I can't believe I did not have a review of this up on the site seeing as how this is one of my favorite games out there. The game is a classic and should be experienced by all rpg, and more importantly, all FF series fans. However I really should not have to write a review for the game, after all if you fall into one of the above categories, then you most likely have already played and enjoyed this game to the fullest extent(like me) and can pretty much memorize what twists and turns the game provides, as well as the many secrets. However if by some small chance you are sitting on the fence on not only this game, but the genre as well, let me be the first to tell you that you will either love this game or hate it.
Kind of harsh isn't it? Well truth be told, like any RPG reading is a important aspect to this game. The story is at it's root the old tried and true formula of good vs. evil, but there are so many plot twists and optional things to do and interact with which make the story unique and refreshing even 10 yeqars later.
That is really the main draw of this game, the fact that it is so full of options and hidden secrets to uncover. It keeps the game from following the straight and narrow path. The reason why it is such a big deal is because the titles that existed at that time were very linear to say the least. This is one of the first games top break the mold,so to speak.
But enough with the chit chat about the history of this game. What you really want to know is how much fun it is to play today, and how it compared to other titles in that time period. The story is what holds this game together surpisingly well even today. The plot and game moves at a very steady pace. The writers and translators did an excellent job. There are plenty of comic relief situations and plenty of serious moments, but everything is perfectly balanced so there is not too much of one aspect that overshadows the others. The character's background and agenda are very well thought out. Unlike most games in this genre, you simply don't have knight, mage, and wizard. Instead of certain classes you get actual chracters that you get to shape in whatever fashion you desire. Sure Terra is the magic user in the beginning of the game, but by the end I had her killing enemies in one swipe of her sword. All in all it translates into letting you choose the path you would like your characters to take in terms of their abilities. Go ahead and make Celes into a barbaric swordswomen. The choice is yours.
The graphics and sound are obviously nowhere near the quality we expect from games made today. But don't let the dated look fool you. The graphics hold up surprisingly well, these were cutting edge when they came out, and the spell effects and esper summons are really nice. The backgrounds are fairly well done, and the enemy sprites are fantastic. As for the sound, well the music may be the best in the series. Seriously, it is that good. I fell in love with the soundtrack when it first came out, and even today it still sounds great. The opera scene is funny to listen to to say the least( after all how good can synthesized voices sound) but many of the battle themes are very well done. Each song just coeincides with the scene at hand perfectly. Very well done, and I would advise picking up the soundtrack. It may be the best feature in the game.
So all of it is good and all, but will it keep you coming back for more? Hell yeah. It's 2005 and I am still playing it and praising the game. What does that tell you.There are multiple endings, well really only 2 (one of them has an extra scene) 2 secret characters, gobs of hidden items and espers or summons, as well as other events that you can trigger by exploring every nook and cranny this game has to offer. It is one of those games you never want to end. It is that good. The cast is great, the biggest ever in a FF game(16 if memory serves me right), the story is unforgettable, and the music is some of the most lovely notes that will ever hit your ears. Unlike other nostalgic games, this one is still just as fun to play through today. An easy buy if you can find a decent price on ebay, or you could just get FF Anthologies for the PS1 and get to play a couple of classics at one low price of $20. A meager price to pay for such gaming goodness.
