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And In the Beginning....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 62 / 64
Date: November 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Typical of me, I've been playing the Final Fantasy series backwards, starting with FFX, then FF7-9, and now the two games in cluded in this set, Final Fantasy I and II. The effect is, that as I move backwards, I get to see the beginnings of the ideas that later come to fruition. Since this series is noted for the originality of each issue, it is the little common themes, like Chocobos and wizard hats that make the entirety something magical. And here is where they all began.

Of course, Final Fantasy I itself is derivative. All long time PC and Atari gamers remember the beginnings of Origin Systems' Avater series with starry eyes. Little characters dancing about a world map, asking questions, falling into dungeons, and saving the world. When FFI first booted up I had a massive nostagia moment - the structural similarities are unmistakeable. Even so, FFI is unique in world concept and plot, improving on the formula enough to be an instant success and rescue a game vendor from impending bankruptcy. While it is primitive in many ways, it started an RPG revolution for the game console world.

From a production viewpoint, FFII is head and shoulders above FFI. The artwork is much more detailed. To the point that some of the monsters and background scenes are quite remarkable, and several of the characters actually have something that resembles a personality. The downside of ths is that the world is a bit smaller, and the story a bit shorter - but not in any harmful sense. While I think the FFI is probably the better game, FFII is really the first clear hint of what was to come as the series developed. And it helped to create the momentum behind one of the most successful franchises in gaming.

What Squaresoft did in repackaging these games is revise the graphic, especially the CGI cut scenes, and rework the music. In addition several new freatures - a bestiary and a collection of Amano Yoshitaka's original are for the series. This is one of the best jobs of resurrecting something old and making it as much fun as it was originally that I have ever seen. For the price, this is one of the best game sets one can buy.

A real treat for RPG gamers

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 34 / 38
Date: April 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

As the PS1 releases get more and more shallow, it's good to see that this new compilation of early Final Fantasy games made it here from overseas. Final Fantasy Origins collects the original 8 bit NES Final Fantasy game, and Final Fantasy 2, both of which are brought to the PS1 as Wonderswan (an obscure handheld Japanese system) remakes of the original games. Older RPG players who loved the challenging gameplay of these games will instantly play for a nostalgia trip, but younger RPG players who are more used to Final Fantasy VII or easier and flashier RPG's won't find much to like here. The first game is a basic by the numbers RPG that is quite challenging and long on gameplay, but the second game is much much better and features great character development and storyline depth. The graphics are nicely drawn and colorful, reminiscent of early Super Nintendo-esque graphic quality, but the sound and audio really aren't anything special. As with any RPG the controls take getting used to, but are easy to handle after a while. Origins also plays more smoothly than the earlier released Final Fantasy Anthology and Final Fantasy Chronicles; it has much faster loading times and no slowdown whatsoever like the aforementioned games. All in all, I strongly suggest picking up Final Fantasy Origins, especially if your an older RPG player.

Back to Final Fantasy's Origins!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 31 / 34
Date: March 14, 2003
Author: Amazon User

The original Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II are the games that are in this new collection of Squaresoft classics. If you missed your chance to play Final Fantasy on the Nintendo, you now have another chance to experience the game that started the saga. Not only that, but you also get Final Fantasy II, the second of the Final Fantasy series.
(The FFII in Final Fantasy Origins is not the FFII released for the Super Nintendo. The FFII that was released for the Super Nintendo is actually known as Final Fantasy IV. Final Fantasy IV, along with Chrono Trigger, is part of Final Fantasy Chronicles, another collection of original Squaresoft games.)

Final Fantasy is the game that made history in the field of RPG games. In this game, you start by getting to choose four characters to use for the rest of the game. The characters in this game are not unique characters, but job classes that include Fighter, Thief, and Red Mage.

Final Fantasy II makes its first appearance in the U.S. in Final Fantasy Origins. In FFII, you take control of a group of people that are trying to stop the evil Empire of Baramekia from taking over the world. From what I have seen, in this game, in order to get stronger versions of a spell, you need to cast the spell often, opposed to separate spells to measure spell strength. This concept does not exist in any other Final Fantasy.

Simply, this game is a must-buy for anyone who would like to experience the first two of the great RPGs with Final Fantasy in their titles.

