Final Fantasy Megathread

[Iguana-0]

Literally no version was ever translated by Woosley. He didn't start working on the series until Mystic Quest, which was the next game after FF4.

my bad

 

[Dyne]

I want to say SNES for the "authentic" experience, but really I think the PSP version is the definitive one. Plus it seamlessly lets you play the sequel if you're into that.

I wouldn't play the DS version first because it is so different, but it's definitely a good version that's worth playing at some point.

 

[Ravl]

Romhacks not withstanding, for me it's either the Super famicom (jap) or PSX for eng. I do like the ds 3d-version though but it's such a different game that I'd say it's worth playing both the 2d and 3d versions

 

[queensquest]

I haven't voted as I've only played a couple of them, but I was looking into this last year. I ended up playing the PSP version, but the difficulty is tuned so low in that version that it's really pretty dull, unless you just want to breeze through the game to experience the story. I found a rebalance patch on the gamefaqs board intended to make it harder (see here), though I never got around to trying it so I don't know how much it improves things. But it might be worth a look.

DS version I remember being good, but it's been ages.

 

[Graw]

I've only ever played the English translated original japanese snes version. It was good, would recommend. I was thinking of trying the 3d remake because apparently it added some kind of skill augment system. It's a solid game whichever version you pick. All the snes final fantasy games are.

 

[ClarityZero]

I'd say the PSP version and the DS version are probably the best ones to go with, especially if you have actual hardware to play them on. Honestly, there aren't really any bad versions, and all of them (except the WonderSwan version, I suppose) have something unique to offer. Even the GBA version, outdated as it may be.

 

[BinaryMessiah]

The current Pixel Remasters are usually the best modern way to play the game. If you haven't played them before I wouldn't worry to much about differences until you truly like the game and want to play it again.

 

[Zerohour2k12]

I can't speak for all versions but the ones I've played were the PSP, GBA, 3D Remake and the PS1. I lean more towards the PSP then the GBA the the 3D one. All are good though so you can't go wrong with either.

 

[McDoob]

Those of you who mention the PSX version are doing the rest of us a disservice by not also mentioning the excruciating loading times. Even with an emulator (and loading speed hacks) it feels like it takes a full minute to go into combat or the menu!

-McD

 

[MasterEn]

Those of you who mention the PSX version are doing the rest of us a disservice by not also mentioning the excruciating loading times. Even with an emulator (and loading speed hacks) it feels like it takes a full minute to go into combat or the menu!

-McD

i'm fairly certain most people know about the long load times. and the load times are mostly prominent for the opening logos, intro fmv, title screen and the save/load screen. the rest of the game flows at a pretty decent speed in comparison.

 

[Bakuma1997]

I will die defending the DS and PC versions, the PSP may have a new chapter, but the 3D remake add their own stuff without the extra chapters (That i played and consider mid)

 

[Den MDM Den MDM]

I'll always prefer the PSP version over every other. The 3d remake is a different game, and it's also slow af and with horrible voice acting which I can't enjoy. The psp has glorious visuals since it's 2D and adds all the extra content u need. (Tho Interlude and The After Years are lame, imo)

WOOOO I look like a pessimist in this post dont mind meeee FFIV it's not rlly the best entry I can think of but if yall speak abt FF6 i'd be drooolingg

 

[McDoob]

i'm fairly certain most people know about the long load times. and the load times are mostly prominent for the opening logos, intro fmv, title screen and the save/load screen. the rest of the game flows at a pretty decent speed in comparison.

Well, maybe I'm thinking about Crono Trigger? That PSX release kind of killed all of them for me...

-McD

 

[MasterEn]

Well, maybe I'm thinking about Crono Trigger? That PSX release kind of killed all of them for me...

-McD

possibly. ff4 was originally meant to be a nes game, and was bumped up to the snes about 80% of the way through development. but that doesn't really explain the load times for any of the first 5 games and chrono trigger. they all have somewhat long load times. based on what i heard about in a video that i watched about the worst rpg ever made on the psx, it might just come down to not utilizing the system specs correctly. and discs are known for needing a moment to load, regardless of what the contents are; movies, games, pictures, music. and how the disc player is designed to work will greatly affect reading speed.

