"What can I say about quite possibly the best FF ever?"

I'm not too sure where I found FF3j. Where ever I did find it, it wasn't at a time when RPG's were my thing. But then again, video games in general weren't my thing. But when I did get around to playing this game, I found it quite interesting. It was different than the game labeled FF3 to the American audience (and I would find out later that the American ''FF3'' was really FF6) and it was much better than the American in many ways. Unfortunately, the version of the game I had was a ROM image and a poor one at that. It was barely translated and was glitched quite a bit. But after crawling the web for a time, I found a complete translation. I beat Final Fantasy III and enjoyed every last bit of this Nintendo masterpiece.

Gameplay: 10/10

The controls are stellar. They aren't hard at all and require no instruction. A child of four could grasp the controls in minutes. But this isn't to say that the game is far too easy. Far from it. However, the actual ''hardness'' of FF3j doesn't deter one from the enjoyment of it.

On top of the Final Fantasy I-esque plot line, there are actual sidequests in this game. This adds to the rather simple ''complete mission A then mission B''. If you wanted to just play through once and that's all, you would enjoy it. Of course, the simplicity of the storyline and complexity of the Job system and all the different possible solo quests, low level quests, and mixtures of both are where most of the fun lies. There are so many different challenges one could complete. Some on a rainy day for killing time. Others for really accomplishing something over a weekend. Any way, there is no title fitting for the gameplay of FF3j other than ''Perfect''.

Storyline: 9/10

The storyline is quite hard to describe. Basically, it's Final Fantasy I's plot with a few sidequests and a little more depth. Like the first FF, it involves the crystals yet again. And of course involves ''saving the world''. Boring right?

Wrong.

Unlike the first FF which was all cut-and-dry, FF3j actually tries to keep you entertained with more NPC development and a more in-depth story. While FF3j's story isn't as strong as say FF2j, it definitely has some interesting concepts. The story's best point is regardless of the seriousness of saving the world, the whole plot is lighthearted. I think this was a concept that kept FF2j seeming so dreary.

There is one small plothole however. It's at about ¼ through the game and if you pay very close attention, you'll find it.

Music and Sound Effects: 10/10

Nobuo Uematsu pulls out another great soundtrack for this game. This time stretching the meager NES sound chip to its limit. You would really be surprised how well the sounds not only match the scenarios amazingly well, but also how realistic they can seem.

The sound effects are very well done. They all either seem to fit perfectly or lighten the mood in a serious battle. Oh and be sure to check out the pianos in the various Inns of the world. _GREAT_ sound effects and little musical ditties. XD

Graphics: 10/10

Amazing. Just. Wow. There is no doubt in this gamer's mind that SQUARE could have pulled off ''better'' graphics than what they did but what for? If you ask me, games that try to show off graphically never pull through in the other fields.

But what I'm so ''wowed'' about is the fact that the entire game looks like revamped FF1 style graphics. Every sprite is detailed yet still keeps with that 8-bit style graphic concept. Those sprites borrowed from FF1 and 2j are better looking than ever. But not everything is borrowed and there are plenty of new and beautiful sprites.

Replayablitity: 10/10

There are so many different possible challenges for this game...I can't even begin to list them all. If you can play this game once, you can play it a thousand times over. And if you can't stand the game, then why are you reading this? :P

Overall: 9.8/10

If you can actually find the cartridge (it is _VERY_ rare) and if you own a Japanese Famicom, get this game. But for 99% of us, I say find a ROM. The availability to find this particular game is high and worth looking for. Of course, if you want a more legal method, FF3j for WSC and/or GBA is pretty possible in the near future so if you can wait, do so. FF3j is worth the time and the money to find.

VERY well done SQUARE.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/16/03, Updated 07/16/03