SESSION #0

Hi! This is the first Game Journal we do here at DISC TWO dot net. This is basically a written gameplay series with all sorts of anotations, thoughts, etc. I think the concept is kinda self explanatory... short writings on my play sessions. It's sorta like making a shrine to a game I don't even know if I will like! Why? Because it's fun. Everyone who wants to join in to make it an unscheduled book-club kinda thing is welcome! Now let's introduce our first game:

Sega Saturn box art for Grandia.

Grandia is a 1997 RPG by Game Arts. It was a two year exclusive for the Sega Saturn with a later release for the PSX in '99. Two mainline sequels plus some spin-offs would follow later... and that's about all I know. The premise of this whole first journal is that I'm going blind.

The Why

When I first watched hazel's Cozy Anime JRPG's video I was instantly enamored by the whole aesthetic of Grandia. In fact I haven't watched that part of the video in full because I didn't want any spoilers. The mix between 2D and 3D.. the colors, and just look at these ilustrations:

Illustration of a sepia ship and the people embarking on it, families saying goodbye etc. In the middle is the only colored character, Justin, the protagonist, looking up with an almost melancholic expression.
Colorful Illustration of Grandia's characters smiling while the airship they are in flies above a city.

The game is downright beautiful. It inspires in me a deep sense of adventure just to look at screenshots or promotional material. This game called to me, I knew I had to play it. With Grandia I'm not expecting a life-changing game. I'm here for a good ol' time in a 90's anime adventure. I'm here for cozy christmas fun. Will Grandia surprise me? Will Grandia dissapoint me? Let's find out!

A screenshot of Grandia. Justin and Sue stand in the middle of the initial town of Parm.