All of My Collective Final Fantasy Knowledge In This Not So Definitive Guide
Jan 07 '05 (Updated Oct 13 '06)
The Bottom Line You Know Me
Final Fantasy has been a staple in the mind of many a gamer as far as the best RPGs go. So many quality titles have been released under this name that it's hard to pick just one. most people tend to prefer either FFX, FFVI, or FFVII, but not me. I try to remain objective through most of these games, but it's difficult not to be favoritive when it all comes down to it. Final Fantasy is a very quality series, with some of the best plotlines this side of phantasy star, and you'll never fail to be amazed by the recent releases because of the sheer amount of work that has been put into each of the newer games. Since Final Fantasy is easily one of my favorite game series ever, I found it fitting to write a tribute of sorts for the series. As it stands, here is all of the Final Fantasy knowledge contained in the mind of this diehard RPG fanatic.
Before I begin, I'd just like to outline my intentions with this write-up. I came up with the idea for this guide during my first year at epinions, but I just never got around to writing it. Now keep in mind, this isn't the guide to rule all guides (as there are millions of people who are more knowledgeable on Final Fantasy than I), it's merely something that I wanted to write about with which I have a lot of passion. Okay now on to the guide.
One To Be Born... A Flagship Title
---The Nintendo Generation---
From what I understand, Squaresoft wasn't doing so swell as a developer when they were first starting out. After noticing the success of one of the early console RPGs (Dragon Warrior) it seems that Squaresoft decided to copy the formula a bit with a role playing game of their own. This was the birth of Final Fantasy as we know it.
Final Fantasy
Year Released In USA: 1990
Final Fantasy may have enjoyed big success in the Japanese market upon it's inception, but it didn't truly take off in the US until about 1997. I recieved this game when it was fairly new, and I wasted away hours of my life playing away, attempting to beat the seemingly impossible game. I have fond memories of nearly pulling my hair out at the sheer frustration caused by the battle outbreak at nearly every step taken. Sure I was young, but I'm still proud that I made it to the very end boss (even though I couldn't beat it). Luckily for me my NES still works, so I've been able to go back and finish what I started in my younger days.
Final Fantasy was unique in that right from the start you were given the opportunity to choose your party of adventurers. You could assemble a four man team of different mages, fighters, thieves, and more. Each class had obvious advantages over the next, but they didn't really shine until you played through getting promoted in the game. The story revolves around four elemental orbs losing their light, and a legend of the four heroes who save the world and restore each of the orbs. Though the story may sound simple, it reached a fair amount of complexity in the end which made for a pleasant experience.
Although most modern gamers likely will have a hard time digging the original, I still say that it's the best version. If you're really hurting to play though, and don't have an NES than you can still pick up two separate remakes of this game, one in the form of Final Fantasy Origins for the original Playstation, or the dumbed down Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls for the Gameboy Advance. No Final Fantasy fan should go without experiencing this game.
Final Fantasy II
NES version not released in USA
When you've finally struck gold, it's stupid to throw away the discovery. By now Squaresoft knew that they had a market, and thus they released and developed Final Fantasy II for the Japanese market. Sadly, by the time this game was released in Japan it didn't seem necessary to localize for US fans, which is really a shame. Thankfully, Squaresoft found it fit to package a remake of this game in the Final Fantasy Origins game for the original Playstation. With the release of Origins in the US market, we English speaking gamers were finally allowed a chance to experience more old school goodness.
Honestly, this is actually one of my least favorite Final Fantasy games. It introduces character specific storylines to the universe, but it seems that Squaresoft was experimenting a little too much when they came up with the battle system. Unlike the original game, your characters do not gain levels up, instead they gain stats through enemy actions. If your character is hit a lot, than he/she will gain more defense points. If this same character loses a lot of HP, than they will gain extra HP over time after battles. It's a weird system and though it still works, I wasn't particularly fond of this system.
If you own the original Playstation (or a PS2) and enjoy the Final Fantasy series, than chances are that you already own Origins. Though it's just a mere fantasy, I would love to one day play this game in English on my very own NES, that is if I can muster up the tolerance required to play through again.
Final Fantasy III
Never Released Outside of Japan
Squaresoft and Nintendo made a tremendous mistake in my eyes for never releasing this gem of a game in the US. I don't care that it was finished too late in the NES' life span to generate adequate US sales. I want this game released in it's original form here, but I guess I will just have to settle with the remake in development for the illustrious Nintendo DS. Final Fantasy III introduced the job system made so popular by Final Fantasy V. This was the final, Final Fantasy game to be released for the NES.