Classic

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 15
Date: January 05, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Square, over the past five years or so, has done many remakes. The PSX remakes have been sloppy, to say the least. Terrible load times in Chrono Trigger, laggy battles and semi-slow loading times in FFVI, and no major upgrades added. FF Origins is a different story. The graphics have been updated and look great. It's not upgraded enough to lose that old school appeal(that's a very good thing), but it gets rid of those sloppy old NES graphics and bring them up to more of an SNES-quality. Also, as usual, Square included the neat Collections bonus', just like they have with all of their PSX remakes. There's a Bestiary, to view detailed information on each monster in the game, an Item list, to view information on the items in the game, an Art Gallery, to view original artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, and a secret bonus collection once you beat the game. The collections definitely add some replay value and fun to the game. There's also a few small gameplay upgrades that improve the game.

FFI:

The gameplay in this game is top-notch. It's what Final Fantasy relied on back in the day to sell their games. The newer ones still have great gameplay, but definitely focus more on characters and story than the past games. The battle system has recieved a complete overhaul as far as graphics are concerned. It has the typical SNES style battles, and there's an option to turn on auto-target, so no more trying to attack an enemy that has already been defeated. Those that want the original experience, though, can leave this off. As far as equipment is done in this game, it's pretty simple. You can equip one weapon, one shield, a Helmet, Armor, and Gloves. This old style of equipping items is my favorite used through out the series.

The world is massive, not only for it's time, but for todays RPG's. Not the biggest, but big. This game is pure fantasy when it comes to level design. Caves, Castles, Small Villages, Big Towns, etc. It's all very nicely done, and even though it's an NES port, the world pulls you in and it gives you that sense of adventure that the series is known for. The Caves and other levels that are filled with nasty enemies are pretty different from the newer games in the series. Some of them can get down right nasty, with many confusing maze-like sections and quite a few floors. And as you probably have heard, the random battles are pretty common. That's the biggest reason this is only for the hardcore RPG'ers out there. You need to have patience, or this game will eat you alive. If you can handle that, the game is a lot of fun. At times the battles annoyed me, but I enjoyed the levels for the most part. The villages, and it's NPC's, all give you the feeling of a living world. They're not as complex as Lindblum from FFIX or Midgar from FFVII, but they are cool in their own way.

One thing that sets this game apart from most of the series is it's difficulty. There's an easy mode included for those that want it, but the normal mode is what the game should be played on. It's not really THAT hard, but it's perfect. In my opinion, most of the series is too simple, with the occasional tough part, but I is a good solid challenge through each level. The bosses aren't tough, even though the last one will give you a nice challenge. That's the way it is, though. If you make it through the level with enough life and items to heal, you will be fine. The bosses aren't meant to be tough, it's the levels, unlike the newer games in the series, which are basically the opposite.

The last thing I will touch on is the music. It's brilliant for it's time, and when you listen to it today(in it's new updated sound for this game), you will love it. It's simple, shorter songs, but the talent of Nobuo Uematsu is apparent in each song. Many classics here.

Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 9/10
Music: 9/10
Lasting Appeal: 8.5/10
Overall: 9.5/10

FFII:

Unreleased in the US; it's the official #2 in the series. This is the first chance for us Final Fantasy fans outside of Japan to give this one a shot. This one had quite a few firsts for the series: 1.) Actual characters. Unlike the class characters of FFI, this one actually focuses on real characters with real personalities. 2.) A unique ability system. The one used in this game is the more times a character uses an ability in battle, the more it develops. Character attributes change according to how they're used in battle, so if you use magic a lot for one character, he will become more like a mage.(Weak attack power, high MP, and high Magic skills). It's a decent but flawed system, and it sometimes becomes tedious and annoying trying to give a character a certain ability. And 3.) A unique story. Instead of the now cliche Light vs Dark battle, it has an interesting story this time around. Here's the excerpt from the manual:

"In a distant land...
The peace long enjoyed by the people came to a crashing end.
The emperor of Palamecia summoned fiends from another dimension...
And the empire launched it's campaign for world conquest.

In response, a rebel force arose in the Kingdom of Fynn.

In the ensuing clash between the rebel and empire, Castle Fynn was taken. The rebels were forced to retreat to the remote town of Altair.

Amidst the chaos, four youths also fled the occupied Fynn. They were childhood friends, now orphaned and homeless...

And they suddenly found themselves fighting for their lives."

Definitely an upgrade from FFI in that area. FFII is definitely worthy of atleast one play through, but the guy behind this one has been behind some horrible games(recently it was Unlimited Saga), so don't expect a perfect game. The ability system is tedious and rediculous at times, but overall, a decent addition to the series.

Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Music: 8/10
Lasting Appeal: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10

One last thing I'd like to mention. The case and artwork on the manual and disc are amazing. Probably one of the coolest looking cases ever. The art on the disc alone makes me want to play this game. Enjoy the games, everyone.

the importance of tv games isn't always the reality of CG

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 15
Date: April 03, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Certainly, even if this game was remaked, the reality of CG and sound etc will be inferior to Final Fantasy7~10etc. But in Japan, the purpose that the game was remaked isn't just reality demanded to PS2 XBOX etc... many Japanese geme fans know about them very much. In Japanese, new age geme fan will deny this game, because they do not know the Final Fantasy1~2.

The reality do not dare to be needed in this game, that is to say, the things demanded in the game will be the things that the game is made faithfully like the Family computer Final Fantasy1/2 about 20 years ago.
Japanese old fans of Final1~2 wanted to feel the sweet memories again when I felt in child age. That is to say, I wantede to feel Nosatalgia. That is the most importanct thing in this game. That is like as if I go back to my hometown after an interval of many years.

In Japan or USA, if there are people that deny this game, maybe you will be teenagers.

When I listened to the music of a secret base of operations or field of this game, I was very moved so that I had gooseflesh.

Because this game was great historical game of Japanese games, I exprienced such moving again.

Thank you for reading poor English.

Classic Gaming Reincarnated

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 17 / 19
Date: June 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

OK, I have been playing video games for 20 years, and I literally grew up on Final Fantasy 1 for the NES. For those among you, like me, who remember the golden age of gaming, this game was the Holy Grail of RPG's. It was so good, that due to popular demand, Squaresoft has revamped it and re-released it in this special package, with new music and new graphics. It was great to see all the old dungeons and monsters receive a facelift. This game will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers everywhere. A DEFINITE must-buy for any RPG'er. This is where it all began. It's worth buying for just FF1 alone, but Squaresoft decided to pack in with it a never-before released in the US Final Fantasy. This is Final Fantasy 2, and it is sports unique gameplay, as well as a different leveling up system. Buy this set NOW, you won't be disappointed.

The beginning of an era...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 11
Date: December 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I wasnt going to write a review at first. After all, with 60+ reviews, I figured that pretty much everything has aleady been said. But then I started reading some of them...
The fact that so MANY people compare the graphics of this game to that of FF VII appalls me. Come on, people, we are talking about a difference of about 10 years in release dates (and in the video game world, that may as well be a century!) and a system difference of 3+ generations, depending on what you include. Comparing 8 bit games to 128 bit games is like comparing apples...and cats. This game was not released because of it's new and innovating approach to video games and it's impressive graphics. It was re-released because it is a part of Final Fantasy, and RPG, history. For those who complain that Square didn't update the graphics enough for the PS1 release...what would be the point of re-releasing the classic if didn't look the same? Gamecube made few changes to the Zelda's they released on the promo disc, and nobody bashed them for it (when in fact, I personally hated playing that version...the controls didn't work very well for me on the GC). In fact, the discs instantaneously became a collector's item (hype has died down by now) where they were selling for over $100 on Ebay!
Ok. I am done with my mini tirade. The truth is though, I loved this game. I loved this original game when it came out on NES, I bought a new (refurbished) NES system just to play the game again about 10 years later, and I played through it again when it was released in the Origins collection. The fact that FF II was included was just a bonus. In just those few years, it made leaps and bounds in the way of graphics and story-telling. It, too, has it's flaws, but the important thing is that the game hooks you regardless. And the fact that these two games can still stand the test of time after the pile of systems, and hordes of games that have come out over the years...well in my opinion, that makes them worlds beyond anything that is out there today.

First NES game I ever bought.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 18
Date: April 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

When Square emailed me telling me that they were re-releasing the first two FF's, it brought me back. I follow the school of Final Fantasy that believes the games were great before the media blowout that 7 was.

As far as quality, both games are just exactly as I remembered them. I found it interesting playing both games side by side and marveling how true to the originals the ports are. The enhanced graphics are a plus.

For those of you who joined the FF series only after the introduction of rendered graphics, and all you're looking for is eye candy with experience points, then these games aren't for you. If you want a challenge then play FF1. If you want a real challenge play FF2 as it showcases the first and last time they used a skill based experience system in one of their games.

