees with you.
My Dream is a Suikoden 1-5 collection lol
Damn right!
I remember many years ago messaging you and talking about our love of Grandia. So cool to see you once again talk about Grandia, just this time we get a nice little gift of an HD remaster. Really liked that story about when you first played Grandia in your parents basement. And seeing that footage was awesome!
Dude I am so jealous of that Justin sketch you got! Also, LimitedRun just announced a physical edition of this collection too!
First Video I've seen from you and you just seem like the most wholesome person, reviewing one of my favorite games, and you have that awesome picture of Justin, what an amazing experience :O !
The best thing about the rerelease is that so many people on the internet talk about it again. I don't know anybody who played this game, for me it was what ffvii was for other people.
I've spend the last 2 days watching reviews and reading comment sections. I'm happy like a child :)
I appreciated the personal touch to this review, made me feel something. I played this game with my grandfather when I was 5.
I just picked up the hd collection of grandia and it is awesome!! I can’t believe I waited this long to ever play this game. Thank you for the videos because I see so many games I’ve never played. Keep he vids coming
The first Grandia review you had uploaded was what made me sub to this channel in the first place. A true masterpiece!
Thanks for the video! I totally get where you're coming from regarding your feelings with these games. I'm right around your age (I'm 43) and I also sometimes can't believe 20 years has gone by since I first played Grandia. The Playstation version was a Christmas gift from my girlfriend at the time. (She got me all the classic PS RPGs as gifts, Grandia, Front Mission 3, Star Ocean, Xenogears, FF 9 - she was a great girlfriend!) I lost my copy during a move from the east coast to the west coast U.S. and a few months ago I tracked down physical copies of both games so I could play them again. I would've waited had I known they were being re-released, but at the same time I'm happy to have physical copies of both games again.
Grandia was always so refreshing because of how cheerful and upbeat Justin is. Amidst a sea of sullen and mopey emo rpg protagonists (Cloud is a serious downer which made ffvii very unenjoyable for me) I loved the cast of Grandia.
I've never played Grandia - but back in my teen days i got to play Grandia 2 and it blew me away. Definitely getting the collection on the switch. Hope to experience your joy when playing myself
Love the review!! This made me so happy! Grandia is special. I was in middle school living in Germany, so we had to rely on gaming magazine to inform us or going to the store and reading the back of the game itself. I'll give the 2nd a try, never played it.
Grandia and skies of Arcadia will always be one of the greatest RPG games I have ever played. The golden age of RPG’s with final fantasy 6,7,8,9 and 10 was great.
I rewatch these Grandia videos occasionally, and I finally decided to play through Grandia myself. Playing on the Saturn, and loving it!
I always come to you for these type of reviews my brother. Someone who exudes passion about these type of titles. Keep up the good work! I’ve been a huge fan for years!
Grandia 2 was and still is one of my favorite games of all time and the story is still one of my favorites to this day... I only played it on the ps2 and will on occasion go back and play it but now i will have to get the remake versions this brings me so much joy
Grandia II on Dreamcast is prob my favorite RPG of all time, the music is incredible.
FFVII and Skies of Arcadia and a few others are great too but the music in Grandia II was amazing. It's hard to really have a favorite.
Leens story and theme and scene In grandia at the end still makes me cry. Her speech during a certain part of the game.. 😢
Great video. I have the same feelings of grandia II as you do with I.
Just with those storys and memories from when you were younger, makes this such i awesome review/video. Im 26 now so i hope i can play this game for the first time and have nostalgia for it when im 45
Dude, I’m so jealous of that artist sketch of Justin. A true collectible.
You know what man!! I’m buying this, you sold me man!! You met the creator and got a sketch so I gotta see what this is all about!!
I'll start this one after I've finished Y's 8 on my Switch. Getting through Y's 8 atm and enjoying the hell out of it. I seem to get stuck and discouraged then I push on and bam like any good Rpg it keeps unfolding in all its beauty. I started Grandia on my PS1 classic. Did the start bit getting the helmet, shield n that then got across the bridge and didn't play further. I liked it. Was gonna replay ASAP. Nice review John!!!!!!!!!! Or brief look at, nice one!
I remember buying the Dreamcast for Grandia 2 and Skies of Arcadia. Great rpgs that I have completed multiple times.