In Final Fantasy III, you begin the game as four boys who happen to stumble across a cave. At the end of the cave lies fragments of a crystal, which give the characters the abilities to switch classes. They can become mages, fighters and more with these shards. Though the class system isn't quite as well defined as it is in Final Fantasy V, it works quite well. I also notice that the story doesn't seem as polished as that of Final Fantasy II (which may just be due to the character specificity of II), but this is still what classic Final Fantasy is all about.
This is actually the Final Fantasy title that I know the least about due to the fact that I don't know a lick of Japanese. The version I have played was an unprofessionally translated one, and so I'm really just stoked about the prospect of playing the Nintendo DS version (assuming that it does get localized, and I'm betting it does). This is the only Final Fantasy game that has not yet seen an official US release in some shape or form, and so after this one is remade my day will be well made.
Introducing... SUPER Final Fantasy
---The Super Nintendo Generation---
I doubt anyone was second guessing the fact that Final Fantasy would continue on to Nintendo's second console, the 16-bit powerhouse known as the Super Nintendo. This is, in my opinion, Squaresoft's greatest hour as a game developer. This is also the era of RPGs which has made me a lifetime fan of the genre.
Final Fantasy IV
Year Released In USA: 1991
This game (dubbed as Final Fantasy II in the US) is without a doubt my favorite RPG of all time. It was one of my earliest experiences with this genre, and still manages to catch me off guard with it's deep and legendary storyline, fun gameplay, and gorgeous soundtrack. The move from the NES to the SNES worked out well for Square's development teams, but they seemed a little fond of bright happy graphics back then. No bother, you'll be hard pressed to find an RPG storyline that can bring out such emotion as this game.
Square actually invented the ATB system which takes away the endless amount of time given to select commands. This means that the enemies will attack your party while you fumble through menus to select commands. The storyline centers around a young dark knight named Cecil, who, under the command of the most powerful nation's air fleet The Red Wings, is charged with disloyalty after questioning his King's evil plans. From here, the storyline focuses on Cecil's atonement for his past as he gives up the dark life and becomes the holy Paladin in an effort to save the Earth and it's life force, the crystals from the evil forces. It is really more complex than it sounds, and Final Fantasy IV is one of the first times that a game ever made my eyes swell up because of it's storyline.
This is yet another of the older Final Fantasy games that has seen a re-release on the Sony Playstation, but it actually works out quite well. Nintendo forced Squaresoft to dumb down quite a bit of the storyline elements, and difficulty found in the untouched Japanese version of the game, and so with the release of Final Fantasy Chronicles, fans are given a chance to play a more mature, more difficult version of Final Fantasy IV. You really can't go wrong with either version of this game to be honest, the only harm that can be done is by NOT playing through this terrific RPG.
Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest
Year Released In USA: 1992
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest is one of the more infamous releases in this series. It seems that the American division of Squaresoft was getting antsy, and so they decided to make a Final Fantasy game of their own. FF Mystic Quest is the result of this, and it's also one of my earliest memorances of the role playing genre. Though this title is often (too often) overlooked, I still consider it to be a solid game and I personally love it. I've actually recently gone back and completed it just to see if it was still fun. This title has aged very well.
Mystic Quest is quite different from the other titles in the series. For starters, you can only carry two characters in your party at once, and you travel across the world via a point and click style of travel. This game also gives you the option of allowing your second party member to be controlled by the computer, which was fairly nice in all actuality. Gameplay seems to be a step backwards from FFIV, as combat is strictly turn based and the storyline wasn't nearly as epic. Still, if you're looking for a classic and really like the old Dragon Warrior games, than you will probably like Mystic Quest. This black sheep definitely deserves to NOT be overlooked for a change.
Final Fantasy V
Not Released For SNES Outside of Japan
I remember when I first learned that Final Fantasy VII wasn't actually the fourth installment of the series, as Nintendo of America would have liked us to think. I researched the Final Fantasy games that were never released here, and the one that looked the most intriguing to me was always Final Fantasy V. This may be because of the simple fact that it looks very much like my favorite game of all time, Final Fantasy IV, but there are even more reasons. I was intrigued by the thought of the job system, and the game just looked like it had that old Squaresoft "magic". This is why I was one of the first people to jump all over the Final Fantasy Anthology package containing this game, and FFVI.
