The work of Sacnoth for the NGPC has been mentioned positively in articles on the console, while the Shadow Hearts series retains a cult status and is remembered for its setting and gameplay.

[1] While at Square, Kikuta wanted to direct his own game but, due to the strict hierarchical structure at the company, could not move beyond his role as a composer.

[3][5] Sacnoth developed their first two projects in parallel: Koudelka for the PlayStation, and the Dive Alert duology for the NGPC.

[6] The Dive Alert games were their first releases in Japan and were promoted as part of the portable's early line-up.

[9] Koudelka was born from Kikuta's wish to create a "horror RPG", beginning development of the title following the company's foundation.

[1] His original plan for the gameplay and combat was to combine mechanics from simulation and adventure games, breaking away from RPG trends.

[13][21] Using the setting of Koudelka, Machida created a traditional RPG that blended Lovecraftian horror with alternative history.

[14][24][25] The responsibilities of Nautilus were divided between developing further Shadow Hearts titles and supporting the production of Aruze's pachinko machines.

The game was completed on a very tight schedule and focused on refining the battle system of Covenant instead of adding new elements.

[34] Several of Sacnoth's staff eventually joined Feelplus, which helped develop games like Lost Odyssey and Ninety-Nine Nights II.

[33][35][36] Sacnoth is noted as being one of a group of video game companies—alongside Monolith Soft, Love-de-Lic and Mistwalker—founded by Square staff who had worked on notable titles produced during the 1990s.

[9][39][40] The Shadow Hearts series has also seen a positive reception over time and maintained a cult following, with many noting its gameplay design and combination of alternate history and Lovecraftian horror in its setting.