Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Final Fantasy Anthology brings two of the most beloved entries in the series—Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI—together on one collection, offering over a hundred hours of classic turn-based role-playing action. In Final Fantasy V, the famed Job System returns, allowing players to mix and match character classes to tailor abilities, magic access, and stat growth. Experimenting with every job combination remains as satisfying now as it was upon its original release, resulting in deep customizability and strategic combat encounters.

Final Fantasy VI ups the ante with its Esper and magicite mechanics, where equipping Esper grants magic spells and boosts to your characters’ stats. The sheer number of optional Espers and relics means that party synergies can be fine-tuned for nearly every battle situation. Beyond the core engagement of menu-driven fights, both titles sprinkle in side activities—exploration of optional dungeons, treasure hunts, and enemy-farming approaches—that help extend the longevity of each game.

One of the most welcome inclusions in this anthology is the unlockable mode in Final Fantasy VI. Completing certain milestones grants access to an art gallery and monster encyclopedia, where you can pore over original concept art or review detailed entries on foes you’ve vanquished. The battle history replay feature is particularly useful for studying tough boss fights or simply reliving key battles, giving newcomers a chance to learn tactics and veterans a reason to revisit favorite encounters.

Graphics

While these games have their roots on older hardware (FFV on Super Famicom and FFVI on Super Nintendo), the PlayStation port in Final Fantasy Anthology retains the charming 16-bit sprite work with surprisingly crisp detail. Character animations, environmental backgrounds, and enemy designs look as clear as ever, showcasing how enduring the original artistry remains even decades later.

What truly elevates the visual presentation are the brand-new CG introduction and ending movies for both games. These full-motion sequences capture the essence of each title’s theme—Final Fantasy V’s whimsical adventure spirit and Final Fantasy VI’s darker, more dramatic narrative—while also offering a polished, cinematic flair that was unavailable in the initial releases. They bookend each journey beautifully, setting the tone from the first impressions and delivering emotional closure at the finale.

Textures and frame rates remain solid, with minimal load times between battles and exploration. Although not a graphical overhaul by modern standards, the faithful conversion strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and refinement, ensuring that pixel-perfect detail and color palettes meet contemporary expectations without sacrificing the originals’ charm.

Story

Final Fantasy V opens with a lighthearted, globe-trotting tale of four young heroes tasked with restoring balance to the elemental crystals. While its narrative leans toward high fantasy and humor, it still delivers meaningful character moments and engaging plot twists, particularly in the middle chapters when elemental guardians and world-shattering threats come into play.

In contrast, Final Fantasy VI is often hailed as one of the most emotionally resonant stories in the franchise. Boasting a sprawling ensemble cast, it weaves together personal tragedies, political intrigue, and a seemingly unstoppable antagonist in Kefka Palazzo. Each character’s arc—whether it’s Terra’s search for identity, Locke’s quest for redemption, or Celes’s struggle with loss—is given significant screen time, contributing to a richly layered narrative.

The anthology’s dedication to preserving both titles’ scripts and dialogue ensures that the pacing and thematic depth shine through. Subtleties of the era’s storytelling—such as memos from in-game journals, NPC banter, and expertly timed plot reveals—are all intact, letting new players experience these classics as intended and longtime fans revisit them in full.

Overall Experience

Final Fantasy Anthology represents exceptional value for RPG enthusiasts and collectors alike. Two seminal titles in one package, enhanced by newly commissioned CG intros and outros, plus the welcome extras in Final Fantasy VI, form a complete package that honors both games’ legacies. The compilation’s straightforward menu design and region-free compatibility make it a breeze to navigate and play.

For European players, the Anthology edition boasts an alternative game selection—tailored to regional preferences—while still retaining all the high-quality cinematics and bonus modes found in the standard release. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or diving in for the first time, the customization options, unlockable galleries, and the chance to relive iconic battles provide hours upon hours of entertainment.

From the timeless job and magicite systems to the enduring narratives and refreshed visual presentations, Final Fantasy Anthology is a must-own for anyone keen on experiencing two pillars of the JRPG genre. This collection not only preserves the magic of the originals but enriches it with extras that deepen appreciation and replayability, making it a standout choice for both newcomers and long-time fans.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10