Final Fantasy III for the NES may have created the job system, but FFV mastered it. The game centers around a party of four adventurers as they discover the secrets of the crystals when they come to find them being destroyed into shards. These shards give each of them the power to adopt specific classes. This game features tons and tons of classes, with many different skills for a lot of diversity and strategy inside of battles. The graphics are extremely reminiscent of FFIV which is a good thing, and it still carries the overall colorful look of the previous title.
If you're a hardcore fan of Final Fantasy, than chances are you've probably played through this one more than once. Final Fantasy V has nearly everything you could ever desire in an RPG, different worlds, a large area to explore, an engaging storyline, fun combat system, and diverse class system. Final Fantasy V is my second favorite SNES Final Fantasy game, and easily one of the all time best RPGs ever created.
Final Fantasy VI
Year Released In USA: 1994
One of my first major gaming purchases came on my birthday. I saved for months and months so that I could get the latest Final Fantasy game, this was back when I was in the fourth grade and so one game costed A LOT of money. It was one of my best memories, stepping out of the store with Final Fantasy VI (it was dubbed as Final Fantasy III for it's North American release). I definitely knew this game was special (at about $70, it better be!), but little did I know that it would be the last Final Fantasy game to grace my wonderful SNES.
The transition from FFV to FFVI is a very large one by looks. FFVI has a much more "mature" look and feel to it, as it's not nearly so colorful and it seems that Squaresoft strived to enhance the storyline with more mature themes than ever before. FFVI first begins with you assuming the role of a young green haired girl named Terra, who, after being mind controlled to hunt down an ancient power, regains control over herself and joins a rebel cause against the very empire that controlled her mind. This game introduces the most playable characters ever in a Final Fantasy game, with each one having some diverse skill in combat along with the ability to use magic. Boy did this game ever give me sleepless nights.
FFVI was also released in the Final Fantasy Anthology package, and if you can get past the weird load times than you have no excuse to NOT play this title. FFVI is a huge milestone in Squaresoft's history, and it's necessary to play to better understand the transition Squaresoft made to the world of 32-bit gaming. This is also a milestone because it is currently the last new game in the official line of Final Fantasy games to be released on a Nintendo console.
All Your Final Fantasy Are Belong To Sony
---The Playstation Generation---
Needless to say, Nintendo made some bad choices with their Nintendo 64 console (cartridge format, bad hardware design, high development costs) that steered developers away from the big N. Sony was right there to snatch all of them right up, which led Squaresoft to pledge exclusive support for Sony's Playstation console. This was a good generation for RPGs, but pales in comparison to what once was.
Final Fantasy VII
Year Released In USA: 1997
There was one name that led RPGs into the mainstream, and this was Final Fantasy VII. Never had I seen such a sheer amount of advertisements for just one game, and nowadays you will be very hard pressed to find someone who hasn't played the seventh entry in this series. Sure, some hated it, but for me it was all about showcasing the evolution of the series, and part VII comes in second place on my list of favorite Final Fantasy games, and even just RPGs in general. One of it's big claims to fame was the fact that the story spanned across three separate discs, and had hours of FMV cinemas.
I especially liked the storyline that accompanied Final Fantasy VII. Basically you assume the role of a young mercenary for hire named Cloud, as he sides with an organization bent on the destruction of Cloud's former employer, Shinra. After a couple of twists and turns in the storyline Cloud's goal becomes to save the world from an evil mentor from his past. FFVII was one of the first times that I actually slumped into a depression solely because of certain events in the game. It had a lot of power over me back in the day, but now I look back on FFVII with only fond memories.
This really was one of the defining moments for me when it comes to RPGs. I already owned an N64 I was perfectly happy with, and had FFVII not come to the Playstation than it's very likely that I would have never bought the console. This game is the only reason that the Playstation is on a near even standing with the N64 in my eyes. This game is really one of the big reasons that the Sega Saturn died such a premature death.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Year Released In USA: 1998
It seems that just as the name Final Fantasy was truly taking off in the US, Squaresoft was right there to offer up another name in the line of games. This was in a different style though, with Final Fantasy Tactics coming in as a strategy game. It seems that by now gamers couldn't get enough of the newly mainstream series, and so most seemed to jump all over it. Personally I thought this game drug the Final Fantasy name down a couple of notches, as I'm really not a fan of it. To this day, I have a hard time even considering going back and playing through this title.
