FINAL FANTASY III
" Classic RPG with strategic job system and remastered charm but occasional tedious grinding "
FINAL FANTASY III Review
FINAL FANTASY III is a classic RPG that builds upon its 8-bit origins with a faithful remaster featuring updated pixel art and quality-of-life improvements. The game introduces a flexible job system allowing players to switch between 22 different classes, enriching combat strategy and party customization. Exploration is fluid with a vast world map and meaningful ship mechanics that enhance progression. The storyline is simple and serves mainly to support gameplay, maintaining a charming atmosphere despite its straightforward narrative. The soundtrack is highly praised, delivering an excellent 8-bit remastered experience that complements the fantasy setting.
While the game is generally accessible with easy to medium difficulty, it offers some challenging moments near the end. Grinding is occasionally necessary, but the remaster's boost options help smooth pacing. Minor annoyances include NPCs blocking paths and some design choices like lava areas lacking damage. Overall, FINAL FANTASY III remains a solid, engaging JRPG that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans, especially those who appreciate classic pixel art and strategic job systems.
Highlights
Players highly praise the innovative job system that allows experimentation and strategic party building.
The remastered pixel graphics and smooth animations receive positive remarks for preserving the game's charm while modernizing visuals.
The story, though simple, effectively supports gameplay and maintains a solid atmosphere with good world design.
The soundtrack is celebrated as one of the best in the early Final Fantasy series, enhancing immersion.
Exploration is enjoyable with a vast open world and meaningful ship mechanics adding depth to progression.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's occasional grind, especially near the endgame, which some find tedious despite boost options.
The job system can feel restrictive at times, forcing players into certain classes for specific challenges rather than allowing full creative freedom.
Minor design flaws such as NPCs blocking narrow paths and the lack of damage when crossing lava detract from immersion.
The storyline is considered simplistic and less engaging compared to other entries in the series.
Some players find the pacing uneven and the difficulty spikes abrupt, requiring careful party management.
Pros
- • Flexible job system offers strategic depth and party customization opportunities.
- • Updated pixel art retains classic charm with smooth animations.
- • Excellent 8-bit remastered soundtrack enhances the overall experience.
- • Vast and fluid world exploration with meaningful ship mechanics.
- • Quality-of-life improvements reduce tedious grinding compared to original.
- • Engaging turn-based combat with a variety of jobs and summons.
- • Accessible difficulty with options to boost experience for smoother pacing.
Cons
- • Grinding can be tedious, especially for 100% completion and late game.
- • Job system sometimes restricts player freedom during specific challenges.
- • NPCs occasionally block narrow paths, causing minor frustration.
- • Simplistic story lacks depth compared to other Final Fantasy titles.
- • Pacing can be uneven with abrupt difficulty spikes.
- • Walking over lava without damage feels immersion-breaking.
- • Some players find the game shorter and less engaging than others.
Rating Criteria
The original FINAL FANTASY III comes to life with completely new graphics and audio! A remodeled 2D take on the third game in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series! Enjoy the timeless story told through charming retro graphics.