Come, relive the magick...

Why dedicate a page to one in a series of video games, especially when it was released on a platform that cannot visually or audibly compare to current graphics and sound capabilities? Because, many will agree that out of all the Final Fantasy games (or perhaps even most RPG's out there) it holds these two major qualities: 1) It has a captivating plotline that keeps an air of intrigue and mystery so that you continually want to progress in the story. It is very personal and emotional at times, drawing you in to allow you to really care about the characters. Some of the scenes are definitely the most touching out of any in the series. 2) The music is innovative and pushed limitations. CD quality wasn't something that was available at the time, but the soundtrack is still something you can enjoyably listen to. It really enhances the game and changed the direction for RPG's to follow.

A Bit Of Background

Final Fantasy III was released in the U.S. for the Super Nintendo video gaming system in 1994. It was the last of the series to be released for this platform as Final Fantasy VII followed for the Sony PlayStation. This sudden jump in sequence is a source of confusion for many Americans. Here's a timeline to help explain:

Final Fantasy Anthology was a true Final Fantasy VI fan's dream made reality. The long awaited box set included Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy VI, and a music CD highlighting well known themes from both games. These games, originally made for older systems, were now released for the Sony PlayStation. They were the same games, same music (though sound quality was enhanced), and same graphics, but playable on Sony's platform and included extras such as breathtaking CGI movies, bestiaries, various appendices, and other bonuses acquired upon completion of the game.  Just in case you had the opportunity to previously play Final Fantasy VI back when it was released for the Super Nintendo, the compilation also included Final Fantasy V, never before released in the U.S.  In Japan, this set was released as Final Fantasy Collection and included Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI.

Final Fantasy Chronicles was born from the success of the previous box set. It included remakes of Final Fantasy IV and another popular Squaresoft RPG outside of the Final Fantasy series called Chrono Trigger (in my personal opinion, a game that had some of the best graphics ever produced on the Super Nintendo platform). The games contained FMV sequences and new features, as well as a rewritten script for Final Fantasy IV that really helps the game's text to flow more smoothly.  You no longer get the feeling that the game is talking down to children or that the translation is quite so choppy and literal.  The comedy relief that doesn't come through in many games due to translation issues has been revised so that Palom's wisecracks now use lingo that is more relevant to the times.  It works.  Don't worry, though, they decided to leave in Tellah's most memorable line, "You spoony bard!"

Final Fantasy Origins is the latest compilation to breathe life back into old school Final Fantasy.  It includes the very first Final Fantasy game of the series, originally released for the Nintendo platform.  It also includes Final Fantasy II, never before released in the U.S., a much more story-driven game than the quest-driven original.  As with the previous two box sets, FFO has bonus features like a bestiary, an art gallery of Yoshitaka Amano's work, a photo gallery and, of course, new CGI sequences.  Some are calling them the best CGI's ever seen on the original PlayStation platform.