[UPDATE – 20/06/2023] The official European Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster release date has now been moved to September, 2023.
The original Baten Kaitos was a highlight of the twilight years of the GameCube. The sequel Baten Kaitos Origins (aka Baten Kaitos II), sadly, flew under the radar somewhat in it’s 2006 release. However, earlier this year it was confirmed that both titles would be getting a new lease of life on the Nintendo Switch. And now, an official release date has been confirmed for Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster.
Baten Kaitos I – originally known as Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean – debuted in Japan in 2003. It arrived in North America shortly after, in early 2004. However, European gamers had to wait over a year for the title. It wasn’t until April 2004 that PAL regions received the title.
The game was very well received at launch, particularly given the common criticism of a lack of JRPGs on the GameCube. The player does not directly play as the game’s protagonist, but rather as a guardian spirit that directly interacts with the protagonist through preset text dialogue tree response options. It was a unique and interesting take on the genre.
The second title arrived in Japan and North America in 2006, after the launch of the Xbox 360 and shortly ahead of the Wii. Thus, PAL regions have never previously seen the title released. The game played largely the same as it’s predecessor, but with some refinement.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster
Both titles were originally developed by Monolith Software, which has since found significant success in the Xenoblade Chronicles series. The first title was published by Namco Bandai Interactive, who will also take the reins on this remaster. Now known as Bandai Namco Entertainment, the publisher hasn’t revealed the developer of this new repackaging.
It has already been revealed that the games will run at 30fps, with a resolution of 1920×1080 in with the Nintendo Switch docked. Much to the annoyance of fans, it has also been revealed that the game will only feature Japanese voice acting.
However, what they have revealed is the release date. Originally penned in for ‘summer 2023’, Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is now set to launch on 30th June, 2023. The game can be pre-ordered from today.
Will you be playing this retro JPRG remaster this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
You must be logged in to post a comment.