Released in 1999, Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator is an isometric turn-based JRPG.
This game has been living in my head rent-free for years. Last week, I saw a big box package of Septerra Core selling in a used game store for an outrageous price, and I knew that no one would buy it. There’s virtually no demand for it as a collectible.
Nevertheless. it is a stunningly obscure PC game that also is a bizarre oddity – and it deserves attention.
You see, strictly speaking, this isn’t a JRPG at all. Septerra Core was developed by Americans, not Japanese. And while it definitely was inspired by JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger – especially with its pre-rendered 3D anime are style – it’s just as much a CRPG.
Nowadays, Western-made JRPGs are a dime a dozen. Stardew Valley and Indivisible come to mind. But back in the 90s? Completely unthinkable – especially for a game that a PC exclusive, and never got a console release.
What’s even more wild is that development of this game started in 1995, before the release of Final Fantasy VII. It was stuck in development hell for years. And just as the game was about to be released, publisher shenanigans ensued. And almost as soon as Septerra Core was released, its developer, Valyrie Studios, shut down.
Just the making of this game is fascinating enough. But the in-game story is even more fascinating. It will take me a long time to describe it myself, but here’s the gist per the game’s description:
Septerra is a world which is composed of “layers” - continents that spin around the planet center. In the center is the Core, a kind of a living computer. According to the legends, the Creator of Septerra left there a precious Gift - an artifact that grants the one who possesses it legendary powers. Septerra is controlled by the Chosen, who live at the top of the world, consuming massive amounts of energy and throwing the “waste” down, to lower levels. Maya, a “junk scavenger” who lives among those wastes and earns the living collecting junk, unexpectedly comes into contact with the Chosen. It appears that their goal is to reach the legendary Gift. Maya and her friends decide to face the Chosen, and ultimately discover the true history of the planet.
Okay, that’s a lot to take in. But believe me, this game has one of the best worlds in video gaming. I am completely enthralled with a seven layer planet powered by a biocomputer.
Now remember how I said Septerra Core is as much a CRPG as a JRPG? Well, that’s because it’s entirely mouse driven. Just like in games like Diablo and Divine Divinity, you point-and-click your way through the action. But while Diablo is a hack-and-slash, Septerra Core is turn-based.
Visually, however, this is very much a JRPG. The character models and steampunk aesthetic definitely could have been made in Japan. Even so, it has a very unique art style.
Sound design is where this game really shines. The voice acting is superb, especially during the 90s when that kind of thing was often amateurish. And the soundtrack is incredibly orchestral and memorable in the same way Final Fantasy was.
Now I definitely love Septerra Core but I must admit that it’s not for everyone. For one thing, you cannot play with a regular gamepad. Even on my Steam Deck, I’m using trackpads quite often.
The other thing is that you cannot power through a grind by quickly grinding through menus. You must wait for your characters to power up, then you select them, then you click on the enemy you must fight. Many people find this tedious.
I personally don’t mind the combat as I find point and clicking par for the course for CRPGs – even if this one is also a JRPG.
Most PCs can run this game. Any Intel or AMD CPU will do. However, you need 512MB of RAM with 64MB of VRAM and 750MB of space. There is native compatibility for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This is very playable for Steam Deck.
As mentioned, Septerra Core is a PC exclusive. It’s never had a console or mobile release.
While there’s no micro-transactions, you can buy two DLC: Digital Deluxe Content (e.g., extras) and the original soundtrack. Both cost C$3.39.
Valkyrie Studios made Septerra Core. They have never made another game.
On Steam, Septerra Core has an 81% positive rating based on 511 reviews. Most people praise the story and aesthetic. Detractors complain about slow and difficult combat.
This is a game that I wish became a franchise. Alas, it was not meant to be. Hell, it’s very unlikely it will get a remaster. Only nerds like me give a damn about Septerra Core.
Septerra Core sells for C$5.49 on Steam and GOG.com. I definitely recommend this. Even if obscure, this is an amazing piece of gaming history, and has one hell of a story.
Beyond that, there has never been a game like Septerra Core. It is one of a kind.
Glyn Moody
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