 

[MasterEn]

taking a short break from playing final fantasy tactics to brush up on my drawing skills.
here's a quick sketch of my party from final fantasy tactics. let me know what you think about it.

my characters are Ramza(center), Faris [bottom left], Maria [bottom right], Lulu [top left], and Rydia [top right].

 

[Deleted member 257420]

They made a gaming franchise off that Lil Uzi song? Cool.

 

[Strategist Strategist]

taking a short break from playing final fantasy tactics to brush up on my drawing skills.
here's a quick sketch of my party from final fantasy tactics. let me know what you think about it.
View attachment 41247
my characters are Ramza(center), Faris [bottom left], Maria [bottom right], Lulu [top left], and Rydia [top right].

Let me guess. Time mage, Summoner, Samurai, Ramza and Ninja. That's a solid party.

 

[MasterEn]

Let me guess. Time mage, Summoner, Samurai, Ramza and Ninja. That's a solid party.

you are half right.

 

[Xdqwerty]

Another reposted analysis:

Steam version of FF4 3D remake has normal and hard difficulty to choose, DS original is ONLY hard so get PC port instead of emulating. 2D version of Final Fantasy 4 was heavily cut down in American SNES release, it's missing half the skills, but was made easier to compensate. The music also sounds really thin and sprites are small as they developed the game for 8-bit consoles. So stay away from original release of 4, compared to, say, 6 where original version is already good enough.

So for 4: ignore SNES, choose any later version depending on which you think looks better, but be wary of DS difficulty. 3D version on Steam is very good and can let you change from normal to hard on New Game+ after getting OP armors and it removes touchscreen gimmick summon and changes a few quest to accomodate. Highly reccomended!

 

[Leifang]

The current Pixel Remasters are usually the best modern way to play the game. If you haven't played them before I wouldn't worry to much about differences until you truly like the game and want to play it again.

TBH, I started with original SNES version after playing FF6 on ZSNES and enjoying it, but got turned off from 4 for a long while, so in this case, I'd pick ANY updated version over the original. Like yes, even obscure ones like Wonderwan port or mobile versions you can't get legally anymore.

Pixel Remasters, in general, miss bonus dungeons, and have major graphical and music changes, instead of GBA or PS1 being minor touch-ups and PSP having gorgeous high-res sprites and backgrounds... Also YMMV on how you like the mariachi band of the PR (personally, I love the trumpets).

This write-up seems to be very detailed:

Final Fantasy IV version differences

The original version of Final Fantasy IV has been subject to numerous changes throughout its various re-releases, such as alterations of the script, core mechanics, and overall difficulty. Some versions also have various new additions not present in the original release. The first iteration of...

finalfantasy.fandom.com

I agree with overall message that whatever version will work for first time, don't overthink it (I think OP settled on PSP then 3D, which are great picks), just pointing out that Final Fantasy II release of FF4 might be one of very few exceptions where the original localization was a very cut-down version (basically the entire gameplay has no challenge or variation, it's BORING), and can ruin the game. There are fan patches to fix it but if we got to the point of looking at that, there's no reason to avoid later releases.

 

[Natsuyasumi]

Just wanted to post a little update here:
Since I initially wrote this post, I have played all the way through Final Fantasy VI to the end. What a great game. 10/10. I still prefer the gameplay of Chrono Trigger, but the story and characters of FFVI are much more grounded and real.

While I was at it, I decided to play the first FF, one I’ve always wanted to play. I had wanted to play the 20th anniversary version on PSP, but the Pixel Remaster is available on Apple Arcade, so I went that route. It was obviously far less of a moving experience, but still very enjoyable for what was one of the very first JRPGs.

And now I’m finally finishing FFIV, the 3D remake. I bought it for iPhone 10 years ago and have slowly chipped away at it over the decade. I’m now at the sealed cave and am going to play it to the end.

The graphics disparity I mentioned earlier stopped bugging me at about the 10 hour mark, and I have since stopped noticing altogether.

