I've now completed all the Quintet SNES titles (besides ActRaiser 2, but does that even count (yeah i guess it does))....

Anyway, the Japanese game was marketed as a comedy RPG, but what does comedy need? Timing. The English translation is balls so timing is out the window. Doesn't really manage to be funny in its bad translation either, just very detached. Marketing it as a sci fi RPG in the west was probably the best move all things considered. I always thought the space thing was just trying to tie in with Star Trek, but you really do go to space (eventually).

Customizing robots, synthesizing items, reading books to gain knowledge, using particular items to overcome obstacles... all things pretty forward thinking for the time. Even the battle system has some pretty unique elements; albeit I would probably say the bonus counter is the most interesting, essentially rewarding you for killing enemies quickly. Otherwise, it's not very fun and most battles play out the same, give or take the odd enemy. Just level up your bomb (missiles) and wipe everyone out, end of story. The bosses can be challenging however if you don't give your robots the right equipment. Ultimately, I really dislike only using one robot at a time. Would have been nice to have all three on the field. Although there is a noticeable FPS drop when there are a ton of enemies on screen so I think I know why they went with solo fighting.

I wouldn't play this for the story or battle system, play it for the patent Quintet quirkiness. Or give it a pass, it's definitely my least favorite of the Quintet SNES titles (besides ActRaiser 2)

The minimalist approach to practically everything in this game could easily be mistaken as a conscious design choice. There are a number of unique NPCs that I believe were likely originally additional party members but the feature eventually got nixed, which just proves to me that this game was originally more ambitious, at least in one regard.

There’s also something to say for how isolated this can feel at times. Not only because of the single party member but because of so many long narrow paths in dungeons that I guess enemies couldn’t fit into. Just some liminal creepiness whether intentional or not.

Edit: Finished. That was one of the longest 11 hour games I've ever played. Don't even necessarily mean that as an insult, it certainly felt like a "quest."

Part of me wants to try the "upgraded" Japanese version to see if it improves the overall feel. It's not like there's much story to follow anyway.

I’m glad I played this, regardless of whether I enjoyed the entirety of it, as it’s a truly incomparable experience.