The 7th Saga - Gameplay

Gameplay

There are three modes of play: safe area, enemy-infested area, and in-battle.

When the characters are in a safe area, usually in a city, they can walk around as long as they want. The player can talk to non-playing characters, buy and sell items, search for hidden items, and rest at an inn. Also the main character may duel other characters, or even convince one to assist in the search for the runes.

When the player is in an enemy-infested area, the Magic Crystal item in the top-left appears. That crystal shows the player in the center, and the relative locations of nearby enemies, cities, dungeons, and runes. If a white dot reaches the center, i.e. the location of the main characters, a battle will break out. The player must move around quickly while grabbing chests and finding the way, since the enemies are always getting closer.

Battles in the game are turned-based. When the player is in battle, the perspective shows the character and ally, if any, from behind looking at one to three enemies. Players then select an action and take turns with the enemy and ally. The goal is to kill the enemy and not die in the process. The player can attack, defend, cast a spell, use an item, or run. If the player wins, his/her characters get experience points, gold, and occasionally items. If he loses, half of his/her money will be gone. If the player loses to one of the other main characters, his/her rune will be taken by that character.

Gaining experience results in attaining levels which improve a character's skill. Buying better weapons and armor with the money improves a character's fighting ability. Note that due to space constraints, the name of most equipment you obtain is severely abbreviated.