Final Fantasy
a game by | Square, and Square Enix |
Genre: | Adventure/RPG |
Platforms: | PSP, PC (2021), NES |
Editor Rating: | 8.3/10, based on 4 reviews |
User Rating: | 8.0/10 - 9 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | RPGs, Best Portable Games, Final Fantasy Series, Games Like Octopath Traveler, Games Like Star Wars Galaxies |
We all have to start somewhere on our journey to the top. Arguably, there aren't too many gamers that wouldn't have at least heard of Final Fantasy. Nearly 16 installments later, it's considered one of the most popular RPG franchises to ever grace the planet. There comes a time when the series wants to showcase its roots and present where it all started from.
Final Fantasy is a remodel of the original to give an idea of the first release, likely to have come out before you were born. Much of the gameplay remains the same, but the game gets a fresh coat of paint and a new soundtrack to adapt to the player senses of the modern age. And so, we're given two reasons to play this game - nostalgia or curiosity.
It All Starts Here
When we think of a game released in 1987, you'd imagine a presentation featuring the glory of an 8-bit pixelated color scheme. You may be pleased to know that Final Fantasy had bolstered intentions to adapt to modern platforms while keeping the integral style of gameplay alive. It's almost being delivered as the core interest of a museum exhibit.
Hardcore players may shun the idea that the original does not look like its initial release - but does this Final Fantasy look beautiful. The game that received acclaim for its innovative RPG mechanics and story-telling prowess has received a few extra elements. It brings a whole new level of immersion into the mix. To be frank, it's surprising how well the game holds up, considering its aged mechanics.
This is one of the remodels as a new player you'd consider playing. That being to discover the franchise's roots. Yes, the mechanics and narrative of the series have significantly improved over time. Even now, you can see how it was so revolutionary back in the day. Not many games tended to veer towards such a strategic approach to gameplay paired with an in-depth narrative.
Final Fantasy is arguably one of the most influential games of all time. The elementary battle and exploration mechanics of the original are so widely implemented today, it's uncanny. Even today, its innovations uphold even some of the more refined titles of our time.
The First of the Finals
So is it worth returning to Final Fantasy even though it's not the same 1987 release? Yes, we've seen plenty of rereleases over the past decades. None seem to hit quite like this one, though. The visuals really seem to add an engaging flair to the relatively unhindered gameplay, even though some would argue it detracts from the nostalgia factor.
However, you approach the game - it was the ideal beginnings from the franchise. It took elements of the Dragon Quest series and melded them into their own refined offering, spawning a series that has stood the test of time. So, yes, you should play the game - hardcore Final Fantasy fan or new inductee.
Pros:
- Discover the roots of a beloved franchise
- Original gameplay upholds with revamped visuals The narrative is still intriguing as ever
Cons:
- Some would argue the nostalgia factor disappears with tweaks
- The slower pace of the game may not suit some players
Download Final Fantasy
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
- P-200, 32 MB RAM
Game Reviews
People say:
7Fresh-faced Final Fantasy devotees will surely enjoy this umpteenth remake of the game that launched a million cosplay and fan-fiction atrocities, yet for oldsters like me who foggily recall questing through the original NES version, this latest rerelease feels a tad inessential. Distressingly little effort went into crafting this anniversary package: Square Enix merely cobbled together aspects from the PS1 and GBA remakes, touched up the graphics with high-resolution art, and added one new, ultra-difficult dungeon at game's end. But it's hard to stay mad at this RPG rerun--at least it's an enjoyable romp that remains surprisingly engaging 20 years later. Although purists will decry the seriously rebalanced difficulty (like the GBA version, this is a cakewalk compared to the original), the modernization makes for a far smoother, low-impact turn-based RPG experience that actually invites replay thanks to its party customization. The $30 asking price feels a tad steep, but most FF fans will get their money's worth...the same can't be said of the imminently avoidable FFII PSP rehash due in July.
5Shane must be an easy date. I've been with Final Fantasy since the start, and there's no way I'm putting up with this lame excuse for an anniversary gift. The too-easy GBA Dawn of Souls game gets clumsily animated new graphics and a borrowed soundtrack? That's not a celebration; it's an amateur RPG Maker project. Sure, the underlying game is still pretty decent, but seeing this junky face-lift on PSP screams "waste of potential." I'd rather pretend the upcoming Tactics remake is the real 20-year tribute.
8Jeez, Jeremy...way to ruin our nice anniversary party. Yeah, this is obviously an easy cash-in for Square Enix, but the not-so-epic adventure is one of the best role-playing games currently out for the PSP (which is pretty sad considering how crusty this game is). And since I finally got around to playing this for the first time, I didn't mind the minor gripes these guys are yapping about. But the ridiculous number of random battles did annoy me--this really needed an autoattack button.
- Square / GameBoy
The legend continues with Final Fantasy Saga! Cecil has found himself on another mission to seek and destroy an evil armada attacking Cecil's homeland. He must visit various towns and recruit soldiers to aid him in his mission. Use the gold pieces collected from fallen enemies to power up your party with new swords, armor, and shields. You will journey mostly by land but later on you receive a fighting ship from an old friend. If you own the first two of the series, this third one is definitely worth looking into!
The first of the Final Fantasy games. This game is one of the best NES games there was, even better then Zelda! The story line rules and graphics are great for its time! A MUST DOWNLOAD!