Final Fantasy Tactics is the epitomy of turn based strategy games, giving players the opportunity to construct their party. Each character moves across a 3-D board plain, and basically you travel from battle to battle. As far as strategy games go, I've always preferred Tactics Ogre to FF Tactics, but maybe it's just me. This was the second FF game to grace the once mighty Playstation, and it seems to be enjoyed by most people. I however, cannot give a personal recommendation for it. This game does however, score a few cool points for including Cloud and Aeris in it.
Final Fantasy VIII
Year Released In USA: 1999
With the grande success that was FFVII, it was obvious that yet another sequel would follow. It was difficult to determine what kind of game Final Fantasy VIII would turn out to be, and early screenshots didn't help very much in determining this. What I noticed early on was that FFVIII looked a whole lot more realistic, gone were the days of curved boxes for hands. Also, the game just had an overall more "serious" look to it. It seemed that it would be difficult to fudge a game made by those who made FFVII, but Squaresoft came dangerously close to disaster.
So what then, did Squaresoft tweak? Well the magic system was seriously messed with, implementing an extremely weak and annoying "draw system" which requires you to draw spell casts from enemies. The number of these that you draw is the number of times that you can cast the spell, which sometimes requires memorization of which monsters carry what. Also noteworthy is the guardian force system, which seems to take the front position as far as combat goes. The game almost forces you to come dependant on the guardian force summons to survive, which is definitely lame. The game did however, have a cool storyline, great graphics, and some awesome audio. Gameplay wasn't THAT bad, but it forces me to score this game in as average.
Overall I would say that this is the third worst Final Fantasy game in the numbered series. It's still a fun play, but some of the annoying aspects (draw system, guardian forces, the character Squall) are overlooked given time. Even though I didn't enjoy this game much at all in the beginning, it eventually grew on me enough that I still play it to this day every great once in a while.
Final Fantasy Anthology
Year Released In USA: 1999
This was the first compilation of Squaresoft's Final Fantasy games, and this set includes the likes of Final Fantasy V, and Final Fantasy VI. FFV is ported nearly perfectly, but with added cinematics and what not. Keep in mind, this is the first and only release that FFV has seen outside of Japan, so if you want to play the game than this may be your only opportunity for quite some time. FFVI however, got the brunt of the bad port syndrom. Not only are there loading times in places there really shouldn't be, but it's just a choppy experience, even with the added cinematics I still rather play the SNES game.
Final Fantasy IX
Year Released In USA: 2000
After some mass complaints about Final Fantasy VIII being too realistically serious, Squaresoft set back to work to release one of their greatest yet. They found that by mixing all the old Final Fantasy recurrances (moogles, chocobos, cid, airship etc.) that they could bring back some of the classic goodness from their past. What I think is that this is the winning combination of gameplay and storyline, along with some excellent graphics and sound. It doesn't often get better than this, and I really wish that Squaresoft would learn a little more from this game.
One of the things that instantly grabbed my attention was the fact that Final Fantasy IX allows your group to carry four characters at the same time. This is unlike their last two releases, which only allowed for a very limiting three. Also to note, Squaresoft did away with the whole "futuristic punk" deal that they had going on with the last two main characters of their Final Fantasy titles. What I also particularly liked was the fact that this entry in the series isn't overly futuristic like the past two games. This feels as close to classic Final Fantasy as you can get, without actually playing the older titles in the series.
This title seems to have been overlooked, possibly due to the looming release of the Playstation 2. This game is near the top of my collection as being one of the best the series has to offer. Sadly enough, I'm beginning to think that this may be the last outstanding game this series will ever have to offer after looking at the latest batch of Final Fantasy XII screenshots. Squaresoft should have learned more from FFIX.
Final Fantasy Chronicles
Year Released In USA: 2001
This is quite possibly the greatest release Squaresoft has ever made. Featuring ports of FFIV and Chrono Trigger, there's a whole lot to love in this package. What's more is that Squaresoft even went back and translated the Japanese version of FFIV instead of simply re-releasing the original SNES version. What this means is that the translation job is much better in this release, than in the SNES one. The only real problem with FFIV in this package is the fact that some of the sound effects are slightly muffled, but it's not a real big problem. Next up is Chrono Trigger. The newly added CG cinemas nearly make up for the horrendous load times, but not much else has changed.
