Dreamcast · RPG

Grandia II

グランディア II

Japan: August 3, 2000 · Dev: Game Arts · Music: Noriyuki Iwadare

About this game

Released in 2000, Grandia II refined the series' beloved battle system — already celebrated in the original Saturn and PlayStation Grandia — into one of the finest combat engines of its generation. The IP gauge system, which allowed players to cancel enemy actions with timed attacks, rewarded tactical thinking and made even routine encounters feel alive. Protagonist Ryudo's cynical, morally complex arc played against the optimism that defined the first Grandia, and Noriyuki Iwadare's score matched both its predecessor's warmth and its darker register.

Key Features

IP gauge system allowing action cancellation and combo extensions through timed attacks, magic-learning system tied to spell books that can be transferred between characters, a story exploring the nature of gods, corruption, and moral ambiguity, and Noriyuki Iwadare's sweeping orchestral score.

The Story Behind

Grandia II appeared during the Dreamcast's brief commercial window and was one of the console's most acclaimed RPGs. When the Dreamcast was discontinued, publisher Ubisoft released a PlayStation 2 version in 2002, and the game later reached PC. Game Arts, the developer, had built the Grandia series specifically to compete with Square and Enix's JRPG dominance — and with Grandia II, briefly succeeded.

Tricks & Tales

The Grandia II battle system's IP cancellation mechanic was specifically designed to give players an active role in even the most one-sided battles. Noriyuki Iwadare returned from the original Grandia and composed music that deliberately contrasts with the lighter tone of the first game — reflecting Ryudo's more cynical worldview. A PC remaster was released in 2019 as part of the Grandia HD Collection.

Collector's Guide

Rarity uncommon
Japan Release August 3, 2000

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Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.

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