The Baten Kaitos series is one of the most unique RPG experiences ever crafted. Originally released on the Nintendo GameCube in the mid-2000s, Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (2003) and its prequel Baten Kaitos Origins (2006) stood out with a breathtaking art direction, rich lore, and a card-based battle system that combined strategy with real-time decisions.
In 2023, Monolith Soft and Bandai Namco brought these gems back as Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster — updating the visuals, improving quality-of-life features, and making the games accessible to a modern audience while keeping the original spirit intact. These games aren’t just RPGs; they’re story-driven journeys filled with themes of fate, betrayal, and redemption, set in a floating world of islands and winged people.
What makes them special is the player’s role: not just controlling the hero, but acting as a “Guardian Spirit,” directly tied into the narrative itself. Few RPGs break the fourth wall in such a heartfelt way. Coupled with Yasunori Mitsuda’s evocative soundtrack, these games are unforgettable.
Currently, the HD Remaster is only available on select platforms, leaving PC players with no official way to experience these updated versions. A DRM-free release on GOG would preserve both titles for the long-term, allow RPG fans to rediscover them without hardware barriers, and give new generations a chance to explore two of Monolith Soft’s most ambitious creations before they became famous for Xenoblade Chronicles.
Bringing Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster to GOG would honor the legacy of this overlooked duology and ensure it’s never lost again to time.