Final Fantasy Origins
Year Released In USA: 2003
This is the final compilation released for the Playstation. This game features remakes of the original Final Fantasy, and Final Fantasy II. Though I much prefer the NES versions, the new graphics are fairly eye pleasing, and there are no huge problems with this package. I especially liked all of the remade music implemented into each of these games, and they offer an easy mode for novices. Keep in mind, this package is currently the only official North American release of Final Fantasy II.
I Live In My World, But Play In Their's...
---The Playstation 2 Generation---
Through the transition from last to the current generation of games, Squaresoft has remained with Sony. It was known long before announced that Squaresoft's milestone, Final Fantasy X would be released for Sony's capable machine. How have they faired thus far?
Final Fantasy X
Year Released In USA: 2001
When I saw the first screenshots of Final Fantasy X I was awe-struck. I was amazed at how wonderful the new look had apparently affected the series. Not only this, but Final Fantasy had never looked so beautiful before as it did on the Playstation 2. I was very interested in this title, and it was one of the first that I picked up for my not so humble PS2. Let's just say, I'm lucky I picked up other titles along with this, for if I had only Final Fantasy X, I probably would have sold my PS2 right away. Yes, I was that disappointed.
Okay so let's take everything I liked about the Final Fantasy series, and see how it applies to Final Fantasy X. Traversing a world map has always been one of my favorite points, but this was annexed in favor of a spoon-feeding map menu thing. Also, I really enjoyed the experience system from all the past Final Fantasy games (save for FFII). This was also done away with in favor of an overly complex "open" stat increasing system known as the sphere grid. This crazy little gimmick allows you to place spheres in adjoining slots to gain stats, and to travel around the grid. In one word, I found this to be lame. When it comes to the past Final Fantasy games, I also loved choosing my own team based on which characters I liked. FFX forces you to use specific characters to tackle certain enemies, but the catch is that this forces you to change characters right in the midst of battle (which by the way, doesn't even cost you a turn to do) which really makes it feel like the game is spoon-feeding you once again. Why, oh why would you change so much of the good to bad Squaresoft?
Don't get me wrong, though this is in my opinion, the worst Final Fantasy game ever it does have some redeeming qualities. First off, the graphics are gorgeous. The characters exist in highly detailed environments, which really range in atmosphere. Also, the music this game features is incredible, and is even in my top 3 as far as gaming soundtracks go. Thirdly, this was the first Final Fantasy game to feature full voice acting, which really made the game feel more cinematic. I just wish you played the game a little more than you watched it. Also redeeming was the game's storyline, which is the most polished I've seen yet in the Final Fantasy series.
Final Fantasy X-2
Year Released In USA: 2003
It came as a very big surprise to gamers that Squaresoft would be producing a sequel to the non-continuational Final Fantasy series. Which game would this be? The game in question turned out to be Final Fantasy X (which by the way was one of the most closed storylines, so it seemed odd). Now given my hate relationship with FFX, I really didn't think I would be picking up it's sequel anytime soon. After watching commercials and videos for the game though, I figured I'd give the world of Spira one more chance (a job system, and classic levelling didn't hurt my decision either.) It turns out that I enjoyed Final Fantasy X-2 worlds better than the original.
Okay so the main beefs I had with Final Fantasy X were the battle and levelling systems, paired with the absence of a world map that could be traversed. Well luckily, Squaresoft replaced the shoddy sphere grid system with a much more classic and established one from the past Final Fantasy games. As well, they included only three playable characters in the game so the reptition of constantly switching was over with. Sadly, no world map was instated, but it's understandable because it's predecessor also did not feature one so things would have been a little strange if Square had gone the other way with this one.
Final Fantasy X-2 actually managed to make me play through FFX again after completing it. This was something I didn't think was possible. I'm very pleased with the dress sphere system incorporated into gameplay, as it is really charming in a classic job system wannabe sorta way. If you want to play this game though, I recommend playing through Final Fantasy X first, because you'll most likely be lost in the storyline without the prior knowledge of the world of Spira.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Year Released In USA: 2004
Okay keep in mind that this game is for the Nintendo Gamecube, I didn't feel like adding a whole other section in so I'll just place it here. It was a little unexpected when Square-Enix announced that one of their divisions was in development of a Gamecube title. This was likely just leverage to allow for GBA development, but nobody really seemed to care. What I found a little disappointing was finding out that this game would not contain hours of cinematics, nor a lush storyline with an intricate combat system. No sir, this game is a "side" game in the series, though it surprisingly deserves to be treated as more than what it is. I was pleasantly surprised with just how fun a side game could be when I first recieved this title.
