FINAL FANTASY
" Classic RPG with strategic turn-based combat and nostalgic charm but a frustrating final boss "
FINAL FANTASY Review
FINAL FANTASY is a pioneering RPG originally released in 1987, laying the foundation for the Japanese role-playing game genre. The game features a classic story of four Warriors of Light on a quest to restore corrupted crystals and save the world from darkness. Despite its minimalistic storytelling and simple 8-bit graphics, the game delivers an epic adventure filled with strategic turn-based combat, exploration, and party customization.
The recent Pixel Remaster enhances the experience with quality-of-life improvements like inventory management, map zooming, and faster gameplay options, while preserving the original's charm. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, remains iconic and emotionally resonant. Players appreciate the nostalgic value and historical importance, though some find the difficulty uneven, especially against the final boss, and note the lack of additional postgame content. Overall, FINAL FANTASY is a rewarding journey for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in RPG history.
Highlights
Players praise strategic turn-based combat that feels rewarding and varied with different character classes.
The iconic soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu is universally acclaimed for its memorable melodies and emotional impact.
The Pixel Remaster's quality-of-life improvements such as faster combat, better inventory systems, and map features enhance playability without sacrificing the original experience.
The game's nostalgic pixel art and faithful recreation of the classic 8-bit style are well received.
The storyline, though simple, effectively sets the stage for an epic adventure and invites player imagination.
Criticisms
Many players find the final boss disproportionately difficult due to balancing issues, making the ending frustrating.
The game lacks postgame content or additional challenges after completion, which some consider a missed opportunity.
The graphics are dated, which may deter modern players despite their nostalgic charm.
Some users report that the story is minimalistic and lacks depth compared to later series entries.
Grinding and random encounters can feel tedious or repetitive for some, though boost options help mitigate this.
Pros
- • Classic, strategic turn-based combat offers deep tactical gameplay and varied party customization.
- • Iconic and memorable soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu enhances the emotional and nostalgic experience.
- • Quality-of-life improvements make gameplay smoother without compromising original mechanics.
- • Charming pixel art preserves the nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic with modern enhancements.
- • Exploration and dungeon design provide a rewarding challenge with puzzles and traps.
- • Balanced difficulty with rewarding progression, especially satisfying upon overcoming tough bosses.
- • Inventory and map systems are improved for easier management and navigation.
Cons
- • Final boss is frustratingly overpowered and poorly balanced compared to rest of the game.
- • Lack of postgame content or additional challenges after main story completion.
- • Graphics may feel outdated and simplistic to players used to modern visuals.
- • Minimalistic story and character development may leave some players wanting more depth.
- • Random encounters and grinding can become tedious without boost options enabled.
- • Some quality-of-life features like map zoom are inconsistent across different maps.
- • Limited variety in weapons and equipment for certain classes reduces strategic options.
Rating Criteria
The original FINAL FANTASY comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the first game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.