I’m glad I decided to “power through” a little bit and let these games grow on me. I’ve wanted to play them since I was a little kid and it feels good to have them under my belt now.

The last classic FF I want to play before moving on to the 3D entries is II, the black sheep. I’ve read the story is more grounded and interesting (albeit somewhat ripped from Star Wars) and I want to see what the leveling system is like. Even if it’s janky, I appreciate the experimental approach.

Anyways, just thought this would be a good way to end this discussion.

Thanks

 

[Graw]

Just wanted to post a little update here:
Since I initially wrote this post, I have played all the way through Final Fantasy VI to the end. What a great game. 10/10. I still prefer the gameplay of Chrono Trigger, but the story and characters of FFVI are much more grounded and real.

While I was at it, I decided to play the first FF, one I’ve always wanted to play. I had wanted to play the 20th anniversary version on PSP, but the Pixel Remaster is available on Apple Arcade, so I went that route. It was obviously far less of a moving experience, but still very enjoyable for what was one of the very first JRPGs.

And now I’m finally finishing FFIV, the 3D remake. I bought it for iPhone 10 years ago and have slowly chipped away at it over the decade. I’m now at the sealed cave and am going to play it to the end.

The graphics disparity I mentioned earlier stopped bugging me at about the 10 hour mark, and I have since stopped noticing altogether.

I’m glad I decided to “power through” a little bit and let these games grow on me. I’ve wanted to play them since I was a little kid and it feels good to have them under my belt now.

The last classic FF I want to play before moving on to the 3D entries is II, the black sheep. I’ve read the story is more grounded and interesting (albeit somewhat ripped from Star Wars) and I want to see what the leveling system is like. Even if it’s janky, I appreciate the experimental approach.

Anyways, just thought this would be a good way to end this discussion.

Thanks

I wouldn't skip out on V especially if you enjoyed FF1. FFV has the best iteration of the job system and some of the most fun gameplay mechanics of the classic FF games. It's a lot more enjoyable than FF2. The SaGa series is a better representation of FF2's gameplay systems. FF2 is kind of broken and really not a great game to round out your classic FF experience.

 

[MasterEn]

The last classic FF I want to play before moving on to the 3D entries is II, the black sheep. I’ve read the story is more grounded and interesting (albeit somewhat ripped from Star Wars) and I want to see what the leveling system is like. Even if it’s janky, I appreciate the experimental approach.

that's a bit hilarious to say, since 4 took much more inspiration from star wars than 2 did.
your characters will gain stats by performing various actions during battle. attacking gives you strength and accuracy, being hit builds up hp and defense. casting magic builds up mp, spirit and intel. dodging attacks builds evasion. spells and weapons have their own levels that increase with use.
i can always go into more detail if you want. the different versions have small tweaks to the overall system.

 

[Natsuyasumi]

I wouldn't skip out on V especially if you enjoyed FF1. FFV has the best iteration of the job system and some of the most fun gameplay mechanics of the classic FF games. It's a lot more enjoyable than FF2. The SaGa series is a better representation of FF2's gameplay systems. FF2 is kind of broken and really not a great game to round out your classic FF experience.

I’m sure it is, but I’m more interested in playing FF2 for its particular take on those systems and the historical value of that iteration, warts and all.

Post automatically merged: Mar 14, 2025

that's a bit hilarious to say, since 4 took much more inspiration from star wars than 2 did.
your characters will gain stats by performing various actions during battle. attacking gives you strength and accuracy, being hit builds up hp and defense. casting magic builds up mp, spirit and intel. dodging attacks builds evasion. spells and weapons have their own levels that increase with use.
i can always go into more detail if you want. the different versions have small tweaks to the overall system.

Yeah I know how the system works, that’s why I’m curious to try it out.

 

[Graw]

I’m sure it is, but I’m more interested in playing FF2 for its particular take on those systems and the historical value of that iteration, warts and all

That's fair enough. If you do find you like the system I still recommend checking out the saga series because they're great games and made by the same guy as FF2.