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By: Steve
Carlin |
| Developer: |
Squaresoft |
| Publisher: |
Square
EA |
| Genre: |
RPG |
| Est.
Release: |
April
8, 2003 |
| Posted: |
2-25-03 |
Fifteen
years it’s been since dangerously near bankrupt Squaresoft
released Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment
System. Little did anyone realize how much this title would
revolutionize the gaming industry, evolving into one of the
most popular series ever and placing Square among the top dogs
of developers. Unfortunately for many of us (myself included),
we were too young to experience this groundbreaking title when
it was originally released. Following the trend of its Chronicles
and Anthology releases, Square is releasing updated
versions of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II in
a single package called Final Fantasy Origins so that
we can all live (or relive) the experience. This is great news
for all fans of the series, especially since Final Fantasy
II was never released on our side of the Pacific.
However,
Square didn’t just port the classics without any sort of
enhancements. Both games have been given a full graphical
upgrade, making them look comparable to the Super Nintendo Fantasies.
Each title now has a CG cinema introduction and remixed
tracks (with a few new ones too). Also, an art gallery filled
with drawings by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano
has been included. Finally, an easy mode has been added to Final
Fantasy I and other minor improvements (such as dialogue)
have been made to both games.
Although
it’s the one that started it all, Final Fantasy is
quite primitive when compared to its own sequels. You create a
party of four, picking out of six classes, but they aren’t
really actual characters. They don’t talk, relate to each
other, or add anything to the story at all—they’re just
there to beat some ass at your command. Speaking of storyline,
FFI’s is pretty basic: an evil monster has taken over
the world, so it’s up to you to destroy him. Extremely
simplistic by today’s standards, but quite revolutionary
during it's time. Don’t worry though: all of the core
elements of the series are found here. You’ll still be
caught in difficult turn-based battles, exploring massive
dungeons, and flying around in an airship.
Final
Fantasy II is
where the series really started to see some innovation. The
game starts out with three central characters (Frionel, Guy,
and Maria) attempting to rescue their friend from a wicked
empire. As you continue on your quest, numerous characters
will take the spot of the fourth position. It also has more
complex dungeons and the first appearance of Chocobos. The
experience system is definitely one of the most unique and
interesting seen in any RPG (you’re rewarded for your
actions, so if you cast a lot of spells you’ll gain MP, gain
HP for getting hurt a lot, etc.)
If you’re
a fan of the series, this is definitely a title to look into.
Heck, if you’re a fan of RPGs in general then check this
out. Both of these games were landmarks and should not be
missed; and it would be wonderful to see how much RPGs have
evolved since then. Now all we need is for Square to port over
Final Fantasy III and we’ll finally have the entire
series.
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