Nintendo loves repackaging its games, selling 20-year old classics for exorbitant prices. Now Square Enix joins the party with Final Fantasy, a PSP version of the 1987 role-playing classic. Although it offers a fun adventure with its aged concepts, the game doesn't pack enough features to justify its $29.99 price.
In the game, players control four youths, each carrying a magical crystal that can save their world from an evil force. As with typical role-playing adventures, gamers explore towns, stock up on useful items and engage enemies in lots of annoying, random battles. In addition, they form a party by selecting from six unique classes: Warrior, Thief, Monk, Red Mage, White Mage and Black Mage. They'll cast magic, sail the oceans and explore numerous dungeons -- typical RPG stuff.
Square Enix attempts to sweeten the deal with attractive 2-D graphics, slick special effects and 16:9 widescreen support, but none of that makes the game worth buying. If anything, it makes the company look money hungry, since it plans to release Final Fantasy II on July 24, also for $29.99. Gamers looking for the best deal should track down Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls for the Game Boy Advance, which includes the first two games for $19.99.
If it wanted to make an impact, the company should've re-mastered the game, similar to what it did with Final Fantasy III on the DS, removing the 2-D visuals in exchange for 3-D graphics. With that being said, this Final Fantasy offers an overpriced but enjoyable experience. The lower the gamer's expectations, the better.
Final Score: 7 (out of 10)





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