It’s somewhat odd to me that I’m doing a review on Squaresoft’s Final Fantasy. After all, the game originally came out in America on the original Nintendo in 1990.
Since its release, no less than nine numbered sequels have been released for the Super Nintendo, the Playstation and PS2-never mind the movie and associated series.
Final Fantasy XI, the series’s MMPORG evolution, is in beta testing. So why am I doing a review on Final Fantasy?
As it turns out, Squaresoft (now Square-Enix) rereleased Final Fantasy along with Final Fantasy II on a disc for the Playstation called Final Fantasy Origins back in April. Both games have been considerably upgraded and augmented from their original eight-bit glory.
Full motion video sequences, a hallmark of the series since installment number seven, have been added. The graphics have been upgraded to Super Nintendo level and the text and story lines have been fleshed out just a bit.
Final Fantasy has received a beautiful makeover while retaining the charm of the original Nintendo cartridge. I’ve played the game on the original-and was engrossed when I did-but the graphical improvements make the game that much easier on the eyes. Also, the more detailed, better-written text makes the plot more tangible and swings some of the gaming emphasis away from leveling and more towards plot development.
Unlike later FF games, Final Fantasy lacks in-depth character development. In fact, the characters are totally generic. The player selects and names four characters from a group of classes: fighter, monk, thief, white mage, black mage and red mage. The quest then begins.
Also, the player gets to choose whether to play “hard mode” or “easy mode.” Both hard and easy modes are very similar to the original in game play. Differences do exist, however. In the original, if a character’s target dies before the character attacks, the attack is ineffective. In the re-release, the attack is automatically re-targeted to a remaining enemy. Also, the Saber-type spells, which increase physical damage, now work. They didn’t in the original game.
Bosses also have doubled hit points.
Hard mode is basically the same as the original, while on easy, characters level more quickly and gain more spells. The difference is significant and easy mode is just that.
Now on to Final Fantasy II.
The full motion video introduction to this game is just great. It gives a real feel to the characters and their plight.
Unlike the first game, FF2 does have characters with backstories and relationships. This adds considerably to the plot. However, don’t expect quite the level of character development seen in the later games.
FF2 employs a leveling system that is unique. Characters level in the areas they use in battle. It’s a pretty cool idea, but it’s quite easy to abuse and can be frustrating if you don’t want to micromanage your party too much as you level. For instance, if you use nothing but physical attacks to level, that’s all you’ll level in.
For the Final Fantasy junky, several FF trademarks were established in FF2. Notably, both Cid and a dragoon are present. Game play wise, I have a slight preference for the original Final Fantasy. The character leveling system is easier to deal with, not as easy to abuse and better suited to the “leveling treadmill”-as my roommate calls it. Final Fantasy II’s leveling system is original and definitely worth a look at. It’s a great concept, but it just doesn’t quite work. From the story standpoint, both are good, but Final Fantasy II is better.
Overall, Final Fantasy Origins is a definite buy for any Final Fantasy fan. The graphics are classic and quite beautiful if you appreciate 16-bit sprites. The improved dialogue and full motion video add a lot to the games as well. If you’re new to the series, or a graphics junkie, I recommend starting later in the series, specifically FF7 or later for those who are just new to the series and FF8 or later for those of you who insist on picture perfect graphics.
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