Customer Reviews: Read 23 more reviews...
 Don't Let the Primitive Technology Fool You... June 7, 2008
Whether you've never played an 8 bit game before or you consider yourself an expert on the subject, it's very easy to underestimate the original Final Fantasy. Sure, the music, graphics, game design and battle interface were all cutting edge at the time, but the first thirty minutes of this game may not win you over right away.
I clearly recall beginning the game and finding it amusing, but somewhat dated and unimpressive. I started out on my mission, fighting enemies, building experience, purchasing better weapons, magic, and equipment, following suggestions from local villagers and, eventually, I got to Garland: the first big boss. After an impressive battle, he was defeated, and I smiled smugly, satisfied that I had overcome a major obstacle and gotten pretty far into this primitive adventure so quickly.
Then I crossed the bridge, and the opening credits rolled.
That experience defined FF1 for me. Every time you think you understand the structure, parameters, and limits of the game, from modes of travel to impassable land masses and dead end oceans, the rules change in the most fun ways possible. Canoes, ships, airships, undersea and above land levels, an ever expanding world map, robots and future technology (from the past), a gypsy market in the desert, a waterfall guarding a hidden entrance, a circle of wise men in a hidden clearing, and additional problems and challenges that pop up after you think you've done EVERYTHING you were supposed to do keep the game fresh and exciting throughout.
Finally, to those that have criticized FF1 for being too difficult, I must disagree. I have very little console RPG experience, yet my party never died, and I never spent time just trying to build experience before moving on to the next challenge. I beat the game while at Level 29 without a problem. Sometimes, it just takes a little strategy -- when to use heal spells versus heal potions, when to cure all hit points or just some, and when to let one character die so that the others may continue to live. I actually respect that the game requires you to plan like that. It makes the final victory more rewarding. My only advice would be to consult an online walk-through tutorial at certain points as there are a few confusing moments where you'll have no idea where to go next without a helpful clue. Also, stock up on those heal potions!
FF1 is an amazingly innovative game. It combines great design with an adventure that slowly and purposely unfolds in the most fun and exciting of ways. When you finally slap in that cartridge and give this old dinosaur a try, don't judge too quickly. You can be sure that it won't be long before the game starts shaking things up!
 The start of it all January 16, 2008
Final Fantasy is a true classic among RPG's. It is simplistic enough for anyone to pick up and enjoy, yet challenging enough to keep you coming back for multiple play-throughs.
The story for Final Fantasy is pretty run of the mill 4 warriors appear out of nowhere and are given the task of saving the world. That is about it. There are many non-playable characters to converse with throughout the and visiting towns is enjoyable.
The gameplay mechanics are a bit archaic but this adds to the challenge. For instance if two of your party memebers are swinging at the same enemy and the first player kills that enemy, the second player will swing at the blank space where the enemy was. This forces the player to really map out their moves.
You have many characters to choose from to fill up your party of four heroes, the combinations are practically limitless, make for some great replay value.
This is a great game that i would recommend to anyone who enjoys old school RPG's
Grandfather of RPGs October 20, 2005
This game. Ah where to begin. Way back in the early 90s, this was a great game. Still is. Simple, compelling story line, strategy, and intricate tasks must be performed to succeed. Paying attention to what people say and remembering certain bits of information are essential to completing the game. The forefather to all RPGs, and spawning the world-renowned Final Fantasy Series, this game began it all. Strategy, skill and a certain amount of luck all come into play. I've played and beaten this game many many times, and I still love playing it. I know pretty much everything there is to know about it. Probably the only draw-back is the extremely limited amount of armour you can carry at any given time. What I wouldn't give to have a couple more spaces. Just a bit of advice, don't buy the Nintendo Power Strat guide for this game. It is so wrong about so many things. For old school gaming, it doesn't really get better than this. Maybe if you play it enough you can be like me and get the best swords/armour and magic before you even beat the 2nd Fiend.
 TOO HARD!!!!!!!!! March 29, 2005
1 out of 17 found this review helpful
This game is way too hard to be fun. Of all the final fantasy games this one is the worst. The PS1 version is a lot better and not has hard as finding this one. Which is long out of print.
The First of Many to Come! January 17, 2004
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Not many people probably remember or have even played this one, but it was the 1st of a fabulous series to come. The graphics and music were pretty basic, but the gameplay was pretty fun and it was cool that the characters changed their look after you returned the crystal to the dragon king. It was a slow game to start with, but as you played more, it got more interesting. They possibly could've made it a bit better, but all in all it was a good game.
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