
I travelled across time in Square Enix’s all-new HD-2D adventure, and loved its swashbuckling combat — but it isn't an instant classic for these key reasons
THE SO WHAT
Square Enix landing “good but not classic” on a new HD-2D IP suggests the nostalgia engine still works, but it’s no longer enough to guarantee breakout hits. If you’re building premium games, distinct systems or social hooks matter more than art style callbacks alone.
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