Available in September 2023 for Nintendo Switch, Baiten Kaitos 1 and 2 HD Remaster collects the first two games in the series – Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean and Baten Kaitos Origins – into one package. The remastered visuals offer more detailed character models, new menu screens and support for 16:9 aspect ratio displays.

Of course, there are also several quality-of-life features, from Auto-Save and a Help menu for providing hints to new gameplay options like turning off encounters and increasing the game speed. You can also start a new playthrough in New Game Plus, carrying over all levels, Magnus and whatnot, or opt for New Game-, which restricts your level and offers a more challenging experience.

The HD Remaster offers higher-resolution visuals, wide-screen support, the option to increase the game and battle speed by 300 percent, and a revamped UI. You can also enable Instant KO to slay foes quickly, enable auto-battle or turn off encounters entirely to focus on the story. There are even some New Game Plus options to dive into.

Both Baten Kaitos titles have an interesting reputation, being generally well-liked by critics when they were released for the Nintendo GameCube but not selling very well. The voice-acting and story have issues, but the soundtrack and gameplay are generally compelling.

In both titles, you don’t play as the protagonist. Instead, you’re a Guardian Spirit who possesses them. Based on the decisions made, your bond with the protagonists will become stronger, conferring more advantages in combat. Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean is about Kalas and Xelha, who embark on a quest to challenge the Alfard Empire.

Baten Kaitos Origins is a prequel that occurs two decades before the first game’s events and focuses on Sagi. Though part of an Alfard Empire elite unit, he’s subsequently framed and embarks on a journey to clear his name.

Along with improved visuals, the HD Remaster has new features like Instant KO to defeat enemies instantly, settings for up to 300 percent game and battle speed, “No Encounters” to prevent encounters and other settings to “support game progression.” Stay tuned for more details on the remaster in the coming weeks.

In addition to improved visuals, there will also be “new features” that will help in progression. Expect further details in the coming months. Rumored back in February, Monolith Soft is developing the remaster while Bandai Namco – who owns the IP – is the co-developer.

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean first launched in 2003 and has players guiding Kalas and friends. Combat relies on cards called Magnus which use the essence of items. Though acclaimed, it received criticism for its story and voice acting. Baten Kaitos Origins is a prequel and fared better in the localization, though it was never released in Europe.