Review: Final Fantasy Anniversary
As you might remember, I was only recently inducted into the world of Final Fantasy with FF III on the DS. I really enjoyed it and was considering moving on to some of the later titles, but when I heard that Square Enix was remaking the first two games for the PSP (my new love) I figured I'd get back to where it all started.
Upon firing up the game, I was treated to a rather impressive opening cinema in the fine tradition of Square Enix games. Once the game actually I started, I was glad to see that they had retained the original 2D graphics. As much as I liked the 3D engine used in the FF III remake, something about this original game really lends itself to the 2D style and gives it a nice feeling of nostalgia. That said, the new sprites are gorgeous and the PSP is great showcase for the beautiful graphics. I didn't realize actually how gorgeous they were until Toots went into his precious box of memories and pulled out the map that came with the original game. On the back were pictures of all the sprites used in the first game and needless to say, they looked extremely ancient in comparison to the bright shiny new ones. The battle scene backgrounds have likewise been revamped and look nearly photographic in their slickness.
The story, of course, is classic and reminded me a lot of the storyline of FF III. Four adventurers go forth to recover the four sacred crystals and save the world, facing many trials and tribulations along the way. As re-tread as this storyline might be, it still works, especially in the context of the original game. It's amazing that this series has lasted so long, and still manages to keep things fresh based on this most basic of storylines.
While the redux of the game is certainly refreshing, there are still some old school conventions in the game that make me a little crazy, although I chalk some of these minor annoyances more to my personal tastes than a downfall of the game mechanic itself. I've never been the hugest fan of turned based combat, I'm really more of a "get in there and kick some ass" kind of guy, so the constant battle after battle can get a bit repetitive after a while. One dungeon in particular had me in random battle literally every to or three steps across the map (this one I actually do blame on the game mechanic). And speaking of maps, the lack of an overworld map at times left me wandering around wondering where I was supposed to be going.
These minor grievances aside, I'm really enjoying the game and I would definitely recommend it to Final Fantasy newcomers as well as you old timers who are looking for a revamped nostalgia trip. And judging from Toot's reaction to the updated graphics I would say that there will plenty enough there to hold your interest as you enter the world of the original Final Fantasy all over again.
Fruit Brute
Posted to Hot Stuff, Reviews, Video Games on 7 July 2007
· Comments (2)
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Huh... There IS a world map in Final Fantasy I. In the original NES version, you had to keep pushing B and press Select. The brooms in Matoya's Cave told you this in backward. (TCELES B SSERP) And it's been that kind of thing in every FF1-remake I can think of, so try it!
I'm enjoying this game a lot too, but theres something weird about the PSP. I just noticed recently that when I play for more than 30 or so minutes at a time, I have trouble focusing my eyes correctly for about a half an hour after. Does anyone else have this problem? And Yeah, the X+select brings up the map! Thanks!