For starters, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is an action RPG. This means that instead of turn based combat, gameplay is played out in a more hack 'n slash manner. This game's real claim to fame was in the fact that it was one of the few Gamecube titles to truly take advantage of the Gameboy Advance to Gamecube link-up option, though it's a requirement for multiplayer. What this title retains from the Final Fantasy name is all in it's style, the polished graphics and quality audio really give off the Final Fantasy feeling. If you own a Gamecube, and have friends that own GBAs, than you're all set for this unexpected fun side game.
Final Fantasy XI
Year Released In USA: 2004
Square-Enix really thought they were on to something with the idea of online gaming, and instead of testing the waters first with a less hyped franchise, they decided to put their Final Fantasy where their mouth is. This is how Final Fantasy XI came to be, as their big online RPG effort. Personally, I would have much preferred a more traditional Final Fantasy game, as I'm not a big fan of Online gaming anymore (Microsoft is really burning me out on it on their Xbox console). What I do like though, is just how deep this game really is. It may not be traditional or even as great as a lot of other big online RPGs, but it's still fun in it's own right.
What was especially cool was the fact that this game comes packaged in with the PS2 harddrive, though it's a little lame that Square-Enix charges such fees to play online. The character classes are cool, and most of the sites in the game's world are quite pleasing to the eye. Even though I have had many a good experience with this title, it got old really quickly for me, as such I've cancelled my account recently. I think Square-Enix should give up on the world of online for a while, and stick to what they know. An expansion has been released for this title I believe, but I have yet to try it out.
Saving The World On The Go
---Portable Final Fantasy---
Squaresoft has long been involved with portable gaming, and they just recently begun getting their groove on in the realm of the Gameboy Advance. If you're looking for the best Final Fantasy games than you should actually stick with the console versions, but if you're desperate and want to play them on the go, then give these versions a chance.
Final Fantasy Legend
Year Released In USA: 1990
For: Gameboy/Gameboy Color
Squaresoft actually released the Final Fantasy Legend series under the Saga Frontier name in Japan, but knew that a name change would surely help US sales. Honestly, this is not a very fun RPG, and a pretty boring game overall (just like the Saga Frontier games for Playstation). This is easily the worst of the portable Final Fantasy games that have been released on the Gameboy, and so you really shouldn't feel too bad if you simply overlook this one.
Final Fantasy Adventure
Year Released In USA: 1991
For: Gameboy/Gameboy Color
This is yet another game which underwent a name change so that it would already have an established name when released in the USA. Originally, Final Fantasy Adventure was released as "Seiken Denetsu" in Japan (Secret of Mana for SNES is a sequel to this game). This is easily my second favorite of Squaresoft's Gameboy games. It plays out as an action RPG much like it's sequel. If you're a fan of The Secret of Mana, than it's likely you'll enjoy this title. Just don't go into it expecting typical Final Fantasy fare.
Final Fantasy Legend III
Year Released In USA: 1991
For: Gameboy/Gameboy Color
This is without a doubt, my favorite incarnation of a portable Final Fantasy game. With a sensational plot, cool "job" system, and fun gameplay I'm still hooked on this title. One of the things you may notice is that the gameplay in this game revolves around time travel, but this game incorporates this better than you'd expect. If you really want the best of the bunch in the Final Fantasy Legend series, than I'd suggest ending your search with part 3.
Final Fantasy
Not Released In US
For: Wonderswan Color
I haven't actually had a chance to play this title (as I don't own a Wonderswan color handheld) and so the information I have on it is limited. From the looks of things, this is the core version which was ported in Final Fantasy Origins. I will admit, this game looks awfully pretty from the screens I've seen. Even if you can read and speak Japanese you'd still most likely be better off picking up the GBA game Final Fantasy I & II Dawn of Souls rather than this title.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Year Released In USA: 2003
For: Gameboy Advance
I was never a big fan of the first one, and so I wasn't too excited when Square-Enix announced this title. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a much more colorful game than the original, and though it still has the same system at core, this game is a completely new story. Combat is still performed in turn based fashion, with movement across a 3-D grid. If you were a fan of the original title on the Playstation, than you probably already own or have played this one. If not, then what are you waiting for?
Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls
Year Released In USA: 2004
For: Gameboy Advance
The recently released compilation of the first two games in the series, Final Fantasy Dawn of Souls is quite the package. Though the graphics are very reminiscent of the Final Fantasy Origins package, the difficulty feels like it has been really dumbed down in Final Fantasy, but Final Fantasy II has retained most of it's greatness. I've also noticed a few new items here and there playing through Final Fantasy, so that is a definite plus. Though it seems to have been made more with the modern gamers in mind, this compilation is a good deal.
A Cinematical Fantasy...?
---Final Fantasy On Your DVD Player---
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Squaresoft likely was expecting their completely CG Final Fantasy movie to perform better in the US, but did it really deserve blockbuster status? In my opinion, no. Ever since the release of Final Fantasy VII, I always felt deep down that Squaresoft wasn't doing such a good thing by including so many cinemas in the FF series. Sometimes it's a bit annoying when you feel like you're "watching" the game, instead of playing it. Apparently Squaresoft thought they could cut out the gameplay aspect, and just make a movie. Final Fantasy The Spirits Within could have been great, but it falls short in some indescribable way. I guess it just wasn't "Final Fantasy" enough for me.
Final Fantasy Unlimited
Again, I feel like Squaresoft has made a mistake. When they decided to use the license to create an anime series (I heard that there was another series early on, but I have never seen it) they had two choices. Either they could try something too ambitious that it would be annoying, or they could make it really seep through and through of Final Fantasy charm by mirroring their games a little. Final Fantasy Unlimited is a terribly boring anime series with very little plot substance and forgettable characters. The only cool aspect of it was to watch which summons would be used in the various episodes, but even this gets boring over time. Sure it looks pretty, but Final Fantasy Unlimited proves that looks are meaningless when the rest is bad.
Upcoming Fantatractions
---Upcoming Final Fantasy Releases---
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
Type: Movie
Release: 2005
Though a sequel to Final Fantasy VII has been long expected, fans everywhere were stunned that the first incarnation would come in the form of a CG movie. This movie looks absolutely beautiful and fantastic. From the screenshots the movie looks to feature many of the familiar characters from Final Fantasy VII, and the storyline takes place a few years after the game. This is easily one of my most anticipated movies.
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
Type: PSP Game
Release: 2006
Final Fantasy VII is getting the sequel treatment in a big way. As the only announced PSP title from Square-Enix, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core looks to be a big action game. Not much is known about this title, so I'll update once more information is released.
Final Fantasy VII: Dirge Of Cerebrus
Type: PS2 Game
Might Not Release Outside of Japan
I'm not so sure this game will even be released in the US, but no matter. Another game in the line of Final Fantasy VII releases, Final Fantasy VII Dirge of Cerebrus is another action title, but this game will star one of the secret characters from FFVII; Vincent. I am getting a little worrisome over what Square-Enix is doing to the FFVII name, so hopefully this is a quality title.
Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis
Type: Cell Phone Game
Won't Release Outside of Japan
Okay so this is a little weird, but Square-Enix is developing a cell phone game that plays as a prequel to FFVII. The game supposedly centers around how the Turks came into power, and that's about all I know. The game has some pretty decent graphics, but don't hold your breath for this game seeing a release anywhere outside of Japan, due to the specialty phone required to run it.
Final Fantasy III
Type: Nintendo DS Game
Release: Unknown
Square-Enix is supporting the Nintendo DS in a big way, with a remake of the only game in the main line that hasn't seen a North American release. This game supposedly will make good use of the touch screen to function with the crystals job system, and the two screens are also predicted to be used in a unique way (exploration done on the bottom screen, battles waged on the top). I can't wait to see some screenshots for this game.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
Type: Nintendo DS Game
Release: Unknown
Along with their other host of titles in development for the Nintendo DS, Square-Enix is working on the second Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game, but this one is for the Nintendo DS. Expect this title to make specific use of the wi-fi capabilities of the Nintendo DS. No details have been released, so watch for news on this title.
Final Fantasy XII
Type: Playstation 2 Game
Release: 2005
After venturing into the world of online, Final Fantasy XII is returning to a more traditional system. What's unique about this title is the different combat style incorporated into it, which allows for free roaming once battles begin. I'm not really digging the art style too well, and I'm not so keen on how the combat system looks, but maybe Square-Enix will repair the image I have of them with the release of this title. Who knows?
Well that is the end of my guide. I am not the most knowledgeable on the Final Fantasy series, but I've been playing the games long enough to pick up a thing or two. I hope this guide helps to better understand the evolution of Final Fantasy.
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