Where a fantasy that wasn’t so final began.
Images, characters, and names owned by Square Enix, and all right holders associated.
Let’s get this right out of the way: videogames have come a long distance since the NES and SNES days. Final Fantasy is a legendary roleplaying series that got its start with sprites and bit tone music, but is now a highly cinematic and fast-paced experience in modern releases. The classics that began the life of the franchise that has spawned spin-offs and fortunes in sales, however, have aged rather well: there’s just something magical about diving into a world of blocky characters and worlds that could be replicated on a paint program.
Overall, the original games are probably skippable if you do not plan on playing the entire series. Many modern gamers cannot get beyond the old-school graphics and sound, and given today’s current high-definition world, it is hard to blame them. Games today, especially the Final Fantasy series, has become highly cinematic, with voice-overs from famous actors, to orchestral soundtracks.
Yeah, that’s a long way from the chip-tune days.
Revisiting how one of the greatest roleplaying franchises began, however, is a real treat for those wanting to experience a piece of gaming history…even while they get their asses handed to them while along the way.
I played each of the old games on various versions, as there are countless versions of each. Some might scoff at the idea of not playing the original NES versions, however, all my research highlights how well these ports stay true to their originals.
If you decide to play these games for yourself, many versions of them are still available, the newest being the Pixel Remasters.
Final Fantasy
Version: Final Fantasy Origins, PS1
The one that started it all, and the fantasy that very much was supposed to be final. Little did the creators know that this quest of four heroes trying to reclaim the crystals, and vanquish Chaos, would become the spawning franchise that it is today. The game itself is deep and ahead of its time, providing a challenge that would test many modern gamers, myself included.
This is the game where the famous Job system began, allowing the player to select a different class for each of the four characters. This created endless options and combinations, and provides a deeper combat system than many give it credit for. Mind you, the combat is still very basic, and a good healer and a couple of tanks will carry you far - its age definitely shows as much as its longevity. There are much stronger games in the series that have done its concepts better.
If you can get over the basic graphics and gameplay, Final Fantasy provides a challenge that feels like a badge of honor whenever it is completed, although, it may be too daunting of a challenge for beginners (or today’s gamers that get maps for every mission). While I DID play the original NES version briefly as a kid, the Playstation version runs well if you are able to obtain a copy of it. If you are intrigued by gaming history, It is well worth the play just to revisit one of roleplaying’s most legendary franchises’ origins.
7.5/10
POSITIVES:
Ahead of its time for how deep it was.
Where the famous Job system began.
A fun and nostalgic challenge that holds up to this day.
NEGATIVES:
Not everyone can get beyond the old-school graphics.
Not necessary to experience the best the franchise has to offer.
Too hard for beginners.
6.5/10
POSITIVES:
Has a true plot, narrative, and cast of characters.
Dared to be different.
Great ideas that had scope and vision.
NEGATIVES:
Ideas not well implemented enough to be widely accepted.
Plot is predictable, and too familiar.
Progression system has no explanation, likely leaving gamers of all experience ranges lost.
Final Fantasy II
Version: Final Fantasy Origins, PS1
Ah, yes - the divisive sibling of the series. While the first game was a straight forward romp that featured nameless characters, Final Fantasy II introduced the series’ first true narrative with an actual cast. Not only that, the side characters you found along the way complimented each dungeon and chapter within the story, making for a tense climax and satisfying conclusion that would be familiar to many.
The story, however, was not what divided fans - it was the character progression that left players baffled. It is easy to see why: levelling up depends on how much you use a weapon/skill, and your characters’ stats increase based on those uses. None of this is straightforward and explained, which surely left players who expected a similar system to the first game frustrated and lost.
I guess being spoiled with hindsight, and all the modern games that have improved this very formula, have left me more appreciative of its qualities. While it was certainly different, I had my characters maxed out well before the end of the game, and breezed through the final chapters and boss. I found myself enjoying the grind, and I could see what the developers were trying to accomplish at the time - they did not yet have the benefit of the feedback they likely required.
While far from the typical roleplaying game, Final Fantasy II dared to be different, and got a lot of ideas right - even if they were later perfected elsewhere.
Final Fantasy III
Version: Final Fantasy III, Nintendo DS
If Final Fantasy II is the divisive sibling, III is the younger brother who looked at what his older brother did, and learned what not to do. In fact, Final Fantasy III borrows heavily from the first game with the return of the Job system…except here, it is far more robust. Not only is the Job system evolved and polished, but the story and world exploration is excellent - the vehicle portions, and the way they make the game progress, is a forgotten touch that many modern games have forgotten.
It is worth noting that I played the Nintendo DS version, which is a 3D (albeit, slight) remaster of the original. However, like the Playstation versions of previous games, the DS version does the original fine justice, retaining much of the challenge and layout of the original NES title. The graphics are more on par with the later Playstation titles, such as VII, VIII, and IX. The vehicle portions, especially, felt like I was playing one of those games.
Not only does the Job system make a great comeback, but the series evolves and introduces some very familiar mainstays in this title. That being said, the main game can be very easy whenever you get a few levels ahead, only to be thrown a drastic curveball whenever you reach the endgame: it is damn hard, and requires patience, and sometimes, extreme perseverance.
While skippable, as the other first two games in the series are, Final Fantasy III offers a ton of fun and value, especially if you want to see how some of the earlier Final Fantasy jobs worked. It makes for a fascinating history lesson, and one learns quickly why it was one of the early favorite’s for fans of Final Fantasy.
8.0/10
POSITIVES:
Polished and deep Job system.
Vehicle exploration is fantastic and fun.
Began many of the series’ mainstays.
NEGATIVES:
Main game is far too easy, endgame is far too hard.
While polished, the Job system still has a lot of dead weight within it.
Lack of intricate plot like number II.