All in all, a very good buy, and worth the 16 year wait.

Nostalgia

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 13
Date: May 24, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I was so excited when Square announced a remake of the Final Fantasy game that started it all. In many ways, the first Final Fantasy set the standard for RPGs today. In this remake, the graphics are enhanced and there are some CG sequences as well. There are also two modes of play: easy and normal. Normal would be about the same difficulty level as the original. This was one of the harder Final Fantasy games, but it was enjoyable. I needed a strategy guide back then to finish it, and I like using strategy guides in general to make sure I cover everything. This is a personal choice though.

Final Fantasy 2 was never released in the US, and it's great that it is now. The only thing missing is the Japanese version of Final Fantasy 3. If you're a fan of eye popping graphics, you're not going to get that here. These two games take a step back into the Nindendo and maybe Super Nintendo era. People always grow attached to the games they grow up with, so if you remember playing this when you were younger, you are bound to enjoy it since it brings back a lot of fond memories.

The games that launched an empire....

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 28 / 44
Date: November 19, 2004
Author: Amazon User

It pains me. Only when all nine planets are in perfect alignment is it possible for me to hate a Square-Enix game. For the game to come from the much-loved Final Fantasy franchise, there has to be a lunar and solar eclipse at the same time. Anyone's heard the story right? Square was a struggling developer back in the eighties facing bankrupty. They made a RPG styled after Dragon Quest, Japan's top-selling RPG, which turned into a mega-hit, saving the company and launching one of the most revered videogame series ever.
It's strange that I never played Final Fantasy when it first came out on NES. I know that my family owned the cartridge, but I'd never played it. I figured that the first game would be something special. Final Fantasy to me has always been the epic stories, the memorable characters, and the solid gameplay mechanics. Those were the qualities that just enthralled me when I became hooked on Final Fantasy II (the 4th one really) for the SNES. Unfortunately, the story is barely there and the characterization is nil. You are a band of heroes that is plopped down in a medival fantasy world and given the task of restoring the four crystals which will save the world. That's it. Most of the time you are wandering about aimlessly, trying to figure out where you are supposed to go. The method of exploration is go into cave, if monsters kill you in one hit, leave cave and find another. There are some towns you can visit and be treated to wonderful dialogue like "Bless the Crystal!" only thing half the idiots in this world say.
If that weren't frustrating enough, this is a really hard game. Unfortunately, the difficulty feels like it comes from poor game design than actually being meant to challenge you. Perpare to spend tons of time leveling up. You'll be attacked often, after one or two steps sometimes, the monsters appear in droves, and your attacks will miss as much as they hit. In dungeons, there are no save points for you to save and restore your health with a tent. The healing items and magic is woefully inadequate most of the time. The magic system is also messed up. Instead of having magic points to use as you please, Magic is divided into 8 levels and you can buy 3 spells from each level. You can only use magic from each level a certain number of time. This annoying because by the time you reach level ten most of the low level spells are practically obsolete but you'll have tons of them and few higher level spells. There are also no items to revive fallen party members, so you have to leave the dungeon, track back to town, and get a priest to revive you. This is really annoying when the town doesn't have a priest and you have to go halfway around the world to find one.
I managed to play for 10 hours before I could stand no more. Final Fantasy II is a little better. You play as a group of youths fighting for a rebel resistance movement. The characters have personalities and the game actually gives you missions to accomplish. However, I didn't like the leveling system. Depending on how you fight, your stats increase and decrease accordingly. You'd think that would have the characters highly customizable? Wrong! The characters are still inclined towards certain jobs and weapon types. Maria has low HP and can't hit the broad side of a barn, so she has to be a mage. Give her a javeline instead of her bow and arrow and some animals will have gone extinct before she lands another hit. It takes forever to get the stats to increase.
The presentation of the games are pretty good. The graphics and spell effects are bright and attractive. The music is still exceptional. If you loved Final Fantasy I when it first came out and have been itching to play it again, ignore this review and buy this right away. These games have never looked better and they come will a host of unlockable extras. For everyone else looking to play the RPGs are yesteryear, get Final Fantasy Chronicles or Anthology, as Square has perfected the formula for RPGs by then.
Final Fantasy Origins is a relic of a long-ago era in gaming that has aged like Buddy Hackette. It's a definitely a historic benchmark for the industry, but for me it's only novelty is that it shows that "You've come along way, Baby!"

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