Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Final Fantasy’s updated release takes the series’ signature turn-based combat and refines it for modern play with minimal compromise to its classic roots. The battle system remains as strategic as ever, rewarding careful planning with a range of spells, summons, and equipment upgrades. Veterans will appreciate that the pacing feels just like the Game Boy Advance release, while newcomers will find the intuitive menu layout a gentle introduction to the genre’s staple mechanics.

Building upon the GBA version’s bonus dungeons and bestiary, this edition lets players track every enemy’s weaknesses and strengths, adding a layer of completionist satisfaction. The unlockable BGM music player not only rewards exploration but also underscores the importance Square Enix places on the series’ iconic soundtrack. These extras extend replay value far beyond the main campaign, encouraging players to dive into secret corridors and tackle tougher foes.

A standout addition is “The Labyrinth of Time,” an entirely new dungeon that introduces a ticking clock and puzzle-based challenges. This gauntlet tests party composition and time management, bringing fresh tension to a game originally released over three decades ago. While the time limit may frustrate purists accustomed to leisurely grinding, it serves as an invigorating diversion for those seeking a brisk, engaging trial.

Graphics

One of the most immediately noticeable upgrades in this release is the transition to a native 16:9 widescreen format. Classic pixel art has been redrawn with sharper outlines and more vibrant palettes, ensuring that towns, dungeons, and overworld vistas look crisp on modern displays. Character sprites retain their nostalgic charm while benefiting from smoother animations and larger, more legible fonts in menus and dialogue boxes.

The inclusion of the CG intro from the original PlayStation release adds a cinematic flourish that sets the tone for the ensuing adventure. It’s a beautiful piece of art direction that reminds players of the series’ grand ambitions, even in its earliest installments. Transitions between FMV and in-engine graphics feel seamless, preserving immersion from the moment the first crystal is shown to be under threat.

Sound design receives parallel attention, with upgraded music and sound effects rendered at higher bitrates. Fans of Nobuo Uematsu’s compositions will delight in hearing each chime and chord with newfound depth. Meanwhile, battle cries and spell effects pack more punch, reinforcing the impact of every victory, slash, and swirl of magic.

Story

At its heart, Final Fantasy tells the timeless tale of four Warriors of Light on a quest to restore balance to the world’s elemental crystals. Though the narrative structure is straightforward, it provides a sturdy framework for exploration and character growth. The simple premise belies its resonance; themes of courage, friendship, and sacrifice still hold emotional weight decades after the original release.

What this release adds is subtle world-building through new codex entries in the bestiary and bonus lore snippets hidden in the labyrinth. These small details flesh out the world beyond the main story, offering glimpses of untold histories and character backgrounds. As a result, both newcomers and long-time fans can discover fresh narrative layers without altering the core plot they love.

The unlockable Yoshitaka Amano art gallery serves as both a narrative epilogue and a testament to the franchise’s artistic heritage. Viewing each piece after completing certain milestones brings the story full circle, highlighting how concept art and in-game visuals have collaborated to define Final Fantasy’s identity from its inception.

Overall Experience

This version of Final Fantasy expertly balances nostalgia with quality-of-life improvements. From the fully optimized widescreen presentation to the inclusion of GBA’s bonus content and brand-new challenges, it feels like a definitive edition designed to satisfy every type of player. Whether you’re discovering the series for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, there’s always something new to uncover.

Performance is rock-solid, with near-instant load times and no noticeable frame drops, even when traversing the most monster-dense areas of the Labyrinth of Time. The menu navigation is snappier, fonts are easier on the eyes, and the enriched audio makes battles more exhilarating than ever. These refinements showcase how much care has gone into preserving the game’s legacy while modernizing its presentation.

Ultimately, this release stands as a shining example of how classic RPGs can be revitalized for modern audiences without losing their soul. With added dungeons, art galleries, and a finely tuned audiovisual package, Final Fantasy remains an essential purchase for anyone seeking a foundational role-playing experience complemented by thoughtful new content.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10