The next entry in the SaGa franchise is on its way, and Square Enix is offering a chance to try it out before the launch date. The SaGa Emerald Beyond demo is a bit stranger than your usual demo, though. It’s offering a different story, depending on what platform you pick it up on.
SaGa Emerald Beyond is planned for launch on April 25, heading to PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Those three platforms each have exclusive cuts of three different characters’ storylines from the full SaGa experience.
PlayStation players can take control of Tsunanori Mido, a puppet-manipulator protecting his home from supernatural dangers. Head over to Switch, and the story follows Ameya, a witch-in-training. PC players take on the role of Diva No. 5, a mech performer that’s caught up in a web of secrets.
All three demo versions are available now. And despite the branching options, save data will transfer over on respective platforms, so you won’t lose any progress made.
Many routes, one adventure
It’s a bizarre set-up, but I kind of dig it. SaGa has always been one of the more unconventional RPG series around, and having a demo set-up where three different platforms all have three different stories certainly reinforces that.
Square Enix has been pretty consistent in offering demos for their games, whether it’s something new and experimental or an early slice of one of its biggest blockbusters. I’d imagine it’s helped drive public perception at least a bit, and maybe even pushed some less RPG-enthused players to try out some games.
Games like SaGa Emerald Beyond could absolutely use the push, too. The long-running series has its diehards, but I’ve personally felt like it’s struggled to see much mainstream traction. The year’s already filled with so many good RPGs, and even this month, SaGa is running up against the Suikoden successor Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes.
Still, there’s room in our hearts for many adventures. You can find out if the Emerald Beyond is a place you want to venture to with the demo right now, and the full game launches on April 25.