The ending sequence of Grandia along with the music is a tear jerker for sure, coming from another old guy.
I wonder if my 18 year old nephew would play this, afterall he does play other JRPGs. Something to own for this Christmas. I'm currently playing Grandia for the first time since it was released on the PSX and I was so excited to see it having a physical release in Asia.
I'll buy it after I finish fe:3houses, you're always talking about how much you love grandia and I trust your opinion keep up the great reviews
Shame its not on the PS4, it came out on the playstation and Saturn. The 4k excuse isn’t a good one
I read something quite a while (if I found it I will upload it), that "Sony didn't want it because player are not interested in this kind of game." Something like that.
Switch is the home of RPGs as of late. Playstation seems to be having Persona and little else.
@@cax1175 theres alot of rpg's on the ps4. What are you talking about?
@@cax1175 PS4 has more rpgs than Switch. Don't know what you're smoking.
And this will eventually be on PS4, Nintendo just likely paid for timed exclusivity. No reason not to come to PS4 as it would have more than double the player base. Not to mention it will have more of a fan base since the original came out on PS1.
Grandia 1 and 2 are two of my favorite games from when I was younger. Never heard anybody talk about these games for years, and now all us nerds are coming out of the woodwork to show our love for two classic JRPGs. It warms my heart.
Grandia was the first game I ever played on the Playstation, I loved it, it's still one of my top 5 favorite RPGs of all time and would play it again if I had the chance (sadly, I sold the game years ago along with my entire play station collection due to frustration with my broken system at the time). This game has an awesome sound track and epic story with very good humor and characters. It truely is a story of a boy who goes from basicly just playing on the street with his friends to becoming an epic hero that saves the world; while somehow staying light hearted and identifiable throughout with the various down-to-earth characters and their quirky personalities. Grandia II was very good though I could not say it's better then the first one; I think I still have it on the Dreamcast, but good lord, no faces???? huge miss on the Dreamcast version (never played the PS2 version but I hear it was an inferior port of the Dreamcast version).
I was bought Grandia for Christmas when I was a child back but couldn't get used to the combat system. I played it last year and fell in love with it - such a charming game
Yeah I want it physical. This whole digital only thing is not gonna work lol.
I was thinking, “cool, I can trade my copy of G1 on PS1 and G2 on Dreamcast for something on my long list of games that I want and then just get this.” Then I find out its effing download only
ff8masterc whether or not it makes good business sense, it sucks for me. And I am all I care about haha
Give it a few months, one of the Limited Run guys might do it.
I played Grandia 2 six years ago, and it was also the last game I played in my parents house before moving out XD. May be slightly nostalgic because of that, but I remember loving every moment of it.
the first video I remember seeing from you was the grandia retrospective, loved the format and made me subscribe.
Hey John. Can totally relate. Where did the time go? I can also remember playing both of these. I am 43 now and on the nostalgia trip for these.
Nearly a year later and limited run just announced a physical version of it!
Up for preorder. It'll be another year until it ships D:
Joking, but it's Limited Run, so half joking
The VDP2 water effects, shadows, and battle backgrounds of the superior Saturn original are absent in this collection. It's the PS1 port through and through. Damn.
That was a pretty epic review.
Its coming out for the Xbox and PS4 next week!
No matter how many rpgs I play, I always go back to play Grandia 2 is such an incredible game, the gameplay, the music, the story, the characters, my Dreamcast is still thinking, so is my Playstation 2.
I didn't know this came out already. Grandia is my all time favourite game. It shaped me as a kid when I played it and made me want to travel and explore the world. No other game has been able to encapsulate the feeling of wonder, exploration, friendship, hardship and so forth than Grandia. It's a shame that the series has stagnated.
Grandia 2 sound effects are messed up, there is a pause between some audio loops. There is also some slow down during fights with multiple larger enemies in handheld mode. Only experienced slow down once in tv mode so far 25 hours in. Still enjoying it but number 1 was the first game to make me cry and I guess I have a deeper connection to it.
Grandia 2 has one of the greatest plot twists in video game history, if someone hasn't played it yet, GO BUY IT!!
Which plot twist are you talking about? I haven't played it since 2001.
Limited Run Games has the Grandia HD collection for preorder tomorrow